The Royal Anniversary Trust

2009
Aberystwyth University
Combining plant breeding and genetics research to improve farming and combat climate change
The University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences is a world leader in plant breeding and genetics, successfully developing new varieties of grasses and crops that give farmers a greater yield while also reducing greenhouse gases. The Institute’s interdisciplinary approach and close industrial links enables students to combine practical and theoretical skills, thereby helping to produce the next generation of plant breeders and crop scientists in the UK.
http://www.aber.ac.uk

2009
University of Lancaster
Plant science applied to water shortage, crop yield and global food security
Tackling head on the global challenge of feeding seven billion people in an environmentally sustainable manner, the University’s Plant Sciences Group has leveraged the chemical signalling in plants to remarkable effect. Its innovative research has improved irrigation and optimised yield, saving water in the driest regions of the world. In turn, this has increased profitability for farmers and produced better conditions for local inhabitants, with important implications for fighting the effects of climate change.
http://www.lancs.ac.uk

2007
University of Cambridge
A 21st century model of applied research and entrepreneurship in biotechnology
The University’s Institute of Biotechnology has developed an innovative, internationally recognised, model that integrates multidisciplinary research, business training and commercial exploitation. This has led to the formation of a number of promising spin-off companies that have brought a range of patented products to market including next generation glucose sensors and new drugs for treatment of cancer. The activity is underpinned by a uniquely structured Masters course in Bioscience Enterprise.
http://www.cam.ac.uk

2005
University of Cambridge
The Millennium Mathematics Project
The Millennium Mathematics Project is a highly imaginative and innovative outreach initiative created by a group of passionate and dedicated mathematicians and aimed at supporting maths education in primary and secondary schools throughout the UK and promoting the development of mathematical skills and understanding. The project has brought alive mathematics learning — with significant regional, national and international impact. Through, amongst others, its NRich website, online maths magazine and hands-on Maths Roadshow, it has enriched the learning experience for pupils and enhanced enthusiasm for the subject and related careers.
http://mmp.maths.org

2002
University of Leicester
Genetics: research and impact on science and society
The discovery of genetic fingerprinting by the university's Department of Genetics has had profound implications for society as well as for the advancement of science. Applications in immigration, paternity testing and criminal investigation have affected the lives of thousands of people worldwide. Continuing innovative research is coupled with high-quality training of scientists and the promotion of the public understanding of science. It has led to the development of powerful technologies to study heritable DNA changes and continues to influence genetics research.
http://www.le.ac.uk/genetics

2002
Loughborough University
Sports development, education and research
The university has an international reputation in sports science. Its alumni are influential in many areas: as players, coaches and managers; as researchers and teachers; in sport and leisure management; in national and international sports bodies; and in the sports industry. The university was the first to offer an honours degree course in sports science and a Masters programme in recreation management. It has since developed many other sports-related degrees and shows great strength in researching youth sport; in physiology, nutrition and sport fitness testing; and in biomechanics / gymnastics modelling.
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport

2002
University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology
Corrosion control and protection: education, research and technology transfer
The university has demonstrated outstanding postgraduate teaching and research, and a long-term commitment to technology transfer in this highly important industrial field. Acknowledging the vast cost that corrosion puts on the nation's gross domestic product, UMIST established the first university centre in the field. UMIST's interdisciplinary Centre for Corrosion Control and Protection now runs the largest Masters course in the subject in the world. The centre engages in vital, novel research which has massive financial, environmental, and health and safety implications for the UK and international economies.
http://www.cp.umist.ac.uk/cpc

2000
The Sixth Form College, Colchester
STEP (The science and technology enrichment programme)
The college has developed an exciting programme to promote an interest and enthusiasm for science and technology among its students. The enrichment programme offers all students the opportunity to develop the knowledge gained within their curriculum and to begin to learn how to apply it in real-life situations within industry, whilst still maintaining the sense of experimentation and personal development. Over the past five years, more than 30 per cent of students going on to higher education have done so in science, technology or engineering.
http://www.colchsfc.ac.uk

1998
University of Cambridge
Mathematics applied
The university founded the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences to promote, encourage and stimulate top-quality research across the spectrum of the mathematical sciences in search of solutions to contemporary problems. Six-month visitor programmes, covering the full range of mathematics and its applications in chemical, physical and biological sciences and commerce, address vital areas of public concern and raise the profile of mathematics in the wider community.
http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk

1998
University of Glasgow
Computing Sciences: teaching and research
Through flexible employment policies, establishing an industrial association and by networking, as well as by involving external experts in its strategy and teaching, the Department of Computing Science has built up an impressive range of partners throughout the UK and around the world. This outreach to industry and commerce ensures that its activities have practical outcomes: clients gain from the department’s expertise and latest research, whilst students are involved in innovation and discovery and build self-confidence from communicating with experts in other fields.
http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk

1998
Godalming College
Research and innovative teaching for ‘A’ Level science
Students have been able to experience the excitement of research in uncharted territory as they have pioneered experiments in the new fullurene or 'buckyball' chemistry. Links with neighbouring university departments and with industry foster research at the highest level, offering students authentic learning experiences in industrial contexts. Successive groups of chemistry students examine both the latest findings of research scientists and previous college teams’ results in order to determine their own project, moving the boundaries of knowledge forward and inspiring the Departments of Physics, and of Design and Technology in their own original research.
http://www.godalming.ac.uk

1996
Hackney Community College
Bringing young women into science
This project aims to remove the barriers that stop girls from entering the science profession. Simple but carefully implemented tactics demystified science and emphasised the special role women can play in it. With an increase from 1 to 100 students in 5 years, the programme shows how readily it can be done, even in a traditionally ‘non-academic” school in one of the poorest boroughs in England.
http://www.comm-coll-hackney.ac.uk

1996
University of Manchester
Biological sciences: multidisciplinary teaching and research
By combining 11 small traditional departments (from Anatomy to Zoology) into the university’s largest department, housed in a single building, the School of Biological Sciences created a virtuous circle: first-class scientists doing important work attracted funds for research, whilst good research attracted more good people. A clear vision of scientific and educational goals has been set, and not only has it achieved financial efficiencies, but innovative partnerships with industry and medical charities have led to a dramatic increase in research funding. The resulting outstanding work in the life sciences ensures that the UK stays at the forefront of world achievement in this field.
http://www.biomed.man.ac.uk

1996
University of York
Computer science: teaching, research and transfer of technology
Coupling high-quality teaching to the practical research and training needs of industry and commerce at an international level has resulted in worldwide recognition for this computer science work. It has achieved the highest possible ratings in both research and teaching assessment exercises and receives the highest research income from British industry of any UK computer science department. Its results in a very wide area of computer applications have established a deserved world-class reputation.
http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/public.php

1994
University of Durham
Industry North Project: Undertanding Technology (INPUT)
INPUT was created in response to the Science and Technology White Paper 'Realising Our Potential' which called for greater attention to the development of the next generation of highly qualified science and technology personnel. The regional network of one-day technology courses presented science and engineering in a challenging way to young people aged 9 to 19. Many INPUT students went on to train with local companies and to take up further or higher education.
http://www.dur.ac.uk

1994
University of Leicester
Developments in astronomy, space and planetary science
The Department of Physics and Astronomy attracts first-rank astrophysicists and astronomers who play a leading role in training Britain’s future space technologists. The Department has focussed on the development of major x-ray astronomy satellite instrumentation and on the research of complicated chemical and physical processes, global warming and pollution. The Space Studies into the Earth’s surface have great potential for commercial application.
http://www.le.ac.uk/physics/index.htm