Asked by: Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask His Majesty's Government how much public bodies have spent on research intended to develop mirror life.
Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
UKRI is the main public funder of research and innovation. It has not funded research directly intending to develop mirror life. However, HMG recognises the importance of funding blue skies research including on stereoisomers
Asked by: Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to place restrictions on the allocation of public funds to research intended to develop mirror life.
Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Engineering Biology is a critical technology for the UK. This Government is committed to capitalising on growing opportunities as well as ensuring that innovation is responsible and secure. DSIT works with academics, businesses and funders, including through the Engineering Biology Responsible Innovation Advisory Panel, to assess the opportunities and risks around novel engineering biology capabilities. DSIT will continue to work with these stakeholders, including UKRI, to capitalise on opportunities and appropriately manage risk.