£31m EU boost for world class computer science hub in Swansea

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, will today announce a £31m EU-backed investment for a world class computer science facility at Swansea University.

The Computational Foundry, based at the Swansea Bay Campus, will be backed with £17m from the European Regional Development Fund and will drive research into computer science and make Wales a global destination for computer scientists and industrial partners.

Carwyn Jones said:

“Building a vibrant digital economy is vital to achieve global success and a key goal of the Welsh Government.

“This funding will help build an internationally renowned facility which will act as a beacon for pioneering collaborations with researchers and industry, attracting further research funding and establishing Wales as a world-leading centre for computer science and innovation.”

The Computational Foundry will house a modern state-of-the-art centre, enabling world class researchers to carry out focussed research. The facility will build on Swansea’s existing achievements, ranked the 1st in Wales and 11th in the UK for the quality of its Computer Science research by the Research Excellence Framework  – the body that assesses the quality of university research.

It will include research and development laboratories, postgraduate and researcher areas, as well as networking and inspiration space.  It will be kitted out with world leading experimental set-ups, equipment, devices and prototypes that will accelerate innovation.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies said:

“I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has agreed to support the Computational Foundry with EU funds. This is a real vote of confidence in Swansea University and a sign of our ambition. Our computer science department is ranked first in Wales and seventh in the UK in the Times Good University Guide and the Foundry will build on our strengths and support our strategic aim to be ranked within the top 200 of global universities.

“This project will transform Swansea, West Wales and the Valleys and the nation into a global destination for computer scientists. It will also further strengthen the Bay City Region.”

Professor Matt Jones, Head of the College of Science and Foundry lead said:

“This investment is about changing this region, Wales and the world for the better through a centre which will conduct high-end research and innovation, helping define the digital technologies, services and tools that will shape how life is lived by billions of people globally.”

Building work is due to begin in November.