Written questions by Spencer.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government funding into central retinal vein occlusion research there was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022.UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision.Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24UveitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for uveitis research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for uveitis research was £248,809 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).CataractNIHR allocated £2,584,219 for research concerning cataracts research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cataract research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).KeratoconusNIHR allocated £49,458 for research concerning keratoconus research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for keratoconus research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).BlepharitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in 2023-24.Central Retinal Vein OcclusionNIHR allocated £70,000 for research concerning central retinal vein occlusion in the financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for central retinal vein occlusion research in 2023-24.Retinal Detachment Occlusion ResearchNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinal detachment occlusion research in financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for retinal detachment occlusion research was £1,223,830 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).

Innovation and Technology, how much Government funding into uveitis research there was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022.UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision.Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24UveitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for uveitis research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for uveitis research was £248,809 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).CataractNIHR allocated £2,584,219 for research concerning cataracts research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cataract research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).KeratoconusNIHR allocated £49,458 for research concerning keratoconus research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for keratoconus research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).BlepharitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in 2023-24.Central Retinal Vein OcclusionNIHR allocated £70,000 for research concerning central retinal vein occlusion in the financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for central retinal vein occlusion research in 2023-24.Retinal Detachment Occlusion ResearchNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinal detachment occlusion research in financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for retinal detachment occlusion research was £1,223,830 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).

Innovation and Technology, how much Government funding into keratoconus research there was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022.UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision.Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24UveitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for uveitis research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for uveitis research was £248,809 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).CataractNIHR allocated £2,584,219 for research concerning cataracts research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cataract research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).KeratoconusNIHR allocated £49,458 for research concerning keratoconus research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for keratoconus research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).BlepharitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in 2023-24.Central Retinal Vein OcclusionNIHR allocated £70,000 for research concerning central retinal vein occlusion in the financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for central retinal vein occlusion research in 2023-24.Retinal Detachment Occlusion ResearchNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinal detachment occlusion research in financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for retinal detachment occlusion research was £1,223,830 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).

Innovation and Technology, what the total amount of Government investment into retinal detachment occlusion research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022.UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision.Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24UveitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for uveitis research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for uveitis research was £248,809 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).CataractNIHR allocated £2,584,219 for research concerning cataracts research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cataract research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).KeratoconusNIHR allocated £49,458 for research concerning keratoconus research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for keratoconus research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).BlepharitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in 2023-24.Central Retinal Vein OcclusionNIHR allocated £70,000 for research concerning central retinal vein occlusion in the financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for central retinal vein occlusion research in 2023-24.Retinal Detachment Occlusion ResearchNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinal detachment occlusion research in financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for retinal detachment occlusion research was £1,223,830 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).

Innovation and Technology, how much Government funding into blepharitis research there was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022.UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision.Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24UveitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for uveitis research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for uveitis research was £248,809 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).CataractNIHR allocated £2,584,219 for research concerning cataracts research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cataract research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).KeratoconusNIHR allocated £49,458 for research concerning keratoconus research in financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for keratoconus research was £516,566 for 1 award (1 award from Innovate UK).BlepharitisNIHR did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for blepharitis research in 2023-24.Central Retinal Vein OcclusionNIHR allocated £70,000 for research concerning central retinal vein occlusion in the financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for central retinal vein occlusion research in 2023-24.Retinal Detachment Occlusion ResearchNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinal detachment occlusion research in financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for retinal detachment occlusion research was £1,223,830 for 1 award (1 award from MRC).

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Government Office for Technology Transfer on their approach to support market innovation into nanotechnology since July 2024.

The Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) helps accelerate government’s innovations towards the market, to impact growth and deliver new products and services for citizens. GOTT provides expertise, funding, and guidance to central government departments and arm’s length bodies across the spectrum of technologies. Since July 2024 there have been no specific discussions between the Secretary of State and GOTT on its approach to supporting market innovation into nanotechnology.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into diabetic retinopathy research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into retinitis pigmentosa research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into wet macular degeneration was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into dry macular degeneration research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Regulatory Innovation Office on the UK’s research into nanotechnology since July 2024.

The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) was formally established on 8th October 2024. Initially it is supporting the growth of four fast-growing areas of technology. These are:  Engineering biology, Space, Artificial Intelligence and digital in healthcare; and Drones and other autonomous technology. In developing the next priority areas, the RIO will explore a wide range of technologies.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into closed-angle glaucoma research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into open-angle glaucoma research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into retinoblastoma research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on its approach to supporting research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Innovate UK on research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of UK research into space weather and its consequences on domestic cybersecurity.

The UK continues to prioritise activities to mitigate the impacts of space weather. Severe space weather is identified in our National Risk Register and our response is outlined in the Severe Space Weather Preparedness Strategy.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with ARIA on support for research into space weather since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions and ARIA does not currently have a programme focused on space weather.As set out in ARIA’s Framework Agreement, ARIA has maximum autonomy over its research and project choice. Decisions on the programme portfolio are set by ARIA, and allocation of funding to research projects is decided by those with relevant technical expertise.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on its approach to supporting research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with businesses on the Government's approach to research into (a) space weather and (b) its consequences since July 2024.

The Department has regular discussions with businesses and universities, including space stakeholders, on a range of issues although there have been no discussions on space weather and its consequences.