Written questions by Spencer.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to regulate the (a) detection, (b) prevention and (c) removal of deepfake images created by generative Artificial Intelligence.

Government made a clear manifesto commitment to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images and we are bringing forward legislation to honour that commitment in the Crime and Policing Bill.Under the Online Safety Act, it is already a criminal offence to share or threaten to share a sexually explicit deepfake.We have designated the most harmful forms of deepfakes as priority illegal content, including child sexual exploitation and abuse and intimate image abuse. Services in scope will need to take proactive steps to prevent priority illegal content from appearing on their service and remove it quickly when it does.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on their approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing deepfake images created by generative artificial intelligence since July 2024.

AI-generated content is captured by the Online Safety Act where it constitutes illegal content or content harmful to children on an in-scope service. We will also criminalise the creation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes through the Crime and Policing Bill. We welcome research on this important topic. DSIT co-led the Deepfake Detection Challenge with the Home Office to assess existing capabilities and identify innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of deepfakes. In addition, we have engaged with a range of stakeholders across industry, academia and civil society to understand the potential for further detection, prevention and removal of deepfake content and identify future research priorities.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Research England on their approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing deepfake images created by generative artificial intelligence since July 2024.

AI-generated content is captured by the Online Safety Act where it constitutes illegal content or content harmful to children on an in-scope service. We will also criminalise the creation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes through the Crime and Policing Bill. We welcome research on this important topic. DSIT co-led the Deepfake Detection Challenge with the Home Office to assess existing capabilities and identify innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of deepfakes. In addition, we have engaged with a range of stakeholders across industry, academia and civil society to understand the potential for further detection, prevention and removal of deepfake content and identify future research priorities.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Innovate UK on their approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing deepfake images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

AI-generated content is captured by the Online Safety Act where it constitutes illegal content or content harmful to children on an in-scope service. We will also criminalise the creation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes through the Crime and Policing Bill. We welcome research on this important topic. DSIT co-led the Deepfake Detection Challenge with the Home Office to assess existing capabilities and identify innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of deepfakes. In addition, we have engaged with a range of stakeholders across industry, academia and civil society to understand the potential for further detection, prevention and removal of deepfake content and identify future research priorities.

How many Pension Credit applications her Department has received in each of the last 12 months; and how many such applications were processed within the 50 day target.

Pension Credit operational information is produced weekly. Please find data from 1 January 2024 up to the latest available data at end of week commencing 11 November 2024. This data is part of a longer time series published by the Department on 28 November 2024, which shows applications for Pension Credit received since 1 April 2024 up to 17 November 2024. Pension Credit applications and awards: November 2024 - GOV.UK. The next publication of Pension Credit application statistics is due around the end of February 2025 and will cover the data up to week commencing 10 February 2025. Week Commencing Pension Credit Claims Received 01 Jan 243,10008 Jan 244,60015 Jan 244,80022 Jan 244,50029 Jan 244,40005 Feb 245,80012 Feb 245,60019 Feb 245,80026 Feb 247,20004 Mar 246,20011 Mar 245,10018 Mar 245,10025 Mar 243,80001 Apr 243,90008 Apr 244,40015 Apr 244,40022 Apr 244,20029 Apr 243,70006 May 243,40013 May 244,10020 May 244,00027 May 243,30003 Jun 244,20010 Jun 244,00017 Jun 243,40024 Jun 243,20001 Jul 243,80008 Jul 244,10015 Jul 243,30022 Jul 243,50029 Jul 247,90005 Aug 247,30012 Aug 245,90019 Aug 248,40026 Aug 249,00002 Sep 2410,70009 Sep 2413,40016 Sep 2411,80023 Sep 249,80030 Sep 248,30007 Oct 248,20014 Oct 249,60021 Oct 249,00028 Oct 2410,00004 Nov 249,80011 Nov 2410,600 As per the publication of the DWP annual report and accounts 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK (ARA), 77.7% of Pension Credit claims were processed within the Department’s planned timescales in the Financial Year 2023 to 2024. The next publication of the ARA will include claims processed in the Financial Year 2024 to 2025, which is due for publication in the summer.

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 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 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 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, how much Government funding into cataract 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 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, 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, 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 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.