JODRELL Bank has secured £300m in funding for a range of science projects.

Science minister David Willetts revealed details of the funding for the projects – including £100m towards the Square Kilometre Array – in a speech at the observatory yesterday, Tuesday.

Mr Willetts gave a speech on how high-tech science projects can drive innovation, growth and create jobs.

He said: “Investment in science is a crucial part of this government’s long-term economic plan.

“It’s about investing in our future, helping grow new industries and create more jobs – and that will mean more financial security for people across the country.”

Speaking to an audience of scientists, apprentices and school children, he confirmed funding for several projects, including investing £165m in the European Spallation Source.

This will see the creation of a giant powerful neutron microscope, which will be 30 times more powerful than microscopes we use today and the size of 140 football pitches.

Another major project is a £100m contribution to The Square Kilometre Array, which will be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world, stretching technology to its limits.

This telescope will produce 10 times the current global traffic of the internet.