Universities Minister Jo Johnson toured the Faculty of Mathematics on Friday as part of a visit where he announced that Cambridge will receive £4.1 million in funding as part of the ‘Grand Challenges in Engineering’ project.

The department will use the grant to fund research into improving the quality of air and reducing pollution in cities. The grant comes from the UK’s main scientific research body, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

On his visit, Johnson stressed the importance of collaboration of University research teams and businesses and the value of STEM careers for the British Economy. He also highlighted the potential benefit to the local Cambridge economy.

The minister stated that ensuring clean water supplies in the UK and around the world and finding ways to restore the balance between natural and engineered systems in our cities, are key questions that he hopes Cambridge will be able to "provide answers to."

The MP toured the fluid dynamics laboratories in the Faculty of Mathematics, with machines modelling the mixing of saline and fresh water in an estuary environment, and exploring the potential of using body heat for room ventilation.

When asked about careers in science, the minister encouraged students to pursue STEM careers and suggested that although careers in the City may offer greater initial financial rewards, students should aspire to the job satisfaction of a career in scientific research.

Johnson emphasised the need for more students to"do the right A levels" to pursue STEM subjects at University level.

When asked about the potential impact of current government policy on attracting the most talented scientific minds to top universities, the minister stated that "record numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds" are applying to top universities.

In response to questioning about the scrapping of maintenance grants, the minister suggested that "all universities have a part to play" in encouraging students to pursue their education to degree level.

Speaking weeks after Cambridge Vice Chancellor warned that a possible exit from the EU could force Cambridge to move science parks abroad, the minister has released a statement that the government "want the UK to be the best place in Europe to innovate."

When asked about the effect of immigration on science the minister emphasised the vital role played by international students in UK universities and the importance of their contribution to research.

The project in Cambridge aims to tackle the ‘heat island’ effect that occurs in cities like London, by conducting research into the ways that air flow interacts with the built environment, and how urban planning and the positioning of green spaces can improve air quality and combat overheating in localized city areas.

The minister spoke on behalf of a "One Nation Government" who "are investing in world-class science and engineering across our country." Johnson was unequivocal in his view that research at Cambridge would have significant real world application and that the impact would be vital for the nation.

As he stated to Varsity: "We need Cambridge."