DRIVERLESS vehicles, data from space, digital health, and quantum computing will be looked at in a study of Oxfordshire’s research strengths.

Oxford University said the so-called ‘science and innovation audit’ announced by the Government last week would make the county’s industries ‘even stronger’.

Oxfordshire was asked to do the work with seven other areas on Wednesday by Chancellor Philip Hammond.

It is hoped the work will help get local researchers a slice of more than £4.7bn in new research and development funding announced up to 2021.

The audit is being led by Oxford and Oxford Brookes universities, the local enterprise partnership, Oxford Academic Health Sciences Network, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Satellite Applications Catapult.

Pro-vice-chancellor Professor Ian Walmsley, of Oxford University, said: “We have chosen four areas of focus that we believe are important for future UK competitiveness, where Oxfordshire has strengths, and where we would like to have greater understanding of local and national networks to underpin future supply chains.

“We look forward to working with government to develop this understanding, which will allow businesses and universities in Oxfordshire to continue to be internationally leading.”

UKAEA official Dr Rob Buckingham added: “By working together, we can start to address our local issues, including traffic congestion.”