Sussex's three universities are set to benefit as part of a £1 billion cash boost.

Science minister Lord Sainsbury announced the University of Sussex, the University of Brighton and University College Chichester will between them get almost £12 million for investment in scientific excellence.

They are just three of 150 universities and institutions to benefit.

A Sussex University spokesman said: "We welcome the news."

The money could beused to look at finding new drugs to treat diseases such as cancer, developing key new technologies like nanotechnology and further understanding man's impact on the environment.

The £1bn nationwide investment under the Science Research Investment Fund for 2004 to 2006 is allocated by formula.

Institutions are able to spend their allocation in line with their own research strategy and must submit their list of proposed projects to the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFC) by May 30.

Sussex has been allocated £9,548,079, Brighton has been given £2,092,763 and Chichester will get £103,661.

Lord Sainsbury said: "The research carried out in our laboratories today is the foundation for the new products, medicines and technologies of tomorrow.

"British science is among the best and most cost-effective in the world."

Higher education minister Margaret Hodge said it was impossible for British scientists to remain at the cutting edge if they had to work with ageing equipment.

She said: "Together with the other substantial increases in funding we have recently announced, this investment will ensure our higher education institutions have the resources they need to compete on the global research stage."

Funds can be used for refurbishment of premises for research, replacement, renewal or upgrading of equipment and replacement of premises.

The grants are part of the Government's science strategy.