(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) Two major investments in research partnerships that will strengthen the links between the UK's research base, industry and business partners will be announced today, Thursday July 13, by Jo Johnson, Minister for Universities and Science.Both investments show the pivotal importance of engineering and the physical sciences to the country's continued development as a global research and innovation leader. The first investment is a new initiative, a set of Prosperity Partnerships, which will receive £31 million.