The funding – through the Addiction Healthcare Goals – is designed to kickstart and develop careers in the field to find ways to help people suffering with addiction. 

UK science minister, Lord Vallance said: ‘Addiction is devastating lives across the UK every day. By backing the future leaders of addiction research, we are laying the groundwork for the vital, evidence-based prevention measures and treatments we need.

‘We know that exceptional talent can be found all over the country. That's why this programme will look to every corner of the UK for researchers with high potential to pioneer addiction research that could save countless lives and save billions to be reinvested in our public services and economy.'

The scheme will be delivered by The Society for the Study of Addiction with the Government providing additional funding to the National Institute for Health and Care Research to support career development opportunities across the UK.

The government is also collaborating with the Medical Research Council with new fellowship awards in clinical research training, clinician science and career development.