The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is to spend up to Pounds 15 million to help British researchers identify the function of key genes. The initiative, Investigating Gene Function, will allow in-depth analysis of commercially important and representative organisms, the creation of gene libraries and the provision of state-of-the-art technologies. The investment comes as the BBSRC decides how to spend its Pounds 50 million boost, awarded as part of the science allocation. The BBSRC council is also considering increasing the stipends it pays PhD students towards Medical Research Council levels.