UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published details today of the first 11 programmes in the initial phase of the government’s new International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF).
These include:
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a Japan-UK research collaboration in neuroscience, neurodegenerative diseases and dementia
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an ambitious new clean energy and climate change programme being delivered by UKRI in conjunction with three international funders from Australia, Canada and the US
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a new partnership with South Korea to help UK businesses develop and grow in areas across digital health, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and materials, future mobility and smart cities
More global collaboration
Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation George Freeman said:
The urgency of the global challenges our planet faces: from doubling world food production to preventing future pandemics – and the global race for Science and Technology investment means the UK has to do more global collaboration.
That’s why I launched the ISPF in Tokyo to highlight that whether researching neurodegenerative disease or Earth observation science with Japanese scientists or developing quantum science innovations with the United States, the programmes supported by this ISPF fund are key to demonstrating our commitment to the appliance of UK science for global good.
Developing sustainable solutions
UKRI’s International Champion Professor Christopher Smith said:
Research and Innovation know no boundaries nor do the multiple challenges we face from pandemics to conflict, climate change to economic shocks. International collaboration is integral to ensuring the UK harnesses the extraordinary potential of research and innovation to enrich and improve the lives of people living in the UK and around the world.
The roll out of this new fund will mean UKRI can work in partnership with government, our communities and international funders to enable diverse, secure and creative global collaborations to develop sustainable solutions for a fairer more prosperous world for all.
Through ISPF, UKRI will work with partners in the UK and internationally to create new or expand existing bilateral and multi-international partner programmes in priority areas. This will deliver tangible benefits, such as improved health and economic growth, to the UK and the rest of the world.
The announcement of the first phase of projects coincides with the Prime Minister’s visit to the US for the trilateral meeting in San Diego with the US and Australia.
UKRI is one of a consortium of UK delivery partners for the new fund.
Top image: Credit: shulz, E+ via Getty Images