The Science Minister declared UK science and technology “open for business” as he met counterparts at the G7 Science and Technology Ministerial in Italy.
The Ministerial underpinned the government’s mission to accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class UK science and tech research across the economy.
The UK has joined international partners in a commitment to boost research security and collaboration on large research infrastructure, biotechnology and key technologies such as AI supported by supercomputing.
Strengthening ties with international partners
Representatives from the world’s leading economies also reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s scientists in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion and a shared commitment to work with African countries on R&D to support their economic development.
This joint undertaking is part of the government’s plan to strengthen ties with international partners, rebuild the UK’s reputation as a strong, reliable partner, and harness the power of science and technology for global benefit.
The commitments made in Bologna will further allow us to collaborate with international partners and accelerate investments in cutting-edge technologies, creating the jobs of the future.
Science Minister Vallance said: “We work together to ensure data is open and accessible and pool our resources to develop cutting-edge long-term research infrastructure and, above all, stand in solidarity and support researchers who are under threat.”
Driving innovation in UK science and tech
The Minister suggested that the UK will continue to review the possibility of hosting a new international research facility as part of the global effort to drive innovation through international collaboration in science and tech.
The Ministerial also focused on biotechnology, recognising its importance to the future of the world economy, particularly as AI becomes more widespread, rapidly reshaping what is possible in the field.
The UK is also working closely with other G7 members on computing capacity, such as through the UK’s recent access to world-class European supercomputing resources through the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking.
Managing security threats
The G7’s focus on research security is an incredibly important step. R&D is the engine that powers sustained economic growth, which ultimately improves prosperity and living standards for all working people.
However, the world is becoming more volatile and insecure, and threats to the research community are growing, too.
The risks posed by theft, misuse, and exploitation of sensitive research are evolving, which is precisely why like-minded allies like the G7 need to set the agenda globally on proportionally managing this issue.
Deep UK science and tech links with this year’s G7 hosts, Italy, exemplify the sort of longstanding international connections the Government wants to reinvigorate and harness to unlock a decade of national renewal.
UK and Italian scientists already work together through the European Space Agency, Horizon Europe and the Square Kilometre Array space telescope project.
This year, the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Italy’s Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) celebrate the 40th anniversary of their partnership in pioneering neutron research.
The full list of agreements made at the G7 Ministerial can be seen here.
