In a significant move to bolster international scientific cooperation, the UK’s new Science Minister, Sir Patrick Vallance, declared that UK science and technology are “open for business” during the G7 Science and Technology Ministerial in Bologna, Italy. This announcement comes as the UK seeks to reset ties with key global allies and strengthen its position as a leader in scientific research and innovation.
During his first official engagement as Science Minister, Vallance joined counterparts from the world’s leading economies to commit to enhanced collaboration on research infrastructure, biotechnology, and key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputing. The meeting underscored the UK government’s mission to accelerate innovation, investment, and productivity through world-class science and research.
Key Highlights from the G7 Ministerial
Support for Ukraine and African Nations:
G7 Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for the science community in Ukraine, amidst Russia’s illegal invasion, and pledged to collaborate with African countries on research and development (R&D) to support economic growth and development.
Commitment to Research Security:
The ministers agreed to boost measures for research security to protect sensitive data and intellectual property from theft, misuse, and exploitation. This initiative is crucial in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Strengthening International Partnerships:
The UK highlighted its continued commitment to international research infrastructures, such as CERN and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO). Vallance indicated the UK’s openness to hosting a new international research facility to further drive global scientific innovation.
Promotion of Responsible Biotechnology and AI Innovation:
With AI rapidly transforming the field of biotechnology, the G7 Ministers are committed to promoting responsible innovation, ensuring that advancements are made ethically and safely.
Statements from Science Minister Vallance
Science is fundamentally international, and to succeed it depends on trust, collaboration, and openness,” Vallance stated. But in an increasingly volatile world – and particularly in light of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine – that trust and collaboration is under threat. The commitments we’ve made at the G7 are crucial. Science can help deliver a safer, more prosperous world, but only when we take steps to keep research secure.
UK’s Collaborative Efforts
The UK’s involvement in the FAIR data accelerator pilot, aimed at making research data more accessible and reusable, was highlighted. Additionally, the UK’s recent access to world-class European supercomputing resources through the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking was noted as a significant step towards enhanced computing capacity.
Strengthening Ties with Italy
The UK’s longstanding scientific collaboration with Italy was exemplified by partnerships through the European Space Agency, Horizon Europe, and the SKAO project. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Italy’s Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) in pioneering neutron research.
Economic Impact
Taken together, the seven G7 member states spent over $1.2 trillion on R&D in 2022, a figure that underscores the substantial investment and commitment to scientific advancement.
The commitments and discussions at the G7 Ministerial in Bologna signal a new era of international scientific collaboration, with the UK positioning itself as a central hub for global innovation and research. This renewed focus on strengthening ties with key allies and supporting global scientific endeavors aims to drive economic growth and enhance the prosperity and living standards of people worldwide.
