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UK in Australia
London 22:45, 11 Feb 2012
Canberra 09:45, 12 Feb 2012

Science & technology

The UK has one of the most creative and productive scientific and research communities in the world. From 17th century mathematician, Isaac Newton, who discovered gravity, to Watson and Crick, who unravelled the structure of DNA in the 20th century, British scientists have always been up there with the world's best.

The UK Government sees science and innovation as a key export in today's highly competitive global economy. Because of this, its investment in research and development (R&D) has increased substantially over the past decade.

In this section we explore how science is organised in the UK, including information about:

  • UK expertise and how the government promotes our scientific achievements at home and abroad
  • how R&D works in the UK and the role of research councils
  • how the government helps UK companies to compete overseas and attracts inward investment to the UK
  • how the system is organised to help scientific education at all levels to develop and prosper.

Introduction

The United Kingdom believes science and innovation plays a vital role in determining the quality of life of all citizens and driving economic prosperity.

Our Expertise

The Lovell Telescope, part of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester. © Getty Images

The UK has one of the most creative and productive scientific and research communities in the world.

Research and Development

A Virgin Galactic employee sits in a conceptual mock-up cabin of the world's first ever vehicle for space tourism. © Getty Images

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) funds the seven Research Councils, who allocate public funds to support research projects.

Working with Business

Man working at an engineering plant. © Getty Images

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government organisation that helps UK-based companies. It is an agency of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).

Links with Education

School children having an IT lesson. © Getty Images

The Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills has information on higher and further education within the UK. There are also regional higher education funding councils for England, Wales and Scotland.