The UK is a centre of knowledge and innovation, and is internationally renowned for its excellence in scientific research and development (R&D). British scientists have won more Nobel Prizes than any other country except the USA, with 70 awards to date.
The UK is an R&D world leader in life sciences, materials and physical sciences, chemicals, electronics and aerospace. More than £16 billion is spent on R&D every year, a third of this by the government.
One third of the mapping of the human genome was carried out in the UK, with thousands of scientists accessing the data every day. Protecting global biodiversity, the UK’s Millennium Seed Bank is one of the largest international conservation projects ever undertaken.
The Department of Trade and Industry is ultimately responsible for science and technology issues, supported by the Office of Science and Technology (OST). The OST controls seven government-financed Research Councils, which support a wide range of pure or basic research.x
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office runs an international Science and Technology network. The network informs British science policy by reporting on developments around the world. It alsocommunicates UK achievements to other countries and encourages international collaboration.
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