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:
With one of the world’s most creative and productive scientific and research communities, Britain generates 5.5% of all world research.
Research Councils allocate funds supporting research projects and development activity across all academic disciplines in the UK.
Our government works around the world presenting British science and innovation as the partner of choice in research and development.
The UK government works with education to promote science and innovation and support scientific collaboration in Britain and abroad.