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HM Governor's Office

in Anguilla

London 15:43, 12 Feb 2012

Science and 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.

Our expertise

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

With one of the world’s most creative and productive scientific and research communities, Britain generates 5.5% of all world research.

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

Research Councils allocate funds supporting research projects and development activity across all academic disciplines in the UK.

Working with business

Man working at an engineering plant. © Getty Images

Our government works around the world presenting British science and innovation as the partner of choice in research and development.

Links with education

School children having an IT lesson. © Getty Images

The UK government works with education to promote science and innovation and support scientific collaboration in Britain and abroad.