UK’s global science and tech ambitions refreshed under new banner
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-28)

Worldwide team championing UK science and tech partnership as a force for good, to be re-launched as the Science and Technology Network.

- Worldwide team championing UK science and tech partnership as a force for good, to be re-launched as the Science and Technology Network
- Network already has over 130 staff in 65 locations globally, building partnerships around the science and tech innovations set to make us collectively healthier, wealthier, more resilient and secure in support of the Plan for Change
- Science Minister welcomes Network’s re-launch alongside leaders from across research, academia and business
The UK’s global team for forging the international collaboration and championing the power of British science and tech expertise to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems– from clean energy to health – will be refreshed under a new banner, as officially unveiled by the Science Minister in Whitehall on Thursday 27 February.

The Science and Technology Network (STN) will be the new name for the former Science and Innovation Network: a 130-strong team based in 65 locations worldwide, with a mission to forge deeper international partnerships on science and technology, and seek new opportunities for British sci-tech pioneers in support of the Plan for Change (https://www.gov.uk/missions).

The network’s new name reflects the circumstances we now live in, where breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum, and engineering biology hold enormous potential for tackling environmental and social challenges and unlocking economic growth. In a fast-changing global landscape, now more than ever we need to pool the bright talent and big ideas that are needed to harness these emerging technologies for good, at home and abroad.

Recent announcements like the AI Opportunities Action Plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-opportunities-action-plan/ai-opportunities-action-plan) clearly show the government’s domestic ambitions for harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives, but these aspirations are not solely inward-facing. The UK wants to work with international partners to share expertise, unlock investment, and deliver transformational benefits for communities in the UK and around the world.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

Britain is stronger when it works together with others and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to science and technology. Genius is not bound by geography, and by building international ties, we stand the best chance of developing new ideas and breakthroughs to solve the toughest challenges that all societies face.

The UK has a long track record as a global leader, when it comes to research and innovation. We are uniquely placed to convene international work that brings scientific expertise to bear on improving health, adoption clean sources of energy, and more. It is only right that we put the critically important role of technology, at the centre of those efforts.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Catherine West said:

The UK harnesses cutting-edge technology to tackle the world’s toughest challenges, from the climate crisis to the threat of pandemics.

With staff based in 65 locations, the newly-named Science and Technology Network will help us forge global partnerships and galvanise scientific expertise, to enhance security and growth around the world.

Lord Vallance will speak to an audience of researchers, academics and business leaders at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this evening – which also marks the Network’s 25th anniversary. He will be joined by FCDO’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Charlotte Watts, as they welcome the Network’s new name and to emphasise the importance of its ongoing work.

Some examples of STN wins include UK-Danish work in the Arctic that could be crucial to our understanding of climate change (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/science-and-innovation-network-denmark-uk-arctic-science), the establishment of the UK-Japan Semiconductors Partnership (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-science-and-innovation-network-in-japan-support-for-semiconductors), and a UK-USA partnership (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-usa-partnership-in-health-applications-for-quantum-technologies) that is bringing the massive potential of quantum technologies to bear in health and life sciences.

The Network has also supported the delivery of potentially lifesaving research as overseas aid, ranging from work tackling the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, to a project trying to better forecast devastating typhoons in South-East Asia (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/approach/collaboration/wcssp/insights/wcssp-tropical-cyclone-forecasts).

The Science and Technology Network has 3 objectives:
- promoting UK science, technology and innovation excellence and leadership globally
- actively building and facilitating science, technology and innovation collaborations
- providing insight on science and technology trends and opportunities
Through its work, the Network aims to build international partnerships that can help seize the opportunities and mitigate the risks arising from critical and emerging technologies, as well as tackling the climate crisis and improving health.

Sir Mark Walport, Vice President and Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society, said:

Maintaining the position of the UK as a global leader in science, engineering and technology is essential for the UK’s long-term prosperity and international standing. Furthermore, diplomacy in support of science is at the heart of the development of international policies and collaboration to address issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, pandemics and food security. The Science and Technology Network’s team of diplomats and civil servants will play an extremely important role in support of these aims.

Professor Christopher Smith, UK Research and Innovation’s International Champion, said:

The rebrand of The Science and Technology Network is a reflection of its evolving role in fostering global research and innovation partnerships.

The network has been instrumental in strengthening the UK’s position as a world leader in science, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to drive international research excellence, support innovation-led growth, and tackle global challenges together across all disciplines and sectors.

Maddalaine Ansell, Director Education, British Council, said:

International collaboration in science and technology is critical if we are to overcome global challenges. The UK, which is ranked 3rd in the world for producing highly cited research outputs, must be part of the global effort. Playing our full part will also reinforce and further expand the UK’s reputation both for excellence in science and as a force for good in the global community. The Science & Technology Network is an important enabler of UK activity on the global stage, supporting the UK’s scientific community to develop stable and lasting partnerships with peers around the world.

Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, said:

UK universities have a long-standing relationship with the Network, and our members get immense value from their in-country expertise, insight, and intelligence. This rebranding reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of science and technology, and we believe it will further enhance the network’s ability to drive international collaboration and deliver on global and technological challenges.

Universities UK International is committed to fostering a globally collaborative higher education environment where research, science, and technology can thrive. We look forward to continuing to work with the Science and Technology Network to advance these shared goals.

Beth Thompson, Executive Director Policy and Partnerships, Wellcome, said:

Science and technology are pillars of the UK’s diplomatic work. We welcome the government’s recognition of the Science and Technology Network’s (STN) newly invigorated and invaluable role, fostering global partnerships that tackle shared challenges, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.

The UK has a world-class research sector, but progress is not achieved in isolation – it thrives on international cooperation. We have seen first-hand the value of the Network in helping us build relationships across the globe that are critical to advancing research. The refreshed STN will be instrumental in strengthening these international partnerships, ensuring science and technology continue to deliver a healthier, more prosperous future for the UK and the world.

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