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Some questions answered (FAQs)

What is the role of The Global Policy Team?

Why are international research links important?

How do I get support for an international research collaboration?

How is science and technology organised in the UK?

Some questions answered (FAQs)

∆  What is the role of The Global Policy Team?

The role of The Global Policy Team of the Office of Science and Innovation is to co-ordinate the UK Government's policy interests in science and technology links with countries outside the EU. A wide range of co-ordination mechanisms exist within Government. One of the most important is a co-ordination committee chaired by the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser. The Global Policy Team also supports the UK Science Minister in the twice-yearly Carnegie meetings of science ministers from the G8 countries, and supports the annual Zuckerman lecture by a senior science policy figure.

∆ Why are international research links important?

Science and technology is an increasingly international activity. No country can hope to maintain a world-class science base in isolation - we must work with the best research groups from around the world. The UK research community has traditionally strong links with research groups from many countries outside Europe. Such collaboration brings enormous benefit to the UK research community.

International collaborations are best generated from the bottom up - with researchers identifying those partnerships which are likely to yield the greatest mutual benefit. The UK Government does not direct these links, but helps to set the framework within which such links can flourish - for example, by signing science and technology co-operation agreements with other Governments, and buying in to international facilities such as CERN.

∆ How do I get support for an international research collaboration?

A wide range of programmes exist to support research links with countries outside Europe, including travel grants, research fellowships, and joint research projects. Some are directed to particular countries or regions, some are focused upon particular areas of science and technology, whilst others support particular kinds of research links, such as post-doctoral fellowships. Support can be available from a variety of agencies in the UK and overseas, including professional institutions, learned societies, and charities. Some of the principal sponsors of international links are listed here on the SISTER (Support for International Science Technology & Engineering Research) website.

∆ How is science and technology organised in the UK?

British Council Guide to the Organisation of  UK Science, Engineering and Technology (GOST)