First-ever UK-US Science and Technology Agreement paves the way for closer research collaborations

Science Minister Jo Johnson has signed a new agreement that will strengthen research collaboration between the US and the UK

Science Minister Jo Johnson has today (Wednesday 20 September) signed a UK-US Science and Technology Agreement with US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Judith G Garber, marking the first umbrella agreement between the United States and United Kingdom.

The treaty outlines a commitment to collaborate on world-class science and innovation, building on existing successful research co-operation in recognition of the value of open data to further scientific research and strengthen our economies.

The government has been clear in its commitment to collaborate with countries around the world in science, research and innovation and is investing record levels of funding to maintain the UK’s strengths in these key areas through its Industrial Strategy.

On signing the agreement, Science Minister, Jo Johnson said:

The UK is known as a nation of science and technical progress, with research and development being at the core of our Industrial Strategy. By working with our key allies, we are maintaining our position as a global leader in research for years to come.

Our continued collaboration with the US on science and innovation benefits both nations and this agreement will enable us to share our expertise to enhance our understanding of many important topics that have the potential to be world changing.

The first major project of the UK-US Science and Technology Agreement is UK investment in the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), for which the government has confirmed £65 million funding.