The UK is a powerhouse of knowledge and innovation, and is internationally renowned for its excellence in scientific research and development (R&D). British scientists have won more Nobel Prizes (over 70) than any other country except the USA.

The UK is an R&D world leader in life sciences, materials and physical sciences, chemicals, electronics and aerospace. One third of the mapping of the human genome was carried out in the UK and thousands of scientists access this data every day. The UK is also home to the world’s brightest pulsed source of neutron and muon particles which allow scientists to explore the structure and dynamics of materials. Protecting global biodiversity, the UK’s Millennium Seed Bank is one of the largest international conservation projects ever undertaken.

More than £16 billion each year is spent on R&D, a third of this by the Government. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is ultimately responsible for science and technology issues, supported by the Office of Science and Innovation (OSI). OSI controls a number of government-financed Research Councils which support a wide range of pure or basic research.