Today the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee launches an inquiry into
science diplomacy.
Science diplomacy covers efforts to enhance international
relationships, further national interests and address global
challenges via scientific collaboration across
borders.
Science diplomacy has taken on greater importance in the UK as
part of the government's strategy to position the country on the
world stage post-Brexit and is increasingly included as a goal in
national and intergovernmental strategies.
This inquiry will explore the UK's science diplomacy and how the
government should leverage scientific research and innovation to
support its diplomatic goals, growth missions and to contribute
to national security. It will investigate the role of
science diplomacy in the current geopolitical environment, and
how the UK's strategy is shifting in response to the
international activities of Russia and China, as well as the
policies of the Trump administration.
The committee will examine the government's strategy for
international science, and how this can enhance the UK's national
brand and influence and the inquiry will cover areas such as
space exploration, particle physics and vaccine
development.
The inquiry's launch follows the committee's visit to CERN (the
European Organisation for Nuclear Research) in Geneva in early
March. CERN operates the largest particle physics laboratory in
the world, bringing together a large number of member states and
associates in a prominent example of international scientific
cooperation.
During their visit, committee members met with scientists and
researchers based at CERN and toured its facilities,
including the Large Hadron Collider.
Members discussed CERN's place as an international scientific
hub, as well as the geopolitical and diplomatic challenges it
faces. The committee heard about its future work and funding
considerations, and how it fosters innovation.
Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology
Committee, MP, said:
“The committee's visit to CERN showcased science diplomacy in
action. CERN has helped build relationships of trust and
co-operation between nations and led to ground-breaking
innovations in particle physics and beyond. I was proud to hear
about the UK's commitment and involvement with CERN, as well as
how our economy and science sector has benefited from the
facility's work.
"In a post-Brexit world, science diplomacy is more important
than ever: it's a critical way that the UK can build bridges with
other nations and bolster our soft power.
“The UK punching far above its weight in scientific research
and innovation. How can we leverage this world-class scientific
base to boost the UK's influence abroad? How are geopolitical
shifts, like the activities of Russia and China, and the Trump
administration, impacting the UK's science diplomacy
strategy?
“We'll also consider the economic and strategic benefits from
international collaborations like CERN, space initiatives and
vaccine development, and how science diplomacy can attract
investment into the UK.”
Terms of
reference
The committee welcomes written submissions on some or all of the
following points by 23:59 on 9 May 2025.
- To what extent is the UK considered a global leader in
science and innovation and how does this contribute to its soft
power on the global stage?
- How has this agenda been impacted by the current geopolitical
environment, including the international activities of Russia and
China?
-
- How does science and technology innovation contribute to
the UK's national security?
- How effective is the UK Government's strategy for positioning
the UK as a global leader in science and technology and what role
does the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
play in advancing this agenda?
-
- Does the UK need an International Science Strategy and
what would it contain?
- What are the key international scientific relationships
for the UK?
- How well positioned is the government to link scientific and
technological progress with enhanced global and UK
security?
-
- What role should the new defence innovation unit play in
this agenda?
- What impact will the rebranded Science and Technology Network
have on the UK's global position?
-
- Are the thematic areas selected by the Network the right
ones to prioritise?
- What areas or sectors should the Network prioritise in
the coming years?
- How can the impact of science diplomacy activities be
measured, particularly in terms of enhancing national branding,
fostering international influence, and contributing to conflict
resolution?
-
- To what extent are science and technology innovation
activities supported through UK Official Development
Assistance (ODA) spending?
/ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Click here to read more
about the new science diplomacy inquiry
