UK launches P28-B science fund

THE UNITED KINGDOM has launched a £375 million (P27.5 billion) science and innovation fund, as part of its commitment to help boost the research and innovation capacity of its partner countries, including the Philippines.

According to a statement issued by the British Embassy Manila, the Newton Fund will be shared across 15 countries over the next five years for joint research projects on development topics, capacity building projects, student and researcher fellowships, and partnerships to develop innovative solutions on development topics.

The Philippines is expected to receive £2 million (P146.7 million) in funding yearly to be administered through the British Embassy Manila.

“Further strengthening the Philippines’ science and technology capacity is a priority of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology and this is the reason why the UK has identified building partnerships in the Philippines are one of the priorities for the Newton Fund,” the British Embassy explained.

“Science and technology are key drivers to economic development. The Newton Fund will engage British and Filipino scientist as partners to increase their research and innovation capacity,” said British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad.

“The application of knowledge, tailored to the needs of the people of the Philippines, will address their current priorities and address long-term sustainable growth. The British invention of the Internet transformed lives and it is not beyond reason to hope that Pinoy-UK ingenuity could unlock further discovery,” he added.

According to the British Embassy, science and innovation are at the heart of the UK government’s strategy for promoting prosperity and growth in the UK and overseas. The Newton Fund will support collaboration on science and innovation globally that will focus on economic development.

The UK’s research base is reportedly one of the best in the world for scientific excellence and is at the cutting edge of science innovation and discovery.

Its 78 Nobel Prize winners in related disciplines is the second highest number in the world.