Johnson to announce new Merkel medal
Boris Johnson will today announce a new medal in Angela Merkel’s honour as she makes her final visit before stepping down later this year.
The Prime Minister will today celebrate the German Chancellor and the links grown with the UK under her leadership with a new £10,000 science award.
Named after Caroline Herschel, a German-born British astrophysicist, it will be given every year to a UK or Germany-based female scientist who has excelled in the field of astrophysics.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Johnson said: “The UK and Germany have a steadfast friendship and a shared outlook on many issues.
“Our scientists, innovators and industrialists work together every day to make the world a better place.
“Over the 16 years of Chancellor Merkel’s tenure the Uk-germany relationship has been re-energised and re-invigorated for a new era.
"And the new joint ventures we will agree today will leave a legacy that will last for generations.”
Chancellor Merkel is herself a scientist by training, and was honoured in 2010 by the Royal Society with the King Charles II Medal, which is awarded to foreign Heads of State or Government who have made an outstanding contribution to furthering scientific research in their country.
Visiting Chequers for discussions with the Prime Minister today, Chancellor Merkel is expected to use the talks to focus on deepening the Uk-germany relationship.
The Chancellor will also address a virtual meeting of the British Cabinet.