One of the roles of scientists within the UK is to develop research conducted abroad to a practical level, according to universities minister David Willetts.
In a speech to the Royal Institution, he has told of how the vast majority of research is not carried out by British scientists, but by their counterparts abroad.
However, the domestic industry can develop on the findings of their international counterparts, he says.
"For example, the first model for computer tomography arose in South Africa but the UK made the first CT scanner," Mr Willetts says.
"The challenge is to use and improve existing methods for making the best use of our excellent science base."
His comments came as he announced a one-year delay to the Research Excellence Framework, now due to be introduced in 2013-15, commencing with a round of submissions which will be considered for funding, with projects commencing towards the end of the two-year period.
The framework is a means of assessing the work carried out within higher education institutions in the UK and is due to replace the existing Research Assessment Exercise.
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