UK-India SIC heralds strengthening of Research and Innovation Partnership

Earthquakes, animal health and artificial intelligence (AI) are among the areas that leaders in the UK and India have committed to work on together through a strengthened partnership that brings £16 million for vital joint research and innovation.

Announced by the UK’s Minister of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), George Freeman, and the Indian Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, the new investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI),  matched by the Government of India, was launched during the UK-India Science and Innovation Council (SIC) in London on 26 April 2023.

Four joint programmes, including two funded through the new International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) will focus on:

• Improving farmed animal health and welfare through better understanding of infectious diseases and resistance to treatment
• Industrial research and development (R&D) collaborations for sustainability focusing on sustainable materials and manufacturing, or power electronics, machines and drives (or both)
• Solid Earth Hazards
• Technology and skills partnership programme

Speaking at the meeting, UKRI’s Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said: “International collaboration in research and innovation benefits all involved, bringing together expertise and resources to go farther faster.

“The collaborations announced today span a wide spectrum of research and innovation, including environmental sustainability, food security and AI, with benefits that will be realised in the UK, India and across the world.”

Director Designate of UKRI India, Sukanya Kumar said: “This is a moment to celebrate the deep and extensive relationship between UKRI and India. In addition to driving research and innovation excellence, our partnership with India brings positive impact to the lives of people in both our countries and across the globe. The new co-investment will pave the way for more joint research and innovation, which will drive sustainable growth and prosperity in the years ahead.”

The UK-India SIC takes place every two years alternating between London and New Delhi. As a result of the pandemic, this was the first SIC since 2018.

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