UK and India announce bilateral science fund

The UK and India have signed an agreement that sees the establishment of a new £50m (~€63.3m) fund focusing on science, research and innovation.

The UK will provide the money for the Newton Bhabha Fund, with matched efforts from India, over the next five years. The announcement was made at the British High Commission in New Delhi following a meeting between India’s Dr Harsh Vardhan Prithvi Bhavan, Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Greg Clark, the UK’s Minister for Universities, Science and Cities.

Commenting on the agreement, Clark said: “I hope this exciting new programme will deliver as much to global science as Newton and Bhabha. By working together to address big societal challenges, like sustainable cities, health, food, energy and water, UK and India can deliver tangible benefits for our countries and the world.”

The fund focuses on interdisciplinary research, science and innovation co-operation between scientists in the two countries. Three new Newton-Bhabha bilateral research programmes have also been announced, with £10m for women’s and children’s health; £7m for cancer biology, Translational Regenerative Medicines in Neuroscience and Antimicrobial Resistance; and £2m of funding available for mental health and substance abuse.

Adding his thoughts to the new fund, Vardhan said: “Scientists, academicians, research scholars and administrators from both countries have come forward to undertake joint-research activities for developing a scientific temper among the people. Newton-Bhabha Fund is a tribute to the famous icons Homi J Bhabha and Sir Isaac Newton from both the lands.”

The announcement of the new funding source coincides with the fourth UK-India Science and Innovation Council meeting held at the Ministry of Earth Sciences.