Science partnership between UK, Türkiye enters new phase

Britain and Türkiye are set to deepen their decadelong scientific partnership with the launch of their first joint Science and Innovation Week in 2025, bringing together leading researchers tackling global challenges from cancer treatment to artificial intelligence.

British Ambassador to Türkiye Jill Morris announced the initiative in a written statement to Anadolu Agency, highlighting the two nations’ strengthening collaboration across research domains that include quantum technologies, recycling waste for construction, and nanotechnology.

“We’re bringing together the foremost scientists and innovators from the UK and Türkiye to demonstrate how our academic and research institutions’ top talent is developing solutions to world problems,” Morris said.

The partnership builds on existing programs like the Newton-Katip Celebi Fund and the International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF). Under these frameworks, British and Turkish researchers have collaborated on 561 joint projects, with approximately 30 new initiatives receiving support in 2024.

Türkiye, UK to collaborate on transformative technologies

The collaboration spans three key themes: transformative technologies, a resilient planet, and healthy humans, animals and plants. A newly established Science Committee will serve as a platform for dialogue between government representatives, researchers and industry leaders.

“The committee provides an important platform for dialogue, discussion, exchange of experience and ideas that will further strengthen scientific cooperation between our countries by bringing together government representatives, researchers and industry representatives,” Morris said.

Morris emphasized Türkiye’s priority status within the ISPF, which enables researchers from both countries to submit joint proposals for global funding. The two nations have also maintained strong ties through European Union framework programs, including Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

“The UK government places great importance on the dedication and determination shown by the Turkish government, particularly TUBITAK, in this field over the past decade,” Morris said.

To facilitate these partnerships, Britain maintains three science and innovation officers in Türkiye. The countries also collaborate through the Eureka Network, aimed at fostering innovation partnerships between private sector entities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).