PRESS RELEASE : UK launches International Science Partnership Fund worth £218 million [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2024.
The UK government launched the International Science Partnerships Fund worth £218 million of Official Development Assistance designed to help unlock potential and foster prosperity.
The International Science Partnerships Fund, which is open to countries including Malaysia, puts research and innovation at the heart of UK international relationships, supporting researchers and innovators to work with peers around the world on the major themes of our time: planet, health, technology, and talent.
ISPF directs government investment and effort into the science and research issues that really matter. It builds partnerships based on excellence to share knowledge and research infrastructure, cultivate strong diplomatic ties, promote global standards and values, and foster mobile talent in Southeast Asia and in the UK.
Today, the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur (BHC KL) organised the ISPF Malaysia launch to disseminate the information to the wider science and innovation community. ISPF will explore programmes in the themes of resilient planet, healthy people, animals and planets, transformative technologies, and tomorrow’s talent.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang who attended the launch said:
The International Science Partnership Fund marks a key collaboration between Malaysia and the UK, driving a new phase in Malaysia’s science and technology journey. This partnership fosters innovative research and sustainable advancements that will enrich both nations. Our joint efforts exemplify the strength of international cooperation in advancing science and technology for global well-being.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Ailsa Terry CMG added:
The UK and Malaysia share a longstanding research partnership through the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund and Global Challenges Research Fund. The launch of the International Science Partnership Fund in Malaysia is the next chapter of our ambitious science and technology partnership with Malaysia, and our joint commitment in developing talent and capabilities, strengthening our research network and tackle some of greatest challenges we face today.
ISPF worldwide is deployed by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Its implementation in Malaysia is facilitated by the BHC KL. ISPF programmes are delivered by a consortium of the UK’s leading research and innovation bodies, which includes UK Research and Innovation (comprising the 7 research councils, Innovate UK and Research England), the UK Academies, the British Council, the Met Office, the National Physical Laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and Universities UK International.
Some of these organisations will work with their Malaysian counterparts to publish calls for research proposals to which researchers or universities can apply through a competitive process.
