Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 67
67
Accepted in Part
Expand reciprocal polar research partnerships with key nations to strengthen leadership.
Recommendation
Given the demonstrated success of bilateral funding agreements, such as those between UKRI-NERC and partners in the US, Brazil, Luxembourg, and Norway, we recommend that the Government work with the Natural Environment Research Council to expand these reciprocal arrangements. In particular, new partnerships should be developed with key polar research nations including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and South Korea. These countries offer complementary expertise, operational capabilities, and scientific priorities that align with the UK’s research interests in Antarctica. Broader collaboration will strengthen the UK’s leadership in polar science and maximise the impact of its scientific contributions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 282
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, noting existing strong partnerships with some listed nations (Australia, Germany, Sweden) and opportunities through Horizon Europe, but acknowledges that partnerships with South Korea and New Zealand are less developed.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government partially accepts this recommendation. 87. Bilateral funding agreements between UKRI-NERC and international partners have been a successful way of collaborating internationally on a range of research areas. In addition to those mentioned, UKRI has a Memorandum of Understanding with the German Research Foundation (DFG). NERC has a strong portfolio of investments with the countries for which we have funding agreements, and already partners substantially with Australia, Germany and Sweden. However, partnerships with South Korea and New Zealand are less developed. NERC also works to develop collaborative opportunities through European platforms, such as Horizon Europe and global partnerships, such as the Belmont Forum. 88. The UK’s association to Horizon Europe has opened more opportunities for British and global scientists and researchers, providing access to extensive funding streams and a collaborative environment that attracts top-tier talent from around the world.