The Minister for Universities and Science, Jo Johnson, has announced new funding “to put the UK at the forefront of international research and inspire the next generation of world-class scientists”.

This includes doubling the Newton Fund for international research from its current £75 million per year to £150 million per year by 2021. The fund enables UK scientists to partner with academics and researchers in developing countries and emerging markets to support their economic development.

Delivering the annual lecture of the Campaign for Science and Engineering at the Royal Institute in London last week, Mr Johnson said: “Our global scientific impact far exceeds our size as a nation, and our scientists and engineers stand tall on the world’s stage.

"We want Britain to be the best place in Europe to innovate; by protecting the science budget, we’re giving the clearest signal that science and innovation sit at the very heart of this Government’s economic plan.”

Mr Johnson went on to highlight the importance of the UK’s research partnerships with Europe: “Because of the excellence of our research base, it is no surprise that the UK is one of the most successful players in EU research programmes.

"The UK received 7 billion euros under the last Framework Programme (2007-2013); that made us one of the largest beneficiaries of EU research funding. In the current funding round, the UK has secured 15.4% of funds — behind Germany on 16.5%, and with the second-largest number of participating organisations.”