Science in England
England is the largest and most populated country in the United Kingdom and most issues, including those relating to science and technology policy, are ruled directly from the UK Government in London, with policy set by the Government Office for Science (GO-Science).
The best known scientific centres in England are Oxford, Cambridge and the capital, London, and between them these three cities host some of the world's best research institutes. However, excellent science is not confined to these regions: world class research institutes and universities operate in many UK cities and towns.
Several initiatives in recent years have aimed at creating pools of talent and expertise and encouraging collaboration around specific topic areas. In 2013, for example, the UK government launched the Agri-tech Leadership Council to bring together the UK's science base, food and farming industries to identify and develop opportunities for exploiting agricultural technologies. As part of this, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is disbursing £30 million to support research and innovation campuses focused on agricultural science and technology. In 2010 the Technology Strategy Board launched a network of seven technology and innovation centres called Catapult Centres whose role is to attract industrial and collaborative funding towards translating ideas into products and services. The seven areas to benefit are: cell therapy, digital economy, future cities, high value manufacturing, renewable energy, satellite applications, and transport systems.
In 2014 it was announced that a £42 million government investment is to be made to The Alan Turing Institute for Data Science over five years, with the aim of ensuring that the UK is at the forefront of data-science, and to help strengthen the UK’s aims to be a world leader in the analysis and application of big data.
Meanwhile, six 'Science Cities' established in 2005 continue to develop their own strategies for collaboration and investment between universities and industry, in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and York, and each has its own strategy and areas of expertise.
Universities & Research Council Institutes
There are around 100 universities in England and you can find out about them on the Education UK website.
Through the Research Councils UK (RCUK) The UK government disburses funding for university-based research and supports separate research institutes each specialising in different areas of science and technology www.rcuk.ac.uk
Government departments, agencies and institutes
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA)
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science
Animal & Plan Health Agency
Science Advisory Council
Technology Strategy Board
Independent Research Organisations
There are many independent research organisations in England, listed on the RCUK website, for example:
Cancer Research UK
European Bioinformatics Institute
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute