UK and India Forge Deeper Scientific Bonds at Eighth Science and Innovation Council Meeting
The eighth UK-India Science and Innovation Council (SIC) convened in New Delhi on Monday, 12 October 2026, marking a significant step forward in the bilateral collaboration between the two nations in critical areas of scientific research, technological advancement, and economic growth. The high-level meeting was jointly presided over by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade for the United Kingdom, and Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for the Ministries of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences for the Government of India. This annual forum serves as a cornerstone for strengthening the robust and dynamic research and innovation relationship between the UK and India, a partnership that has demonstrably evolved from foundational discovery to tangible commercialisation.
The discussions at the SIC underscored the profound importance of continued and enhanced bilateral cooperation in fostering knowledge advancement and driving mutual economic prosperity. Both ministers highlighted the shared commitment to leveraging each other’s strengths to tackle global challenges and seize emerging opportunities. This commitment was immediately tangible with the welcome signing of an Implementation Arrangement between the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, a world-leading centre for research in the UK, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in India. This agreement signifies a pivotal moment in the long-standing scientific exchange between the two institutions.
Strengthening the STFC-ISIS Partnership: A New Era of Investment
The newly signed Implementation Arrangement heralds the second phase of the highly successful ISIS-JNCASR collaboration. In a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to cutting-edge research, the DST has pledged an additional investment of £3 million towards the STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. This substantial financial commitment will further enhance the capabilities of the facility and deepen the research engagement between Indian scientists and their UK counterparts.
This collaborative endeavour, which traces its roots back to 1983, is set to officially launch its second phase in early 2027, building upon decades of fruitful scientific exchange. The forthcoming funding will be instrumental in providing Indian researchers with unparalleled access to the state-of-the-art facilities at ISIS. This access will not only empower Indian scientists to conduct groundbreaking research but also enable them to actively contribute to the development and refinement of sophisticated scientific instruments, thereby pushing the boundaries of experimental science.
The partnership is specifically designed to foster continued advancement in instrumentation at the ISIS facility, ensuring its position at the forefront of scientific exploration. Furthermore, it will bolster science collaborations between researchers from both the UK and India, creating a fertile ground for interdisciplinary and cross-border scientific inquiry.
Impact and Scope of the ISIS-JNCASR Programme
The ISIS-JNCASR programme has a proven track record of enabling significant research breakthroughs across a diverse range of scientific disciplines. Its contributions have been pivotal in advancing research in critical areas such as quantum materials, materials essential for achieving net-zero emissions, innovative membrane technologies for various applications, and in-depth studies of cultural heritage through advanced analytical techniques.
The programme has also played a crucial role in elevating the international visibility of the ISIS facility. India has emerged as one of its largest users of beamtime, a strong indicator of the vibrancy and productivity of the collaboration. The partnership has facilitated extended research visits for postdoctoral researchers, providing invaluable opportunities for early-career scientists to gain international experience and contribute to world-class research. The impact of this programme is further underscored by the fact that over 100 PhD theses are expected to contain data generated through this collaborative initiative, showcasing its profound influence on the next generation of researchers.
Expanding Horizons: Ongoing India-UKRI Partnerships
Beyond the significant STFC-ISIS agreement, the Science and Innovation Council also reviewed the successes of other ongoing bilateral initiatives. The recent UK-India InnoXchange Market Visit, a novel initiative jointly developed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the DST, was highlighted as a key achievement. This programme serves as a vital platform for research, innovation, and commercialisation, specifically designed to support businesses and incubation centre managers in both the UK and India.
The inaugural InnoXchange Market Visit, which took place just last month, saw the participation of five small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and six incubation managers from the advanced manufacturing sector. This intensive, week-long visit was meticulously structured to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster networking opportunities, and explore potential collaborative ventures. Initial feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating the programme’s strong potential to catalyse new partnerships, accelerate knowledge transfer, and unlock significant commercial collaboration opportunities between the two nations.
UKRI India: Charting a Course for Future Collaboration
UKRI India, the dedicated arm of UKRI operating within India, reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to working in close partnership with its Government of India counterparts. The focus remains on strengthening institutional collaborations, accelerating the translation of research into marketable technologies and commercial products, and nurturing talent that can deliver maximum impact for citizens, researchers, innovators, and businesses in both countries.
Looking ahead, UKRI India is actively exploring several promising areas for future collaboration. These include next-generation battery technologies, advancements in the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, the development of crucial technology skills, and the burgeoning creative industries. These forward-looking priorities demonstrate a strategic approach to identifying and capitalising on emerging global trends and opportunities where joint UK-India efforts can yield significant benefits.
A Celebratory Acknowledgment of UK-India Partnership
The significance of the UK-India science and innovation relationship was eloquently articulated by key figures present at the Council meeting. Frances Wood, International Director at UKRI, expressed her delight, stating: "I am delighted to celebrate the UK and India’s partnership in advancing knowledge, improving lives and driving economic growth. The UK-India research and innovation relationship is one of our broadest and most dynamic, spanning the full spectrum from fundamental discovery through to innovation and commercialisation. I am proud of the impact this collaboration continues to have, strengthening our research communities and supporting thriving innovation ecosystems in both countries."
Dr Praveen K. Somasundaram, Head of the International Collaboration Division at DST, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the vital role of the SIC: "The Science and Innovation Council continues to provide an important platform for advancing the strategic research and innovation partnership between India and the United Kingdom. We welcome the progress achieved through our existing collaborations and the growing ambition to explore new areas of cooperation. Together, we are strengthening scientific capability, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities that will contribute to economic growth, knowledge exchange and shared prosperity in both nations."
Commitment to Advancing Scientific Knowledge Through Global Collaboration
The renewed commitment to the STFC’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source was also met with enthusiasm from the facility’s leadership. Sarah Rogers, Director of the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, highlighted the long-standing and mutually beneficial nature of the partnership: "India is one of the longest-standing international partners for STFC’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. The renewed partnership will bring excellent science to ISIS from India, will enable Indian scientists to access world-class facilities at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and will provide support for ISIS’s ongoing instrument development programme. It will also foster wider collaboration between UK and Indian researchers. We are very much looking forward to continuing our partnership and the excellent science that this will enable."
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The outcomes of the eighth UK-India Science and Innovation Council meeting signal a robust and forward-looking approach to bilateral scientific and technological cooperation. The renewed investment in the STFC-ISIS partnership, alongside initiatives like InnoXchange, demonstrates a clear commitment to fostering both fundamental research and its translation into economic and societal benefits.
The strategic identification of future priority areas such as next-generation batteries and medtech suggests a proactive engagement with global challenges and emerging market opportunities. This focus on high-impact sectors is likely to drive innovation, create high-skilled jobs, and contribute to the sustainable development of both nations. The continued emphasis on talent development and strengthening institutional ties further solidifies the long-term vision of a deeply integrated and mutually beneficial research and innovation ecosystem between the UK and India. The success of this partnership serves as a powerful model for international scientific collaboration, underscoring the immense potential that arises when nations unite their intellectual capital and resources to address complex global issues and drive collective progress.
