Minister confirms committing £200m to UK-China collaborative research and innovation

Jo Johnson, the UK's Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation confirmed on Friday that the UK-China Research and Innovation Partnership Fund, also known as the Newton Fund, has committed £200m across 37 joint programs and supported over 220 partnerships since 2014.

He made the announcement while addressing the opening ceremony of the UK China Innovation is GREAT Showcase. He highlighted the fund's success in establishing over 37 joint funding initiatives and programs such as the £21 million Research and Innovation Bridges programs and the Climate Science for Service Partnership.

"The future of science depends on collaboration and sharing expertise and China is an important science partner for the UK. Through the Newton Fund we're working together on areas such as sustainable agriculture and smart cities to improve the lives of millions across the globe," he says.

"The success of the Newton Fund and our exciting partnership demonstrates that our science and innovation relationship is going from strength to strength."

The Science Minister is visiting Shanghai for a series of bilateral events and meetings highlighting the strength of the UK-China education and science and innovation relationship, alongside the UK's Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Mark Walport and around 150 representatives from the UK's Research Councils, universities and businesses.

The Newton Fund aims to support the development of UK-China research and innovation capacity for long-term sustainable growth. It supports a variety of causes: healthcare, urbanization, a changing climate, food, energy, and water.