Tag: Department for Science Innovation and Technology

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 29 January 2024.

A new campaign launched to encourage UK businesses, academics and researchers to apply for Horizon Europe funding kicks off today (Monday 29 January).

A new campaign launched to encourage UK businesses, academics and researchers to apply for Horizon Europe funding kicks off today (Monday 29 January). Horizon is the world’s largest programme of research collaboration, which the UK is a part of after the Prime Minister secured a bespoke deal, last year.

The average Horizon grant is worth £450,000 to a UK business, and Ministers are determined for UK researchers and businesses to capitalise on the opportunities the programme offers to support vitally important research benefitting all our lives, from health to the environment.

The multi-channel campaign will include media partnerships, content on digital audio platforms (such as podcasts), and targeted digital media investments, with a focus on paid social adverts on platforms regularly used by research professionals such as LinkedIn, and digital displays.

It will also include real-world examples, spotlighting outstanding researchers and businesses who have delivered their ideas through Horizon Europe funding. The campaign’s reach will extend both domestically and internationally, building upon an ongoing series of official-level engagements with stakeholder organisations, designed to actively promote and advocate for the programme.

UK firms are already benefitting from Horizon funding to support their research, like Nova Innovation, whose consortium won over £17 million to develop tidal energy in Orkney, and South Yorkshire tech firm The Floow who are part of a project awarded just under £3 million, looking into road safety. The campaign push will shine a light on the benefits of Horizon participation for businesses like these – particularly smaller firms involved in R&D which might not have previously considered applying – as well as academics and researchers nationwide.

Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

“We listened to the research sector and secured an excellent bespoke deal associating to Horizon. Being part of Horizon is a colossal win for the UK’s science, research and business communities and we need to capitalise on this incredible opportunity, once again putting our world class researchers and businesses at the very heart of the Horizon programme, which is precisely why I have set up this campaign blitz.

“I want  to ensure that every part of the country is getting the most out of this programme. From a comms blitz to ensure every business and institution that does research in the UK knows about the opportunities Horizon offers, to grants to help our researchers and businesses put in the best applications possible, we will leave no stone unturned to boost our role in the world’s largest research programme.”

The launch of this campaign builds on concrete support already being made available to encourage UK bids for Horizon funding, such as ‘pump priming’ grants delivered in partnership with the British Academy offering of up to £10,000 for selected UK researchers and businesses to help them create better applications. The aim is for this funding to encourage those researchers who have not previously had experience, including next generation researchers, to apply to Horizon.

This is just the start of a packed 2024, with plans for engagement throughout the year to ensure this message reaches businesses of all kinds, who might not have previously considered applying, as well as researchers and academics in every part of the country. More details on this will be made available in due course.

The future of the UK depends on science, innovation and technology. By leading the way in these fields, we can grow the economy, one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities, as well as unlock breakthroughs that could improve everyone’s quality of life.

We know from recent history that the UK can be a leader in this area. We have four of the top ten universities in the world, and the second-highest number of Nobel prize winners. A quarter of projects in which the UK participated, funded through Horizon’s predecessor, were UK-led.

Horizon Europe is built around three main pillars – excellent science (Pillar 1), global challenges and industrial competitiveness (Pillar 2), and innovative Europe (Pillar 3). Horizon’s Pillar 2 has the largest budget, and supports research that is aimed at tackling some of the biggest problems facing society, from improving people’s health to tackling climate change. The average Horizon grant from Pillar 2 is worth £450,000 to a UK business.

In addition to funding, collaboration with European and global partners through the programme can help unlock export markets for UK businesses.

Further information, including practical support on how to apply is available on Innovate UK’s website and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) also host regular events that help guide businesses and researchers through the opportunities on offer and the application process.

Encouraging smaller businesses to pitch for, and win, Horizon and Copernicus funding supports DSIT’s aim to help the UK’s promising science and tech firms scale-up and grow.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 23 January 2024.

New guidelines to help directors and business leaders boost their resilience against cyber threats.

A draft Code of Practice on cyber security governance published today will help directors and senior leaders shore up their defences from cyber threats, as the government launches a new call for views from business leaders.

Aimed at executive and non-executive directors and other senior leaders, the measures look to establish cyber security issues as a key focus for businesses, putting them on an equal footing with other threats like financial and legal pitfalls. As part of this, the Code recommends that directors set out clear roles and responsibilities across their organisations, boosting protections for customers and safeguarding their ability to operate safely and securely.

A key focus of the Code, designed in partnership with industry directors, cyber and governance experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is making sure companies have detailed plans in place to respond to and recover from any potential cyber incidents. The plan should be regularly tested so it’s as robust as possible, with a formal system for reporting incidents also in place.

Organisations are also encouraged to equip employees with adequate skills and awareness of cyber issues so they can work alongside new technologies in confidence. Today, the government is calling on businesses of all sizes from all sectors with an interest in cyber and governance issues to share their opinions on the draft Code, helping shape and deliver the future of improved cyber security in the UK.

Viscount Camrose, Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, said:

Cyber attacks are as damaging to organisations as financial and legal pitfalls, so it’s crucial that bosses and directors take a firm grip of their organisation’s cyber security regimes – protecting their customers, workforce, business operations and our wider economy.

This new Code will help them take the lead in safely navigating potential cyber threats, ensuring businesses across the country can take full advantage of the emerging technologies which are revolutionising how we work.

It is vital the people at the heart of this issue take the lead in shaping how we can improve cyber security in every part of our economy, which is why we want to see industry and business professionals from all walks coming forward to share their views.”

The benefits of the UK’s rapidly growing cyber landscape are sizeable, unlocking new opportunities and ways of working, and creating new jobs to grow every sector of the UK economy – a key priority for the government. This means the risks associated with growing an increasingly digital economy need to be addressed with practical action and robust safeguards. The introduction of the Cyber Governance Code of Practice marks a pivotal step in how the leaders and directors of all organisations approach cyber risk, underpinning the UK’s credentials as a cyber power and protecting our economy.

The guidance comes as figures show almost one in three (32%) firms have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past year, with a rise in damaging ransomware attacks and malicious actors posing significant threats as they look to take advantage of cyber security vulnerabilities.

New statistics and analysis showing the positive impact of the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme, which helps organisations protect against common cyber attacks, are also published today. Through this scheme, organisations which demonstrate they have vital cyber security controls in place, including effective management of security updates, having suitable anti-virus software and removing default passwords, are awarded a “Cyber Essentials certificate”. 38,113 certificates have been awarded to organisations in the past year, and two in five (39%) of the UK’s largest businesses now hold the accolade.

New analysis of the Cyber Security Breaches Survey also shows that around two thirds (66%) of businesses which adhere to Cyber Essentials have a formal cyber incident response plan, compared to just 18% of those who don’t follow its guidance.

Lindy Cameron, National Cyber Security Centre CEO, said:

Cyber security is no longer a niche subject or just the responsibility of the IT department, so it is vital that CEOs and directors understand the risks to their organisation and how to mitigate potential threats.

This new Cyber Governance Code of Practice will help ensure cyber resilience is put at the top of the agenda for organisations and I’d encourage all directors, non-executive directors, and senior leaders to share their views.

Senior leaders can also access the NCSC’s Cyber Security Board Toolkit which provides practical guidance on how to implement the actions outlined in the Code, to ensure effective management of cyber risks.

To further support organisations to improve their cyber security and provide more clarity on best practice, the government is also publishing its response to a call for views on software resilience and security today, to help address software risks and make organisations more resilient to cyber threats.

A number of recent, high-profile cyber incidents, including one which took the NHS 111 service offline, have demonstrated the severe impacts attacks on software and digital supply chains can have. The response to the call for views proposes steps to empower those who develop, buy and sell software to better understand how they can reduce risk, prioritising the protection of businesses and other organisations that are reliant on software for their day-to-day operations.  Software is fundamental to virtually all technology used by businesses, from programmes for managing payroll, to essential operating systems and more advanced and emerging technologies such as AI. Protecting software is therefore crucial to protecting businesses and organisations and is a critical part of the government’s work to improve UK cyber resilience.

The plans include measures to ensure software is developed and maintained securely, with risks better managed and communicated throughout supply chains. The government is working with industry to develop these proposals further, from developing a code of practice for software vendors, which will form the crux of this proposed package, to cyber security training for professionals.

The call for views, which will be open until 19 March 2024, will help ensure this new Code is straightforward to understand and roll out, and will also help to identify any potential barriers organisations could face in bringing it into force.

The work is part of the government’s £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy to protect and promote the UK online.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 January 2024.

The call for evidence into a new UK National Academy of Mathematical Sciences is now open.

Maths experts are invited to help shape a new National Academy of Mathematical Sciences that will skill-up the country and grow our economy, after a call for evidence was launched by Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, today (Friday 12 January).

From keeping aircraft in the skies, to enabling global financial markets and even baking cakes, maths already touches every corner of our lives. It will play a pivotal role in keeping the UK at the forefront of future, transformative tech like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, making it even more important to seize the opportunity to make our country a maths superpower.

Today marks the start of the process to deliver a prestigious, independent Academy with specific objectives that offers leadership within the sector and helps make the UK a maths powerhouse – upskilling our workforce and growing the economy.

It is the latest development in government backing for maths, which includes a commitment to establishing 11 maths schools for 16-19 years olds that will prepare the most mathematically able pupils to succeed in maths-related disciplines in further education and future careers. It also comes amid a consultation into the Advanced British Standard, a baccalaureate style qualification framework to provide every child with a world-class education and ensure all young people have the skills they need, including a core focus in maths.

The call for evidence is open until Sunday 25 February 2024 and stakeholders from academia, education, industry, the public sector and beyond are encouraged to express their views on its remit through the online form and/or applying to attend a series of roundtables organised by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Work will then begin on identifying delivery partners to build the Academy, who could in turn receive up to £6 million of government funding over the next three years, alongside charitable donations, and potential private sector funding.

Over time, the new Academy will mark mathematics as a major priority in skills development and seek to emulate respected institutions in other fields such as the Royal Society, which offers authoritative scientific advice to decision makers and issues fellowship grants in excess of £80 million per year, or the Royal Academy of Engineering which offers extensive support to many of the UKs most innovative new businesses.

As a subject which continues to be central to scientific progress and discovery, mathematics is at the root of understanding the world we live in and key to the spectacular progress we have seen in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science over centuries. A new institution will help to reflect the prominence and focus that a discipline vital to driving such progress and understanding the universe deserves.

Initial objectives of the Academy, subject to feedback, include:

• Helping the sector to speak with one voice on enhancing mathematical sciences
• Promoting maths’ role in growing the economy
• Coordinating, views and evidence from across the mathematics community to provide high-quality advice to government and industry
• Developing strategies to boost maths skills and qualifications in people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK.

Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, said:

From everyday arithmetic to expert application in financial markets and engineering, mathematics is at the root of so much of our lives and our understanding of the universe.

Establishing a National Academy is an exciting opportunity for the brightest minds in the UK to come together and shape the future of their sector, and in turn helping to skill-up our country in a vital subject and growing our economy.

I would encourage voices from academia, business, education, charities and beyond to get involved and offer their views.

The new Academy builds on a recommendation of Professor Philip Bond’s independent ‘The Era of Mathematics Review’ and the recently published ‘Independent Review of the UK’s Research, Development, and Innovation Organisational Landscape’, led by Sir Paul Nurse.

Feedback from the call for evidence will be used to develop a final set of objectives and functions that a new National Academy would be expected to deliver. This information will be published on the Gov UK website within four weeks of its closure, with stakeholders interested in delivering the organisation then asked to express their interest to DSIT.

Professor of Creativity and Innovation at University of Manchester, Professor Philip Bond, said:

The mathematical sciences, as the beating heart of modern innovation, underpin numerous scientific, technical and social advances that improve health and raise living standards. Recent advances in medical imagery, genetics, AI and quantum technologies, for example, all rely heavily on mathematical sciences such as harmonic analysis, optimisation, statistics and group theory.

The recent announcement by government that a National Academy for the Mathematical Sciences is to be created is therefore very welcome news. The existing national academies provide essential support for the academic communities that they serve and form key bridges to industry and government.

Their provision of expert advice and evidence-based policy recommendations provides enormous positive impact contributing to the well-being of the nation. I expect the new Academy to make a further significant contribution by enabling our mathematical scientists to foster communities more effectively, ensuring that the mathematical sciences flourish in the UK and by supporting academia, industry and government in working together to create a vibrant future for all.

Chief Executive Officer of Smith Institute, Dr Ruth Voisey, said:

I wholeheartedly welcome the establishment of a mathematical academy. It aligns with Smith Institute’s vision to bring the boundless potential of mathematical ingenuity to the everyday world, creating a positive impact across society, the economy and the environment.

Possessing a single, authoritative voice supporting mathematical sciences will help the UK to make this vision a reality. I firmly believe that mathematics forms the bedrock of innovation, of harnessing the potential of new technologies and of shaping our response to crucial challenges that lie ahead.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 11 January 2024.

The Call for Evidence for the independent Pornography Review launches today.

Law enforcers, pornography makers, parents and the public are being asked to help shape the future of pornography regulation in the UK from today (Thursday 11 January) as the government launches a wide-ranging call for evidence as part of its review of the pornography industry.

The questionnaire, which closes on Thursday 7 March will collect evidence on the impact of pornographic content on relationships, sexual behaviours, mental health and people’s views of women and girls.

This exercise will provide independent Lead Reviewer Baroness Bertin with evidence that represents the views of those in the industry itself and the public, which will be used to develop recommendations for the government to undertake.

The substantial impact that new technologies have had on the pornography industry will also be covered, with respondents asked for their thoughts on how AI and virtual reality have changed how pornography is made, accessed and viewed, as well as how this impacts viewers and the industry.

Law enforcement and the criminal justice system will have an opportunity to raise what challenges face them in identifying and tackling these issues in pornography – as well as giving the industry an opportunity to set out what it is doing to tackle them more effectively.

Lead Reviewer Baroness Bertin said:

Throughout this review, it is essential we engage directly with those who are most involved in the pornography industry and accurately establish what the general public thinks of the current rules governing pornography.

We want to hear from a wide range of views, whether it be a worried parent, those enforcing the laws to stop exploitation or someone directing or performing in pornography themselves, to speak up and support our review.

Extreme pornography can have a damaging impact – we owe it to our children and indeed to the whole of society to put the guard rails back in place.

This review will help us fully understand what we must now do to protect those most affected as well as future proofing the law to keep pace with an ever-evolving pornography industry.

Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti said:

The Pornography Review will be key to informing what we do next to tackle any harmful impact the industry may have on those working within it, or society at large.

The invaluable evidence the public, experts and industry provide will be integral to what Baroness Bertin recommends later this year.

Ian Critchley, QPM, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Child Abuse and Investigation said:

I very much welcome this government commissioned review led by Baroness Bertin. It is one that is essential in tackling harmful sexual behaviours. This is in addition to the whole scale use of smart devices by teenagers and now under 10s, which gives them increased access to harmful material including violent pornography and indecent images of children.

The Online Safety Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation for a generation and it will help us to improve the safety of children and young people. In tandem with this review will provide a greater evidence base allowing us to better understand the impact violent pornography is having on the behaviour of young people and adults who continue to pose the greatest risk of harm to children. It will then ensure we can work together across agencies to prevent what has become normalised behaviour which is causing some of the greatest harm often with lifelong consequences.

The Pornography Review, announced last year, builds on the government’s work to take the long-term decisions for a better future for our children and grandchildren through the Online Safety Act, by stopping children from accessing pornography online by requiring services to establish the age of their users, including through age verification and age estimation tools.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 8 January 2024.

A major global space mission has launched today that will see a British-built science component land on the moon for the first time.

A major global space mission that will see a British-built science instrument land on the moon for the first time is underway as Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission One launched today (Monday 8 January).

The Mission will see the Peregrine Lunar Lander spend time orbiting Earth, and then the Moon before beginning its dramatic descent and historic landing, expected to be around mid-February.

Launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, it includes a scientific instrument, known as the Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer. A key component of PITMS has been developed in the UK through £14 million of Government funding through the UK’s membership of the European Space Agency.

The PITMS instrument will explore the Moon’s atmosphere, by measuring water and other molecules, and unlock the mysteries of its ‘water cycle,’ as can be observed on Earth. This study of volatile substances – materials that can turn into gas – will provide valuable insights into lunar composition and conditions. The data collected will contribute to our understanding of the Moon’s potential to provide resources like water, opening new possibilities for future human presence on the lunar surface.

The UK-built component – called the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer – was developed under a European Space Agency contract by scientists at The Open University and RAL Space, UK’s national space lab. It represents the first instrument on the Moon that has been built in the UK and in Europe and embodies the UK’s commitment to economic growth, showcasing the nation’s prowess in cutting-edge space technology.

As part of the PITMS, the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer allows researchers to study atoms and molecules in a gas. Lunar molecules in the Moon’s exosphere will enter the PITMS, be turned into ions, and then stored in an electric field – known as the ‘ion trap’. The ions are released from the trap into the detector, unveiling their chemical makeup and helping scientists to decipher the Moon’s composition.

The Peregrine Lunar Lander carries a suite of diverse NASA and commercial ‘payloads’– often scientific or technological instruments, carried on board a spacecraft for a specific purpose.

Notably, among these commercial payloads are items which add a touch of human creativity to space exploration, including a time capsule, a bitcoin, and even a music album.

Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan said:

The Exospheric Mass Spectrometer will be the first science component developed in the UK destined for the lunar surface, marking a historic moment for the UK space industry.

This significant achievement also lays the groundwork for understanding how to sustain extended human presence on the Moon in the future – changing the way humankind interacts with the solar system around us forever.

It is also a further sign of our close collaboration with international partners like NASA who I recently visited at the Johnson Centre, where we even discussed the potential for British astronauts to reach the moon in the future.

Understanding water on the Moon is an important part of the Artemis programme, to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before.

NASA contracted Astrobotic as its commercial partner and Peregrine Mission One to provide payload services via the Commercial Lunar Payload Services Initiative for five NASA-provided payloads, of which the PITMS is one.

Libby Jackson, Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, said:

The Peregrine Lunar Lander will help pave the way for further exploration of our Solar System. Witnessing the first instrument from the UK, and indeed Europe, launch to the Moon is a hugely exciting moment. We are looking forward to seeing Peregrine safely on the surface and the return of important data from PITMS to help unlock the secrets of water on the moon.

It’s fantastic to see our skilled UK experts at the heart of an international mission that will support future long-term presence in space.

Commenting on RAL Space’s contribution, Prof. Mark Thomson, Executive Chair of STFC, said:

Ambitious plans for future space exploration, including crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, will need to be informed by new scientific data. The cutting-edge instrumentation on the Peregrine Lunar Lander will gather essential data from the surface of the moon, paving the way for future missions that will inspire the next generations. STFC and RAL Space are proud to have been able to provide our world-leading expertise in space technology to contribute to the success of this mission.

Roland Trautner, ESA EMS Project Manager said:

As the first ESA payload destined to land on the lunar surface, the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer (EMS) – which forms the heart of the ESA-NASA PITMS instrument – is a groundbreaking instrument for ESA, both as a technology demonstrator and for lunar science. PITMS will answer key questions on the Moon’s exosphere and its evolution, providing invaluable insights into availability and possible utilisation of potential resources for future space exploration, including production of fuel, food and energy. The EMS technology is also a key building block for future instruments for lunar exploration, and new flight opportunities have been identified already.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 December 2023.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announces that it will establish its second headquarters in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Hundreds of new roles will be coming to Manchester after the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced today (12 December) that it will establish its second headquarters in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester is renowned for its industrial legacy and pioneering spirit, with a storied history intertwined with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The decision to open a second headquarters will position DSIT at the heart of a community that has played a pivotal role in shaping scientific and technological advancements in the UK, including one of the most significant breakthroughs in nuclear physics with the first artificial splitting of the atomic nucleus, and the discovery of isolated graphene which sparked numerous innovations in materials science and technology.

DSIT and Building Digital UK currently has nearly 200 staff based in Greater Manchester – a number we are committed to doubling over the coming years.

The announcement forms part of the government’s Places for Growth programme, a civil service wide commitment to grow the number of roles outside of London and the south-east to 22,000 by 2027.

Greater Manchester is one of DSIT’s active growth locations, along with Birmingham, Bristol (from Winter 2024), Cardiff, Darlington and Edinburgh, the department remains committed to grow and build communities across all of these locations over this period.

Over the years, Manchester has evolved into a modern innovation hub, housing cutting-edge research institutions, world-class universities, and thriving technology clusters. The region’s commitment to fostering STEM disciplines aligns with the government’s mission to cement the UK’s place as a science and technology superpower.

Manchester boasts a legacy of scientific pioneers, including Ernest Rutherford, who conducted groundbreaking work in nuclear physics, and Alan Turing, the father of modern computer science.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said:

Greater Manchester is steeped in a legacy of technological progress, rooted in the Industrial Revolution and long home to scientific pioneers like Alan Turing and Ernest Rutherford.

By establishing our second headquarters here, we not only tap into a pool of exceptional talent but also ensure that policymakers responsible for the growth of science and technology live and work alongside a dynamic community of sci-tech leaders.

It is important that the people we serve are placed at the heart of government and that policymakers represent the diversity of our communities. That is why the Places for Growth commitment is so vital in helping to ensure that we can grow our economy and deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 6 December 2023.

Schools from across the UK are invited to compete in cybersecurity challenges with the chance to win prizes.

Schools from every corner of the UK are invited to test their tech skills for the chance to be crowned Cyber Explorer champions, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan has announced.

The Cyber Explorers Cup kicked off today (Wednesday 6 December) giving pupils between 11 and 14 years the opportunity to compete in cyber security challenges – boosting their learning in a vital technology, with the chance to win tech-related prizes which could include vouchers for schools to buy new learning materials and equipment, class trips, and opportunities for teachers and students to engage with other learning opportunities.

More than 60,000 students from around 2,500 schools across the country have already been signed up to Cyber Explorers – a free learning platform provided by the UK government that introduces Key Stage 3 pupils to important cyber security concepts such as digital forensics, encryption, secure communication, the Computer Misuse Act and network security. The competition is open to all schools, including home schools, and involves teams of up to four students per school completing a series of missions based on a ‘Capture the Flag’ format during the hour-long competition.

The highest scoring school in each UK nation will be awarded tech prizes, and branded learning material to support students to build their skills. The competition will run until March 2024, and will be launched by the Science and Technology Secretary on a visit to a school in South-East London. She is joined by Cyber Explorers campaigner and primetime TV personality Baasit Siddiqui who will deliver an in-person learning session with the students, exploring the online platform.

Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

As the pace of technological change picks up, it is more important than ever to harness the enthusiasm of future generations, inspired by the prospect of exciting careers in cybersecurity that keep us safe. The Cyber Explorers cup will help us do exactly that.

I want Cyber Explorers to create new opportunities for thousands of young people to gain the crucial knowledge in cyber security, digital tech and computing we need to bolster our growing cyber sector and make the UK a technology superpower.

With exciting activities and expert insight on offer to help build those valuable skills, I encourage teachers across our country to take on the challenge.

Baasit Siddiqui said:

Having worked on the Cyber Explorers programme for over a year, it has highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation of cyber professionals. We need to empower digital literacy, resilience, and creativity in the digital space.

I’ve enjoyed supporting students in recognising the incredible ways in which technology is used in varying careers but also informing them of the importance of protecting their devices and data from varying cyber threats.

I’m confident the upcoming Cyber Explorers Cup will celebrate the most cyber-savvy children across the UK and I’m excited to be a part of these events.

Cyber Explorers was launched in February 2022 to support and inspire pupils towards a future career in tech and give them the foundational knowledge to pursue crucial subjects such as computer science.

On this free learning platform, students can access a range of quizzes and activities, with support from the team’s Cyber Squad experts, showing the new and exciting opportunities available for those striving to work in a range of tech roles, across social media content creation, sports technology and AI innovation to name a few.

The UK cyber security sector is growing fast, having generated £10.5 billion in 2022 – up 3% on the previous year – and with around 2,000 cyber security firms based across the country. The sector employs nearly 60,000 people, up 10% on 2021, with continued investment to drive up job opportunities in the coming years.

Notes to editors

Competing schools can create a team with a maximum number of four competing students. It is recommended there is at least one competing student from each year group. KS3 (England and Wales), P7, S1 and S2 (Scotland) and Years 8, 9 and 10 (Northern Ireland).

Competing schools, homeschools and students must be available for a 1-hour session at various available times in March 2024.

It is recommended that the competing school or homeschool has completed a minimum of 65% of the content provided by the online Cyber Explorers learning programme, e.g., three Character challenges and five Missions. This will be based on the number of students a school has registered at time of entry. Progress will be assessed by the Cyber Explorers team.

Teachers and home editors applying for their school to take part must submit a request to the Cyber Explorers team, who will then review the competing schools’ or homeschools submission and assess if the minimum requirement of 65% completion of the learning programme has been met.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 5 December 2023.

Science Minister announces national vision for engineering biology, setting out government’s £2 billion plan to seize the potential of engineering biology.

The government’s £2 billion vision to seize the enormous potential of engineering biology – an exciting field of biology which could transform how we sustainably grow food, create medical treatments and produce fuel – will be unveiled by Science, Research and Innovation Minister Andrew Griffith today (Tuesday 5 December).

Engineering biology describes the application of rigorous engineering principles to biology, enabling the construction of new or redesigned biological systems, such as cells or proteins.

It is already delivering breakthroughs, like lifesaving mRNA vaccines such as COVID vaccines, and has been identified as one of the five critical technologies being pursued by the government, as having the potential to grow at tremendous speed.

Following extensive engagement with industry and stakeholders, the new Engineering Vision lays out the government’s strategy for turning this potential into concrete benefits to the economy and people’s quality of life, through £2 billion investment over the coming decade. The funding is set to bolster the government as it works towards delivering on the Prime Minister’s key priorities, including fostering economic growth in the UK and creating higher-paying jobs and opportunities across various industries throughout the country.

This includes investing in world-class R&D and in the infrastructure needed to boost innovation and scale it up, ensuring regulation helps engineering biology-derived products reach market, and securing the skills and infrastructure necessary for the UK to spearhead global advancements in transformative technologies.

The government will also double down on establishing the UK as a world leader in responsible engineering biology innovation by 2030, where we work with industry and global partners to not only seize its benefits but also ensure potential risks are effectively addressed.

An Engineering Biology Steering Group is also being launched, bringing policymakers together with the business leaders and innovators behind transformational engineering biology breakthroughs being made in the UK, to steer the government’s approach to this technology.

As part of the launch of the Vision, Science Minister Griffith will also tour bit.bio, a synthetic biology company focused on human cells in Cambridge. bit.bio programs cells to become mature, functional human cells for research, drug discovery and cell therapies. During the visit, he will officially open a new wing for their laboratory facilities, expanding their research centre, signalling the collaboration between the government and prominent industry players in the sector. This follows a speech at one of the field’s leading conferences, SynbiTECH in London where he will unveil the Vision.

This builds on the £3.5 billion injection to make the UK a science and technology superpower announced in this year’s Spring Budget. This is delivering a £2.5 billion Quantum Strategy which will bring new investment, fast-growing businesses and high-quality jobs to the UK, cementing its reputation as a top location to commercialise quantum; and £1 billion to create the next generation of supercomputing and AI research to establish the UK as a science and technology superpower.

Science Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

Engineering Biology has the potential to redefine our world in ways that were previously unimaginable. Today’s £2 billion commitment not only reflects our determination to push the boundaries of what UK science can achieve, from transforming medicine to tackling climate change, but also champions the five critical technologies that will define our future.

Our Vision will solidify the UK’s global leadership in safe and responsible engineering biology development. Through ongoing investments in transformative technologies, we are not just building a stronger economy; we are fostering job creation and bettering lives across the nation.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Research Andrew Griffith said:

Engineering biology is, in many ways, the future of science: using engineering to harness the power of nature to overhaul what is possible – from the treatment of disease to how we sustainably produce food and fuel.

I am determined to ensure that the UK remains at the cutting-edge of this exciting field. This £2 billion vision sets out how we will bring all the levers of investment, policy and regulation to bear in ensuring that, safely and responsibly, we seize the potential for engineering biology breakthroughs to boost our economy, create jobs, and improve everyone’s quality of life.

The engineering biology vision sets out six priorities for delivering the benefits of this technology, of which the new Engineering Biology Steering Group is one. It will bring together both the current and the next generation of academic, start-up and industry leaders to help guide policymaking. In addition to this:

The government will target public investment towards world-class engineering biology R&D that will enable innovation breakthroughs and the creation of new products. We will invest £2 billion over the next ten years in engineering biology.

The government will invest in UK infrastructure to reduce the costs of both the early stages of engineering biology innovation, and its scale-up. We will develop a plan for UK facilities supporting start-ups and scale-ups in 2024.

We will grow and retain a diverse talent pool within the UK to match demand from academia and industry, covering scientific, technical and entrepreneurial skills. We will invest in fellowships and doctoral training including the new Discovery Fellowships.

We will work across government and with all relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that the UK’s regulatory landscape will help engineering biology-derived products to reach the market. Using the new Engineering Biology Regulators’ Network, government will implement a set of regulatory sandboxes to create pathways for this to happen.

The government will spearhead the adoption of engineering biology in the wider economy, working with investors and customers, and showcasing the most exciting engineering biology firms.

We will make the UK a world leader in responsible engineering biology innovation by 2030. Government will lead an open dialogue on the benefits, limitations and risks of the technology, encouraging a renewed commitment to responsible research and innovation. We will work with allies and partners to shape international norms and standards, including through multilateral forums.

Jen Keane, Co-founder and CEO, Modern Synthesis said:

Today marks a transformative moment in the pursuit of groundbreaking and responsible biological advancements. As a company that leverages biology to bring life to new materials, Modern Synthesis applauds the UK government’s visionary commitment of £2 billion over the next decade. We view this commitment as a resounding endorsement of the bioeconomy’s immense potential to catalyse breakthroughs which solve societal challenges at scale.

We are further encouraged by the government’s emphasis on nurturing a diverse talent pool and building dedicated facilities to support startups and scale ups like Modern Synthesis. This forward-thinking approach will not only build the critical capacity that the UK needs to lead in biological innovation, but also shore up the nation’s ability to tap into the immense economic value that bio-derived products hold.

Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:

Engineering biology has the potential to deliver transformational benefits for our society and economy and I am delighted to see the government set out its vision today with a strategic approach to developing this emerging sector, backed by investment. Engineering biology blends fields such as genomics and data science, as well as core engineering principles and techniques, drawing on many of the UK’s strengths in research and innovation and offering exciting opportunities to bring cheaper, greener products and manufacturing methods to market.

We welcome the establishment of the Engineering Biology Steering Group to bring together expertise across the industrial, startup and academic communities. As our Academy has highlighted for over a decade, engagement with industry and the entrepreneurial ecosystem is critical, and an engineering-led approach essential, to unlock the full potential of this highly disruptive technology and deliver benefits at meaningful scale.

Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), said:

Engineering biology is a transformative technology that will enable us to tackle some of our biggest challenges, from genetic diseases to climate change and feeding a growing population. It is fundamental in driving the biorevolution that will transform our global society and unlock economic growth in the years to come.

The UK’s long-standing expertise in combining modern technology with biology gives us a competitive advantage in this key growth area. We therefore welcome the government’s focus on engineering biology as a strategic priority for the UK and global development.

David Bishop, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs Director at Croda said:

At Croda we recognise that engineering biology is already becoming an important foundation for the transformation of multiple industries in the UK. From improving sustainability, to underpinning new innovative products and services, we expect it to influence the growth of the UK economy and therefore fully support the government’s decision to invest in its successful implementation.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 4 December 2023.

The UK’s association to the world-leading Horizon and Copernicus programmes has been officially sealed today (Monday 4 December), as Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan visits Brussels to turbo-charge efforts to maximise UK involvement.

The UK’s association to the world-leading Horizon and Copernicus programmes has been officially sealed today (Monday 4 December), as Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan visits Brussels to turbo-charge efforts to maximise UK involvement.

This deal is set to create and support thousands of new jobs as part of the next generation of research talent. It will help deliver the Prime Minister’s ambition to grow the economy and cement the UK as a science and technology superpower by 2030.

As part of the new deal negotiated over the last six months, the Prime Minister secured improved financial terms of association to Horizon that are right for the UK – increasing the benefits to UK scientists, value for money for the UK taxpayer.

The Secretary of State has met with the EU Research and Innovation Commissioner Iliana Ivanova, as officials signed the agreement to formalise the bespoke deal secured by the UK Prime Minister in September. She will also meet political, science and business leaders as well as research communities from both the UK and the EU in Brussels today, as part of events to mark the completion of the final steps to the UK’s formal association.

Today’s events are just the start of a concerted push for UK businesses and researchers to seize the enormous opportunity presented by working in the world’s largest programme of research cooperation, alongside their EU, Norwegian, and Israeli colleagues and more, with Canada set to also join soon.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said:

Being part of Horizon and Copernicus is a colossal win for the UK’s science, research and business communities, as well as for economic growth and job creation – all part of the long-term decisions the UK government is taking to secure a brighter future.

The UK led a quarter of the work we were involved in through Horizon’s predecessor, so we know from recent history the importance of the UK’s skills and expertise in making this programme work, and it is vital that we seize this moment.

Now it is essential that we bring our science, research and business communities together with their EU and global partners to deliver the benefits from our bespoke Horizon and Copernicus deal, from our share of the 300,000 new jobs Horizon aims to create, to the untold advances it will unlock for our health, the environment and more.

Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:

I am happy to welcome the UK back to the Horizon family. This is a real milestone, a clear win-win for both sides and for global scientific progress. Together, we can push further and faster. I have made association of non-EU countries to Horizon Europe my personal priority, and we are delivering.

Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy, said:

From researchers embarking onto the early stages of their career, to cross-disciplinary teams collaborating to tackle key issues, to research bodies and funders like us: we all welcome today’s Association to Horizon Europe.

It is particularly welcome for UK-based humanities and social sciences researchers who have traditionally had a strong record of success and collaboration in EU Framework Programmes for Research & Innovation, including through the world-leading European Research Council.

We strongly encourage researchers, businesses and innovators across the broad arc of our disciplines to seek out the opportunities opened up by Association. They carry with them tangible, long-term benefits for people and society.

Vivienne Stern MBE, chief executive of Universities UK, said:

This is a momentous day. I am beyond delighted that the UK and EU have finally signed the agreement confirming the UK’s association to Horizon. This is a win-win. The UK scientific community has a huge contribution to make to the generation of new knowledge as an associated country, and also stands to benefit from the opportunity to work seamlessly with researchers all over the world, in the EU and beyond it.

All of society benefits when researchers can work together to solve the big challenges we all face, whether that is rare disease, or climate change or a host of other important topics. I warmly congratulate the government and the Commission on reaching this agreement. Now we’re ready to shoot out of the gate and make the most of the opportunities participation in Horizon offers.

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said:

Horizon is the pre-eminent vehicle for scientific collaboration across and beyond Europe and Association means that the UK’s researchers and companies can participate fully.  I have no doubt that this will allow the UK’s scientific community to play their part in exceptional scientific outcomes, allowing us to tackle some of the trickiest challenges of our time.

With participation in Horizon fulfilling a top ask from the UK science community, the moment is now for the UK’s best-in-class research expertise to bring to bear on global challenges from tackling climate change to treating cancer. Researchers, academics, and businesses of all sizes can confidently bid for a share of the more than £80 billion available through the two programmes, with calls for the 2024 Work Programme already open. It builds on the government’s record-breaking backing for R&D, with a commitment to invest £20 billion in UK R&D by 2024-25, borne out in recent announcements like the £500 million boost to the AI Research resource and £50 million for battery manufacturing R&D, announced in the Autumn Statement.

Today sees the convening of the UK-EU Specialised Committee, which signs off the UK’s association to Horizon and Copernicus, the final step to UK association. Under the bespoke deal secured by the Prime Minister, new financial protections for the British taxpayer, especially in the first years of association when UK scientists’ participation will be recovering, ensures:

• UK taxpayers will not pay for the time where UK researchers have been excluded from since 2021, with costs starting from January 2024 – delivering much better terms for 2023. This will also provide breathing space to boost the participation of UK researchers in open calls for grants before we start paying into the programme.
• The UK will have a new automatic clawback that protects the UK as participation recovers from the effects of the last two and a half years. It means the UK will be compensated should UK scientists receive significantly less money than the UK puts into the programme. This wasn’t the case under the original terms of association.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will shortly launch a communications campaign to maximise participation in Horizon and Copernicus from researchers, academics and businesses of all sizes in the UK. This PR push will shine a light on the real-world examples of the benefits Horizon and Copernicus participation can deliver for academics, researchers and businesses, right across the UK – particularly small and medium-sized businesses involved in R&D, which might not have previously considered applying.

Alongside this, in a partnership with the British Academy and other key backers, support will be made available to selected UK researchers applying for Horizon for the first time, through ‘pump priming’ funding, with up to £10,000 available per application. The funding will be available to support those researchers who have not previously had experience, including next generation researchers. The fund will be targeted to ensure it maximises the UK’s involvement in Horizon.

Encouraging smaller businesses to pitch for, and win, Horizon and Copernicus funding supports DSIT’s aim to help the UK’s promising science and tech firms scale-up and grow. Officials will work closely with key sector stakeholders to ensure this message reaches businesses of all kinds, who might not have previously considered applying, as well as researchers and academics in every part of the country.

Notes to editors

As part of the deal to associate, the Prime Minister secured improved financial terms of association to Horizon – maximising the benefits to UK scientists whilst ensuring value for money for the UK taxpayer.

UK researchers will be able to fully participate in the Horizon programme on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries, including leading consortia, from the 2024 Work Programmes and onwards.

The UK Government Horizon guarantee remains active and covers all remaining Horizon grant calls up to and including work programme 2023 irrespective of the call closing or grant signature date.

The UK will also participate in the Copernicus component of the EU Space programme. This will provide the UK’s Earth observation sector with access to unique data – valuable to helping with early flood and fire warnings, for example – and with the ability to bid for contracts, which they haven’t been able to access for three years.