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UK Science and Technology Network

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Part of:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Science and innovation play an important role in encouraging prosperity and growth through the Science and Technology Network (STN).

The UK’s Science and Technology Network leads on developing international science and technology partnerships and deploying science diplomacy around the world. It was previously known as the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN). 

The UK is a global power in science and technology. International collaboration is essential to maintaining the UK’s scientific strength, supporting the competitiveness of innovative UK businesses, and addressing shared global challenges. 

The STN has approximately 130 staff in over 65 locations worldwide, working with local science and innovation organisations to support UK policy abroad and deliver mutual benefit for the UK and host countries. 

What the Science and Technology Network does 

Science and Technology Network aim

Develop and translate international partnerships into tangible outcomes for UK growth, security and resilience. 

Science and Technology Network objectives 

The Science and Technology Network works to deliver five objectives. Application is tailored by country and context, and not all objectives apply in every location. 

1. Drive UK economic growth through science and technology

Connecting UK science and technology to global opportunities, attracting investment and talent, enabling innovation and commercialisation, and supporting priority sectors. 

2. Promote the UK’s science and technology expertise and leadership

Ensuring UK strengths are recognised internationally and opening opportunities for UK researchers, businesses and innovators. 

3. Inform UK science and technology policy

Providing insight and reporting on emerging science and technology issues, opportunities and international best practice to shape UK policy and delivery. 

4. Shape global science and technology policy, standards and regulation

Influencing international decision‑making and strengthening UK leadership across key multilateral institutions. 

5. Embed science and technology within UK diplomacy

Using science and technology to open doors, foster dialogue and strengthen the UK’s international relationships and strategic advantage. 

Science and Technology Network thematic priorities 

Thematic priorities are embedded across all objectives and are applied flexibly depending on country or multilateral context. 

Frontier and emerging technologies 

Supporting UK leadership and growth in frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum, engineering biology, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and advanced connectivity. 

Climate, energy and environment 

Supporting delivery of the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower mission and Net Zero ambitions, accelerating clean energy industries, protecting nature and biodiversity, and strengthening environmental resilience. 

Health and life sciences 

Strengthening global health security, preventing and responding to health threats, tackling non‑communicable diseases, and supporting UK leadership and growth in life sciences. 

Space 

Supporting the UK’s space ambitions through international collaboration, commercial partnerships, space security, sustainability and leadership across civil, commercial and defence priorities. 

Security 

Strengthening UK security and resilience through science and technology, including research security, secure supply chains, and access to critical minerals. 

Where the Science and Technology Network is based 

The Science and Technology Network operates in (listed alphabetically):

Science and Technology Network successes 

The UK Science and Technology Network impact stories show how STN activity delivers value for the UK through international partnerships, policy influence and economic outcomes.

How to contact the UK Science and Technology Network 

To contact an STN member of staff about a specific country, follow the link for that country. For general enquiries, email stn.info@fcdo.gov.uk