When I was asked to lead the new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, there was one question I needed an answer to straight away: ‘Will I get to meet Brian Cox?’ Well, this week, I had that privilege. I’ve long admired Professor Cox for his ability to inspire and engage people of all ages with science. We had a great conversation about what government and the scientific community can do together to drive investment, job creation, and good growth in every postcode of our country. Professor Cox shared his concerns about recent Science and Technology Facilities Council funding decisions. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear his views directly and why it’s so important to protect the curiosity-driven research that underpins future breakthroughs. For the Government’s part, we are ploughing a record £38.6 billion into UK Research and Innovation over the coming years. We are backing discoveries that have a huge, real-world impact: next generation medical scanners for our NHS, crop protection from pests and disease, new dementia drugs that could transform millions of lives. And our new UK Space Strategy will channel that same level of ambition into pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery beyond our own planet. Professor Cox and I also discussed generating greater public enthusiasm for science and technology. I was encouraged to hear about the brilliant work of the St Paul's Way Trust School and the Jon Egging Trust's Blue Skies programme, helping young people to learn more about STEM and the immense career opportunities these subjects offer. I look forward to continuing this conversation over the coming months because the UK is a global leader in science and research. Our universities, research institutes, innovative businesses and world-leading scientists like Professor Cox are national assets. My commitment as Secretary of State is to ensure that this scientific excellence is reflected in the broader choices government makes on skills, investment, regulation, trade and through our Industrial Strategy. Together we will ensure that the benefits of science and innovation are felt in every part of the UK. | 16 comments on LinkedIn