Final frontier: Britain contributes £65million to plan to explore secrets of the universe

Science Minister Jo Johnson and US international science secretary Judith G. Garber signed the UK-US Science and Technology Agreement in Washington DC.

Billed as the first ever “umbrella” agreement between the two countries, the treaty spells out an ongoing commitment to collaborating on world-changing science and innovation, in both economies’ interests.

It will initially last 10 years but is expected to be continually renewed, and will be seen as proof of how the UK can strike beneficial partnerships around the world in the run-up to, and after, it leaves the European Union.

The UK is investing record funding through its Industrial Strategy to maintain the UK’s world-leading strengths in science, research and innovation.

The first major project under the new treaty concerns the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), both under construction in the US aiming to advance understanding of the origin and structure of the universe.

The UK’s £65million investment makes Britain the largest outside investor in the international project which also includes experts from 14 British universities.

Scientists believe neutrinos – nicknamed “ghost particles” and able to pass through solid lead as if it was air – hold the key to some of the most fundamental questions in physics.

The Government said Britain’s involvement would also help UK industry build capability in new technologies such as precision engineering and the low temperature science of cryogenics.

Mr Johnson commented: “The UK is known as a nation of science and technical progress, with research and development being at the core of our industrial strategy.

“By working with our key allies, we are maintaining our position as a global leader in research for years to come.

“Our continued collaboration with the US on science and innovation benefits both nations and this agreement will enable us to share our expertise to enhance our understanding of many important topics that have the potential to be world changing.”

Sir Mark Walport, the chief executive designate at UK Research and Innovation who accompanied Mr Johnson, to the US said: “Agreements like this send a clear signal that UK researchers are outward looking and ready to work with the best talent wherever that may be.”

The treaty follows the agreement in January between Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump to strengthen cooperation between their two countries.