The UK and China are strengthening their links for scientific research.

A new office for the Research Councils UK (RCUK) has opened in China to strengthen the link between the two countries in the scientific and academic sectors.  

The office is the first of its kind outside Europe, and is tasked with improving knowledge about each country’s research systems; identifying the opportunity for closer cooperation between the RCUK and Chinese research agencies; and developing a programme designed to minimise any obstacles to international research collaboration.

John Denham, UK Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, officially opened the new office. He said: “The UK and China are at the forefront of cutting edge science.

“This new office has the potential to help many more scientists and researchers think the big ideas and deliver the answers to some of the world’s biggest problems: curing diseases; powering homes and industry more efficiently; saving the planet for future generations; and transforming millions of people’s lives for the better.”

The UK has seven Research Councils. Each has a track record of funding world-class research, such as the discovery of the hole in the southern hemisphere and the development of cloning technology including Dolly, the world’s most famous sheep.

RCUK will open an office in Washington, US, in November this year and also hopes to launch an office in Delhi, India, in 2008.