UK-China Collaboration Grows as China R&D Investment Boosts UK Partnership, UKRI Official States

August 17 — The ongoing rise in research and development investments in China has opened up new, mutually beneficial opportunities for collaboration with the United Kingdom, according to the director of the UK Research and Innovation office in China.

Chinese universities’ rapid progress in research capabilities—now capable of conducting cutting-edge, world-class studies—further enhances cooperation prospects between the two nations, Dr. Daniel Brooker explained in an exclusive interview.

The UK’s largest public research funding body has an annual budget exceeding GBP8 billion (approximately USD10.9 billion) and operates four international offices, including one in China. This agency facilitates global research partnerships through joint funding initiatives, academic exchanges, and collaborative projects.

The UK stands as China’s third-largest source of foreign investment in Europe and the second-largest recipient of China’s direct investments on the continent. These investments span sectors such as finance, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and others.

Preliminary data shows that the UK’s cumulative investments in China surpassed USD35 billion in actual expenditures as of July, while China’s direct investments in UK-traded stocks exceeded USD32 billion, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.

Below are some highlights from the interview:

Question: Could you describe the role played by UKRI in fostering UK-China research collaborations and the funding involved?

Brooker: UKRI is the main agency funding research in the UK. Over the past 18 years, we’ve partnered with China on nearly 800 joint projects, investing around GBP440 million (approximately USD598 million) from the UK side. Our funding is matched by Chinese agencies such as NSFC and MOST. These collaborations encompass diverse fields of study, aiming to develop partnerships that generate significant scientific advances for both countries.

Question: Which areas show the most promise for UK-China research partnership? AI, like DeepSeek, seems particularly prominent.

Brooker: Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving sector impacting many research areas. The UK is engaging with China on the responsible deployment of AI technology, including issues related to safety and ethics, exemplified by discussions at the AI Safety Summit. Beyond AI, both nations share strong interests in tackling global challenges such as climate change—aiming for a net-zero future—public health concerns like aging populations and infectious diseases, and sustainable agriculture and food production.

Question: Over the 18 years of collaboration, have you observed any notable shifts or changes?

Brooker: The most notable change has been China’s dramatic increase in research and technology investments. Chinese universities have rapidly scaled up their research capacities and are now leading in various fields, earning global recognition. This development creates excellent opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations. When UK and Chinese universities work together, they often produce top-tier research, bringing together world-class experts from both countries. From a funding perspective, our goal is to connect the best researchers worldwide, and China’s emergence as a research powerhouse provides new opportunities for cooperation across disciplines.

Question: What new strategies is UKRI adopting to expand the scope or impact of UK-China research cooperation?

Brooker: Our main approach is to promote increased dialogue and knowledge sharing. We strive to bring together UK and Chinese scientists to exchange expertise and identify high-impact collaboration opportunities. These efforts are driven both by the science community and government priorities. We work closely with the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, as well as our Chinese counterparts, to align efforts with national interests. We utilize various mechanisms—from joint programs to mobility initiatives and translating research into practical products and services with economic benefits for both sides.

Question: Are these collaborations producing tangible results?

Brooker: Absolutely. As a funder, we invest in research that aims to deliver outcomes with economic, social, and cultural benefits, addressing major issues like environmental challenges and health concerns. While our focus is primarily on the UK, we also aim to generate shared global benefits. Challenges like climate change and health issues related to aging populations require collective efforts. China plays a vital role as a partner, helping to advance solutions in renewable energy, healthcare, and other crucial areas.

Question: In light of geopolitical tensions—including concerns about technology, investments, and national security—how does UKRI maintain open collaborations with China?

Brooker: We recognize the broader geopolitical context but emphasize that our scientific collaborations focus on producing research outputs that are openly accessible. UKRI is committed to open-access policies, ensuring that publications and results from our funded projects are available worldwide. This open-science approach benefits global efforts, especially in addressing pressing international challenges. We maintain ongoing dialogue with Chinese partners to share best practices, and our funding strategies aim to make research as open and secure as necessary.

Question: Is UKRI working to strengthen partnerships with China’s public and private sectors to mobilize funding?

Brooker: We already have a well-established partnership with China, which is among the UK’s top research collaborators alongside the US. Our collaboration is mutual, and we see further opportunities, especially as governments engage more deeply on topics like health, climate, and science. Research cooperation is a key part of the UK-China relationship, and we’re keen to explore these avenues within the existing bilateral framework.

Question: Looking ahead over the next one to three years, are there plans for new initiatives, funding, or collaborations with China?

Brooker: Yes, we’re exploring new opportunities focused on mutual interests such as health, climate change, and sustainable development. One immediate priority is climate-related research—studying health impacts from climate change and air pollution, as well as urban sustainability, biodiversity, and food security. These efforts support a transition to a net-zero economy and promote sustainable, circular development. We’re actively discussing potential projects to support future collaborations in these critical areas.

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