The Science and Innovation Network (SIN) plays an important role in encouraging prosperity and growth by fostering international scientific cooperation.

Science and innovation underpin the economies of both Canada and the UK. Encouraging work between the two countries therefore produces benefits for both.

To promote international collaboration the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office jointly fund the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) based in 40 countries around the world.

For an introductory brief which covers the local Science and Innovation landscape, UK priorities and successes in Canada, read the UK Science and Innovation Network Country Snapshot.

Responsibilities

SIN Canada helps UK and Canadian government departments, academics, researchers, NGOs, and other stakeholders forge connections, develop partnerships, and exchange policy best practices among one another.

Our officers, based at the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates General Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, offer professional and authoritative assistance to British and Canadian stakeholders interested in developing connections with the science and innovation communities between both countries.

Thematic priorities

SIN Canada has five thematic priorities which are aligned with larger U.K. policies and strategies, in particular, the Industrial Strategy, the Grand Challenges, the Clean Growth Strategy and its Arctic Policy.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are general-purpose technologies already starting to transform the global economy. They can be seen as new industries in their own right, but are also transforming business models across sectors. Building off the successful 2018 UK-Canada AI Challenge, SIN Canada is looking at further deepening the ties between the world-renowned UK and Canada AI communities.

Ageing societies

Both Canada’s and the UK’s populations are ageing. Ageing populations will create new demands for technologies, products, medicines and services. SIN Canada is well positioned to help facilitate knowledge exchange between world leading health and life science researchers and policy makers focused on tackling these enormous challenges

Clean growth

As the world moves to a low carbon future, international collaboration will be key to ensure an efficient transition that protects the environment while driving economic growth. SIN Canada is forging links with Canada’s clean tech research, policy and commercial communities, particularly as they align with the UK’s ambitious Clean Growth Strategy.

Future of mobility

Both the UK and Canada are on track to become world leaders in shaping the future of mobility. With the rise of electric, autonomous, and zero emission vehicles, how societies move people, goods and services around towns, cities and countries will change dramatically. SIN Canada is working with researchers and technology developers in both countries to ensure they remain at the forefront of this exciting area.

Arctic

SIN Canada is actively working with provincial, territorial and federal governments, researchers and indigenous communities to help cultivate links between the UK and Canada’s artic research communities. As demonstrated with its recent publication of its Arctic Policy, the UK views Arctic research as essential to ensuring the continued prosperity of both the Arctic’s inhabitants and those of the UK.

By focusing its work in these five areas, SIN Canada hopes to foster mutually beneficial partnerships between the UK and Canada’s world leading science and innovation communities in some of the most important topics that will define the 21st century.

Shared commitments

The research priorities of the UK and Canada are very much aligned. The two countries strengthened their shared commitment through the signing of a Canada-UK Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on science, technology, and innovation in 2017.

Opportunities

Funding agencies in the UK and Canada undertake many joint research funding calls. Please see the regularly updated list of funding opportunities available to support Canada-UK research and innovation collaboration.

UK Science and Innovation Canada Funding Opportunities

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Science and Innovation Network

80 Elgin Street
Ottawa Ontario K1P 5K7
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