The UK and France have signed a new science and technology deal that will provide funding for partnerships between research teams from the two nations.
The agreement, announced by Tech Secretary Liz Kendall ahead of the upcoming G7 talks in Paris, will centre AI and data access to support technological innovation.
In particular the agreement will back diagnostics and medical research to close long-standing gaps in women’s health.
It will also bring together global data to combat drug-resistant diseases and infectious outbreaks.
“This ground-breaking partnership between the UK and France will tackle some of the biggest challenges in women’s health, deliver safer and healthier pregnancies, and accelerate the fight against infectious diseases worldwide. That means new treatments, earlier diagnoses, and more personalised care,” said Kendall.
“We are determined to build on that spirit of co-operation with our G7 partners this week, to drive forward work on some of the most important issues that affect us all, from AI adoption to keeping kids safe online.”
The UK has signalled its intention to work more closely with European partners. Earlier this week it was reported that Britain was on the verge of joining a €4bn (£3.45bn) startup funding scheme run by the European Union.
“The renewed dialogue between France and the United Kingdom marks a decisive step in our scientific partnership,” said Philippe Baptiste, French minister for higher education, research and space.
“Together, we are building a dynamic and ambitious roadmap, transforming our shared vision into concrete actions, notably through enhanced collaboration in Horizon Europe projects.
“This cooperation, anchored in trust and excellence, will deliver tangible results in artificial intelligence, health, and beyond, for the benefit of both nations.”
