Science Superpower

A practical policy programme to transform science and innovation in the UK

The Science Superpower Programme explores how ministers can realise their ambitions for the UK to be a “science superpower”. It fills a major gap in the current policy debate by bringing together some of the finest scientific minds with leading policymakers to explore the strategic challenges, opportunities and trade-offs that the government and scientific community face.

Supported by Wellcome Trust, the Perivoli Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

REPORTS

February 18, 2023

New Horizons: The UK’s Global Science Strategy Beyond Horizon Europe

Onward’s case for what the UK’s global science strategy might look like beyond Horizon Europe.

November 14, 2022

Incentivising Innovation: Reforming R&D Tax Credits

How to reform R&D Tax Credits to incentivise innovation when public finances are stretched.

by Matt Burnett

August 4, 2022

Rocket Science: How can the UK become a science superpower?

If the UK is to be a “science superpower”, we need to rethink our strategy for science.

by Matt Burnett, Maria Priestley

October 13, 2021

Green Shoots: Driving innovation for net zero

How to drive innovation to meet net zero

by Alex Luke, Ted Christie-Miller

February 26, 2021

Levelling up Innovation

Why we need to drive up innovation in our lagging regions

by Francesca Fraser, James Blagden, Will Holloway

See More Reports

RECENT

Forced to Move: How to reduce climate migration to the UK

Forced to Move: How to reduce climate migration to the UK

Reducing the impact of climate change on migration

Labour’s Plans for Childcare: Keynote Speech Bridget Phillipson MP

Labour’s Plans for Childcare: Keynote Speech Bridget Phillipson MP

The Next Moves Forward: Keynote speech Michael Gove

The Next Moves Forward: Keynote speech Michael Gove

New Horizons: The UK’s Global Science Strategy Beyond Horizon Europe

New Horizons: The UK’s Global Science Strategy Beyond Horizon Europe

Levelling Up Locally

Levelling Up Locally

Levelling Up in Practice: Barry Interim Report

Levelling Up in Practice: Barry Interim Report

EVENTS

Apr 18

18:00-

21:00

Onward After Hours with Dehenna Davison MP

Onward After Hours

with:

Dehenna Davison MP

Mar 20

16:00-

17:00

Private Roundtable: Powering Up: Developing a comprehensive network for electric vehicle charging across the Midlands and beyond

with:

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP

Mar 9

11:00-

12:00

Bridget Phillipson MP: Major Speech on Childcare

with:

Bridget Phillipson MP

Feb 28

12:30-

13:30

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Keynote Speech: Future of Conservatism Launch

with:

Michael Gove MP

Feb 27

12:00-

13:15

Private Roundtable: Auto-enrolment in 2030: What is the next stage for pensions reform?

with:

Laura Trott MBE MP

Feb 2

10:00-

11:00

Catapulting Productivity: How can Technology and Innovation Centres Strengthen UK Businesses?

Science and Technology

with:

George Freeman MP

Jan 23

18:30-

20:00

Balancing support for health, high streets and household finances in Britain’s food system

A private Onward roundtable

with:

Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP

Jan 12

16:00-

17:00

Science Superpower: the UK’s Global Science Strategy beyond Horizon Europe

Science and Technology

Join our panel of experts as they react to the Science Minister’s speech and set out their views on the future of the UK’s international science strategy.

with:

George Freeman MP

Jan 11

10:15-

11:15

Keynote Speech by George Freeman MP, Science Superpower: the UK’s Global Science Strategy beyond Horizon Europe

Science and Technology

Join Science Minister George Freeman MP for an exclusive speech on the government’s plans to make the UK a science superpower.

with:

George Freeman MP

Apr 18

18:00-

21:00

Onward After Hours with Dehenna Davison MP

Onward After Hours

with:

Dehenna Davison MP

Mar 20

16:00-

17:00

Private Roundtable: Powering Up: Developing a comprehensive network for electric vehicle charging across the Midlands and beyond

with:

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP

Mar 9

11:00-

12:00

Bridget Phillipson MP: Major Speech on Childcare

with:

Bridget Phillipson MP

Feb 28

12:30-

13:30

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Keynote Speech: Future of Conservatism Launch

with:

Michael Gove MP

Feb 27

12:00-

13:15

Private Roundtable: Auto-enrolment in 2030: What is the next stage for pensions reform?

with:

Laura Trott MBE MP

Feb 2

10:00-

11:00

Catapulting Productivity: How can Technology and Innovation Centres Strengthen UK Businesses?

Science and Technology

with:

George Freeman MP

Press Coverage

In search of a plug for the blackhole, Hunt must not cull investment in our future

Matt Burnett, Head of Onward's Science Superpower research programme writes for CityAM on why the governmen't R&D policies are vital to economic revival.

R&D funding must be protected from cuts

Head of Onward's Science Superpower research programme writes for Politics Home, setting out why R&D funding must be protected from cuts.

London Influence

Onward and upwards

The London Influence reports on the growing Onward team and our new research programme in an exclusive interview with Director Will Tanner

Press Coverage

In search of a plug for the blackhole, Hunt must not cull investment in our future

Matt Burnett, Head of Onward's Science Superpower research programme writes for CityAM on why the governmen't R&D policies are vital to economic revival.

R&D funding must be protected from cuts

Head of Onward's Science Superpower research programme writes for Politics Home, setting out why R&D funding must be protected from cuts.

London Influence

Onward and upwards

The London Influence reports on the growing Onward team and our new research programme in an exclusive interview with Director Will Tanner

Politico

Britain’s think tanks are getting into tech

Politico mentions Onward in an article about how the UK's think tanks are moving towards tech and science, it mentions Onward's former director Will Tanner moving into Number 10 as an advisor.

Politico

Last Ditch Attempt to Stop R&D tax cut

Onward is mentioned by Politico about it's report on R&D and the need to reform and update it.

Politico

New Horizons: Onwards and Upwards

Politico announces Onward's 'New Horizons' pamphlet on the future of the UK's science and technology base.

Research Professional News

UK-EU deadlock ‘cannot let academia simmer in uncertainty’

Research Professional News announces Onward's 'New Horizons' pamphlet on the future of the UK's science and technology base.

Politico

Politico: Coming attractions

Politico mentions Onward's pamphlet on how the U.K. could compensate for the potential loss of its membership of the EU’s Horizon Europe R&D program, with contributions from George Freeman MP and James Phillips.

Research Professional News

George Freeman: The UK must do five things to become a science superpower

George Freeman outlines the five things the UK need to do to become a science power at an Onward event. Attracting talent and industrial research and development to UK clusters are key.

Politics Home

This New Year, government should resolve to do more to enable the use and development of animal-free research and testing

Politics Home quotes Matt Birkett, head of Onward's 'Science Superpower' programme.

The Express

UK finally ditches EU shackles and opens for global business with new 3-point masterplan

The Express reports on the UK's ambitious three-point plan to become a science superpower, delivered by Science Minister George Freeman at the Onward-hosted event.

Science Business Net

UK science minister seeks wave of investment for R&D using horizon alternatives

Science Business Net comments on Onward's Keynote Speech event with George Freeman's MP.

The Times

Science minister at odds with Braverman’s student migrant cap

The Times reports on Science Minister George Freeman's speech on Britain's ambition to become a science superpower, delivered at Onward's event in Westminster on Wednesday.

Financial Times

Minister sets out ‘science superpower’ ambitions for UK

The Financial Times follows Onward's event 'Science Superpower' as Science Minister George Freeman delivers his speech on the UK's science ambitions.

Times Higher Education

UK Horizon alternative ‘aims to make Brussels pick up the phone’

Times Higher Education reports on Science Minister George Freeman's speech, delivered at Onward event 'Science Superpower', on the future of UK science after Brexit.

Research Professional News

UK’s Horizon plan B is on PM’s desk for sign-off, says Freeman

Research Professional reports the details from Science Minister George Freeman's speech on the future of UK science after Brexit, delivered at Onward event 'Science Superpower'.

Politico

UK science will need ‘realistic’ focus if blocked from EU schemes, says Minister

Politico writes up Science Minister George Freeman's speech on the future for UK science after Brexit, delivered at Onward event 'Science Superpower'

Politico

Politico – Mad for Scientists

Politico flags Onward's Science Superpower event hosting Science Minister George Freeman MP, setting out Britain's science vision beyond Brexit.

Wonkhe

Freeman sets out his agenda

Wonkhe comments on Onward's Keynote Speech event with George Freeman's MP.

The New Statesman

Can the Autumn Statement cushion the Tories’ fall?

In an article on what policies the Tories must pursue in the upcoming Autumn Statement, Freddie Hayward cites research from our R&D tax incentives report 'Incentivising Innovation.'

The Financial Times

Jeremy Hunt set to overhaul Britain’s R&D tax credits scheme for SMEs

Our research on R&D tax credits is referenced ahead of the upcoming autumn statement

TEAM

Matt Burnett

Head of Science and Technology

Matt Burnett

Head of Science and Technology

Steering Group

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Understanding our changing political settlement

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