Science and Innovation Network (SIN)
The Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is a network of UK national and locally engaged staff, who are based in UK Embassies and Consulates abroad. It comprises almost 100 staff who work in British Embassies and consulates around the world, in some twenty five counties of scientific interest.
The Network’s purpose wide-ranging, and involves science diplomacy and fostering collaboration in science and innovation. In brief, SIN’s work can be summarised as:
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promoting UK scientific expertise internationally
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strengthening UK innovation
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informing effective policymaking and leadership
- using science and innovation to influence key bodies abroad
The Network can also advise and, in some cases, assist those seeking international collaborations in the areas we cover.
The management and leadership team for the SIN is located in BIS, and the network is supervised by an oversight Board chaired by the Director-General Science and Research. Senior civil servants from BIS, GO-Science and the FCO also sit on the Board.
History
SIN was established in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 2000, in response to the growing importance of science, technology and innovation for the UK’s future. From the outset it has been a cross-Government network, supporting a wide range of customers and stakeholders across Government and beyond. In 2007/08, the FCO and the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (BIS) strongly endorsed the work of the Network and its cross-Government role, and agreed that the two Departments would jointly fund the Network. They also agreed that BIS would be home to a joint FCO/BIS team to manage and task the Network. The Network is one of the ways that Government demonstrates its commitment to a global platform for UK scien
