UK S&I; Organizations
22 June 2020
Many diverse British organizations are engaged in science and technology, ranging from government departments and organizations to research and education institutions and industry associations. They provide a rich resource for readers interested in learning more about specific developments in UK science or looking for opportunities to develop collaboration.
We have grouped the organizations into the following sections:- Government Departments and Governmental Organizations
- Research and Education Institutions
- Key organizations by sector:
Use the links to enter the websites of the organizations described below for further information.
Government Departments and Governmental Organizations
The British Council connects people worldwide with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK and builds lasting relationships between the UK and other countries.
For further information on education and training in the UK, consult the British Council USA website education pages.
The Council for Science and Technology is the Government's premier advisory body on science and technology issues of strategic importance to the United Kingdom.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is the Government department responsible for UK Science Policy (through the OST) and for promoting the development and use of technology for industry. Lord Sainsbury of Turville is the UK’s Minister for Science and Innovation.
International Technology Promotors is a network of technology transfer specialists (ITPs) providing a practical route to leading-edge technological developments from the world's major investors in research and development.
The Office of Science and Technology (OST) is the branch of the DTI responsible for Science, Innovation and Technology policy. The Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor David King, heads the OST.
The Council for Science and Technology (CST) is an office of the two Houses of Parliament (Commons and Lords), charged with providing balanced and objective analysis of science- and technology-based issues of relevance to Parliament.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the lead government organization for helping companies based in the UK achieve their export potential, and also assists overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK.
Research and Education Institutions
The Association for University Research and Industry Links (AURIL) supports UK universities in the development of partnerships with industry and other sectors in research, technology transfer, and consultancy.
The BBSRC Business and Innovation Unit promotes an environment in which opportunities for knowledge transfer within the bioscience community are maximized.
The British Council connects people worldwide with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK and builds lasting relationships between the UK and other countries.
For further information on education and training in the UK, consult the British Council USA website education pages.
Cambridge Enterprise helps University of Cambridge inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs make their ideas and concepts more commercially successful.
Edinburgh Science Triangle is an alliance of seven S&T parks in Edinburgh and the Lothians area which have combined to create a world-class scientific cluster.
HERO - Universities & Colleges Homepage is a one-stop shop for information about all UK universities and further education colleges offering higher education courses.
Isis Innovation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oxford University that exploits know-how arising out of research at the university.
The Midlands Innovation Relay Centre is part of the official EC innovation and technology transfer support service, giving companies access to European partners for technical cooperation, etc.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is a strategic partnership set up to champion science, engineering, and technology and support the work of the seven UK Research Councils, the science granting bodies in the UK:
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)
The Royal Academy of Engineering brings together the country’s most eminent engineers from all disciplines to promote excellence in the science, art and practice of engineering. It works to enhance the UK’s engineering capabilities; to celebrate excellence and inspire the next generation; and to lead debate by guiding informed thinking and influencing public policy.
The Royal Institution of Great Britain has been "diffusing science for the common purposes of life" for over 200 years.
The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK dedicated to promoting excellence in science.
Scottish Enterprise Fellowships aim to translate the excellence in Scottish research into new businesses and products.
The UK Patent Office is responsible for intellectual property (copyright, designs, patents and trademarks) in the UK.
UMIST Ventures Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manchester University, exploiting know-how arising out of research at the university.
UNICO - University to Business Forum represents the Technology Exploitation companies of UK universities.
The Universities Companies Association (UNICO) creates bridges between universities and the commercial world.
UniversitiesUK is the essential voice of all the UK universities.
University-Technology.com is the shop window for new technologies and business opportunities available from all of Scotland's universities.
Key organizations by sector
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SCIENCES
We have divided this group by:
- Industry Associations
- Not for profit Foundations and Research Institutes
- Regional Clusters/Organizations
The Association of British Health-Care Industries is the lead trade association for the medical systems industry.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is the trade association for companies in the UK producing prescription medicines.
The Biotechnology Industry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative, emerging small to medium-sized enterprises in the UK's bioscience sector.
The British Healthcare Internet Association aims to develop, promote and implement quality standards in the use of Internet technologies to influence policy development and innovation in health care.
The British Healthcare Trades Association is the largest trade association in the healthcare industry.
The British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) is the national trade association for companies with major involvement and interest in the In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) industry.
GAMBICA is the trade association for instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory technology in the UK.
The Institute of Biomedical Science is the professional body for biomedical scientists in all fields of work.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is the registration and professional body for pharmacists in all aspects of practice.
The UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) promotes the positive benefits of vaccination as a key element in improving the health of the nation & represents the UK vaccine industry.
Not for profit Foundations and Research Institutes
Action Research has been funding medical breakthroughs for over 50 years.
The Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) is the only UK charity wholly dedicated to curing arthritis.
The Association of Medical Research Charities works to further medical research in the UK.
The British Heart Foundation is at the forefront of the fight against heart disease, funding research, education, care and much more.
Cancer Research UK raises funds for cancer research programs and provides detailed cancer information and statistics for patients.
The Leukemia Research Fund is a national research charity devoted exclusively to leukemia and the related blood disorders in both children and adults.
The Medical Research Council Dunn Human Nutrition Unit studies the influence of food on man.
Medilink is a not-for-profit organization bringing together medical manufacturing and distribution companies, hospitals, and universities to stimulate innovation.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society promotes and funds scientific and applied research in order to make the maximum impact on MS.
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is an independent body that considers ethical issues arising from developments in medicine and biology.
The Sanger Institute (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) is one of the leading genomics centers in the world.
The Wellcome Trust is the world’s largest medical research charity.
UK Regional Clusters/Organizations
BioApproaches was launched to support the professional and business development of southwest England’s biotechnology sector.
Bio Northern Ireland unites industry, university and government groups working together to promote and develop Northern Ireland’s biotech capability.
Bionow is based in northwest England to encourage and nurture the growth of biotechnology in this region.
BioSpace - Bio UK is a regional hotbed community within the global hubsite BioSpace, encompassing the England, Wales and Scotland bioscience communities.
The Eastern Region Biotechnology Initiative (ERBI) aims to enhance the growth and development of biotechnology businesses in eastern England.
i-Bio is an Internet site for people interested in the biotechnology industry.
The London Biotechnology Network is a regional support organization, supported by London's science and business communities.
Southern Bioscience is a network organization to stimulate the growth of the biotechnology sector in southern England.
South of England Bio (Seebio) is a joint venture of the SE England Development Agency (SEEDA), the Oxfordshire Bioscience Network, Southern Bioscience, and Kent Bioscience.
The Association for the Conservation of Energy aims to encourage a positive national awareness of the need for and benefits of energy conservation. The Nuclear Industry Association is the trade association and information and representative body for the British civil nuclear industry.
The Association of Electricity Producers promotes the interests of members who generate electricity, in a manner which helps to make those members' businesses more successful.
The Carbon Trust is an independent company funded by Government. Their role is to help the UK move to a low-carbon economy by helping business and the public sector reduce carbon emissions now and capture the commercial opportunities of low-carbon technologies.
The Center for Sustainable Energy’s mission is to advance sustainable energy policy and practice.
The Coal Authority aims to facilitate the proper exploitation of the nation’s coal resources, while providing information and addressing liabilities for which the authority is responsible.
The Combined Heat and Power Association works to promote the wider use of combined heat and power and community heating.
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is the UK department of state responsible for high standards of safety, environmental care and animal welfare and a sustainable and efficient food chain. It also works for the well-being of rural and coastal communities.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Renewable Energy Program is a definitive and up-to-date resource, combining facts and figures with real-life examples and links to further information.
ELEXON - The Balancing and Settlement Code Company (BSCCo) procures, manages and operates services and systems that enable the balancing and imbalance settlement of the wholesale electricity market and retail competition in electricity supply.
Energy Action Scotland is the national charity which aims to eliminate fuel poverty by raising awareness of fuel poverty, particularly as it affects low-income households, and works towards affordable warmth for all; identifies effective solutions which can transform cold, damp houses into warm, dry homes; and securs public and private investment in domestic energy efficiency initiatives.
The Energy Institute (EI) is the leading professional body for the energy industries.
The Energy Saving Trust is one of the UK's leading organizations tasked with sustainable energy solutions in homes and on the road.
Energywatch is the independent watchdog for gas and electricity consumers.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK Government's leading funding agency for research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
Environment UK is the British Council's gateway to environment research, policy and practice in the United Kingdom.
Future Energy Solutions – RESTATS summarizes the results of an ongoing study to update a database containing information on all relevant renewable energy sources in the United Kingdom.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency works to develop, promote and enforce high standards of maritime safety and pollution prevention; to minimize loss of life amongst seafarers and coastal users; and to minimize pollution from ships.
National Energy Action develops and promotes energy efficiency services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households.
The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) is the regulator for Britain's gas and electricity industries. Its role is to promote choice and value for all customers.
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) is a global sustainable energy partnership, formed at the WSSD, that strives to be open, flexible and implementation oriented.
The Renewable Power Association is a trade association open to all companies supportive of the UK renewable energy industry.
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution is an independent standing body established in 1970 to advise the Queen, the Government, Parliament and the public on environmental issues.
The Science and Technology Policy Research is a world leader in research, consultancy and postgraduate training in the field of science, technology and innovation policy.
The Society of British Gas is the trade association covering the whole of the onshore gas industry.
The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) is the representative organization for the UK offshore oil and gas industry.
The United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association represents the oil refining and marketing industry in the United Kingdom.
Bioenergy
British BioGen is the trade association for the UK bioenergy industry.
Environmental Services Association (ESA) represents the UK’s waste management sector.
PyNe, the Biomass Pyrolysis Network, is a global network of active researchers and developers of fast pyrolysis. It has been established to discuss and exchange information on scientific and technological developments on pyrolysis and related technologies for the production of liquid fuels, electricity and chemicals.
Marine
The British Hydropower Association protects the environment by promoting the use of water power and the British HydroPower industry.
Solar
The British Photovoltaic Association (PV-UK) is the trade sssociation for the PV industry of Great Britain.
Wind
The British Wind Energy Association is the trade and professional body for the UK wind industry.
The Offshore Wind Energy Network (OWEN) is a joint industry/academia collaboration. It promotes research on all issues connected with development of the UK's offshore wind resource and encourages co-operation and partnership between and commercial organizations and researchers.
Green Buildings
British Research Establishment (BRE) is the UK's leading center of expertise on buildings, construction, energy, environment, fire, and risk.
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is an international body which represents and provides services to the building services profession.
The INREB Faraday Partnership was launched in November 2001 to create a national focus for industry projects, technology transfer and research projects on the Integration of New and Renewable Energy into Buildings.
Carbon-Reduction Initiatives
The Climate Change Levy is part of a range of measures that are designed to help the UK meet its legally binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Energy Savings Trust is one of the UK's leading organizations tasked with sustainable energy solutions in homes and on the road.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS
The Andersonian Chemical Society (ACS) is the oldest chemical society in UK.
The Chemical Industries Association is the UK’s chemical industry's leading trade association and employers’ organization.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK Government's leading funding agency for research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
The European Society for Precision Engineering & Nanotechnology promotes ultra-precision technologies destined to be a dominating aspect of economic and societal development during the next decade.
The Institute of Materials, Metallurgy and Mining (IOM3) is the leading international professional body for the advancement of materials, minerals and mining.
The Institute of Physics is the leading international professional body and learned society which promotes physics, pure and applied.
LINK promotes partnership in research between industry and the research base, stimulating innovation and wealth creation.
The Motorsport Industry Association provides a business support service to companies in the motorsport industry.
The Royal Society of Chemistry is the largest organization in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences.
The Royal Academy of Engineering brings together the country’s most eminent engineers from all disciplines to promote excellence in the science, art and practice of engineering. It works to enhance the UK’s engineering capabilities; to celebrate excellence and inspire the next generation; and to lead debate by guiding informed thinking and influencing public policy.
The University of Glasgow Alchemists Club is a thriving society for chemists from the University of Glasgow.
The Association for Astronomy Education (AAE) promotes public education in astronomy and supports the teaching of astronomy to students at all levels of education.
The Association for Geographic Information’s (AGI) mission is twofold: to promote the benefits of geographic information and geographic information systems in the community and to help all vendors and users of GIS.
The Association of Specialist Technical Organizations for Space aims to serve the needs of SMEs operating in the space sector.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is a research institute of the Natural Environment Research Council with 20 space-related staff in the Physical Sciences Division.
The British Association of Remote Sensing Companies (BARSC) is a trade association which aims to ensure that the interests of its members are represented on national, international and government committees. It provides a forum for discussions with UK government departments. Its members offer and undertake consulting and contracting services related to remote sensing.
The British Interplanetary Society is the leading society for the advancement of space exploration in Europe.
The British National Space Centre is the UK's space agency.
The Federation of the Electronics Industry (FEI) is a trade association for manufacturers of electronic equipment and components.
The HME Partnership is a special interest group of the Geological and the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Societies which aims to increase awareness of the value of remote sensing and encourage its use by all geoscientists.
The Institute of Physics is a leading international professional body and learned society, established to promote the advancement and dissemination of physics.
The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) is the UK's strategic science investment agency.
The Planetary Society aims to encourage international cooperation, to support and promote new initiatives in space research and education and to fund scientific projects and events.
The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society aims to bring together the whole variety of disciplines involved in the subject, and to promote remote sensingand photogrammetry as a whole.
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is the main focus for those professionally engaged in the aerospace industry for the general advancement of aeronautical art, science and engineering.
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) was founded the for the encouragement and promotion of astronomy and geophysics.
The Society of British Aerospace Companies Ltd (SBAC) is the representative body for the aerospace and airport development industries and represents the interests of over 600 companies.
The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (ATC) is a new organization formed after the restructuring of the old Royal Observatories in both Greenwich and Edinburgh. The ATC continues many of the functions of the old observatories with a major emphasis on astronomical technology and project management.
The United Kingdom Industrial Space Committee (UKISC) is the principal trade association of the British space industry.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
The Association of Computer Professionals aims to set and maintain standards of education that reflect the constantly changing requirements of the computer industry, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.
The Association of Independent Computer Specialists is a trade association whose members are committed to setting and maintaining the highest technical and ethical standards in the independent provision of specialist computer-related services.
The British Computer Society is the industry body for IT professionals, and a Chartered Engineering Institution for Information Technology (IT).
The Federation of Communication Services is the trade association and representative body for the mobile and telecommunication services industry in the British Isles.
The Institute for the Management of Information Systems is the leading international professional association devoted to the management of information systems within the business environment.
The Institution of Electrical Engineers is an innovative international organization for electronics, electrical, manufacturing and IT professionals, with specifically tailored products, services and qualifications to meet the needs of today's technology industry.
INTELLECT is the trade body for the UK-based information technology, telecommunications, and electronics industry.
The National Computing Centre is the UK's foremost source of independent advice, guidance, networking, and services for IT professionals.
Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications, and wireless communications services.
The Personal Computer Association is a trade association of companies active in all parts of the PC marketplace.
The Scottish Software Federation is the trade body for Scotland's ICT industry.
The Telecommunications Industry Association is a full-service, nonprofit trade association, providing support to companies involved in the "channels to market" of customer or "enterprise" communications products and services, across terminal/application equipment and the supporting cabling and wireless infrastructure systems.
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) Professional Network in Microsystems and Nanotechnology implements industrial awareness programs covering microsystems and nanotechnology.
The Institute of Nanotechnology works to foster, develop and promote all aspects of science and technology in nanotechnology fields.
The Institute of Physics is the leading international professional body and learned society which promotes physics, pure and applied.
The London Centre for Nanotechnology is a collaboration headed by Professor John F Ryan of Oxford University.
The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) is the UK's strategic science investment agency.