Final frontier: Britain contributes £65million to plan to explore secrets of the universe

Science Minister Jo Johnson and US international
science secretary Judith G. Garber signed the UK-US
Science and Technology Agreement in Washington DC.
Billed as the first ever "umbrella" agreement between
the two countries, the treaty spells out an ongoing
commitment to collaborating on world-changing
science and innovation, in both economies' interests.
It will initially last 10 years but is expected to be
continually renewed, and will be seen as proof of how
the UK can strike beneficial partnerships around the
world in the run-up to, and after, it leaves the
European Union.
The UK is investing record funding through its
Industrial Strategy to maintain the UK's world-leading
strengths in science, research and innovation.
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The
first
major
project
under
the
new
treaty
concerns the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility and the
Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), both
under construction in the US aiming to advance
understanding of the origin and structure of the
universe.
The UK's £65million investment makes Britain the
largest outside investor in the international project
which also includes experts from 14 British
universities.
Scientists believe neutrinos - nicknamed "ghost
particles" and able to pass through solid lead as if it
was air - hold the key to some of the most
fundamental questions in physics.
The Government said Britain's involvement would also
help UK industry build capability in new technologies
such as precision engineering and the low temperature
science of cryogenics.
The deal is billed as the first ever 'umbrella'
agreement between the two countries
Mr Johnson commented: "The UK is known as a nation
of science and technical progress, with research and
development being at the core of our industrial
strategy.
"By working with our key allies, we are maintaining our
position as a global leader in research for years to
come.
"Our continued collaboration with the US on science
and innovation benefits both nations and this
agreement will enable us to share our expertise to
enhance our understanding of many important topics
that have the potential to be world changing."
Sir Mark Walport, the chief executive designate at UK
Research and Innovation who accompanied Mr
Johnson, to the US said: "Agreements like this send a
clear signal that UK researchers are outward looking
and ready to work with the best talent wherever that
may be."
The treaty follows the agreement in January between
Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald
Trump to strengthen cooperation between their two
countries.

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