UK-Saudi research collaboration has received a funding boost after the British Council signed a new agreement with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA). The agreement awards funding for nine joint research projects in healthcare, clean energy, and environmental protection.
Delivered through the UK-KSA Research Collaboration Programme, the first round of projects has received more than 4 million Riyal. The funding supports collaboration in water efficiency, environmental protection, antimicrobial resistance, precision medicine, and genomics. The total grant allocation is 853,580 GBP, equivalent to 4,259,364.2 SAR.
The programme is funded through the first phase of the UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). Furthermore, it builds on a government-to-government memorandum of understanding finalised between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and RDIA in March 2024.
Participating Institutions in UK-Saudi Research Collaboration
The nine funded projects include awards to several Saudi and UK universities. Specifically, the Saudi institutions include KAUST, KACST, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, King Saud University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Khalid University, King Abdulaziz University, and Alfaisal University.
UK partner institutions include the University of East Anglia, University of Bath, University of Leicester, University of Birmingham, London South Bank University, Cardiff University, University of Strathclyde, Swansea University, and the University of Sunderland.
Healthcare and Clean Energy Projects
The funded projects cover a range of scientific areas. For instance, one project focuses on solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting technology using advanced metal organic framework adsorbents. Another project involves the development of sensors and diagnostic technologies for the early detection of chronic kidney disease.
Additional projects address antimicrobial resistance through biosensing-enabled biomaterials for medical devices. Moreover, a project at Alfaisal University will use artificial intelligence for the early diagnosis of breast and prostate cancer using histopathological and infrared spectral data.
Statements from Officials
“When researchers from Saudi Arabia and the UK work together, they produce high-quality results. But we need new ways of increasing the breadth and volume of our partnership.”
Matthew Knowles, Country Director KSA and Bahrain, British Council
Knowles added that the projects range from solar-powered technologies that harvest drinking water from the air to new antimicrobial materials tackling urgent health threats. Stephen Hitchen, British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, stated that the announcement reflects the depth of the partnership between the two countries.
Future Outlook for UK-Saudi Research Collaboration
Nicholas Boucher from the Science and Innovation Network in Saudi Arabia noted that the grants reflect the growing strength of the partnership in research, development, and innovation. DSIT stated it looks forward to deepening its collaboration with RDIA in the months and years ahead.
The British Council is implementing the Research Collaboration Programme on behalf of DSIT. As a result, the nine projects are expected to deliver scientific discoveries in areas of shared strategic interest between the UK and Saudi Arabia, supporting broader economic and educational goals.
