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17 March 2026 - Science diplomacy - Oral evidence

Committee Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Inquiry Science diplomacy

Tuesday 17 March 2026

Start times: 1:00pm (private) 1:30pm (public)


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MPs quiz Science Minister on plans for UK science diplomacy, tech sovereignty and research funding cuts

The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will question Lord Patrick Vallance, Science Minister, and Seema Malhotra, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, in the final session of its inquiry examining the UK’s science diplomacy capabilities.  

Meeting details

At 1:30pm: Oral evidence
Inquiry Science diplomacy
Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Minister for Indo-Pacific at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Director for International and Economic Security at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Deputy Director of the What Works Research and Evidence at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

The cross-party committee will ask the Minister a wide range of questions, examining the government's aims for science diplomacy, plans for science and technology sovereignty, and prioritisation within certain technologies.  

MPs may also examine government plans on domestic late-stage tech investment, European Space Agency funding, increased defence spending in space, and the US-UK pharmaceutical deal.  

Questions to Lord Vallance will also focus on potential cuts to scientific research funding. This follows on from the committee’s 3 March session on scientific research funding with researchers and the Science and Technology Facilities Council Executive Chair Professor Michele Dougherty.  

Location

The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House

How to attend