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<p>The challenging financial situation we face due to the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted
in a temporary reduction in the UK’s aid spending target from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5%.
This means making difficult decisions when it comes to prioritising how we spend aid
money to deliver the most impactful outcomes.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises
the importance of supporting international research partnerships, and supporting the
UK research sector. Our commitment to research and innovation has been clearly demonstrated
by my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget announcement of increasing
investment in R&D across government to £14.6bn in 2021/22; and as has been set
out in our Integrated Review ambitions, international collaboration is central to
a healthy and productive R&D sector.</p><p> </p><p>On 1st April, the Department
set out an additional £250m of funding for the R&D sector. As a result, UK scientists
will have access to more public funding than ever before. This takes total Government
investment in R&D to £14.9 billion in 2021/22 and follows four years of significant
growth in R&D funding, including a boost of more than £1.5 billion in 2020/21.</p><p>
</p><p>We are currently working with UKRI, and all our Global Challenges Research
Fund and Newton Fund Delivery Partners, to manage the financial year 2021/22 ODA allocations,
including determining which projects will be going ahead. Our Delivery Partners have
communicated with award holders setting out the next stage of the review of ODA funding
next year, and to explore options for individual programmes. Full details have been
published on the UKRI website. Due to the ongoing nature of this process, until it
is complete, we cannot share project-level details.</p>
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