Our series of briefing sheets give a useful overview of particular subjects and aspects of UK Science and Technology. They set the UK context for each field, including information on government policies and research priorities with lists of resources, key institutions and suggested further reading.

You are welcome to download a copy of any of the sheets and distribute them freely as long as authorship is acknowledged.

Acknowledging excellence in science, engineering and technology
This briefing sheet outlines how researchers, inventors and innovators are acknowledged and rewarded for excellence by UK institutions.

Art and Science: a new partnership
The purpose of this briefing sheet is to give some sense of the range and the purpose of sci-art activities in the UK. If you are new to the field, find out how you can get involved.

Climate change: the UK's role in a global challenge
As climate change is now widely recognised as an major issue, this briefing sheet examines the research, policy and actions being taken in the UK to address this issue.

Climate change and cities
The relationship between cities and climate change is becoming increasingly important. This sheet looks at the impact of human activity in densely populated areas.

Darwin Initiative for the Survival of the Species
This briefing sheets explains about the grant programme that seeks to help safeguard the world's biodiversity by drawing on UK strengths in this area to assist those countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources.

Exploring the Solar System: a guide to the UK’s Space programme
This briefing sheet provides a guide to the UK's Space programme which is now undergoing a period of growth and increased government investment.

Genomics and Proteomics
This briefing sheet outlines genomics, the science of unravelling the information stored in DNA, and the associated science of proteomics, together with new technologies being used in their study.

Innovation and technology transfer
Science Innovation develops from a series of links and good relationships between scientists and industry. This briefing sheet looks at measures being taken in the UK to encourage innovation and boost economic growth in these environments.

Nanotechnology
This briefing sheet provides information about nanotechnology which is essentially any application of science, at or around the nanometre - in its simplest terms ‘engineering at a very small scale’.

Professional engineering institutions
This briefing sheet provides information regarding the Professional Engineering Institutions & the Engineering Council in the UK.

Public understanding of science
This briefing sheet provides details of the UK's policy and response to the task of increasing public awareness of science.

Renewable energy: the UK experience
Renewable energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels and nuclear power are billed to revolutionise the energy sector. This briefing sheet looks at the policies and issues and reviews possible solutions.

Robotics in the UK
Robots can be found in many places such as UK research environments, art galleries, schools, space, and farms to name a few.

Science Parks
The commercial exploitation of academic research is becoming vital to the UK economy. Science parks are increasingly important in maintaining a competitive edge. This briefing sheet reviews these mechanisms and offers guidance in the search for more information.

UK Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and practice to healthcare and underpins much of the practice of modern medicine.

UK environmental industry
When the UK was industrialising, the effects of pollution were not understood or were ignored and the environment of the UK was damaged. Generations suffered from the effects of poor air and water, noise, and dirt. This sheet describes ways in which the UK can help those who have responsibility for environmental protection.

UK Foresight
This briefing sheets looks at the UK Foresight programme which brings together scientists, technologists, businesses and consumers to discuss the future. It identifies potential opportunities for the economy or society from new science and technologies.

Women in Science Engineering and Technology: the UK experience
This briefing sheet shows how the role of women in science and engineering can be promoted effectively at different levels, from international networks and overarching government policies to local courses.