Science and medicine are considered Britain’s most valuable export, according to the results of a survey.
The pandemic has put science to the test, and it seems the British-led efforts have inspired people and given them a sense of pride.
Besides the role Oxford University and the NHS have played in developing Covid-19 vaccines and treatments, British-led science has contributed much more to the world in recent years.
A new report from Malaria No More UK, titled Best Of British – How British-Backed Science Can Accelerate The End Of Malaria, shows how British-backed science and research is helping to transform the fight against malaria.
This includes the development of vaccines, new generation insecticidal mosquito nets, genetically modified mosquitoes and modeling of the impact of different climate scenarios on populations at risk of malaria.
In a YouGov poll of 1,635 adults conducted between September 15 and 16 of this year, 54% of those polled saw science and medicine as Britain’s most valuable contribution on the world stage.
This included art and culture (6%), sports and recreation (5%), and manufacturing and engineering (11%).
Of those polled, 80% believe it is important for UK security to invest in global disease prevention.
Malaria No More UK calls for a renewed and ambitious financial commitment to end malaria, including through research, science and innovation.
Gareth Jenkins, Director of Advocacy at Malaria No More UK, said: “British-led science plays a vital role in the fight against Covid-19.
“These poll results show that the British public want the country to build on this momentum to end once and for all these diseases that have been around for centuries – like malaria -.”
Professor Azra Ghani, infectious disease epidemiologist at Imperial College London, said: “Britain has a proud heritage in helping fight one of the world’s oldest diseases through its scientific contributions.
“Now more than ever, we must maintain our investment in this global fight to create a safer world for all of us, and work with partners so that the right solutions reach those who need them most.”
