Science + Soft Power:
‍Exploring how the UK's world-leading scientific expertise can strengthen its global influence. In partnership with Wellcome Trust.

Latest Report

Science and Soft Power: Building a New Narrative for the UK's Role in the World

October 2025

This report explores how the UK's world-leading scientific expertise can strengthen the UK's global influence, identifying opportunities to embed scientific expertise in key FCDO planning and diplomatic strategy.

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In The Press

Press and Events

UK ‘underutilises science in soft power arsenal’, says think tank - Research Professional News

Research Professional News spotlighted BFPG's new report, 'Science and Soft Power: Building a New Narrative for the UK’s Role in the World'.

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The UK's soft power could be at risk due to internal political wrangles - The i

Director of the British Foreign Policy Group, Sophia Gaston, spoke to The i on the risk to the UK's reputation following internal political wrangles.

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The UK: Still a soft power superpower? - Observer Research Foundation

The report published by the UK Soft Power Group is featured in the Observer Research Foundation article assessing the UK's soft power.

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Science and Soft Power: In Conversation with Julia Gillard

BFPG hosted The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Wellcome Trust, for an event on the role of science in soft power.

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Science and Soft Power: In Conversation with Dame Chi Onwurah MP

BFPG welcomed Dame Chi Onwurah, Chair of the UK Science & Tech Committee, for a conversation around the role of science in shaping the UK's global influence.

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About the Initiative

Science as a pillar of UK global influence

The British Foreign Policy Group and the Wellcome Trust have partnered on an ongoing programme of work examining the soft power implications of UK science.

Drawing on input from a series of expert roundtables with leaders from across the science and foreign policy sectors, this initiative argues that the UK's scientific ecosystem makes a key contribution to the UK's international ambitions — helping to foster trust and deepen international partnerships.

As the UK looks to define its role in a fast-changing world, the programme identifies opportunities to better leverage the UK's scientific expertise — from AI and technology to life sciences and global health — and, in turn, opportunities for authentic UK leadership in the world.