Many areas covered by trade agreements fall within the domain of science and technology policy. Indeed, much discussion surrounding trade agreements concerns technological, health, safety, and environmental standards, all of which are and should be informed by science. Scientists can have an important role in informing trade negotiations and policy by providing intellectual expertise, analyzing and solving problems, crafting clear and common definitions, and providing the sound evidence base that can help shape the agenda, including in contentious areas.
The Royal Society’s national and international scientific networks are an asset for the UK’s relations with the rest of the world and a key source of ‘soft power’. They also provide a potentially valuable resource to draw on in developing trading relationships with the rest of the world.
This submission provides further detail of the extent and reach of our links with Australia.