Bill Gates Urges UK To Invest In Science As Brexit Looms
Umer Jamshaid Published October 26, 2016 | 11:30 PM
LONDON, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Oct, 2016 ) - US billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates urged Britain on Wednesday to step up investment in science and research as it prepares to leave the EU.
Speaking at a conference in London attended by more than 1,000 scientists from around the world, Gates pledged to continue his own investment in British research and innovation, despite economic uncertainties surrounding Brexit.
"The world needs innovative leadership now more than ever," the microsoft co-founder said. "The complexity of our most urgent global problems -- extreme poverty, the persistence and spread of disease, feeding a growing world -- requires that we invest in science and put our best minds to work on finding solutions.
"As the UK seeks to negotiate its exit from the EU, it is critical that the government steps up its investments in science and innovation if we are to meet the challenges of tomorrow -- and grow the UK's economy." His comments come amid fears that British science may suffer if projects lose European funding after Britain leaves the European Union.
Virgin founder Richard Branson, also speaking at the event, echoed the call for investment to drive innovation. "British scientists, engineers and innovators have been responsible for some truly transformative developments in health and poverty alleviation over the years but these changes are not possible without sustained investment," he said.
Calling philanthropists, government and business to play their part, he added: "These investments benefit British businesses as well as the most vulnerable people in the world." Gates was also backing an $18 million (16 million euro) international funding programme to combat Zika and other mosquito-borne viruses in Colombia and Brazil.
The funding, from the governments of the United States, Britain, Brazil and Colombia, as well as the Wellcome Trust and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will finance trials of an innovative mosquito control method using the Wolbachia bacteria.
Wolbachia is a naturally-occurring bacteria found in around 60 percent of insect species, but not the Aedes aegypti mosquito which carries dengue and Zika. Research has shown the bacteria can prevent mosquitoes transmitting viruses to humans.
Trials will be carried out in urban areas of South America, including Rio de Janeiro and parts of Antioquia, Colombia, with researchers hoping to demonstrate a significant reduction in new cases of Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
More Stories From World
-
Blades of Paris landmark Moulin Rouge windmill collapse
5 minutes ago -
Advanced 5G base station launched in Mt. Qomolangma
5 minutes ago -
China committed to supporting Zimbabwe's innovation-driven development
16 minutes ago -
Myanmar to hold 59th gems emporium next month
45 minutes ago -
Digital economy contributes 8.4 pct to Philippine economy in 2023
45 minutes ago -
China committed to supporting Zimbabwe's innovation-driven development
45 minutes ago
-
Starfish control program improving health of Australia's Great Barrier Reef: report
46 minutes ago -
Pakistan calls for addressing development changes at a key UN meeting
55 minutes ago -
Advanced 5G base station launched in Mt. Qomolangma
55 minutes ago -
Cambodia on right track to achieving malaria-free goal by 2025: PM
55 minutes ago -
Endrick sparks Palmeiras comeback in Copa Libertadores
56 minutes ago -
Hyundai Motor's operating profit falls 2.3 pct in Q1
56 minutes ago