David Matthews

Europe lags on quantum computing, artificial intelligence and biotechnology, the Commission warns. It also sees a role for small modular nuclear reactors in its power mix

Essential for electric cars, medical scanners and weaponry, the EU is almost totally reliant on China for the materials used in rare earth magnets. The race is on to open new mines, develop alternatives, reduce waste and recycle more

Democracies launch $600B Partnership for Global Infrastructure to compete with Beijing. But critics say it is a rehash of existing schemes which have made little progress during the past year

‘Political relationships can heal, but the impact of fragmenting research now will continue to be felt in the decades to come’ research leaders say as they call on Ursula von der Leyen to ‘safeguard vital science collaboration’

If confirmed Arati Prabhakar will also lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy, which has been mired in bullying and funding scandals this year

Scientific facilities across Europe now have a patchwork of ties with Russia, ranging from business as usual to full expulsion

Institutions collaborated with the Chinese military on quantum cryptography as recently as 2018. Some continue to do so whilst projects wind down; others are tightening their rules. Many say they were wrong-footed by a sea-change in attitude to EU/Sino research

The city state joins Canada, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand as a potential associate member of the research programme. But there are concerns it may not fulfil the democratic requirements to join