Paris, May 29, 2026 – The UK and France have announced a landmark partnership to accelerate research into infectious diseases and women’s health, combining cutting‑edge AI, advanced imaging, and supercomputing power.
Millions of women suffering from complications related to childbirth or conditions such as endometriosis are expected to benefit from earlier diagnoses, safer pregnancies, and more personalised care. The collaboration will also tackle global health threats by enabling faster detection of drug‑resistant microbes and advancing research into diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and emerging viruses.
At the heart of the initiative is the UK–France Strategic Biomedical Alliance in Health and AI, bringing together leading institutions including the University of Oxford, Université Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, and national imaging facilities Diamond Light Source and Synchrotron SOLEIL.
The partnership also strengthens ties between two of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers: the UK’s Isambard‑AI and France’s GENCI. Nearly £900,000 in UK funding and €330,000 from France will support joint projects and early‑career researcher exchanges, boosting collaboration on Horizon Europe initiatives.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall hailed the alliance as “ground‑breaking,” noting its potential to deliver new treatments, earlier diagnoses, and improved patient outcomes. French Minister Philippe Baptiste described the renewed dialogue as a “decisive step” in building a dynamic roadmap for cooperation in AI and health.
The announcement coincides with the G7 Digital and Technology Ministerial Summit in Paris, where ministers are discussing AI adoption, digital resilience, and child safety online.
With additional agreements between Imperial College London and France’s CNRS on metabolism research, the partnership cements UK–France collaboration as a driving force in tackling major health challenges, from cancer and heart disease to infectious outbreaks.
