A common theme of the discussion was that previous initiatives which have aimed to strengthen collaboration in research and development between the UK and Latin America have been successful and should be continued or expanded where possible:
- A long-term vision for collaboration is needed between Latin America and the UK. An institutional framework could support this. Options to consider include a joint policy commission or task force, which would seek to articulate efforts between the countries, including to set out stakeholders (Centres for Excellence, Universities etc) and funding opportunities in topics such as direct lithium extraction; pre-cursor cathode active material and cathode active materials; battery technologies; recycling and circular co-located supply chains; and refining.
- Attendees discussed a proposal for a Latin America-based platform, to determine areas of mutual interest between Latin America and the UK. This could potentially build on the work of the Faraday Institution in the UK. Key areas of focus identified for the proposal included:
- Fostering a UK-Latin America community of researchers working on battery technology, allowing academic exchange through e.g. a mailing list.
- Facilitating a talent pipeline of early career researchers, including through potential scholarships for early career researchers to study in the UK or with UK institutions before returning to their home institutions.
- Identifying long-term industry partnerships, allowing for the diversification of the workforce and helping Latin American countries create the conditions to raise themselves up the value chain.
- Aligning available funding by advertising its availability and through pooling, thereby increasing its impact.
- Upskilling regional partners in specific areas, including Intellectual Property generation from academic research.
- One project that the group considered to be particularly effective is the Visiting Research Fellows programme. This is a scheme developed by the Faraday Institution, with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which aims to leverage the knowledge and expertise of researchers across the lithium battery supply chain, fostering collaboration between the UK, Argentina, and Chile[2] . Building on this experience, the group felt that other mobility programmes should be considered which, for example, would see an exchange of academics and early career investigators or joint MSc programmes going in both directions between Latin America and the UK. Additional support for this could be sourced from the private sector and directly through universities. Efforts should also be made to capitalise on the existing Chevening Scholarship programme where possible.
- It was suggested that a programme of regular in-person and virtual conferences and seminars could be established, building on this Wilton Park conference, to facilitate ongoing dialogue and exchange of best practice between Latin America and the UK. The participants acknowledged the significant value of these conversations and also committed to continuing these discussions outside of formal events.
- Participants discussed an agreed common set of principles, including high-quality research; sustainability; high ESG standards; and evidence-based decision making.
[2] Strengthening links to researchers in lithium triangle countries – The Faraday Institution