LONDON: US billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates urged Britain on Wednesday to step up investment in science and research as it prepares to leave the EU.
"The world needs innovative leadership now more than ever," the Microsoft co-founder told the Grand Challenges conference in London attended by more than 1,000 scientists from around the world.
"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."
Gates pledged to continue his own investment in British research and innovation, despite economic uncertainties surrounding Brexit, but said government support was vital to fight global pandemics such as the Zika virus.
"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," he said.
His comments come amid fears that British science may suffer if projects lose European funding after Britain leaves the European Union.
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