Fundamentalsfor the Future

Strengthening the UK and Europe through
science and innovation

Invitation-only convening platform and series of in-person events bringing together leaders across research, technology, policy, industry and capital to explore the forces shaping the next era of discovery and progress.

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The Mission

Fundamentals for the Future is an initiative to convene Europe’s science and technology community, led by the London Institute, Britain’s only independent research institute for physics and mathematics, and Sifted, a leading FT-backed media brand covering and serving Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

Fundamentals for the Future highlights the vital connection between fundamental research in physics and maths and the technologies that shape our world, reinforcing the UK’s role as a hub for science, technology and innovation in Europe.

Bringing together leading researchers, policymakers and long-term investors, the initiative seeks to strengthen Europe’s impact in complex technologies—such as AI, quantum and life sciences—where fragmentation and policy currently weigh on progress.

Fundamentals for the Future is an inclusive platform with the flexibility to engage with like-minded institutions across Britain and Europe, aiming to drive new thinking and solutions that will accelerate discovery and innovation.

Inaugural
Event

The first gathering

The Future of Science
in the Age of AI

an invitation-only event
at the Royal Institution.

Thursday

26/11/26

18:00–21:30

Royal Institution

21 Albemarle Street
London W1S 4BS

The evening will open with a fireside conversation between Pushmeet Kohli, Vice President of Research at Google DeepMind, and John Thornhill, Innovation Editor at the Financial Times and Founder of Sifted.

A panel discussion will follow, examining how AI is reshaping the practice of discovery—from choosing questions and validating results to sustaining the institutions and human capabilities on which science depends.

Explore the questions

AI is beginning to change not only how quickly science can advance, but what scientific progress itself means. As machines become capable of solving problems that once demanded years of human effort, the frontier may shift from finding answers to deciding which questions are worth asking.

But faster discovery is not necessarily the same as deeper understanding. What should science optimise for in the age of AI—more answers, greater understanding, or our capacity to make discoveries in the future? And as AI takes on more of the how, who will define the what, verify the results and decide which problems matter?

These questions reach beyond technology. They touch the future of scientists and scientific institutions, the way we train the next generation, and how the benefits of discovery are shared.

  1. Registration
    and refreshments
  2. Conversation
    and panel
  3. Drinks
    reception
  4. Close

The 2026–2027
Flagship Programme

The inaugural event serves as the launch of the 2026–2027 Flagship Programme. Three further invitation-only events will follow through 2027, each focused on a defining frontier of discovery. Sessions will combine a short scientific provocation, a panel discussion and a Q&A with invited guests.

Decoding the Universe

Progress in physics is deepening our understanding of the universe and quietly laying the foundations for the technologies of the future.

Unlocking the Laws of Life

The mathematical sciences are elevating biology from a descriptive to a predictive science, with the potential to transform health and technology.

Building a Breakthrough Ecosystem

What is the role of the state, philanthropy and businesses in supporting fundamental discovery, and how can we capture its immediate and future value?

Changing
the Narrative

Fundamentals for the Future positions London as the preeminent meeting point for UK and European actors who want to build a shared agenda for breakthrough innovation.

Why the UK can lead

The UK has a clear opportunity to more confidently leverage its world-class strengths in science and innovation on the global stage. Fundamentals for the Future aims to make the nation’s exceptional science & tech infrastructure, sophisticated capital markets and talent fully seen, heard and recognised.

The UK’s greatest strategic asset is its combined human capital:

  • World-leading in fundamental science and AI
  • A culture of intellectual independence and long-term inquiry
  • Institutions with strong international credibility

The UK has a unique soft-power advantage as a convener: London has long been a place where frontier ideas, international talent, capital, and policy can meet on neutral, respected ground.

Why Europe

Europe has remarkable scientific talent, a vibrant innovation ecosystem and deep pools of capital. It has leading universities and research institutes and growing clusters of high-tech startups. There is a strong commitment to long-term, mission-driven innovation, as well as increasing cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.

What Europe lacks is coordination, ambition and optimism:

  • Scientific excellence remains fragmented across countries and disciplines
  • Alignment between science, policy and capital is often weak or ad hoc
  • Growing strategic dependence on non-European technology platforms

Europe and the UK have a clear alignment of values, capability, and need at the intersection of science, technology and investment. This series aims to draw urgent attention to this alignment and create a platform to realise the combined potential to shape a more prosperous and secure future.

Partners

The partnership combines three complementary perspectives:

London Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Britain’s only independent research institute in physics and mathematics.

Sifted

The Financial Times-backed media platform connecting Europe’s technology, startup and investment communities.

The Royal Institution

Its unique scientific heritage and long-standing mission bring science into wider public life and create a space for discussion and debate about its future.