The BBC is partnering with a number of UK institutions and charities to launch a year-long season of science and technology programming under the broadcaster's iconic Tomorrow’s World banner, resurrected as the masthead for the initiative.

Backed by the likes of famed scientist and broadcaster Brian Cox, the BBC will team up with the Science Museum Group, Wellcome, The Royal Society and the Open University to help ensure that Britain remains a driving force for both technology and innovation in the years to come.

Connecting the BBC’s audiences with the brightest minds and institutions in science and technology, Tomorrow’s World will produce more than 40 hours of television, a range of programmes across the BBC’s radio networks, a series of podcasts, and digital offerings, made in collaboration with its partners.

For the Science Museum Group – made up of the London Science Museum, Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, The National Railway Museum in York and The National Media Museum in Bradford – a live show titled Britain’s Greatest Invention will air from the group’s venues, with a public vote determining which inventions have been of most influence and importance in their lifetime.

“The marriage of our world-class collections, expertise and rich programming with the BBC’s worldwide reach is a truly exciting prospect,” said Ian Blatchford, director of the Science Museum Group.

“The Tomorrow's World partnership is already bearing fruit with Britain’s Greatest Inventions. The BBC’s TV cameras have been granted exclusive access to our stores to explore our incredible objects and reveal the stories of some of the greatest inventions in history.”

A digital hub will be at the heart of the campaign, bringing together some of the most respected science institutions from across the UK for the first time. Curated daily, and featuring content from across the group partnership, with the aim of creating a greater and more profound understanding of science in the wider public.

“Who should fight for Britain to continue to be the best place in the world to do science as it’s been, I would say, for over 350 years? In my view it falls, in part, to the institutions of Britain – the partners in this endeavour – but importantly it also falls to the BBC,” said Brian Cox, speaking to Radio Times.

“The 21st century Tomorrow’s World represents the institutions of Britain coming together to inspire current and future generations. It represents our attempt to convince them to embrace the opportunities that sciences brings, to foster spirit of curiosity and tolerance and to embrace the unknown not in fear but in wonder.”