Sunday, October 10, 2010

UK Scientists warning against austere cuts in Science funding

Scientist watching mice in laboratory
Scientists have warned that such drastic cuts would mean 'game over' for British science Photo: ALAMY

The report, which has been drawn up by the UK's seven research councils that are responsible for distributing government funding for research, will set out a robust case against proposed cuts to the country's science and technology budgets.

All government departments have been warned they should prepare for cuts of more than 25 per cent in their budgets under the comprehensive spending review, which is due to be published later this month.

The forthcoming report from Research Councils UK will warn that a cut in £1 billion in the amount of funding they can provide for scientific research would lead to a fall in GDP of more than £10 billion.

It will argue that public investment in scientific research is essential to ensure that long-term productivity and breakthroughs continue. It will also say that without publicly funded research, private research and development could also dry up as companies will simply move to countries where they can still work with academics.

It will say: "Science is important for innovation and productivity not just for pushing forward the technological frontier.

"Universities at the research frontier have a second core 'product', namely highly trained people, an essential resource for UK companies and foreign companies investing in the UK.

"Continued public investment in scientific endeavour is essential for the success of UK business and industry and, more broadly, for a productive economy, a healthy society and a sustainable world."

Publication of the report come in the same week as David Willetts, the minister for university and science, appears before the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee for questioning about the cuts after they wrote to him setting out their concern.

No comments:

Post a Comment