PM reiterates support for science
27 February 2009
Gordon Brown has reconfirmed the Government’s support for science in a speech in Oxford today. The Prime Minister was delivering the 2009 Romanes Lecture, and used the opportunity to confirm that the Government would meet its ten year commitment to maintain science spending, pledging to maintain the ringfence around science funding, with investment focusing on pure fundamental science as well as applied science.
Praising the scientific achievements of recent years, he set out his vision for how he wanted to make Britain the best country in the world in which to be a scientist, and described how science would be a key element in the UK’s path to recovery from recession.
He described how this would be achieved, by:
- Committing to maintaining science investment across the board, and reiterating a theme developed by Science Minister Lord Drayson, starting a debate on how to identify and target key sectors in which the UK has a strong competitive advantage.
- Attracting more highly skilled graduates into teaching and improving the provision of triple sciences - biology, physics and chemistry - in schools.
- Improving awareness and understanding of science among the public, and promoting positive debate about its role in tackling some of the global problems and challenges.
Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, chief executive of the Medical Research Council, said:
“I am delighted the Prime Minister has re-affirmed his strong support for science. UK science is a global success story, punching way above its weight not just in terms of the knowledge it produces, but in economic, health and social benefits. Investment in science is vital, not only to sustain the country in a downturn, but to provide the footholds for our recovery in the future.”
“The Medical Research Council has massively increased its investment to speed up the pace of discovery, particularly in the areas of regenerative medicine and public health, and convert the work of scientists into treatments as quickly as possible. Our success depends on sustained investment in basic research which has consistently delivered. By investing in excellent research the MRC is able to ensure high returns for the public, both in terms of their health and the wealth of the country. We have a duty to maintain the competitiveness of UK medical research; it will provide the jobs and treatments of tomorrow.”
The Prime Minister has also recognised that human capital is science’s most important asset. Support for both science and scientists over a long period of time puts the UK in a strong position, and he is right to task us with ensuring that we retain a competitive science base for the future.
