The Institute of Physics (IOP) has responded to the Royal Society’s ‘The scientific century: securing our future prosperity’, a new report from the Royal Society.
The report is the result of an in-depth study by a group, chaired by Sir Martin Taylor FRS, and including Nobel laureates, former ministers of science, and leading figures from high-tech industry. The report strongly advocates continued investment in science to underpin economic growth and recovery.
Dr Robert Kirby-Harris, chief executive at the IOP, said, “I would like to congratulate the Royal Society on the publication of this timely report, which so clearly states the case for investing in the science base, and identifies the central contribution that science and technology can make to renewed economic growth.
“It is especially important to maintain our investment in both curiosity-driven research and research that addresses the global challenges we face, at a time when other countries are doing so much to increase their focus on science and science education. The UK cannot afford to fall behind.
“If we do not demonstrate our commitment to the highest quality science we risk seeing some of our best minds go abroad to continue their research, and reduced inward investment by high tech companies in the UK. IOP’s industrial members are already concerned that in the current economic climate there is a risk that investment in R&D will decline, and the UK will be poorly poised to recover from the recession through innovation and high-tech manufacturing.
“The Royal Society report highlights the need for government to create a business environment that supports high-tech entrepreneurs, and to prove to our scientific talent that science and innovation are at the heart of the UK’s strategy for long-term economic growth.
“Through the publication of IOP’s own manifesto, we have highlighted a number of ways to do this, including an expanded R&D tax credit scheme and enhanced support for collaboration and people exchange between universities and industry.
“However as both the new report and our manifesto recognise, our success depends on the availability of the best scientific minds, a sound skills base, and a scientifically literate population well able to understand and evaluate the complex issues we will face in the 21st century.
“That is why, along with measures to improve the prospects for high-tech businesses in the UK, we also need to revitalise science and maths education and cherish the world-leading talent we already have in our universities and research centres.
“To squander our scientific eminence in an effort to remedy short-term economic woes would be a national tragedy.”
To view ‘The scientific century: securing our future prosperity’, please go to http://royalsociety.org/the-scientific-century-2010/
To view the IOP’s manifesto, please go to http://www.iop.org/aboutus/news_39016.html
Response to the Royal Society’s ‘scientific century’
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has responded to the Royal Society’s ‘The scientific century: securing our future prosperity’, a new report from the Royal Society.
The report is the result of an in-depth study by a group, chaired by Sir Martin Taylor FRS, and including Nobel laureates, former ministers of science, and leading figures from high-tech industry. The report strongly advocates continued investment in science to underpin economic growth and recovery.
Dr Robert Kirby-Harris, chief executive at the IOP, said, “I would like to congratulate the Royal Society on the publication of this timely report, which so clearly states the case for investing in the science base, and identifies the central contribution that science and technology can make to renewed economic growth.
“It is especially important to maintain our investment in both curiosity-driven research and research that addresses the global challenges we face, at a time when other countries are doing so much to increase their focus on science and science education. The UK cannot afford to fall behind.
“If we do not demonstrate our commitment to the highest quality science we risk seeing some of our best minds go abroad to continue their research, and reduced inward investment by high tech companies in the UK. IOP’s industrial members are already concerned that in the current economic climate there is a risk that investment in R&D will decline, and the UK will be poorly poised to recover from the recession through innovation and high-tech manufacturing.
“The Royal Society report highlights the need for government to create a business environment that supports high-tech entrepreneurs, and to prove to our scientific talent that science and innovation are at the heart of the UK’s strategy for long-term economic growth.
“Through the publication of IOP’s own manifesto, we have highlighted a number of ways to do this, including an expanded R&D tax credit scheme and enhanced support for collaboration and people exchange between universities and industry.
“However as both the new report and our manifesto recognise, our success depends on the availability of the best scientific minds, a sound skills base, and a scientifically literate population well able to understand and evaluate the complex issues we will face in the 21st century.
“That is why, along with measures to improve the prospects for high-tech businesses in the UK, we also need to revitalise science and maths education and cherish the world-leading talent we already have in our universities and research centres.
“To squander our scientific eminence in an effort to remedy short-term economic woes would be a national tragedy.”
To view ‘The scientific century: securing our future prosperity’, please go to http://royalsociety.org/the-scientific-century-2010/
To view the IOP’s manifesto, please go to http://www.iop.org/aboutus/news_39016.html