Royal Society makes case for investment in science

The Royal Society has written to the Government to make the case for investment rather than cuts to science funding in the next Comprehensive Spending Review.  The Submission was made at the request of Professor Adrian Smith FRS, Director General, Science and Research at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Society makes the case that in a period of financial adjustment, the UK must build on its strengths, and use these to revitalise and rebalance our economy.  The submission outlines three scenarios for cuts including the possibility of a 20% reduction in cash terms which would cause key parts of the research system to unravel, permanently damaging UK capabilities in key areas.

The debate is taking place at a time when other countries, facing similar economic dilemmas, are accelerating their investment in science and innovation.  France has announced a 35 billion Euro investment in its knowledge economy.  Germany has increased its federal budget for education and research by 12 billion Euros and the US last year announced a $21 billion boost for science.

The document was sent along with a joint letter from the British Academy and Royal Society.  The British Academy have also made a submission to Professor Smith.