Royal Society responds to G8 science ministers' statement

Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, responds to a statement from the G8 science ministers, which was issued following the first joint ministers and science academies meeting to be held under the G8.

In response to the statement from the G8 science ministers, which was issued following the first joint ministers and science academies meeting to be held under the G8, Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society and co chair of the meeting said:

"Science is increasingly central to tackling big global policy issues such as feeding and improving the health of an ever growing population, and addressing climate change.  That is why it was imperative that the science ministers met as part of the G8 process.  It was  also very important for evidence based policy making that the Royal Society and the other national science academies were partners in the process.

Global cooperation is essential in dealing with global challenges. A key example is anti-microbial resistance ; we cannot afford to set ourselves back decades in terms of healthcare, putting lives at risk from infections which should be easily treated.

Science has long been a leader in international cooperation and we can accelerate that through making joint investment decisions and sharing openly the fruits of our research. The statement from science ministers is very welcome. Now we must make sure that the words are turned into action."