Devolution and Science: Implications of Scottish Devolution

A Joint Working Group of the Royal Society of London and the Royal Society of Edinburgh reports that publicly funded research capability in Science, Engineering and Technology is a vital resource for a modern society. The report recommends that the Scottish Parliament adopts an explicit policy to sustain Scotland's role in the UK Science, Engineering and Technology base whilst promoting greater regional efforts to benefit from it. A senior minister and senior scientist, supported by a Science Policy Advisory Board should be appointed. The new Parliament should ensure that it has access to authoritative independent scientific advice.