Science funding 'needs to increase'
6 Mar 2015
The UK has been urged to increase its investment in science and engineering if it is to continue to be successful.
That is the key message which came from the Science for a Successful Nation conference hosted by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) at The Royal Society, London earlier this week.
The conference brought together academics, industry and business representatives and researchers to examine how science and engineering can make the UK a healthy, prosperous, resilient and connected nation.
“We need sustainable, agreed support for research and innovation
RAE president Ann Dowling
“Strong economies are science economies. They invest in the science and engineering research vital to national prosperity, security and wellbeing,” said Philip Nelson, chief executive of the EPSRC.
“This conference has been an opportunity to show just how much previous investments in science and engineering have contributed to the country over the past 20 years.
“However, it has also given us the chance to look into the future, to see what is necessary if we are to continue to improve the future shape of Britain’s societal and economic infrastructure.”
Monday’s conference culminated in a debate which examined the question: “How do we sustain the UK as a world-leading knowledge economy”?
President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and debate panellist, Ann Dowling said: “We need sustainable, agreed support for research and innovation, because it is generally recognised to instigate growth in the economy.
“So, all-party buy-in is essential to support a long-term funding regime that will encourage industry to invest here and also encourage global companies to establish R&D centres in the UK.”
