UK Research For A Better Tomorrow

With outstanding facilities, world-class researchers including two Nobel prize winners in 2009 and record levels of Government investment, the UK’s science base is the most productive of all G8 countries.

But what about the future? How best can the UK maintain its status as a leading scientific nation? In what ways is our research landscape changing, and how will this affect younger scientists?

These are the issues up for discussion at the Welcome Collection on Monday 30 November, when the science minister, Lord Drayson, will share the stage with a group of up-and-coming scientists: astronomy and science communicator Colin Stuart; physics postgraduate researcher Suzie Sheehy; astrobiologist and science writer Dr Lewis Dartnell; and science teacher and film maker Alom Shaha.

Chairing the event – “Blue skies ahead? The prospects for UK science” – is Professor Brian Cox, a particle physicist and science presenter.

This is the second time that Lord Drayson has agreed to a public discussion about important scientific matters, in response to invitations posted on the social media website Twitter.

In September, Lord Drayson debated the merits of UK science journalism with Dr Ben Goldacre at the Royal Institution.

This time, it was Colin Stuart’s exchange of tweets with Lord Drayson about UK science’s future which evolved into a public event to discuss how best to recognise and support excellence in scientific research and its impact on our society, culture and economy.

Lord Drayson said,

“I believe passionately in UK science. it is one of this country’s great strengths, and it will have a huge impact in shaping our world.

“I’m keen to discuss that future with the emerging generation of scientists – not just research, but also its place in our society.”

Colin said,

“Science has never played a bigger role in our society but we have to be very careful how it is handled in this embryonic century.

“Putting the views of young science professionals to Lord Drayson is fundamental at a time when there are big changes to the way UK science is being run and to the future that we’ll inherit.”

“Blue skies ahead? The prospects for UK science” has been organised by the Department for Business, Innovations and Skills – together with Times Higher Education and the Wellcome Trust.

Prof Cox said,

“Government handling of UK science must be held up to the most rigorous public scrutiny because it is of overwhelming importance for the future of our country.

“The science base is strong, but that strength could quickly turn to weakness if the wrong decisions are made in the current economic climate. ‘Blue skies ahead’ is a very welcome and timely addition to the debate on the future of UK science.”

Topics: Blue Skies ahead, embryonic, G8, Governance, government, Nobel Prize, physicist, research, science, scientist, society, Twitter, United Kingdom

 Print This Article in Plain Text

Latest Headlines

• President Obama Hosts Taoiseach Of Ireland Brian Cowen
• Edinburgh Council Steps Up To Communal Stair Security
• White House Highlights U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Fights Financial Reform
• Cancer Patients In Edinburgh To Receive Benefits And Grants To Cope With Financial Burden
• White House: Without Health Care Reform Expect Premiums To Skyrocket
• Edinburgh To Begin Search To Replace 3 Top Council Members Who Are Retiring
• Creative Scotland Moves Home Base To Edinburgh
• UK Releases Health Care Statistics On Referral To Treatment Services “RTT”
• Illinois Moves Primary Election From February To March
• Nissan Brings The Leaf To UK Creating 550 Jobs
• UK Government Boost Funding For Disabled Children
• New York Governor Proposes To Cap State Spending And Property Taxes
• Florida Looks To Increase Business Investments For Port Projects
• U.S. Loan Modification Program Still Not Working Smoothly
• Nova Scotia Celebrates Local Culture And Heritage With Pictou Landing Powwow

In The News

Canada Announces Funding For The 147th Antigonish Highland Games

On behalf of the Honourable James

Canada Expanding Trade Relations With South Africa

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister

Scotland To Create Confidential Helpline For Men Being Abused

A new service is being set

What Is The Future For Scotland’s Public Information Notices “PIN”

Legislation enabling councils to use online

£34 Million To Make Welsh Homes More Energy Efficient

The Welsh Assembly Government plans to