Scientific research: what should the UK prioritise?
1 July 2014
How should the Government set its long term scientific research priorities? The Lords Science and Technology Committee investigates the forthcoming Science and Innovation Strategy.
Background
On Tuesday 1 July the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will embark on a short inquiry into the national priorities for scientific research.With research areas as diverse as energy, the digital economy, robotics, space exploration, food security and regenerative medicine, to name a few, the Committee will look at the issue of where public funds should be directed, and why.
It will also explore the changes that need to take place to improve further the UK’s international standing in science and innovation.
Purpose of the session
Questions they will be asked include:
- What are the main priorities for scientific research?
- What are the challenges in setting out priorities?
- Should we prioritise according to direct benefit to society?
- Should we prioritise according to economic benefits to UK plc?
- Should we aim for excellence in a few areas, rather than competence across them all?
- Who should decide where we as a country should focus our research – the researchers or the funders?
- Where does the research strategy leave the overall science budget?
Witnesses
Tuesday 1 July, Committee Room 4, Palace of Westminster
At 10.40am:
- Dr Sarah Main, Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE);
- Professor Graeme Reid, Professor of Science and Research Policy, University College London; and
- Mr Kevin Baughan, Director of Technology and Innovation, Technology Strategy Board.
This inquiry constitutes a very brief spot check of scientific research priorities and related issues ahead of the publication in the autumn of the Government’s Science and Innovation Strategy. Further oral hearings are planned for 8 and 22 July.
Professor Graeme Reid was formerly Head of Research Funding in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.