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Science Matters in Northern Ireland

February 01, 2002

SBS today welcomed the opening of the new Centre for Molecular Biosciences at the University of Ulster, but highlighted the general lack of government investment in science in Northern Ireland.

In a talk to scientists in Northern Ireland, Dr Peter Cotgreave, Director of SBS, pointed out that overall government investment in the science base is just £24 per head per year in Northern Ireland, compared with £34 in Wales, £44 in England, and £58 in Scotland.

"The economy in Northern Ireland needs at least the same kind of investment as it does in other parts of the UK," said Peter Cotgreave, "and science, technology and engineering are going to be major components of a successful 21st Century economy.

"The new Centre for Molecular Biosciences is a welcome sign of how important science will be to the future of Northern Ireland, but the Northern Ireland Assembly must look hard at how it will invest in that future.

"After the latest research audit last year, the constituent parts of the UK have announced differential increases in their investment. England put in an extra 3% for next year, while the Welsh Assembly has announced a 9% boost for this year. That reflects the Welsh Assembly`s recognition of the importance of high-technology development to its economy.

Northern Ireland should follow suit."

Royal Society, The