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Science Strategy Overdue, Say UK Biologists

November 09, 1999

IOB/99/10
9/11/1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Science Strategy Overdue, Say UK Biologists

The Institute of Biology today gave its backing to the proposed bill to establish a national science strategy. 'If Britain wants to be part of the technology revolution that is moving forward at such a terrific pace, we have got to have a science strategy', said Professor Peter Caligari, Chairman of the Institute's Science Policy Board.

The decline in real terms of expenditure on UK science over the last decade, combined with the lack of a career structure, will be profoundly damaging to the health and wealth of the country. 'As we approach the year 2000 and anticipate the "brave new world", it is disgraceful that there is not a national science strategy already in place', said Jonathan Cowie, Head of science policy at the IOB.

The national science strategy bill calls for the current science funding budget to be doubled. The council that would be formed to devise and implement the strategy would consult with more than 100 scientific and technical organisations. These organisations, including the Institute of Biology, which alone represents 16,000 biologists, are members of the Parliamentary and scientific committee. Such strong representation from the scientific community would add weight to plans for better pay and career structures for those in R&D who can move science forward.

Welcoming the new initiative, Professor Caligari said, 'It seems that scientific discovery is still undervalued, yet everyone in the UK benefits from medicine, a conserved natural environment, high quality foods and information technology'. The UK, with its excellent track record in R&D, has led the world in scientific endeavour but is now struggling to maintain this position because top-rate scientists are looking elsewhere for career opportunities.

END
For further details contact
Jonathan Cowie, Tel 0171 581 8333 ext 240 or email j.cowie@iob.org

Note to Editors
The Institute of Biology is the professional body for UK biologists. It was founded in 1950, obtained a Royal Charter in 1979 and is a registered charity (No 277981). It has an international membership of over 16,000 bioscientists working in all sectors of the profession, including research, production, testing, management, consultancy and education.

NWO (Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research)

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