Well, I think we can safely say that Vince Cable put the cat amongst the pigeons this morning. Doesn't matter that we all knew the cat was coming, the reaction has been instinctive. And there has been some uncharacteristically unacademic language in response to his blunt message. In fact that is the first thing that struck … Continue reading Cable reveals his basic instincts on science
universities
Caps-off to non-EU talent, says AMRC
With parliament returning tomorrow for a two week spell ahead of the party conferences, it would seem that things are springing into life again after a month of self-sedation. Today, we publish our responses to the UK Border Agency and Migration Advisory Committee consultations regarding the proposed cap on non-EU migrants. See here for more. Or … Continue reading Caps-off to non-EU talent, says AMRC
JK Rowling and Donation to Multiple Sclerosis research
There has been blanket coverage of JK Rowling's £10 million donation to set-up a new research clinic at the Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research and quite right too. The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, named after her mother who had MS, will investigate treatments to slow the progression, and ultimately reverse, the symptoms of MS but will also undertake … Continue reading JK Rowling and Donation to Multiple Sclerosis research
Osborne on economic growth
Various reports are flashing across the wires right now concerning the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne's, speech at Bloomberg's offices in London today. The following is from BBC News. You can read the full text on the HM Treasury website here. Which begs the question why it takes the Department of Health … Continue reading Osborne on economic growth
Science besieges the castle with evidence: to what impact?
Global warming was not high on the Victorians' agenda as anyone who attends a summer event in parliament will attest. But the heat is usually a good sign that your event is packed and the conversation flowing. So it was with yesterday's excellent All-Party Parliamentary Group on Medical Research summer reception. The show of strength … Continue reading Science besieges the castle with evidence: to what impact?
Resources on public engagement and research funding
A lull in the general hurly burly allows me to post a few resources that might be of interest. Research Information Network (RIN) have published a useful introduction to Government and research policy in the UK including a natty little chart showing all the links and relationships between different parts of the system. Research Councils … Continue reading Resources on public engagement and research funding
Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR)
I originally intended this to be a politics free blog for once. But such is life. Today we put in our submission on the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) which you can find on our website. I see there was some coverage of the Royal Society's own submission in this morning's papers. Many of the messages … Continue reading Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR)
Vince Cable on universities
The Business Secretary, Vince Cable's, speech on university reform can be found on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website. It is always dangerous to take quotes out of context but I noticed this quite interesting bit. 'Of course we must back internationally excellent research. But what we can’t afford is a system in … Continue reading Vince Cable on universities
Willetts wants to cut loose science and go for growth
The Science Minister, David Willetts, was in thoughtful rather than visionary mode at the Royal Institution this morning I felt. The old hands among you will know by now that a Ministerial speech headlined as 'a vision' rarely lives up to its billing. But let's not mark him down on this. On science as in … Continue reading Willetts wants to cut loose science and go for growth
Willetts to speak this Friday on Government's vision for Science in the UK
The Science Minister, David Willetts, will be making his first speech setting out the Government's vision for science in the UK this Friday 9th July at the Royal Institution at 11am. Tickets are free and can be booked through the Ri
Cap on Non-EU Economic Migrants: implications for science
You may have heard about the Home Secretary, Teresa May's, announcement of a cap on non-EU economic migrant workers on the news and in the newspapers. Many of the reports I have seen have made reference to the concerns expressed by the science community about the impact of such a cap on attracting international researchers. The … Continue reading Cap on Non-EU Economic Migrants: implications for science
Science and the Budget 2010
When I first started working in Westminster I seem to remember having to go and collect the Budget papers from HM Treasury. These days you can download them after the Chancellow has spoken. But such is the interest on the day, that it might still be quicker if you walk. So, while you are waiting … Continue reading Science and the Budget 2010
Science in a 'Big Society'
I was at the ACEVO CEO Summit this morning. One of those rare occasions when the presentations are so good you don't want to leave. The first was by Richard Reeves, the Director of DEMOS who will shortly become Special Adviser to the Deputy PM, Nick Clegg. The second by writer and broadcaster, Simon Fanshawe. … Continue reading Science in a 'Big Society'
Universities and Research
A quick post in support of this week's campaign by Universities UK called 'What's the Big Idea?' and highlighting 'the essential role of universities in the UK and their impact on the economy, culture, society, the environment and much more.' There is both a campaign website here, and a Facebook site with some fun celebrity stuff … Continue reading Universities and Research
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