Impact scepticism

The economic value of public investment in science is best demonstrated by 바카라사이트 ability of a scientifically literate country to capitalise on advancements made around 바카라사이트 world, according to 바카라사이트 minister for science and universities.

Speaking to an audience of science journalists at 바카라사이트 Science Media Centre in London today, David Willetts reiterated his scepticism about proposals to measure 바카라사이트 social and economic impact of research in 바카라사이트 forthcoming research excellence framework.

¡°Scientific activity can¡¯t be reduced to a utilitarian calculation or an economic balance sheet,¡± he said.

But he added that 바카라사이트 discipline would not be exempt from public-sector cuts and said it would be necessary to economically justify state investment in science.

He said that as a layman, he was most persuaded by 바카라사이트 argument that an economy and society with high levels of scientific understanding had a greater ¡°absorptive capacity¡±.

¡°It means that if you have that critical mass in your own society¡¯s in-house capacity to understand, you have a greater ability to benefit from scientific advances happening around 바카라사이트 world,¡± he explained.

Mr Willetts was complimentary of 바카라사이트 previous government¡¯s efforts to boost science and said he did not intend to approach his brief in a ¡°partisan spirit¡±.

He said he would call upon 바카라사이트 expertise of 바카라사이트 former Labour science minister Lord Sainsbury and Evan Harris, 바카라사이트 former Liberal Democrat MP and Commons Science and Technology Committee stalwart, who lost his seat in 바카라사이트 general election.

He also expressed support for 바카라사이트 appointment of a chief scientific adviser to 바카라사이트 Treasury, but said now ¡°might not be 바카라사이트 most tactful moment¡± to push for it.

Mr Willetts said he approved of incorporating principles on respecting scientific advice into 바카라사이트 Ministerial Code, but was wary about this being seen as ¡°a treaty between two warring tribes¡±.

He added that his aides were still trying to determine whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트 decision to suspend all spending announced this year by 바카라사이트 previous government would affect funding for 바카라사이트 UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation in Central London.

paul.jump@tsleducation.com

? For an interview with David Willetts, see 온라인 바카라, 20 May.