Science is Vital

We are a group of concerned scientists, engineers and supporters of science who are campaigning to prevent destructive levels of cuts to science funding in the UK.

Science careers Report

On 5th October 2011 we submitted a report with the result of our Science Careers consultation to the Minister for Universities & Science The Rt Hon David Willetts, MP. We’re making it available to all interested parties. We met with Mr Willetts the following day to discuss the main points (read the meeting report).

The Executive Summary and full report are available to download.

Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Why science?

Investing in research enriches society and helps drive the economy. It led to our preeminent position in the 20th century, and will be vital in meeting the challenges of the 21st – whether they be in energy, medicine, infrastructure, computing, or simply humanity’s primal desire for discovery.

The UK has a proud history of excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We are world leaders in many fields of research, producing over 10% of global scientific output with only 1% of the global population, and despite spending less on science per capita than most of our competitors.

Our world-class research universities and institutes which attract excellence and investment from around the world have made us a global hub for science. Nations such as the United States, China, Germany, and France have all recognized the importance of investing in science especially in austere times – it could be catastrophic for the UK to do the exact opposite.

11 September 2010 @ 09:14

About

Who we are, and what we're doing

One year on

September 6th marked one year since Science is Vital sprang into life to campaign for maintaining science spending in the UK. Since the campaign last autumn we've been quiet, but not entirely silent. We plan to stay around to keep pressure on the Government both now and in time for the next big spending review due in 2013. We need to plan our strategy and tactics. We've constituted into an organization with a transparent decision making structure and the ability to raise money.

Over the coming months, in addition to mini-campaigns such as Science Careers, we will work out what we want to do, how we're going to do it and what it will cost.

If you'd like to get involved please sign up as a member.