February 10, 2015

National Academies’ pre-election statement on research and innovation

The UK will go to the polls in the spring to elect a new government. While research and innovation may not be central to the political parties’ election campaigns, it will help answer the issues they will be asked about on the doorstep – such as improving health, creating jobs and producing more sustainable energy.

UK researchers address major national and global challenges – from economic recovery to climate change, from security to ageing. It is absolutely crucial that we keep UK research at the cutting edge.

To that end, the Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society, are publishing a statement outlining what the new government will need to do to secure the UK’s position as a world-leader in research.

Representatives of the national academies and industry came to the SMC to talk about the priorities for research and innovation they will be urging the next government to adopt.

Speakers:

Lord Stern of Brentford, President, British Academy

Professor Dame Ann Dowling, President, Royal Academy of Engineering

Professor Alex Halliday, Physical Secretary and Vice-President, Royal Society

Professor Moira Whyte, Registrar, Academy of Medical Sciences

Professor Ric Parker, Director of Research and Technology, Rolls Royce