July 6, 2018

expert reaction to the science minister’s first major speech

The science minister Sam Gyimah gave his first major science speech at the opening of the Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park.

Prof Sir Pete Downes, President of the Biochemical Society, said:

“We are pleased to hear the positive tone of  this important speech and welcome the Minister’s forward looking vision for UK Science and Innovation. The UK has a long and successful history of scientific innovation and entrepreneurship and we hope this will continue to prosper following our exit from the European Union. The Minister is right when he says ‘it is more than money’. Investment is not enough to secure the future of the science and innovation sector. It will require an environment where researchers can move freely, talent and skills are nurtured and ideas and innovation are encouraged to thrive. We believe it is vital that the UK remains a global leader in science and innovation, and encourage the Minister to continue to work to support this.”

Prof Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society, said:

“The Minister’s commitment to continued openness to the best researchers and innovators post-Brexit is very welcome. This flow of people and ideas has made the UK excel at science. To sustain this excellence, the UK must commit to a migration system that is streamlined and efficient, maintains the steady exchange of people, and signals the UK’s openness to scientists and researchers from Europe and around the world.”

* https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/britains-new-unique-selling-point-usp-the-go-to-place-for-science-and-innovation

Declared interests

None received.