Looking to the future ahead...

Naomi Weir from the Campaign for Science and Engineering sets out a vision for science in these rapidly changing times...

As the dust settles on the second election in as many years, CaSE has set out our vision for science and engineering. What would a thriving environment for research and innovation look like? Core features include people to do science, and money to pay for it. But there are some other features we draw out – more so this time than perhaps in the past.

The first of these is culture. For science and engineering to thrive, we need to ensure the UK is, and continues to be, a place where challenge and independent thought are encouraged and supported in our schools as in the public square. That there is a culture of integrity, transparency and openness in research. And that appropriate oversight and intervention sit alongside independence and autonomy. There are certainly some areas we can improve on, but equally the UK has an enviable foundation in supporting such a culture and we need to make sure it doesn’t erode.

Another key feature of a thriving environment is diversity. Diversity brings resilience and spurs innovation. The research and innovation system is strengthened by having a breadth and diversity of funders, investment instruments, settings for research & innovation, disciplinary strengths, as well as a diversity of people.

Alongside this vision, we set how the Government could use its levers to cultivate such an environment. Following consultation with our members we set out specific actions for Government in six priority areas; education, immigration, collaboration, investment, regulation and evidence. The actions include a mixture of domestic policy proposals and priorities for Brexit negotiations. Since the election, CaSE has sent our vision and priorities to all MPs and selected Peers, ministers and government officials. We have begun a new round of engaging with decision makers and influencers to try and put into action, so that science and engineering, and indeed the UK, can thrive.

We’ve heard much about ‘mandate’ from the politicians in recent months, and at CaSE our mandate to be a voice for science and engineering comes from our membership. If you aren’t yet a member, please do add your voice to ours by joining CaSE. Contact us at membership@sciencecampaign.org.uk, or sign up on our website.

Author: Naomi Weir is Assistant Director at the Campaign for Science and Engineering

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