Special Report: What’s in a name?

David ‘Two Brains’ Willetts  recently took to the stand at the Royal Institution for his first major speech since becoming Universities and Science Minister, here we explore the speech and the man behind the words

The speech

It came as no real surprise that in his first speech since taking up his post, David Willetts stuck very close to the topic of the economy. Despite science and technology being billed as the way to drive Britain forward and out of the economic depression, the Government has steadfastly remained tight-lipped on science policy and funding until the Comprehensive Spending Review has been concluded.

This is a trend Willetts failed to break in this, his first major speech since being appointed Minister for Universities and Science. However did go so far as to say: “This Government wants science to emerge from this period to be strong, sustainable and effective. Vince Cable and George Osborne both understand the key role of science, technology and innovation in rebalancing the economy.”

In terms of actual policy this was as specific as it got in speech where Willetts was careful to point out that being science minister is an “extraordinary privilege” and that he recognised his “deep responsibility to the scientific community in these austere times.”

Despite a lack of any hard and fast promises, there were some insights into the way Willetts hopes policy will shape the next few years of science in the UK. Here are the main points:

• One-year delay to the implementation of the Research Excellence framework “to figure out whether there is a method of assessing impact which is sound and which is acceptable to the academic community.”

• Investment in science and research – the benefits for blue sky research and clusters of expertise like the computer games industry in Dundee.
• Belief in science is the way forward – one of Willetts’ ambitions is to ensure the advance of nuclear fusion to drive British technological and industrial development.
• The scientific way of thinking – empiricism – is becoming more important for holding broken Britain together as society becomes more diverse.
• The Government must be transparent and retain public trust where science is concerned – Willetts believes this is the best protection for science. A new right for the public to request government-led datasets has been created to publish information in an open and standardised format for ease of use.
• Government-backing of shared facilities like the newly opened state-of-the-art laboratory at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
• Less of a focus on scientific breakthroughs being made in the UK, rather to focus on ensuring the UK is well placed to take advantage of new technologies wherever the originate.

The Man

Even if he can’t talk about where the money will go Willetts is the man who ultimately holds many of the purse strings for the next few years of publically funded British R&D. With responsibility for both universities and science - Willetts’ remit is wide and vital - but has the man knick-named ‘Two Brains’ got what it takes? 

As Minister for Universities and Science, Willetts - MP for Havant in Hampshire, can attend cabinet meetings, although he’s not a full member. He is responsible for all departmental business for the Department of Business Innovation and Skills. This includes all strategic policies, higher education, science and research, life sciences and various other related bodies.

Though not academically from a science background, the register of members interests records that Willetts is chairman of the board of Universal Biosensors Ltd, and holds shares in its parent company, Sensor-Tech Limited.

As the very model of a modern coalition member - Willetts is in the unusual position of being a Conservative minister in a department headed by a Liberal Democrat minister. This has created some tension over which bits of his speeches are recognised as statements of BIS policy and which are not.

He has previously worked in the HM Treasury and the No 10 Policy Unit under Margaret Thatcher. He’s also been Paymaster General and was in the Shadow Cabinet.

He earned his nickname ‘Two Brains’ for his careful intellectual approach, links to academia and his unusually policy-heavy background – and his high hairline.