Critics of the present system of science funding say it’s rather like modern football where the richest clubs are the most successful, which makes them even richer enabling them to continue to be successful.
The largest universities get the bulk of the funds because that is where the best research is conducted. But that means that they continue to thrive while the rest are left in their wake. It also means that new high-tech industries tend to base themselves around the large universities which tend to be in the South East of England.
Research funding is distributed by scientific experts, who are independent of ministers. They do so on the basis of the quality of research and the strength and reputation of the research group. This tried and tested formula has seen the emergence of some of the world’s highest ranking research universities.
It has also meant that the UK leads in many areas of science. With less than 1% of the world’s population the UK produces 16% of top quality published research.
The new Science Minister, Jo Johnson, has signalled there may be a shift in research funding.
He chose to make his announcement in the north of England. Addressing an audience at the Rolls-Royce Factory of the Future, which is part of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, he described his new strategy as “one nation science”.
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