Home Science News Minister to enshrine protection for research independence

Minister to enshrine protection for research independence

latestnewsonlineFeb 24, 2017Science News

Ministers will enshrine into law the idea that there should be no political interference in research funding.

The concept, known as the Haldane Principle, has been a guiding precept for science spending but never a requirement until now.

The move follows concerns that a proposed shake-up would lead to the centralised funding of research.

Parliament is considering new laws that would see the formation of a new body to oversee spending on science.

The Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said that the changes to the Higher Education and Research Bill he was proposing would guarantee the independence of scientific research

“The amendments announced today demonstrate the government’s commitment to the Haldane Principle and decisions on individual proposals should be reviewed and made by experts in their fields.”

Working well

Currently, UK research is funded by nine separate organisations. Each body specialises in specific fields.

The system is regarded as one that works well and has contributed to Britain leading the world in many areas of science.

The government is proposing the creation of a new body called UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which will oversee and co-ordinate the work of the research organisations, following a review of the system by Prof Sir Paul Nurse.

Critics of the reform fear that the restructuring is a merger in all but name. It would, they believe, lead to the loss of the close relationships between specialist funding bodies and research groups that has led to a system of effective funding that nurtures world class research.

To address these concerns Mr Johnson has decided to incorporate the Haldane Principle into law. He has also proposed amendments that require ministers or UKRI executives to consult with stakeholders before making any changes to the research focus or names of the current research councils

They also require the Secretary of State to make each council’s separate budget allocation clear when issuing grants so that UKRI leaders can’t divert money to their favoured projects.

The amendments also state that one of the research agencies that funds business research and development, Innovate UK, should maintain its focus in the industrial arena

Sarah Main, Executive Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, welcomed the proposed changes.

“I’m pleased to see the government adopting some substantive points raised by the science community and the House of Lords. It’s a reassuring sign for the relationship between UKRI, government and scientists going forward.”

“There remain some issues which we hope will be clarified through these amendments or later, for example enacting the interdisciplinary function of UKRI, consultation across the constituent bodies in forming UKRI strategy, and robust processes for UKRI and the Office for Students to work closely on the cross-over between university teaching and research.”

Follow Pallab on Twitter.

Messaggio precedenteMost wood energy schemes are a 'disaster' for climate change Next PostAd blocker Shine rebrands as ad platform

latestnewsonline

Sesso*
- Uomo
- Donna
- Azienda
Ragione Sociale*
RUOLO IN AZIENDA
RANGE DI FATTURATO
NUMERO DI DIPENDENTI
CATEGORIA MERCEOLOGICA
Nome*
Nome Cognome
Email*
LAVORO
STATO SENTIMENTALE
INTERESSI
DATA DI NASCITA*
LUOGO DI NASCITA
NAZIONALITÀ
Numero civico + Via*
Codice postale*
Comune*
Partiva IVA*
Categoria Merceologica
Telefono
Numero di telefono*
Consenso
Accetto i termini d'uso e le condizioni generali e desidero ricevera informazioni da latestnewsonline.xyz e i siti web associati.
Consenso
Acconsento al trattamento dei miei dati personali per l'invio di informazioni ed offerte commerciali anche da parte di soggeti terzi ai quali sara possibile per il Titolare comunicare i dati personali da me forniti.
Consenso
Acconsento la cessione dei miei dati a terzi per le finalità chiaramente specificate nell'informativa sulla privacy
Consenso
Acconsento al trattamento dei miei dati personali per attività di profilazione basata sulle abitudini di consumo e sui dati e informazioni acquisite attraverso l’utilizzo dei prodotti o servizi utilizzati, da ricercaperte.com o da parte di società controllanti, controllate o collegate, o da partner commerciali.
Phone
Questo campo serve per la convalida e dovrebbe essere lasciato inalterato.

Minister to enshrine protection for research independence

latestnewsonline

Newsletter

Top Rated

Tesla’s Elon Musk swipes at Porsche-buying Bill Gates

Facebook expresses ‘deep concern’ after Singapore orders page block

Ring doorbell makes two-factor verification mandatory

Jeff Bezos: World’s richest man pledges $10bn to fight climate change

Z Flip and Razr: Folding screens bubble and scratch, tests find

Minister to enshrine protection for research independence

articoli correlati

Newsletter

Top Rated