Willets To Push UK Science Agenda

The Universities and Science Minister is to say he wants to make Britain "the best place in the world" to do science.

In a speech at Policy Exchange, David Willetts will argue the UK's universities, science facilities and researchers are the "best single hope" for creating jobs and opportunities and boosting high tech economic growth.

Among proposals to be outlined in his speech at the Exchange, Mr Willets is to give an invitation for proposals for a new type of university with a focus on science.

He will also announce the creation of a new Catapult centre in satellite applications, providing businesses with access to orbit test facilities, the set up of 'Leadership Councils' in E-Infrastructure and in Synthetic Biology and state an ambition for universities funding from external sources to grow by 10% over the next three years.

In his speech, Mr Willets is expected to say: “If properly nurtured they can ensure that Britain will be up there as a leading location for research in the physical and life sciences and beyond. Britain can be the preferred location for companies’ R&D. We can have world-class industries using cutting-edge technologies. We can have a prosperous future with a role in the world.”

“Globalisation is still at its early stages when it comes to Higher Education. The next round of new institutions may well link existing British universities with international partners.

"The surge in international investment in science and technology would make this a key part of the mission of a new foundation. It might be that today’s institutions propose a new campus or a new international partnership."

However, despite the ambitions, there will be no additional Government funding for any of the projects, and Mr Willets is expected to look to private finance and sponsorship from businesses that are keen to recruit more British graduates.

(DW)