LONDON — Suddenly, it seems, all eyes in the UK are on the state of academic science research. Not a subject that generally tops the news agenda, it has been thrust under the public gaze thanks to high-profile reports examining everything from the pay of academics to the way research funding is allocated.
By the end of next week, two reports in the space of a fortnight will have highlighted the changes needed to keep Britain's science research where it belongs — up with the best in the world. Top of the list, say some interested parties, should be extra cash from the Chancellor, Gordon Brown.
The first report, compiled by the president of the Science Council Sir Gareth Roberts, was released on 15 April and called for a substantial cash injection to ward off a national crisis in the supply of skilled scientists. The second, due out on 25 ...
