Plans to beef-up the role of the UK's Council on Science and Technology (CST) have received a warm welcome.
The advisory body, which briefs the UK government on issues of strategic scientific importance, is to be given a higher profile in helping make the country a world leader in what David Sainsbury, minister for Science and Innovation, calls "the knowledge-based economy."
Sainsbury announced last week that, following a quinquennial review, the terms of reference for the CST have changed to make clearer the "broad, cross-cutting nature of its work."
From now on, it will advise the prime minister on ways to bolster science, engineering, and technology in the United Kingdom, as well as promote international cooperation.
It has also been given the jobs of fostering greater interest in science, promoting top-quality science education, and finding ways to ensure government policies take account of research and scientific advice.
To reflect its ...
