Will central funds pool be deep enough?

The new Minister of State for Science and Technology, Michael Smith, has promised that extra research money will be available from a fund established by an interdepartmental sub-committee. Through departmental savings, a pool of resources will be created which the Government will match pound for pound.

This, though, is hardly putting third-level research at the top of the agenda. Nor is it addressing the fundamental problems faced by the sector. Surely these could be better served if some of the current Exchequer surplus were directed into third-level research? According to Smith, basic research is vital: "It is the fountain from which a whole range of other developments flow." He believes that this is little understood in both the political and public arenas.

Smith says he understands the need for state-of-the-art equipment and hopes to be able to increase Government funding for this. "We are looking to create a new partnership between industry, government and the third-level research sector so that we can use innovative ways, including tax incentives, and enhance that funding," he says.

However, if science and technology has been neglected at government level in recent years, scientists must take part of the blame, Smith stresses. "The political system responds to knowledge. Scientists need to open up doors and let the world see what's going on."