Stories from June 2009
Political reshuffle shifts responsibility for science
Institute of Physics News
10 June 2009
Following the reshuffle of Gordon Brown’s cabinet on Friday, 5 June, governmental responsibility for higher education, science and innovation research in the UK has now moved from the disbanded Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) to Peter Mandelson’s re-named Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Lord Drayson remains Minister for Science and Innovation with a strengthened portfolio of responsibilities which now includes oversight of military research.
The Conservative’s shadow cabinet has retained its shadow minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills, David Willetts, despite the disbandment of DIUS.
As events unravelled on Friday, 5 June, Beth Taylor, director of communications at the Institute of Physics (IOP), said, “As the responsibility for science and its budget moves departments, it’s crucial that money for science remains ring-fenced and, if it is to be returned to the department focused on business and enterprise, it does not result in additional pressure on the research councils to deliver more short-term mission-based research.
“Scientists need the freedom to undertake fundamental, curiosity-driven research if they are to deliver the significant breakthroughs needed to face the challenges of the twenty first century.”
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