A vision for UK research

Redesigned PhD and masters programmes to attract and nurture the best researchers are at the centre of proposals to maintain Britain’s leading position in scientific research published by the Council of Science and Technology.

Key recommendations from the report include:

• Over the longer term the Government should rethink the Master degree/PhD landscape so that PhD degrees generally last for 4 years, with the first one or two years potentially leading to a Masters degree which could develop specific and widely-deployable skills
• The Government should articulate the vision for UK research, put forward by CST, to justify sustained investment through a difficult period for public spending
• The Government should put in place a framework for research; and investment to ensure research can be translated into real world benefits and help tackle global challenges.

 "We believe that discussions of science and research should not be trapped in terminology such as “pure” or “blue skies” or “applied” research. We advocate a looser language which reflects the complex, reflexive relationship between research (of all types) and impacts, whether social or economic. We urge that the debate is re-cast to emphasise two linked processes: first focusing on excellence across the research base, and second harvesting the products of the research base," says the report.

• News
  • Archived News
• Events
• Member Organisations' Events
• Science Communication Awards
• Photography Competition