Stand up for Welsh science in face of cuts

Stand up for Welsh science in face of cuts

Scientists in Wales are asking election candidates to signal their support for Welsh science by signing up to a 10-point manifesto for action. Prospect says insufficient core funding and uncertainty over future funding are putting the critical mass of scientific expertise in Welsh research establishments at risk.

Negotiator Gareth Howells said: "Expenditure by the Welsh Assembly Government on science, engineering and technology has fallen by over 70% in real terms in the last ten years.

"The combined effects of insufficient core funding and uncertainty over future funding streams, plus the current drive for current spending cuts, is putting the critical mass of scientific expertise in Welsh research establishments at risk. Experience shows that once lost this will not be regained.

"Professor John Harries, Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, is championing collaboration between university, government and industrial laboratories as a means to increase this 'critical mass'. But the reality is academics work on whatever projects they can get funded."

Howells is writing to the leaders of the main Welsh political parties to seek their commitment to the union's ten point plan.

Prospect's news release lists the 10 points in the manifesto. You can download the full manifesto from the Prospect library  and a Welsh language version is also available.


  • 21 Apr 2011