Prominent UK scientists call for research investment to match that of international competitors
A number of the UK's most esteemed scientists have called for more investment in universities and schools so as to facilitate the recruitment and retention of high quality researchers and teachers. In an open letter published in the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper, scientists from a range of disciplines, including four Nobel prize winners, say that 'when the chancellor of the exchequer publishes the results of his spending review [...] he must recognise the need for the UK to invest in scientific research and education at a level at least as great as that of our international competitors.' The letter argues that 'the science, engineering and medical research base is a valuable asset in its own right [...] and its future depends on science education in schools and universities.' The scientists claim that although the government has made 'recent moves in the right direction, there remain serious difficulties in recruiting and retaining the best scientists and engineers into school teaching and into university careers in research and lecturing.'
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United Kingdom