New report highlights successes of UK research
Commercially available products whose origins lie in basic research are the focus of a new publication from Research Councils UK, Unico and Universities UK. Products highlighted in the report include a device to cut police paperwork, a chip found in iPods and a contact lens for diabetics. The release of the report, entitled 'Impacts - successes from UK research' is timed to coincide with National Science and Engineering Week. '[The report] shows how universities have forged close links with business resulting in innovative new products and processes,' commented Drummond Bone, President of Universities UK. 'These products have attracted substantial private investment, although it should be remembered that the health of basic research continues to depend on appropriate levels of public investment.' 'Our new publication demonstrates that research impacts result from all research disciplines and provide solutions relevant to many of the challenges that we face, such as health, environment and security,' added Philip Esler of Research Councils UK. 'Commercialisation is just one of the ways in which research benefits the economy but it shows that our researchers are alive to new opportunities and keen to make a difference.' Malcolm Wicks, British Minister of State for Science and Innovation, welcomed the report, saying: 'Research and ideas are the key tools to help give Britain the edge to compete globally and maintain our status as a world leader in science and innovation.'
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