News & Views item - July 2009

 

 

Czech Scientists Protest Publicly Against Severe Budget Cuts to Czech Academy of Sciences. (July 25, 2009)

Czech science experienced a marked increase in support following the country joining the European Union (EU) in 2004. Currently about 1.4% of its GDP is allocated to R&D up from 1.2% in 2003, higher than any other of the formally eastern block nations. However, because of the effect of the global economic crisis on the Czech Republic's finances, the government plans to lower the volume of subsidies for the Academy of Sciences by one half by 2012. In 2010, the Academy is to get 4.61 billion crowns, reduced from this year's 5.88 billion. In 2012, the state subsidy is to be reduced to 2.81 billion  (US$1 = 18.172 crowns).

 


Czech Academy president Jiří Drahoš

According to NatureNews: "Starting next year, core funding for Czech universities and research institutes will be allocated according to rigorous metrics. Institutes can obtain 'points' for a variety of publications and for patents, but also for any software, methods, samples, prototype devices and 'validated technologies' developed in-house. The government plan, drawn up over the past three years with the goal of increasing the efficiency of research and development, was approved by the Czech cabinet on 29 June."

 

The Czech government claims that the academy can take part in public competitions for state subsidies, but critics point out that the funding formula devised by the Council for Research and Development will increase funding for applied research directly connected with production at the expense of basic research.

 

Last Tuesday more than 200 researchers and their supporters protested in Prague's centre against the reduction of subsidies given to the Czech Academy of Sciences.

 

The academy runs 54 basic-research institutes where most of the nation's basic research is carried out. Academy president Jiří Drahoš says: "If this new formula is strictly applied, we will enter into a liquidation spiral. At some point the academy just cannot work anymore."

 

From the government's viewpoint it says simply it needs the cuts because the country's budget deficit is expected to reach 170 billion koruna (US$9.4 billion) in 2009 amid the global economic crisis.

 

Below are links to three documents published by the academy regarding the crisis threatening not only the academy but research overall in the Czech Republic.