Ratio of Research Funding to Highly Cited Publications - Six Nations. (March 22, 2010)

Britain's Royal Society is trying to ward off expected deep cuts in public funding for scientific research. In a report released March 9 entitled The Scientific Century: Securing Our Future Prosperity the RS argues that slashing support for research would be a false economy, and would harm the nation's long-term economic prospects.  The report's advisory group was "chaired by Sir Martin Taylor FRS and included two Nobel Laureates, two former ministers of science, and leading figures from two high-tech companies. The report draws on a year of evidence gathering, analysis and consultation".

The RS emphasises that the nation needs to place science and innovation at the heart of the UK's long-term strategy for economic growth and that it faces fierce competitive challenges "from countries which are investing at a scale and speed that we may struggle to match".

It lists five paramount factors that Britain must address:

1. Prioritise investment in excellent people;

2. Strengthen Government’s use of science;

3. Reinforce the UK’s position as a hub for global science and innovation;

4. Better align science and innovation with global challenges;

5. Revitalise science and mathematics education.

Whether or not those who govern Australia believe that they too ought to consider the RS' advice as being pertinent in its formation of policy is a moot question.

Nature in reporting on the publication of the report writes: "The United Kingdom has traditionally punched above its weight in science, garnering a bigger proportion of the most highly cited research papers than its share of global funding would suggest (see graphic). But this impressive track record is 'fragile' and brings a 'risk of complacency', the report says, noting competition from rising research funding in India, China and Brazil, along with significant investment for science seen in the stimulus packages in the United States, France and Germany."

And while the US gets significantly less bang for its buck it still is far above all others in the pack when it comes to highly cited research publications by a factor of 4.2 compared to the UK.