Category Archives: Politics

Intellectual poverty

Posted on 06/10/2010 by lilyasquith

There’s a lot of kerfuffle at the moment about the “brain drain” – UK scientists leaving for America or Europe because they can’t get a job in the UK any more. This is undoubtedly a real effect, but perhaps doesn’t seem that relevant to the average UK tax payer. Or MP. Continue reading →

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Keep calm, carry on, but don’t keep quiet

Posted on 04/10/2010 by Jon Butterworth

See also Chapter 4.1 of Smashing Physics. I have been dealing with cuts in science since 2007. It can be draining and depressing, but I have learned at least two important lessons. The HERA collider started up for the first … Continue reading →

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Is poor advice betraying UK science and engineering?

Posted on 10/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

The UK is reputedly poor at capitalising on its scientific excellence. Is this due to a lack of vision in the advice given to politicians? Crises provide opportunities, as every good manager knows. From my point of view as a … Continue reading →

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Conducting Cable

Posted on 08/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

It is depressing is how soon after arriving in Whitehall ministers seem to pick up the traditional line on science funding. Minister: Ok, so I’m a bit new to this stuff. Why do we fund science? Usual suspect 1: Erm … Continue reading →

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