Top science centres at risk - MPs
Top science centres at risk - MPs
2008-04-30Newsfeed
Mismanagement of research funding has put prestigious science facilities, including Jodrell Bank observatory, at risk, a committee of MPs has warned.
Mismanagement of research funding has put prestigious science facilities, including Jodrell Bank observatory, at risk, a committee of MPs has warned.
Ministers are largely to blame for their poor handling of the Government's science budget, according to the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills (IUSS) Committee.
Ineffective and secretive management at the newly-created Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), one of the funding bodies that allocates research grants, was also highlighted.
Jodrell Bank and Daresbury laboratory, both in Cheshire, were named as two of the world-famous science institutions facing an uncertain future because of mishandled funding.
MPs said the Government had not set aside enough science budget money to cover all its spending commitments despite funding being increased in the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review. The STFC has been left with an £80 million shortfall.
The problem was compounded by poor management and "lamentable" communications at the STFC.
Professor Keith Mason, chief executive of the STFC, was singled out for special criticism. There were "serious questions" about his role and performance, "especially his ability to retain the confidence of the scientific community as well as to carry through the necessary changes", the MPs concluded.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
