A Science Policy for Wales 2006 The Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Vision for Sciences, Engineering and Technology G/MH/2495/11-06 November Typeset in 12pt ISBN 0 7504 9032 2 A-CMK-22-03-078 © Crown copyright 2006 Contents
Ministerial Foreword 2
A Science Policy for Wales 4
Executive Summary 8
Higher Education’s Contribution to Science: 12 Research and the Application of Research
Commercialisation of Science 19
Science Education 23
Public Dialogue and 27 Understanding of Science
Key Priority: Health 29
Key Priority: Low Carbon Economy 35
Key Priority: Enabling Sustained Social 41 and Economic Renewal
Effective Use of Scientifi c Evidence 45 by Government
1 Ministerial Foreword
by The Right Honourable Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister and Minister for Science The time is now ripe for a Science Policy for do have in Wales is spread relatively sparsely Wales. Wales cannot compete in the global between institutions and disciplines. This is economy on the basis of low wages and low the situation we face. The question for us all is value added goods and services. Our future what we do about it? We need to consider the lies in a knowledge economy, enriched by benefi ts that might accrue if a well designed scientifi c, technological and engineering know- science policy, tailored as closely as possible how. Although science policy and funding is to the needs of Welsh society, is brought into not devolved, a science policy tailored to Wales’ action. In doing so, we need to be aware of and needs will help to accelerate the development engage with other parts of the UK and Europe of a knowledge economy as well as enhance and the USA, and to relate to fast developing the quality of our higher education system, economies such as China and India. health service, environment, agriculture and We can only sustain a successful science policy evidence-based government in general. if it is outward-looking and ambitious and If Wales attempts to invest in a bigger scientifi c actively engages all stakeholders – business, effort right across the board, it will spread our higher education community, our Welsh the ‘butter’ far too thinly. We can succeed, National Health Service, science educators however, if specialist strengths in science and in schools and in the community, and policy technology within our research institutions and makers in central and local government. Wales’ our higher education sector can be married with business and higher education communities private sector strengths in those same science also need to mesh effectively with the wider and technology fi elds. Not only is Wales a small United Kingdom and the world. We must country without devolved responsibilities in continue to bring together networks and science, it is also a country in which the engine institutions to achieve strength in depth and the of scientifi c effort has for many decades not interdisciplinary fl exibility that is the so essential been running as effectively as it should. Wales to success in modern science and technology. has never been blessed with a large number of We must also ensure that benefi ts accruing government research establishments or private from research conducted in Wales and sector R&D establishments. The excellence we elsewhere benefi t the people of Wales and
2 support, where possible, all our strategic supportive of the proposed areas to focus policy objectives. The scientifi c world impacts upon but carried a proviso that there needs increasingly on our lives in varied ways a readiness to be fl exible in order to be able – personalised medicine, information and to embrace change and opportunities as and communications technology, to name but a few. when they might arise. Some respondents were It is essential that we all become more aware keen to see policy widened to address other and better informed of the challenges, solutions science-related issues and this policy document and opportunities scientifi c advances can offer. responds to those calls – on education and skills, public understanding of science, and The future also lies in ensuring we have a commercialisation, as well as science for policy suffi cient cadre of people able and willing making. It sets a direction of travel, defi ning a to work in research and technological broad policy. It is not intended, however, to go development and to teach the science, into detail or depth in any particular area. Other engineering and maths subjects that are documents and activities will do this. essential to any knowledge-based future. We have to build and retain enthusiasm and a I am passionate about the importance of positive image for studying and researching science in our lives and to our ambitions for such subjects among our children and their Wales. That is why I carry the role of Minister parents and advisors. for Science as well as being First Minister. This strategy explains how we should set out to When we carried out our consultation on this achieve those ambitions. I commend it to you. issue earlier this year, in A Science Policy for Wales? three priority areas were proposed for Wales to focus more of its effort and resources upon – health/life sciences, the low carbon economy and sustainable economic and social regeneration (and the social and natural sciences linked with it). The consultation Rhodri Morgan AM outcome, which produced over 280 pages First Minister and Minister for Science of comment and suggestions, was mostly
3 A Science Policy for Wales
Wales may be said to have inherited a science Wales’ 21st century needs must be found. defi cit. The causes are very long standing. Quality of life is quoted as one reason for the Wales produces thousands of science graduates concentration of scientifi c manpower and and postgraduates every year. Many leave womanpower in the golden triangle – and, Wales and sometimes the UK to work in of course, proximity to other top scientists, private sector R&D establishments, government concentrations of cognate specialists, and a research establishments or, increasingly these belief that the facilities they need will be days, to convert their natural science skills to made available. meet the insatiable demands of the fi nancial services industry in the City of London and elsewhere. Others migrate to Wales but, in common with all other regions and countries of the UK other than London and the South East, Wales is a net exporter of graduates in natural sciences. That is not a satisfactory situation but it is not an easy inheritance to change radically. A ‘golden triangle’, based on Oxford, Cambridge and London, is very well entrenched in defence R&D and in big pharmaceutical company R&D. R&D establishments and their location are far more diffi cult to induce to move from within the golden triangle to locations outside it further along the M4 than are manufacturing establishments. The same applies to the smaller Cheshire and Manchester science belt and the Our universities not only produce thousands of possibilities of entering it with North Wales excellent science graduates and post-graduates, along the A55. they offer employment in research and teaching as well and have improved the standing of No one now builds new government research many, if not most, departments in the Research establishments. Correcting the existing science and Assessment Exercises (RAE) carried out over defi cit by waiting for the UK Government or the past decade and a half. Where Welsh higher European consortia of governments to build a education institutions (HEIs) have been far less new Harwell or CERN and then lobbying for successful than their Scottish counterparts is Wales to be the location would be pointless. in winning Research Council funding. Relative It would take far too long. We have seen to the total size of the higher education base in the recent competition within England, or to the total population, Scotland wins between Daresbury in the North and Harwell more than its share of UK Research Council in the Thames Valley, over the Diamond Light funding and Wales wins less than its share of Source synchrotron, which shows how strong UK Research Council funding. There would be the golden triangle’s magnetic pull is. It may hundreds more scientists employed in Wales be a regrettable situation but it is a situation if Welsh HEIs won the same share of Research which has to be faced. An answer that suits
4 Council funding, relative to its population, as laboratories and the volume of scientists, Scottish HEIs do. Welsh HEIs science mass and technologists and other researchers working revenue streams would be much improved in them, the greater the potential for ideas- as well. Although the situation is improving based new companies being formed. Likewise, and different HEIs have different degrees of the greater the inculcation of an ‘enterprise’ success in this area, a general improvement of orientation among the present cohort of performance here is bound to be an obvious scientists and other researchers in our HEIs, high priority. Winning a higher proportion of colleges and research laboratories, the larger EU Collaborative Research 7th Framework the number of spin-off and spin-out company Programme funds would not involve the same formations. These two strands of policy need level of improved revenue streams but carries complementing by inculcation of a culture of other global awareness benefi ts. The science in-trepreneurship, whereby organisations in the workforce is more globally mobile than most. public and private sector need to encourage ideas or, at least, not to block ideas for new An extension of the science base in health R&D lines of research which may be outside the set carries an added benefi t of being of benefi t priorities of the organisation. It should not be to actual treatments. Although treatments necessary for someone to leave an organisation evolving from scientifi c health-related research to pursue a bright idea, which may lead to a carried out in Wales would in no way be new revenue stream, a hatful of high tech. new restricted to Welsh patients, likewise, new jobs or a new breakthrough in the treatment treatments for Welsh patients would never of ill-health or in new crops or the solution to a be restricted to research carried out by health long standing environmental problem. researchers based in Wales. Clinical best practice will always come fi rst. We do know Where spin-off high tech. enterprises are that innovations such as the Wales Cancer formed from the laboratories of Welsh HEIs Bank do involve Welsh patients contributing to or Government and private sector research innovations from which they or their genetic establishments, the question of suitable near-neighbours might benefi t. The Wales Gene Park is another example of a collaborative project which shows the way forward for Welsh HE, the health sector and private sector in genetics – turning the excellent level of collaboration, generated in the building process to be part of the UK Genetics initiative, into sustained collaboration in implementing the Wales Gene Park. One of the benefi cial side-effects of having a bigger mass of scientists is the greater probability of healthy levels of spin-offs and spin-outs of science-based innovation and enterprise in science-based high-tech companies. The greater the number of research
5 high quality accommodation for high-tech. The top of the pyramid of scientifi c research, companies arises. Wales has been very higher education or science-based enterprises successful in evolving the Technium model rests on the base of broadly-based science to cover the initial phase of newly formed education in Wales’ schools. Making science science-based enterprises. It is, however, short and allied disciplines accessible and interesting of science parks. We need more ‘move-on’ to a wide range of school children is critical accommodation for enterprises ready to leave to building a strong base for that pyramid. the Technium incubator environment but still Very substantial strides have already been requiring something quite different from the made towards making science education more standard commercially available, shed-type inviting and less forbidding for both primary accommodation, built for the warehouse and secondary school children. These efforts or manufacturing company or the standard to improve the appeal of the curriculum need speculative-build offi ce. Where a market has to continue with the end in mind that, when it not developed, whereby science park-type comes to choices at A level and its vocational accommodation is available in Wales, there is equivalent, a higher proportion of 16 year-olds a case for the public sector selectively fi lling and 18 year-olds choose at least a part science- the gap left by the market. Ideally, the science based set of subjects. The current shortage of park should adjoin a Technium, which in turn physics, chemistry, mathematics and design ought to adjoin the University (or at least its and technology teachers needs to be corrected, natural sciences faculty areas) or Government because of the danger of the vicious circle – a research establishments. It is unlikely to occur smaller number of new physics teachers making in this ideal pattern of next door proximity that it less likely that GCSE and A level age-groups facilitates spin-off and move-on every time. will opt to study physics. If the new set of While the ideal may not always be possible, appropriate incentives can adjust the choices the logic of proximity remains of aiming for of would-be university students to teachers in locations to be as close as possible. these subjects at least for part of their career, that potential vicious circle can be turned round into a virtuous circle of more new physics, chemistry and maths teachers enthusing more 14, 16 and 18 year-olds to specialise in those shortage subjects. Wales is potentially a great area to carry out scientifi c research. It has the quality of life and cost of living advantages that have a huge appeal for recruiting scientists and other researchers in a globally competitive market for the scarce scientifi c human resource. Wales is rich in landscape ideal for the kind of outdoor activity that appeals and attracts scientists: mountain-biking, climbing, surfi ng and sailing, at an affordable price. While scientifi c superstars may feel the magnetism of the UK’s ‘golden
6 Quality of life and affordability is Wales’ unique selling-point in the race to recruit the best science resource.
triangle’ or Southern California, recruitment develop and fund our own research at the of scientifi c research teams at PhD and post- expensive end of R&D such as particle physics doctoral level is easier in Wales because housing or space research. is much more affordable. The risk to sustaining The key to Welsh success in implementing a the UK’s science base, with international science policy is to focus on a few key areas. standards of excellence, comes from continued We have chosen three that already show signs over-concentration in or around London, the of strength and comparative advantage in M25, Heathrow, Oxford and Cambridge. High Wales. We must push them, particularly where housing cost for most researchers, certainly those sectors of science have a relevance for those on university and public sector salaries, Welsh society. The “Small Clever Country” with means these key staff will not be retained in high returns to the public benefi t from focussing research and science when they become in three relevant broad areas of science strength ‘thirty-somethings’. is a small clever country indeed. Health and life Quality of life and affordability is Wales’ unique sciences, the low carbon economy and enabling selling-point in the race to recruit the best social and economic renewal would appear to science resource. It enables us to power ahead lead the fi eld at present in the contribution that into the knowledge economy. Creating a more greater scientifi c effort could make to benefi t science-oriented society and economy must Wales and the world. They are not an exclusive not tempt Wales to pretend that we are a big three areas, nor are they permanent. They country, trying to cover the entire huge range are broad areas of focus to give coherence to of science or that we could independently Wales’ fi rst ever overarching science policy.
7 Executive Summary
The Government consulted on A Science Policy to access UK-wide funding, and our strategy for Wales? from January to March 2006. The will need to operate in a complimentary and consultation proposed three areas upon which matching way. Supporting full economic a science policy focussed on innovation should costs, including overheads, in areas such as concentrate: charity-funded and Assembly Government- commissioned work will be phased in over time. ■ Health ■ Low Carbon Economy and Our relatively small HE institutions will continue to need to follow the route of ■ Enabling Sustained Social and greater convergence and collaboration remains Economic Renewal important to achieving ‘critical mass’. Assembly The consultation document received a large Government funds provide strong incentives number of responses, many from the academic in this area. There are possibilities for further world but also from business, other public centres or networks of excellence which sector organisations and from individuals. The could underpin the three priority areas of this responses largely agreed with the three areas science policy. foci but many argued strongly that a Science Teaching students well is a core feature. Policy needed a broader focus, including Our science policy ambitions need people consideration of issues surrounding education with appropriate skills working in the fi elds and public engagement with science. identifi ed. We are concerned by the fall in take- Higher Education’s Contribution: up of courses in some science subjects, but the overall picture is not one of decline. We will Basic and Applied Research monitor the trends, and look at innovative ways In Wales, Higher Education (HE) Institutions to encourage take-up of courses in science. We have a key and pivotal role in delivering the science, innovation and skilled people which are important in enabling economic, social and cultural success. We need to attract and retain academic talent of international standing. The three priority strands put forward in the science policy consultation (health, low carbon and enabling economic and social renewal) were agreed, subject to fl exibility. HE Institutions have academic autonomy to choose their priorities but there is strong support for activities in the three priority areas. This autonomy is an important and highly- regarded feature of UK higher education. Assembly Government spending decisions will not hamper Welsh HEIs in being competitive with the UK HE system. We are alert to risks to science in Wales from a changing balance in the dual support mechanism. Wales will continue
8 developments as early as possible and highlight the opportunities which these might bring to Wales. We will utilise the resources of our new Department for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks to best effect to seize these opportunities. Through our Education, Life-long Learning and Skills Department we will give society in Wales the skills to exploit scientifi c discovery and change. We will continue to seek investment into Wales that is knowledge- based and encourage the building of the best possible research, development and design teams, especially in the three priority strands. In particular, we will encourage business collaboration and inter-institution working to wish to maintain a strong national capacity in give such teams the reputation and ‘critical key subjects. mass’ to capture substantial funding, backed by strategic investment in physical facilities to Within HE, exploiting scientifi c knowledge and enable even more cutting-edge work to evolve expertise to the benefi t of society and economy in Wales. comes in many guises. HE is important in helping business in Wales to engage in the Science Education research, development, design and deployment It is a problem in Wales and the wider UK of new products and processes. We are keen and beyond, that there are insuffi cient people to see a spirit of enterprise embedded in our (generally young people) studying science, HEIs, aided by our third mission funds and will technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). encourage them to focus on the three priority We need a higher proportion of students to strands. There should be stronger engagement opt to study these STEM subjects to ensure we between our HEIs, businesses and our two have future generations of people supplying public sector research establishments (PSREs) our science and technology needs and – the Institute of Grassland and Environmental exploiting opportunities, alongside a population Research (IGER) at Aberystwyth, and the Centre suffi ciently educated and attuned to science to for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) at University be able to understand how science relates to of Wales, Bangor. the challenges and opportunities society faces. Commercialisation of Science Within the overall numbers of students The Welsh Assembly Government will continue training to become teachers we will strive to to support strongly the effective translation of achieve a higher percentage who are science research and scientifi c know-how into business, and mathematics specialists and enhance the health sector, and environmental outcomes. means to ensure their subject knowledge and We want to promote innovation in business skills are kept up to date through continuing products and services and in the Welsh public professional development and our forthcoming sector. We will continue our futures horizon- Pedagogy Initiative. School science and maths scanning activity to detect market shifts and
9 Public Understanding of Science The pace of scientifi c and technological change is quickening all the time. Opportunities and challenges; locally, regionally and globally, arise from and have solutions in the scientifi c and technological world. We must ensure the people of Wales have an appropriate and balanced understanding of these issues, their causes and the possible ways forward. The Welsh Assembly Government will maintain close links with organisations promoting the importance of scientifi c understanding to the public, including “science-producing” bodies such as universities, which themselves should be in the forefront of showcasing their achievements. We will maintain public consultation on these issues as required, canvassing views and attitudes to science-related matters. We will encourage scientists and scientifi c educational and funding teaching must have equipment, supplies and bodies, such as Techniquest, the BA (British accommodation that are modern and fi t for Association for the Advancement of Science) purpose. We will continue to provide capital and the National Endowment for Science investment for schools across Wales. Technology and the Arts (NESTA) to continue We must strive to have a good supply of communicating objectively new scientifi c talented young people who are alive to the discoveries, and their implications, to the public. enjoyment of science and seriously consider We will support closer working together by the taking it up as a career – this requires, among media, scientists and policy makers to increase other things, clear, informed and current the public understanding of science. advice on the avenues and opportunities available. Also related, we will continue to Key Priority Areas encourage enterprise education as an element While this policy document addresses the in degree and other tertiary courses, to equip importance generally of science, engineering, and encourage many of these students to technology and mathematics, Wales is a small establish or join businesses where their expertise country with limited resources and we must and knowledge is employed for commercial focus our efforts. Our analysis and the formal purposes. We will continue to look around for consultation exercise has confi rmed that there innovative and effective ways of educating could be exceptional benefi ts from focusing students in STEM subjects and, working with on the three stands of health, low carbon business and the voluntary sector, demonstrate economy and enabling sustained economic and the relevance of science to all walks of life social renewal, and these strands are explored including generating the successful knowledge in more detail in this document. However, we economy which is our goal. also recognise that these priorities must be kept under constant review and that we should
10 not slavishly focus on them to the exclusion of Action Planning any other opportunities which might arise and From the fi rst, the Welsh Assembly Government present exceptional opportunities for Wales. has put in place activities which were supportive of science, but they were located within Use of Scientifi c Evidence wider strategies relating to particular fi elds of by Government activity – such as higher education, economic The Assembly Government will continue to development and schools – a distributed monitor scientifi c advice from the UK and model. Wales fi rst overarching science strategy further afi eld to make the most informed consolidates and sharpens the focus of the policy for Wales. This will be assisted by various elements, and adds to of this range further building on the good relationship the of policy, support and encouragement. The Welsh Assembly Government advisors and detail will be the subject of other planning and offi cials have with equivalent UK Government activity. A revised Innovation Action Plan, for Departments and UK-wide public bodies. We example, due in late 2006, will fl esh out the will do likewise on the wider European stage commercialisation and technology transfer and are strengthening our internal processes to agendas. Detailed policy development will be this end. Also helpful will be the prominent role led by the appropriate Minister in the Welsh in UK and wider initiatives played by Wales’ Assembly Government. best scientists and technologists.
11 Higher Education’s Contribution to Science: Research and the Application of Research
A strong and vibrant Higher Education (HE) sector can support Wales to evolve into the “small clever country” envisaged in the Knowledge Economy Nexus Report only if the potential of our universities to maximise their potential impact on society and economy can be effectively driven by the institutions and supported and harnessed to best effect by business, government (at all levels) and others.
Wales is no different from other countries in policy, most recently in HM Treasury’s Next that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have Steps policy document (which amended the pivotal role in helping to deliver the human the ‘SET’ focus to ‘STEM’ by embracing resource skills base which will deliver the science mathematics as a further key strategic subject). and innovation which will play an important The impact of HE on social and economic well- part in our economic, environmental and health being is already well documented. In terms success and social renewal. of facilitating a successful science policy this Recent studies, conducted both here and investment needs to be viewed as seeking to on a wider UK basis, have identifi ed science retain and attract ‘high fl yer’ scientists and and innovation as driving forces in economic technologists of international standing to growth. Outputs from the science base Welsh universities to teach, to research, to – such as new knowledge, skilled people, new commercialise the outputs of their research methodologies and new networks – contribute and/or to transfer their ideas and products to to improvements in a range of key areas, which business, to spin out new business of their own include wealth, health, education, environment and/or to inspire their students to do so. This and culture. The scientifi c expertise that resides would mean ensuring that the HE sector in within Welsh HEIs is already signifi cantly Wales is fi nancially strong, excellent in research impacting on all of these areas, but there is and teaching and well regarded as a place to potential to develop its impact still further. work, invest and with whom to do business. Strategically deploying this expertise, strongly It is important to acknowledge that investment linked to the rest of our society will place the in Wales’ HE sector comes from a range HE sector at the heart of science development of sources. These are not and must not be in Wales to the benefi t of both our economic confi ned to Wales. Welsh HEIs operate on an and social welfare ambitions. international, as well as a national, stage and It is also important to set this development in a it is imperative that they continue to do so. wider context. The way in which the knowledge For example, the greater their internationally economy is underpinned by advances in recognised and benchmarked excellence in science, engineering and technology (SET) teaching and/or research, the greater their is well-documented and already refl ected in capacity to deploy knowledge and expertise in current UK – and European-wide economic support of key Wales policies and strategies,
12 not to mention their ability to attract to the highest level. We will maintain the knowledge economy companies to Wales to dual support system, supported by the Higher work with them. We already see this happening Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) in instances across Wales, not least via the and the funds it deploys, while encouraging Technium programme. our institutions to maximise their funding from other sources, some from Wales, some from Welsh HEIs contribute substantially to an overall outside. Core funding for research for Welsh UK science base that HM Treasury describes HEIs in 2006/7 from HEFCW amounted to over as “one of the most productive and infl uential £60 million (the comparable fi gure for Northern systems of publicly funded research in the Ireland is £40 million and for Scotland is £158 world”. This UK science base is underpinned million). Together with other formula and by a dual support system that funds university initiative funding, funds for Higher Education research through a combination of core annual research delivered through the HEFCW in funding via the four UK HE funding bodies, 2006/7 will be nearly £82m rising from almost with more focused project and programme- £69m in 2005/6. specifi c support delivered by the UK Research Councils, major charities and other public In taking forward the new research funding and private sector organisations. The Higher methodology following the RAE in 2008 we Education Funding Council for Wales’ (HEFCW) will remit HEFCW to take into account both research funds play into this dual support the Assembly Government’s priorities and the system and help provide a strong, fl exible excellence of our institutions as measured by and adaptable research base that can be the RAE and other measures. mobilised both in support of specifi c Assembly Government policies or focused over a range of priorities. The response to the consultation A Science Policy for Wales? largely agreed that the three areas chosen were correct in terms of research strengths and opportunities. Many respondents also pointed to the need to build in fl exibility and change into these areas. There is no disagreement with the need for fl exibility. We will continue to enable HE institutions to be able to develop in new directions as well as to underpin the three priority areas. We recognise that the prioritisation of the sectors we propose in this science strategy requires the foundation of a solid, wide ranging and fl exible platform of basic research capacity. This is where the really new ideas come from; this is where the sharpest minds get honed; this is what major companies have said that they want from HEIs – to provide them, and Wales, with ideas and people trained
13 The academic autonomy of HEIs is an important care: any metrics that tied our research funding and highly-regarded feature of the UK HE in Wales too closely to research council funding system. The majority of Assembly Government decisions would risk producing a monolithic funding to HE institutions through HEFCW is set of drivers of funding, to the probable available for individual institutions to direct detriment of Wales and its HEIs. The nature as they see fi t to meet their own priorities. of the devolution settlement means that the The importance of autonomy here lies in Assembly Government and others must be alert ensuring that the direction of basic research to the wider UK opportunities and threats and remains in the hands of those closest to it and to the implications for Wales of decisions over able to see how the global science agenda is the future funding of science and innovation moving and so respond quickly and fl exibly to taken in London. We will continue to access developments. It is worth noting that the UK UK-wide funding opportunities such as the as a whole does only 5% of global research, Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF) and though its impact is rated as far greater than maximise their effectiveness through matching that. It is vitally important that our R&D with existing capital funds, where possible. This personnel, whether in academia or business, are has given an investment or commitment to working in collaboration with leading research invest totalling almost £129m over the period groups no matter where in the world they 2002-2008. Over time we will move towards are located so that a strong and independent supporting full economic cost recovery in areas basic research capacity can provide the eyes such as research funded through charities as and ears on the 95% of global science that is well as for research and work the Assembly done outside the UK. It is clear that there is Government undertakes with HEIs. considerable support from HEIs for the principle As we have set out in the recent consultation of strengthening Wales’ contribution to the on The Learning Country II, the evidence is three areas identifi ed and we look to the totality clear that Wales still has too many small HE of our HE sector to support this Science Policy institutions which cannot generate ‘critical and vice versa, for the wider benefi t of Wales. mass’ in research on their own and vulnerable We will continue to invest in core funding for institutions, acting alone. The route to a strong our HE institutions so that they can compete HE sector is through continuing support for ever more effectively with those in other reconfi guration and collaboration. On current parts of the UK and to further the success plans, some £12m per year is available to of Welsh HEIs in securing other sources of support the sector in this way. We will continue funding support. Given the current balance of to use these Reaching Higher funds to support dual funding in Wales between the Research collaboration but also, as we have done in 2005 Councils and HEFCW, any shift of funds at and 2006, strategically through world class UK level towards the Research Councils could research groups, releasing research active staff pose serious risks to the science base in Wales or to support HEIs in drawing up bids and funds given our relative below par success rate in to attract overseas academics. We will give securing funds from the Research Councils. priority to supporting proposals which develop This is also why current discussions about existing excellence in the themes we have the application of metrics to drive research identifi ed in this Science Policy. assessment in future need to be handled with
14 Existing Reaching Higher Collaboration and Reconfi gurations supported which underpin the Science Policy priority areas:
■ University of Wales, Aberystwyth and University of Wales, Bangor Research and Enterprise Partnership ■ University of Wales, Bangor, Cardiff University, University of Wales, Swansea, Wales Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience ■ University of Glamorgan, University of Wales College Newport, Cardiff University RWCMD and SIHE Skillset Screen Academy ■ University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Bangor and Swansea, and Cardiff University Institute for Mathematical and Computational Sciences
We will explore, through HEFCW and others, in European research funding and how these the possibilities for supporting the development might be tackled through collaborative action of further institutes in areas which underpin the or other means of support. We will explore how three priority areas such as a: EU schemes such as Marie Curie can be used to best effect. We will better use our existing ■ Low Carbon Research Institute international partnerships such as the ‘4 Motor ■ Wales Cancer Institute Regions’ in Europe. There are opportunities ■ Wales Institute of Social Science Research beyond the EU also. We will engage in UK- wide international initiatives such as UK/India ■ Collaborative Research Initiative: Engineering Applications of Complex Fluids at the research initiative and UK/China low carbon Micro-scale programme where we can and where it meets Wales’ priorities to do so. ■ Centre for Sustainable Construction We will look too beyond the UK, to develop Teaching our strengths and maximise the impact of our Underpinning the research strength of our science. There are clear synergies between Higher Education Institutions (now and for the our priority areas and the EU 7th Framework sustainable long term) is their teaching role. research programme sectors. There are Research collaborations which also impact on opportunities too for synergy between use of the teaching provision for undergraduate and Convergence Funds and FP7. We will explore continuing professional development also help the possibilities of increasing numbers of to ensure a sustainable future for the excellence new researchers through EU programmes to we are supporting. We will encourage maximise the gains from these funds. We will institutions to integrate teaching and research explore with the sector and HEFCW what the elements in their collaboration proposals in barriers are to greater Welsh HEI participation support of our Science Policy.
15 More fundamentally, a steady supply of close STEM departments are mooted, in order graduates from the subjects which underpin the to consider whether any signifi cant issues are three areas retained in Wales as far as possible raised, and what options might be appropriate is clearly essential. The evidence on enrolments in particular with a view to maintaining national in some STEM subjects is encouraging, whilst capacity in these basic areas, whether through in others (such as chemistry) there is cause collaboration or single provision within Wales for concern. We will continue to monitor the or with appropriate institutions over the border. pattern of enrolments into these subjects. We strongly encourage our HE Institutions to Last year, the Assembly Government remitted take HEFCW into their confi dence at a very HEFCW to consider whether there were early stage. subjects of broader importance to Wales. The Institutions are already, individually, collectively Council’s advice made it clear that we needed and with HEFCW, taking innovative steps to to consider this in the context of the wider engage young people in STEM subjects as England-Wales HE context. The position in part of the programmes to encourage wider Wales was stronger in some disciplines than access and participation in HE. We will continue in England, particularly in undergraduate support for these innovative approaches provision in many branches of Engineering to engaging young people in science and and Ocean Science. technology and other subjects where demand We will, through HEFCW, continue to monitor is an issue through the Reaching Wider the position in Wales in respect of provision programme. of STEM subjects at undergraduate and We will pursue through HEFCW, as we postgraduate level. We will look to HEFCW have done with modern foreign languages, to engage early with HEIs when proposals to collaborative and innovative measures to promote demand for STEM subjects. Providing access to scientifi c information and resources is a key role for academic and research libraries, museums and archives in supporting scientifi c research in Wales which the Welsh Assembly Government supports through CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales. Third mission The third mission activities of our universities, on top of their more traditional teaching and research role, relate to exploiting the scientifi c knowledge and other expertise that resides within HEIs for the benefi t of society and economy. Knowledge transfer activities are delivered in many guises, with more set out in the ‘commercialisation of science’ chapter
16 Examples of ‘Reaching Wider’ pupils and teachers throughout Wales. These programme activity activities are designed to enhance and enrich First Campus includes a unique Reaching Wider the curriculum and to encourage students partnership of all HEIs and Further Education to take scientifi c and technical qualifi cations Colleges in South East Wales over April 2004 and careers. One of the most popular events to April 2005. Every one of the 22 secondary is Stardome – the University of Glamorgan’s schools has participated in at least one of the portable planetarium – which is managed 160 events held, which saw over 3062 pupils and delivered by SETPOINT Wales. All the getting involved in activities such as interactive presenters are graduates from astronomy sessions in forensic science murder mysteries, disciplines which gives the students (and modern foreign languages, internet study skills, teachers) the opportunity to ask questions of radio broadcasting, health and social care study, experts. This attracted over 3000 under-14 study skills and a residential robotics course. pupils to participate. In total the operations of SETPOINT have involved 4731 under-14s, SETPOINT Wales provides science, technology, 1184 14-19 year olds and 14 adult learners. engineering and mathematics activities to below. Sometimes technology transfer is at their where they have existing strengths on activities core and sometimes it is people transfer that supportive of our three key priority areas. provides the catalyst for new developments; Wales does not presently enjoy substantial UK but both ultimately lead to new applications of Government investment in public sector science knowledge and/or technological expertise. In institutions compared with some other parts of this way science and innovation are drivers of the UK, but there are two such centres here. productivity growth and the knowledge transfer The Institute of Grassland and Environmental activities of universities have an important Research (IGER) at Aberystwyth, and the Centre role to play in encouraging more Welsh for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) at University businesses to tap into the expertise that resides of Wales, Bangor. CEH has the benefi t of a new within the HE sector in Wales, and perhaps £7m laboratory complex. IGER is going through to become more research, development or a rationalisation phase with its much larger design active themselves. Equally important partner institution at Rothampsted following a in this area, however, is the need to support change in DEFRA and BBSRC priorities. within our universities a culture of enterprise that encourages, and a support framework that We will continue our proactive relationship facilitates increased commercialisation of the with DEFRA and research councils in support science base. of these two centres and continue encouraging their efforts to draw research funding to We will continue to promote this activity Wales. We are encouraging greater synergy through third mission funds to underpin and collaboration between these PSREs, our HEIs’ interaction with industry and their own HEIs and businesses – for their mutual benefi t. commercialisation activities. These funds rise The University of Wales, Aberystwyth and to over £6m a year on current plans. In taking Bangor Research and Enterprise Partnership will forward the next three-year period of funding promote this interaction with IGER and CEH. we will encourage HEIs to focus these resources
17 The Third Mission Contribution:
■ 17 active staff start-up fi rms in Wales with over 100 FTEs in employment ■ 168 active graduate start-up fi rms in Wales (higher than all English Regional Development Agency areas) with over 200 FTEs in employment (10.5% of UK graduate start-up employment) ■ Research and collaborative research income of £78m in 2003-4 ■ Over 230,000 individuals benefi ted from free events at institutions ranging from science lectures to creative arts performances
18 Commercialisation of Science
Past Welsh signifi cant achievements in science, technology and engineering include:
■ For half a millennium, scientists in all cultures and in all languages have used a way of writing down their thoughts that was devised by Robert Recorde, a doctor from Pembrokeshire. He invented the “equals” sign (=) – used by children to denote that two plus two equals four and by distinguished professors to express highly complex phenomena. ■ Swansea lawyer and scientist Sir William Robert Grove developed a “gas battery” in 1839, the world’s fi rst hydrogen fuel cell. ■ In engineering, the aviator and pioneering motorist Charles Rolls, (half of Rolls-Royce) came from Monmouth.
Some current examples: Built Environment ■ The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Biosciences winner of a RIBA award in June 2005, ■ Assessment of cardiovascular disease and combines slate, timber, glass and stainless foetal heart monitoring improved by world- steel technologies; refl ecting the natural and leading Huntleigh Diagnostic’s Doppler manufactured resources of Wales ultrasound equipment ■ The innovative streamlined box-girder units ■ Professor Sir Martin Evans’ (Cardiff for the deck of the fi rst Severn Crossing University) pioneering work on human stem suspension bridge were fabricated in the cell research Fairfi eld-Mabey Ltd. yard in Chepstow ■ Bioluminescence labelling technology from ■ Corus colour coat products are at the leading the University of Wales College of Medicine edge of building construction (now merged with Cardiff University) revolutionised molecular biology Communications ■ The Cardiff University Brain and Repair ■ Opto-electronics technology and incubation Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) features the latest centre (OpTIC), opened in 2003 at brain scanning technologies based around St Asaph, has encouraged various innovative complementary applications for human- concepts in opto-related process and product based brain imaging development to be brought to market ■ IQE with its HQ in Cardiff is one of the world’s leading micro and opto electronic epitaxial-substrate producers
19 ■ Waste slate from North Wales has been spun into fi bres to make a potential insulation material ■ Willow branches are being assessed as a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel in slope stabilisation by Richards Moorhead and Laing of Ruthin Exploitation of science Because of its industrial heritage the Welsh industrial base has been characterised in the past by a large number of SME companies at the smaller end of that scale and a small number of very large heavy industrial Energy enterprises with relatively low investment in ■ Sharp Solar, the world’s largest photovoltaic R&D and too few links with higher and further manufacturer, established its fi rst European education. The modern Welsh inheritance lacks production facility at Wrexham in 2004 and a ‘critical mass’ of businesses in the knowledge- it has recently been further expanded based sectors and too few major companies with headquarters and R&D functions in Engineering Wales. Past decades of attracting the ‘branch ■ Professor Pham’s Manufacturing Engineering factory’ to Wales, without giving suffi cient Centre at Cardiff University is working with priority to attracting the HQ and R&D function a very wide range of companies on the as well, has delayed the necessary process of development and utilisation of leading edge getting into the Knowledge Economy. While manufacturing processes this situation is being transformed by new inducement tools such as the Job Creation ■ The Product Design Centre at UWIC (PDR) Grant paid in relation to a percentage of salary has assisted hundreds of companies to levels not of capital expenditure, more needs to develop quality products incorporating be done. world-class design ■ A novel aluminium recycling furnace produced by Platinum Controls Ltd of Llandarcy has reduced cycle times by 75% with a 10% gain in recovery rates Environmental Science ■ Evidential alcohol levels in drivers are measured throughout the world using portable breathalysers developed by Professor Tom Parry Jones of Lion Laboratories, Barry
20 Not enough of the excellent academic science output in Wales is being commercialised for the benefi t of the Welsh economy. We need to evolve the most effective structures and resources to accelerate the commercialisation of R&D in Wales. For example HE technology transfer offi ces require suffi cient resources to deliver the required services, and their personnel need continuing professional development and training. We will look to research funding bodies and others to provide further support as the commercialisation infrastructure for The Welsh Assembly Government also Wales develops, and to HEIs to ensure that, encourages, supports and funds a range of collectively, they present a coherent face to initiatives to foster better links between business potential users. and the science base, to fund research and new product and process development by business We need also to benefi t from new SET and to help create an innovative environment developments, wherever they occur. Wales through a network of innovation centres. These must nurture close links to science beyond include funding for HE’s ‘third mission’ activity Wales’ borders because we only have 5% of (the Knowledge Exploitation Fund (KEF) and the UK population and the UK science effort HEFCW-deployed resources, SMARTCymru, the is only a small fraction of global scientifi c Wales Innovators Network, the NHS Intellectual and technological development. It is vitally Property (IP) Hub, the Centre of Excellence important that our R&D groups in academia (CETIC) programme, the Wales Innovation and in business are working in collaboration Relay Centre and the Technium network. with leading research groups all over the world. The newly merged Department for Enterprise, Intellectual property Innovation and Networks is already enhancing We will facilitate a new push to ensure we our knowledge economy base and ensuring better protect and commercialise the intellectual that key operations such as the Knowledge property (IP) resulting from activities in Wales. Bank for Business (KB4B) and Finance Wales IP can be generated from a number of sources, are increasingly focussing on strengthening including the academic science base businesses, the technology base of our economy. We will Technium tenants, KB4B clients, the NHS and ensure that the mechanisms and support for outcomes from EU funded programmes. commercialisation of discoveries, for attracting SET-relevant inward investment, showcasing Areas where we will work to arrange more our business and academic strengths and support to encourage better commercialisation for transferring technology generally are the of IP include: best possible- concentrating on identifying ■ IP and Commercialisation Advisory Services opportunities with exceptional potential. An – to cover the process from identifi cation independent review of commercialisation of the opportunities, best route to activities is currently underway which is commercialisation through to detailed expected to be completed early in 2007.
21 negotiations. We will investigate whether ● Fund prototypes Wales might be well served by adapting ● Scale up to manufacture the Irish Republic’s model of the ‘One- ● Fund facilities and equipment stop-shop’ for information on support for commercialisation, applied research, ● Support market analysis technology development and business ■ Investors Forum – including non-Wales- innovation, thereby providing a single based investors interface for companies with the full range ■ of national and international support for Creation of a pool of IP experts, including commercialising R&D. the UK Patent Offi ce, patent attorneys and other IP professionals ■ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training for IP and commercialisation managers, especially in HEIs and in new business, and management skills for the academic community We will seek to fund this activity by drawing on a variety of sources, including:
■ opportunities provided by EU Convergence funds 2007-2013 ■ KEF for our Higher (and some Further) Education institutions ■ Some elements of SMARTCymru ■ Technology due diligence and auditing – ■ Funds deployed by HEFCW identifi cation of IP for commercialisation (and also IP that should be allowed to lapse) and ■ The Wales Spin-out Programme gaps where vital IP will need to be acquired ■ Finance Wales – from anywhere in the world. ■ Private sector investors ■ Technology brokerage – we will assist with fi nding partners for licensing deals. Performance evaluation ■ Financial support – for both grants and It is very important to have effective measures access to external sources of funding we will of what the impact of our and others activities work with recipients to: are. We will work up a set of metrics which include patents/trademarks granted; percentage ● Buy in expertise turnover resulting from new products; income ● Protect IP – fi ling, translation etc., from licensing; new knowledge-based spinouts as appropriate and fi nally new value added jobs as a result of ● Fund proof of concept these other measures.
22 Science Education
Science and the school curriculum recent addition to this suite of qualifi cations is Since 1988 every pupil who attends a the ‘vocational’ GCSE in applied science which maintained school will have studied science provides suffi cient preparation for pupils to throughout their years of compulsory schooling. move on to study a range of science related This core status recognises the important part and technical courses post-16. Schools may also that science plays in the school curriculum, offer other science-related courses, such as the whilst allowing suffi cient fl exibility to meet vocational GCSE in health and social care. This individual learners’ needs and motivate them range of opportunities allows schools to select to enjoy and succeed in science. the most relevant qualifi cations for their pupils. Science teaching at Key Stages 1 – 4 (that is Pupils’ attainment in science has shown ages 5-7, 7 to 11, 11 to 14 and 14 to 16) is substantial improvement over the last ten years focussed on four learning areas: at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. Whilst GCSE results in science have tended to “plateau” over the ■ scientifi c enquiry seven years to 2005, results at A level have ■ life processes and living things shown a substantial improvement during the same period. ■ materials and their properties and ■ physical processes Planned changes to the science curriculum will build further on this progress. The Assembly At Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16), pupils study Government’s Department for Education Life- science courses at Entry Level or GCSE. These long Learning and Skills (DELLS) is already provide a balance of chemistry, physics and reviewing the curriculum, from age 3-16, biology, leading to a single or double award in including science, and there will be national science, depending on the breadth of study. consultation in spring 2007. It will have greater Pupils having a particular interest in the sciences emphasis on the skills young people need for may be entered for three separate GCSEs in life and work, and include greater emphasis on chemistry, physics and biology. GCSEs in double contemporary issues, and environment. award science or the three separate sciences provide suffi cient preparation for further study These changes are intended to run from the of chemistry, physics and biology at A Level. A very earliest years to the end of compulsory schooling. The Foundation Phase will subsume Early Years and Key Stage 1. Science will form part of a wider area of learning entitled “Knowledge and Understanding of the World”. The main focus of this phase is that children learn through experiential activities, structured play, exploration and develop their skills across the curriculum – intended to stimulate children’s interest and curiosity. In this area of learning, children are developing the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. This forms the foundation for later work in science, design and technology,
23 history, geography, and information and communication technology (ICT). The revised National Curriculum will be available for consultation early in 2007, prior to planned implementation from September 2008. The aims for the revised curriculum are to ensure that the curriculum:
■ focuses on and meets learner needs ■ is inclusive and provides equality of opportunity ■ equips learners with transferable skills ■ is relevant, challenging, interesting and enjoyable for all learners ■ transforms learning to produce resourceful, resilient and refl ective lifelong learners The Assembly Government is also investigating ■ is achievable and adequately resourced the potential for promoting innovative approaches to maths and science teaching in For science at Key Stages 2 and 3 (ages 7 to collaboration with Techniquest and the (UK) 11 and 11 to 13), this will mean a reduction National Science Learning Centre in York. in the content of the programmes of study to allow teachers to focus on the pupils’ prior STEM careers learning and individual needs and to give more Careers Wales, launched in April 2001 is the time to develop pupils’ skills in the areas of fi rst all-age information, advice and guidance thinking, communication, number and ICT. The service in the UK. Its services are available to all programmes of study and level descriptions are in Wales via high street careers shops; outreach to be revised to emphasise the opportunities work in the community; a presence in schools for making links between the different areas of and further education colleges; by telephone science. Similarly at Key Stage 4, the content and online at. www.careerswales.com. will be reduced to allow greater fl exibility in qualifi cation design leading to a wider range of Careers advisers’ role is very much centred approaches and difference in content between on the individual. Firstly they must provide the various options. Our aim is to enable pupils independent and impartial information, advice of all abilities to take the qualifi cation that best and guidance to young people and adults, in suits their needs and abilities, allowing those accordance with the individual’s interests. They with the interest and ability to progress further. do not promote or advocate careers in particular sectors or industries, but do provide up-to-date Our Better School Fund will include a new information on trends in the labour market and activity area aimed at supporting this revised bring attention to areas of skill shortage. They national curriculum, including the important always work closely with Sector Skills Councils changes to the science curriculum. – who do have responsibility for marketing careers in particular sectors of the economy,
24 including science, engineering and technology, In 2005-06, Careers Wales worked closely to ensure up to date and useful information is with Fforwm to develop a National Engineering available to clients. Week, to include all FE colleges and their 14- 19 Network partners. They have also worked Careers Wales companies also support schools closely with the Welsh Electronics Employers in delivering the work-related education Forum on both marketing materials and element of the basic curriculum linking contents on their website, plus the distribution employers with education through activities of information across Careers Wales companies. such as: The Careers Wales Association is also a strategic ■ work experience partner with Chwarae Teg on their “Ready, ■ providing opportunities for teachers to have SET, Go” project. Careers Wales involvement is placements in business and industry two fold i.e. activities run as part of the teacher ■ employer mentoring for young people training programme and adult guidance. Careers Advisers provide support and guidance ■ enterprise and business awareness programmes and activities for 10-week taster programmes for women who are interested in opportunities in ■ employer involvement in the delivery and science engineering and technology. development of the curriculum In 2004/05, two-thirds of Welsh domiciled This last aspect includes a wide range of undergraduate enrolments in science, activities, programmes events and competitions engineering and technology were male. The that involve employers from Science, ratio has been fairly steady over the past few Engineering and Technology with schools and years. Males outnumber females in all subject colleges. These raise the profi le of the sector groups apart from biological sciences. The with young people from primary school level proportion of females is least in engineering and onwards. Examples include Engineering Team technology (around 10 per cent) and computer Challenge events; the Micro-mouse competition science (around 20 per cent). There has been (electrical engineering) – involving a teacher very little noticeable change in this profi le in placement and then a project with pupils; recent years. Young Engineers Knex Challenge; robotics competitions; the Jaguar Formula 1 Challenge (Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils and sixteen+ pupils design and build a model of a carbon dioxide powered racing car using a CAD package); the Creativity in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) Awards Scheme (awarded to pupils who have participated in particular school projects). In the old Mid Glamorgan area (Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr) over 2,000 primary children attended science clubs and gained First/Young Investigator Awards – 25% of the UK total.
25 Action has been taken to improve the attractiveness of these subjects in initial teacher training (ITT). The Welsh Assembly Government offers incentives for eligible people to undergo a postgraduate (PGCE) ITT course (training grants) and for eligible persons to take up particular teaching posts (teaching grants). We have designed the incentives to attract the best quality, highly-committed students to train and teach in Wales. They have been increased for courses starting in September 2006:
■ eligible trainees on secondary PGCE courses in these subjects can receive a £7,200 training grant Around 80 per cent of academic staff employed in science, engineering and technology cost ■ those eligible can also receive a teaching centres are male. Females are most likely to be grant of £5,000 when they complete researchers, although it is still the case that 70 Induction and are teaching their subject per cent of researchers are male. The proportion (£2,500 for design & technology) of SET staff that are female falls in higher We will take forward changes in ITT provision grades. There are very few female professors, in the light of a recent review. Past over- 5 out of nearly 190. Since it is well-documented production coupled with falling pupil numbers that there are proportionately too few women means we will need fewer ITT places in entering careers in many aspects of SET, the the future. Welsh Assembly Government has provided funding and support for some time to Women Within reduced numbers, however, the Into Science and Engineering (WISE) in Wales. Assembly Government intends to increase We will continue that support. the proportion of places in priority subjects, including mathematics, chemistry, physics and Teaching science and science teachers design & technology. in Wales We will be taking steps to improve teacher Statistics suggest that mathematics, chemistry, workforce planning. We will be examining physics and design & technology are areas teacher supply modeling, used for calculating where, compared with secondary subjects ITT intake targets, to see the scope which might overall, there tend to be diffi culties in recruiting exist for better inputs to and the outputs from to posts in maintained schools. They tend to the process using data which is more specifi c to attract fewer applications than average and to and refl ective of issues of concern in Wales. have higher vacancy fi gures.
26 Public Dialogue and Understanding of Science
We note that the UK research councils are increasingly expecting scientists receiving funding from them to build in means and plans for disseminating outcomes from their work. Most academics do really enjoy explaining their work to a wider world, but it does represent a time commitment, to be fi tted in with research and teaching. Some universities now employ staff who specialise in this important and developing fi eld of public understanding, which forms a signifi cant sub-set of their ‘third mission’ activity. The pace of scientifi c and technological change The Welsh Assembly Government will maintain is quickening all the time in Wales as elsewhere public consultation on these issues as required, and bringing with it new opportunities and canvassing views and attitudes to science- challenges – locally, regionally and globally – to related matters whenever appropriate. We fi nd solutions in, the scientifi c and technological will continue to encourage scientists and world. The consultation showed an appetite for scientifi c educational and explanatory bodies to more public understanding of scientifi c issues continue using their considerable experience in from several quarters. It also showed concern communicating new and challenging scientifi c that there are too many people unaware that discoveries and their implications, to the public. many developments in the modern world are The Assembly Government also provides core largely “science-produced” in such as areas as grant funding to help support our main science food, materials and health. We need to combat discovery operation, Techniquest. This plays an that lack of awareness and ensure that the important role in helping to engage people of public of Wales has a proper understanding of all ages in science, both through the interactive signifi cant science issues, their causes, and the displays at their centres in Cardiff and North solutions that present themselves or that may Wales and their outreach activities with schools be on the way. across Wales. Techniquest have recently drawn The Welsh Assembly Government will maintain up a 5-year plan for promoting and expanding close links with organisations promoting the their activities with an increased emphasis on importance of scientifi c understanding to the working with schools and partners across Wales. public such as the BA (British Association for Communicating the importance of Science is the Advancement of Science), including our only one facet of the work that the National “science-producing” bodies, such as HEIs and Endowment for Science Technology and the PSREs. We will continue to encourage them Arts (NESTA) does, but it is one they undertake to showcase their achievements whenever effectively, and we remain wholly supportive appropriate and continue with outreach and appreciative of their activities, a number and community engagement activities in of which the Assembly Government science subjects, such as the exhibitions, collaborates with. demonstrations, and lectures undertaken annually during National Science Week.
27 It must be remembered that new scientifi c discoveries, treatments and technologies create new choices and decisions for people to make, and an appropriate level of knowledge and assistance must be put in place to allow them to make those choices properly informed. An example of this is the Wales Gene Park, an undertaking run chiefl y from within Cardiff University, but with Techniquest collaborating to provide professional education on gene therapies for health professionals to enable them better to discuss matters with patients and others. Science festivals have a part to play as a means for bringing a number of stakeholders Museums throughout Wales already present together and in devising creative ways of and interpret science to the public, applied drawing in suffi cient numbers of participants to particular industries, environment and and audience to be sustainable. everyday life. Public, academic and workplace We will collaborate and cooperate with the libraries along with many archives provide UK Government, as and when appropriate, to access to a wide range of resources that help convey messages related to the understanding develop people’s knowledge of science. We will of particular scientifi c issues to the wider public, continue to work in partnership with museums, or particular sections of the public, in the most libraries and archives to improve access to these effective means available. resources. We will support closer working together by the media, scientists and policy makers to promote science to the people of Wales.
28 Key Priority: Health
Healthcare systems around the world face major challenges. In the western world, the expectations of individuals in accessing the best health care available are rising. The proportion of the population in the upper age groups is increasing and this places greater demands on the health and social care services. There is also a growing need to provide the best but most cost effective treatments against a background of rapid technological advances, rising costs and, in Wales, organisational change. Within this context, major health challenges that face Wales include:
■ diabetes ■ cardio-vascular disease research; health services, public health and policy related research; and epidemiology. It ■ lifestyle issues, especially alcohol and drug abuse; sexual health; obesity and smoking involves research to develop knowledge of health and its determinants and the evaluation ■ cancer of interventions designed to promote and ■ mental health protect good health and improve healthcare. Importantly, health science involves taking There is also a pressing need to fi nd solutions to innovation from the ‘bench to the bedside’. It the delivery of more effective health and social is founded on the pure and applied sciences care, where the services interface, such as in of biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, transfers of care. engineering and the social sciences. These complex challenges will only be tackled The benefi ts of health related science and successfully if the most effective mechanisms science related health extend well beyond of interaction are developed and fostered health, to wealth creation, education and social between innovators, healthcare industries, justice and regeneration. Thus the aims of the NHS and individuals. health science in Wales can be summarised as The Welsh Assembly Government’s strategy, follows: Designed for Life, seeks to create a world class ■ To promote and protect the health of the health service in Wales, fi t for the 21st century. population – through the identifi cation It focuses on modernising the health service, and adoption of effective evidence-based thereby improving the health of the population interventions and technologies and reducing health inequalities. Research and development is crucial to achieving the aims of ■ To improve the quality of life of patients this strategy, by informing its implementation and carers – by, for example, reducing the and in evaluating it. discomfort associated with some treatments; and improving access by locating services Health Science is broad in scope. It nearer to homes or by telemedicine encompasses basic as well as translational
29 ■ To promote the sustainability of healthcare services – by informing the planning of the most cost-effective services, interventions and technologies ■ To support economic development and wealth creation – by the identifi cation and exploitation of commercial opportunities for innovative healthcare products and services and the creation of jobs ■ To promote excellence in science – which will enhance Wales’s reputation as a base for health science thereby improving: the recruitment and retention of high calibre scientists; the research rating of our academic departments; and, in turn, their power to secure research grants from sources external to Wales Principles and approaches underpinning investment A review of bioscience in Wales from January there is also a need to bring together the major 2003 (A Strategy for Bioscience in Wales stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach – Ernst and Young) identifi ed four key themes to strategy and implementation. The Welsh which should underpin our strategy. These Assembly Government will play its part in this themes: unifi ed leadership, ‘critical mass’, respect by ensuring that better coordination innovation and commercialisation, and building exists across the policy departments in the the science base, arguably apply to the whole Administration and with other public bodies of the research spectrum from basic science to in Wales. translational research and can usefully form the Building and maintaining an effective basis of the drive for improvement. The review infrastructure for health science will be key also identifi ed 290 companies active in bio- to achieving our aims. This involves ensuring science, operating in areas as diverse as: that the right equipment and facilities are ■ pharmaceuticals available for research purposes; people with the right skills and knowledge are employed ■ clinical trials and organisational arrangements and structures ■ medical devices are in place to aid collaborative working. ■ diagnostics (in vivo and in vitro) Collaborations should be multidisciplinary ■ non-invasive surgery where appropriate and partnerships actively fostered between the NHS, industry and ■ drug discovery technologies and systems academia. A mutual understanding of the Leadership needs to be demonstrated across needs of the sectors will be an important part of all sectors: public, private and voluntary, but building successful partnerships. The initiative
30 to streamline governance arrangements in our capabilities and capacities through clinical research will, for example, help to meet a coordinated and cohesive approach to the needs of industry as recommended by training and career structures. The NHS is a the McKinsey report in August 2005 (Clinical major contributor to meeting this aim as it Research in the UK: Towards a single system is the largest single employer of scientifi cally that reliably delivers distinctive quality and trained staff in Wales. The Welsh Assembly rapid access at reasonable costs). Government is already committed to participating in the UK wide clinical academic Much is already being done to build strong all careers initiative. A UK review of future training Wales collaborations through CRC Cymru, a and careers of all clinical staff is in progress and major research infrastructure initiative which the importance of retention and dissemination builds on the success of the cancer research of in-depth research expertise will need to be network in improving the quality and quantity recognised in this work. Current arrangements of research undertaken in Wales. Nine networks in Wales for establishment of training posts for comprising academics, practitioners and policy future researchers and academics across the makers have been established which cover the health professions will be reviewed. following thematic research areas, of policy relevance to Wales:
■ children and young people ■ dementias and neurodegenerative disorders ■ diabetes ■ emergency and unplanned care ■ epilepsy ■ learning disabilities ■ mental health ■ older people and ageing ■ public health improvement Whereas CRC Cymru is essentially an infrastructure for facilitating research in clinical areas, MediWales will be crucial for building collaborations and partnerships in bioscience. The industry network provided by MediWales and the NHS networks provided by the Welsh Assembly Government’s health professional advisory committees could work together to provide access points for Industry to identify potential clinical collaborators within NHS Wales. The recruitment and retention of high calibre scientists will be key to achieving our vision. However, we also need to develop
31 The quality of the NHS as an environment for an international reputation in the science and health science is critical for future success. Here application of measures to improve tissue we need a strong, focused environment for healing. A strong collaboration is developing research underpinned by effective leadership with University of Wales Swansea and the local and adequate resources to meet service NHS. There are also important collaborations support costs. in the fi eld of intelligence relating to Human- IT interaction, underpinned by the Informing We recognise that the Government funding Healthcare and Informing Social Care of research and development needs to be strategies. improved and are actively seeking ways of achieving this. One mechanism could be the Wales is also capitalising on the opportunities levering of Convergence Funds to support presented by its size and the organisational research and development, innovation and cohesion of the NHS to develop as a leader technology. But funding could also be improved in health information research. The access of by policy departments joining forces to make researchers at the University of Wales Swansea more effective use of their resources as is to the IBM supercomputer (‘Blue C’) in the already the case in the areas of public health, new Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) will enable intellectual property, and training and career mechanisms to be developed for supporting development. We also need to strengthen research through the innovative use of routinely our links with research funders: industry, collected operational data, as well as the research charities, research councils and analysis of large and linked datasets from health other government departments to maximise and other sectors. our resources and attract new funding into For innovation and commercialisation an Wales. HEIs are keen to improve their record Intellectual Property Advisory Service (Welsh in generating external income from these Innovations in Healthcare (WIsH)) is already competitive sources. Partnerships between HE, in place to maximise the benefi ts of R&D the NHS and industry in the commercialisation within the NHS: Cardiff has a track record of ideas will also generate income which can be in this area through the Medicentre on the reinvested to the benefi t of research. University Hospital of Wales campus. Incubator Strengths opportunities in Swansea and elsewhere in West Wales are being expanded through the Wales has a number of strengths that it can Technium programme. Links with devices build on. Our scientists are able to forge industries are fostered through Mediwales collaborations relatively quickly. Our bioscience and with the pharmaceutical industry through sector may not be the biggest in the UK, but the Welsh Industry Group which is the Welsh it is strong in cancer, neuroscience, medical branch of the Association of the British genetics, mental health, infection and immunity, Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). stem cells genetics and genomics. Translational research is stronger in genomics and cancer. Emerging areas to encourage Clinical research facilities are developing in We will build on existing strengths, through Cardiff University and the University of Wales collaboration across organisations and Swansea. The Cardiff Institute for Tissue businesses to share expertise, best practice Engineering and Repair (CITER) has established and facilities; nurture established excellence in
32 Wales has a number of strengths that it can build on.
research in key fi elds; and support emerging MRI (for example as located at Cardiff areas in which Wales has the potential to lead. University’s Brain and Repair Imaging Centre – CUBRIC) and CT. Collaborative working The Welsh Assembly Government’s future between institutions could be assisted by technologies programme will continue infrastructure to facilitate image data sharing. to add value to the healthcare sector by identifying opportunities to translate current Science park developments are ongoing inventions and external global pressures into under the Technium banner to help facilitate new and improved products and services. In constructive interaction between HE, clinicians collaboration with key stakeholder sources, and industry. Plans for a specifi c life sciences information will be gathered and disseminated park development are being considered. to key bodies, including networks in Wales We will continue to enhance Wales’ diagnostics such as MediWales, which has access to a expertise, which, with our bioscience company large numbers of other organisations, to help base, will be opportune in both the in-vitro identify and progress future and emerging and in-vivo fi elds (but especially in-vitro). opportunities. Additionally, sector support will Work in diagnostics will also develop tools and continue in order to ensure effective training, technologies to move the process of diagnosis business advice and dissemination. forward and bring it into the surgery and home. There is wide-ranging advanced software ■ Opportunities will be maximised in the expertise across HE in Wales on visualisation emerging area of personalised medicine, of very large 3D medical imaging data set, where leading research is already being including use of virtual reality methods which carried out in businesses in Wales. Wales could link with the state-of-the-art facilities is at the forefront of personalised medicine in HEIs and the NHS. This has potential for both from the academic and the industrial application in simulation-based training. This perspective. would include imaging modalities such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), functional
33 ■ We will strive to build up mass within Wales encourage the building of collaborations in and we will continue to try and attract big epidemiology; and research and teaching pharmaceutical R&D operations and activity related to health and healthy lifestyles, within and seize opportunities to help strengthen the context of Health Challenge Wales. existing companies, attract new inward ■ The need for health information research is investment in niche markets and encourage UK wide and Wales has the potential to lead more spin-out companies. in this area. Research is needed to develop ■ We will seek to continue to improve our new methodologies to: research base and the links in the research ● Access and combine routine data for a continuum, by investing in CRC Cymru, wide range of research purposes so that Wales can develop its potential in participating in and leading large scale clinical ● Explore how routine collected data can trials within the context of UKCRC. One support large scale trials, cohort studies approach will be to build capacity through and evaluation studies extending the post-doctoral fellowship ● Develop innovative analyses of large and programmes. We need to address investment combined datasets in specialisms in which there is a shortage: for ● Develop methods for data capture, example, statisticians and health economists, across the research spectrum, to and promote and encourage exchange common standards and defi nitions in between the sectors to build cooperation and multiple locations collaboration. We will continue to promote and develop patient and carer involvement in Collaborations need to be built to meet these the research agenda both at the strategic and objectives and the Welsh Assembly Government thematic levels. funded Health Information Research Unit (HIRU) at University of Wales, Swansea will ■ There is potential to build on existing and emerging strengths in public health play an important part in this respect. and health services research. We will
34 Key Priority: Low Carbon Economy
the energy industry provide a major challenge and major opportunities for Wales. Wales, with its virtually unique commitment to sustainable development written into its founding legislation for devolved government, has the opportunity to encourage the development of a low carbon energy economy, with the twin benefi ts of:
■ contributing to the reduction in Welsh and
worldwide CO2 emissions ■ developing a world-class low carbon energy Global drivers business and research sector based in Wales, It is now accepted that the earth’s temperature contributing signifi cantly to the development is increasing. The activities of the human race of Wales’ economic growth and job creation are a prime cause. The increase arises from a Local factors number of factors, the main one being the rise We will move to realise these opportunities in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere from burning coal, oil and gas. building on our several advantages – including To reduce the rate of increase in global warming a number of unique geo/environmental factors and stabilise the temperature we have to and a Government which recognises both the scale of the challenges and the importance of reduce emissions of CO2. The most signifi cant of human emission-causing activities are power holistic solutions, as exemplifi ed in Wales: A generation, manufacturing, space heating (coal, Vibrant Economy (W:AVE), the Wales Spatial oil and gas burning), and transport (oil burning). Plan, the Wales Energy Route Map, the expected Wales Transport Strategy Connection The current scientifi c consensus is that the CO2 level must be kept below 500 parts per million Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government (ppm) or less to avoid triggering catastrophic Environment Strategy, now joined by this and irreversible, global warming effects – the strategic policy document. current level is 382 ppm. To achieve this, the In addition, Wales has a diverse and strong EU and a wider world consensus is now looking private sector energy base on which to build an to reduce CO2 emissions by 60-80% by 2050 exemplar low carbon economy, including coal, or perhaps sooner – a very challenging target. gas, hydro, wind, and nuclear technologies. It will require a relatively rapid move to a low Major companies such as GE, Exxon, RWE, EoN carbon global energy economy both through and BHP Billiton have plants in Wales, though massive technological developments which not R&D departments. We will seek to engage meet stringent sustainable development criteria further wherever possible. The development of and possibly major changes in social behaviour Milford Haven as a major Liquid Natural Gas in the use of energy – the extent of the latter import terminal and probable associated gas- depending on the success with the former. fi red electricity power generation also places The challenges posed by global warming and us in a special position to contribute to the low the associated shift in the technological base of carbon economy of Wales and the wider UK.
35 The geographical location of Wales means that it benefi ts from extensive marine resources, a high-wind regime, signifi cant opportunities for forestry and energy crops and substantial rainfall.
The geographical location of Wales means that A signifi cant proportion of the industrial it benefi ts from extensive marine resources, base within Wales is heavily focused on large a high-wind regime, signifi cant opportunities scale power generation and usage. It is, for forestry and energy crops and substantial therefore, very susceptible to changes in the rainfall. These factors, alongside a temperate technological base and/or in the economics climate, mean that this country is ideally placed of energy. This provides an strong incentive to contribute to signifi cant renewable energy for these companies to be at the forefront of enhancements, at both a large and small scale. development of new lower carbon emission processes. The geology of Wales, with its considerable reserves of coal and other interesting The Welsh housing stock includes a number formations, such as signifi cant saline aquifers, of blocks where major reconstruction and means that Wales is well placed to participate refurbishment is required. This provides the in the development of clean coal technologies opportunity for large projects to reduce the (including enhanced bed methane and energy needs of housing, based on improved underground coal gasifi cation) and carbon energy effi ciency and local energy generation. sequestration (long-term underground CO 2 Opportunities also exist for radical changes in storage) in a variety of geological formations, transport/work concepts in urban development: including the Liverpool Bay oil and gas fi elds we have considerable expertise in design and when exhausted. construction which we can apply and integrate
36 the available technologies into new build and Swansea (materials, marine energy, aquaculture, refurbishment projects to create a sustainable power electronics), IGER (bio-crops), Bangor environment. Good building and landscape (marine, environmental studies and PV). Some design considerations should include local of these groups are major participants in the energy generation and effi cient energy use UK research councils’ SuperGen and equivalent requirements. These can be infl uenced by energy-focused programmes with Cardiff also factors such as the purpose and size of build, representing Wales in the UK Power Academy site location, transport factors, orientation of and in the EC biofuels technology platform building, surrounding environment, location, initiative. All our groups are starting to work grid connection, availability of appropriate fuel more closely together, through the Welsh supplies, opportunities for natural ventilation Energy Research Centre (WERC) and closer and lighting and future maintenance considered integration is envisaged with the possible from a total life cycle perspective. development of a Wales low carbon research institute, with a very strong focus on multi- Wales has a healthy level of representation disciplinary activities and effective interactions in the photovoltaics manufacturing sector, with business. including Sharp at Wrexham, soon to be joined by G24 in Cardiff, alongside several small In addition Wales is fortunate in having companies in the associated supply chain. There world-class behavioural science/psychology are also a number of companies/organisations departments in University of Wales, Bangor with a wide range of micro-generation and Cardiff University which can help develop development and installation experience and programmes to infl uence the way energy strong micro-electronics-related operations plus is used. Increasing the amount of energy an ambitious solid-state lighting industry-led generated from low carbon sources will have consortium. In addition there are a number only a limited impact on carbon emissions of Technium centres and ECM2 in Port Talbot unless government, industry, businesses, and with relevant low carbon related objectives individual families consciously aim to reduce (including materials developments). the amount of energy used. Current university science base Current Welsh Assembly Government There are currently several departments in support Welsh HEIs which are world-class and of a size Through the Welsh Assembly Government’s to be signifi cant in the energy sector, notably programmes – KEF; SMARTCymru and CETICs, the Welsh School of Architecture and the we have strong support mechanisms to School of Engineering at Cardiff University, promote extensive industrial collaboration and both with strong expansion ambitions. In commercial exploitation. To this end signifi cant addition there are a number of smaller fi rst- funding has been also directed at the energy rate research groups which are operating in sector within the current Structural Funds more niche areas, these includes groups at Objective 1 programme, including support Glamorgan (hydrogen, combustion, controls), for Wave Dragon (wave power), MCT (tidal Cardiff (power engineering, renewables, power), various WERC research projects and a thermo-electric devices, nuclear waste gas-turbine test facility. International Business management, high-voltage engineering), Wales are identifying opportunities to attract
37 capacity needs to be expanded and integrated, to be as focused as possible (without hindering important ‘blue skies’ activities), and to have excellent links with industrial research and exploitation in UK and internationally. In order to achieve our objective for Wales to be in an advanced stage of transformation to an exemplar and sustainable ‘low carbon energy’ economy by 2020, four priority low carbon energy themes have been identifi ed. These and some of their associated technological R&D, design, deployment and supply chain opportunities are listed here: Large scale clean power generation inward investment in this sector, utilising as one from non-renewable fuels of the attractors, the presence of relevant skills ■ advanced combustion systems for power in our HEI and industrial R&D sector. In the next plants, using both fossil and renewable fuels, round of EU Convergence funding there will and for vehicles be an energy strategic framework supporting ■ carbon dioxide capture and storage systems developments which will enable the delivery of ■ clean and safe exploitation of coal reserves, our vision for energy in Wales in 2020. including through ECBM (enhanced coal The Welsh Assembly’s procurement policies bed methane) and UGC (underground coal and initiatives, and planning and building gasifi cation) design standards now also play into this drive ■ in depth expertise to enable fi rst-rate to be at the forefront of low carbon economy environmental impact assessments developments. ■ monitoring nuclear technology (power Major long term low carbon energy generation and waste disposal) technology strategic objectives and associated developments technology opportunities – 2020 vision Large scale power generation These support mechanisms in conjunction from renewables with the associated and expanding UK and ■ reliable and affordable large-scale renewables EC technology development and deployment plant, including extensive deployment of support, offer considerable opportunities marine, especially barrage, technologies for creation of a very signifi cant low carbon ■ energy technology base in Wales, with energy from waste systems potentially enormous long term economic and ■ wide range of agri-energy and bio-refi ning environmental benefi ts. We intend to make sure developments these opportunities are seized effectively but, in ■ effi cient and ‘low cost/ low carbon’ a very competitive environment, our research hydrogen production, and
38 ■ advanced grid infrastructure developments Early opportunities (for large and small scale generation plant) Of early interest are the following:
Distributed generation including ■ Severn tidal energy studies – to explore the micro-generation, district heating and potential for the exploitation of the massive CHP systems tidal power resource in the Severn estuary ■ reliable and cost effective micro-generation, ■ transformation of what is currently virtual especially solar, heat pump, micro-combined Wales Energy Research Centre (WERC) into heat and power (CHP) and biomass systems a more integrated actual low carbon energy ■ effective energy storage systems (including institute pumped storage and hydrogen) which meet ■ expansion of Technium and ECM2 operations sustainable development requirements, and to (amongst other things), better attract ■ economic application of high effi ciency international research groups to Wales district heating and CHP technologies ■ Heads of the Valleys energy initiative – to create a major urban redevelopment Maximum practicable progress towards programme which focuses on low carbon more energy effi cient buildings, communities processes and transport ■ schools multiple-microgeneration systems ■ advanced energy effi cient processes in all demonstration initiative walks of life, including land, sea and air ■ solar energy demonstration/training centre transport ■ life cycle institute for sustainable construction ■ application of power electronics to a wide and civil engineering range of energy effi ciency issues including low energy stand-by systems and high ■ potential marine energy test facility effi ciency motors Transport ■ affordable long-life solid state lighting An excellent transport system – practical, ■ application of social science expertise to affordable, environmentally-sustainable travel communicating to all the importance of for all, is a major factor in achieving the transforming to a low carbon economy Welsh Assembly Government’s broad aims
39 of spreading prosperity, reducing economic In vehicle energy-effi ciency, Wales should seize inactivity and strengthening communities. the enormous opportunities in the world of hybrid vehicle, bio fuels and hydrogen-related Connecting Wales the draft transport strategy technological developments. We have in Wales for Wales has completed its consultation period. major engine plants of Ford and Toyota, which It will seek to achieve: could be accompanied by the introduction ■ a fair, manageable balance of investment of a range of new engine technologies ■ delivery of an integrated transport system Under the current Sustainable Development with easy interchange between all modes of Action Plan, we have commissioned a project transport to investigate the benefi ts and barriers to promoting the uptake of alternative fuels in ■ co-ordination with policies on the Wales, such as liquid bio fuels, bio gas, natural environment, land use, health, social gas and hydrogen – which is now complete. inclusion as well as economic development Also in the transport fi eld, our combustion Within these objectives, the Assembly and composite materials expertise could be Government will encourage more energy applied to the benefi t of our aerospace and effi cient and environment-friendly vehicles automotive industries and transport telematics and maximise the benefi ts to Wales of the developments are also of interest Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO). For freight, we will investigate working with This is currently for 5% of fuel sales in the UK train and freight operating companies in to be of bio fuels by 2010. Presently most of Wales to encourage the use of bio diesel. This the latter derive from crops, such as oilseed is particularly pertinent given the absence of rape and wheat, refi ned and mixed with petrol electric traction on Wales’ railways. The haulage and diesel to run in ordinary cars. In future, industry in Wales will be given encouragement the intention is for more advanced bio fuels, to adopt more fuel-effi cient practices. Bus or possibly even hydrogen from renewable operators and local community transport groups sources. The UK Government has plans, which in Wales are already encouraged to use cleaner we support, to ensure the materials for these fuels through the enhanced rate of Bus Service fuels are sourced sustainably. Operators Grant.
40 Key Priority: Enabling Sustained Social and Economic Renewal
In our world, there is an increasingly and ■ The empowerment of the individual though complex relationship between people (as the use of the internet individuals or part of communities of interest), Communities are generally striving for a better and the science and technologies brought to life and improved life chances in material, bear on their daily lives. Developing policies and social and cultural ways. Knowledge from the practices where economic, social and cultural, natural sciences, social sciences and the arts technical, resource and environmental issues and humanities can be brought to bear in coincide is hard to do, but is an important part helping to meet these aspirations, by creating or of the Welsh Assembly Government strategies facilitating: for sustained economic and social renewal. ■ better, more infl uential, communications To pursue our sustainable development ■ better jobs ambitions and duties, better health and a more low carbon economy are both key ■ better health/education drivers. There are a wider range of problems ■ greater and lower-cost access to, and though, where much can be achieved through participation in, cultural and sporting activity the concerted application of both physical/ ■ improvements in the effi ciency of engineering and other sciences/humanities resource utilisation knowledge. An example would be the trend towards an older population. There are ■ capacity building and cultural changes applicable health technologies referred to in within communities the health section above, but a huge range of All of these can contribute a greater sense of other issues, such as communication, remote individual belonging, and in turn stimulate a monitoring, social engagement, volunteering, greater desire for community involvement. The housing, and consumer profi ling also apply if overall outcome being a strong and positive we are to meet the needs, requirements and social-capital feedback loop. expectations of older people, in all their guises. This, we would suggest, needs a collaborative Of especial interest in this regard are: and multi-disciplinary approach to be effective ■ high resource effi ciency, from ‘cradle to and timely. grave’ systems The consultation document A Science Policy ■ communication and mobility enhancements for Wales? saw three further broad areas ■ effective uses of data, including for the within this renewal strand which had particular generation of policies (whilst not infringing relevance and potential for Wales, both in individuals’ civil rights/privacy) achieving sustainable economic growth from successful participation in these fi elds and in Physical/engineering science based technologies achieving the social outcomes seen as desirable which may enable the above include: for Wales and its people in the future. ■ advanced manufacturing techniques and ■ The benefi ts of pursuing a high resource systems integration, including topics such effi ciency economy as design-skills digitisation – as used for example by Airbus ■ The development of more harmonious/ vibrant communities
41 ■ improved materials, miniature sensors side by advanced manufacturing operations and design such as those at Cardiff University’s School of ■ artifi cial intelligence, virtual reality Engineering. This includes the Manufacturing and security Engineering Centre (MEC). This, centre has already won substantial funding from industry, ■ data-handling/tracking/analysis and research councils, DTI, the former WDA, ICT generally EU Structural Funds and EU’s Framework ■ product lifecycle analysis Programmes. There is also UWIC; Swansea ■ agricultural and aquaculture technologies: Institute of Higher Education (SIHE); North- both for food and industrial crop production East Wales Institute (NEWI) and the University of Glamorgan, with co-ordination of access to One multi-national exemplar is the General these facilities for companies through the Wales Electric ecomagination initiative, through which Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS). GE is doubling its research budget, mainly in pursuit of technologies which have positive Both in companies and our HEIs we have a environmental consequences such as less wide range of advanced-materials knowledge, energy-consuming transport; minimising water ranging from the macro to the nano, often use; development of more environmentally- alongside strong construction and civil friendly materials; higher effi ciency engines engineering expertise. There are, for example, for rail and aerospace. It is worthy of note that 10 out of the 18 current Welsh Assembly 80% of most products’ environmental impact Government-awarded CETICs with strengths is thought to be determined at the product in these areas. research and design stages. Wales possesses an internationally-known In addition, there are a range of social/cognitive product design support operation in the PDR sciences, humanities and creative/media fi elds at UWIC and its Welsh Assembly Government which can offer considerable commercial contracted Design Wales advisory service. This opportunities in themselves. We will encourage centre also has CETIC status. them to help bridge the people-technology Good environmental science expertise divide, and pinpoint the importance of social (including substantial waste technology and changes to all aspects of society, including land-reclamation interests) is distributed business. throughout Wales. A signifi cant Geo-science Across this broad spread of topics discussed cluster has emerged around the Llandudno above, Wales has a good business, and base in area. There are signifi cant Wales-based HE and other research on which to build. We centres belonging to international consultancy will support and encourage this base to grow companies such as Arup and W S Atkins. The and develop. geo-environment initiative is based at the new sustainable technologies Technium at Baglan. Current strengths – physical sciences This involves a number of college departments, orientated UK research operations such as TRL and the Wales remains strong in manufacturing, with ‘Engineering research and environmental a wide range of sectors from defence to applications’ and ‘Civil computational packaging and supported on the academic engineering’ CETICs.
42 We have put in place a strong broadband ■ growing aquaculture expertise (both private telecommunications infrastructure and have and public) including the ‘Applied marine a growing range of expertise in helping to science’ CETIC ensure that this infrastructure is used by all ■ the Centre for Alternative Land Use (CALU) sectors of society. There are ICT strengths in ■ IGER incorporating the Welsh Plant Breeding operations such as grid computing and the Station with its founding goal of the support ‘advanced software and intelligent systems’, of rural communities through the use of new ‘Communications and software technologies’ technology and ‘Enterprise planning operations and control systems’ CETICs. ■ the bio-polymers and food research units at University of Wales Bangor and the We see a growing body of digitisation and University of Wales Aberystwyth, Aber-bio systems integration expertise in companies such centre CETIC as Airbus, General Dynamics, EADS, Logica CMG and EDS. Current strengths – other sciences or Centres of data gathering, assessment and humanities orientated analysis expertise exist with unique facilities World-class behavioural science/psychology at ONS, Newport: these are potentially departments are found in University of being supplemented by visualisation centre Wales, Bangor and Cardiff University, with, developments at University of Wales, for example, a unit at Bangor focusing on Aberystwyth and Bangor, which can assist experimental consumer psychology. with the effective application of data in a wide Each of our major HE institutions has a business variety of circumstances. school, and there are signifi cant centres Wales has signifi cant and developing creative of relevant expertise in planning/regional sector and/or media units in most of the Welsh development centres such as: HEIs and some colleges, noting the School of ■ the Department of City and Regional Journalism at Cardiff University and the role of Planning at Cardiff University the media in infl uencing public opinion. ■ the Rural Economy Unit at University of In the agriculture and aquaculture sectors Wales, Aberystwyth Wales has: Cardiff University has its ESRC-funded centre for Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability and Society (BRASS), and the ‘Culture, Subject, Economy’ research group; the Centre for the Study of Knowledge Expertise and Science and other relevant units in its Social Sciences Department including WISER. University of Wales, Swansea possesses the School of Environment and Society at University of Wales, Swansea and the Centre for Social Policy R&D at University of Wales, Bangor are also signifi cant.
43 Current major opportunities We would wish to see our current creative In the predominantly physical/engineering industries and software sector initiatives sciences areas, many of the opportunities are built upon to develop a stronger community already being exploited through the Welsh development thrust – with strong creativity, Assembly Government’s CETICs network. media and cultural overtones: such an initiative However further ‘synergistic’ developments could also call on Wales’ other science and/or which, with signifi cant private-sector humanities-orientated expertise. involvement, might offer considerable potential, With the other sciences/humanities, many include: of our strengths are already used to support ■ an institute of life cycle assessment Welsh Assembly Government programmes eco-design and brand management such as those driven by social justice and education/skills goals. There should, however, ■ a next generation broadband-services centre also be opportunities to build on the business- of excellence associated strengths listed above to stimulate ■ an institute of sustainable construction economic development opportunities, ■ enhanced fi nancial-services sector operations including at the level of communities and in our business schools the empowered individual. All of which in combination with some of Such a goal is not an easy one. It has eluded the other fi rst-rate facilities described earlier, national strategies elsewhere. These, whilst could form a strong, virtual Wales ‘centre for recognising the economic importance of the sustainable development’. social sciences, have not been able to identify which, if any, to support on an exceptional We will seek to create a much stronger basis. Similarly, the recent EU key technologies environmental goods and services (EGS) sector, foresight exercise, whilst highlighting the building on the achievements so far of the importance of Europe’s social/cognitive sciences Welsh Assembly’s EGS support programme- and humanities for long-term economic which could also explore the role of our advancement, did not suggest how these soft universities’ business, law and environmental sciences might practically be exploited. Our departments to provide a strong multi- Department for Enterprise, Innovation and disciplinary and holistic environmental-advice Networks will work with other community services to companies. regeneration expertise in Wales to investigate We aim to enhance Wales’ private and public the merits of expanding the current CETICs sector agricultural and aquaculture expertise, programme to appropriate social sciences/ the better to exploit long-term sustainable humanities sectors, and in other schemes such food and industrial crop opportunities: with a as KTPs. strong focus on improving biomass effi ciency; There should also be opportunities to use developing alternative crops to substitute for our wide range of science/humanities skills petro-chemical feed stocks (the so-called bio- to explore new ways of helping citizens both refi nery agenda); carbon sequestration and seize the opportunities offered by the internet other solutions to climate change mitigation/ for greater empowerment and more generally adaptation problems. engage with the complexity and technological sophistication of the modern world.
44 Effective Use of Scientifi c Evidence by Government
Science, literally ‘knowledge’, has a modern It already benefi ts from having well-developed usage, which attempts to encompass a rational, resources to ensure advice in some areas of objective, theoretical but experimentally science. For instance, mechanisms already exist demonstrable, approach to explaining the to support our policies in health and the newly- way in which the modern world works. This, established Chief Social Research Offi cer, along therefore, includes a full range of applications with the Chief Economist and Chief Statistician from understanding social behaviours to ‘hard’ ensures we can provide professional advice on topics such as nuclear physics-echoing this these wide-ranging subjects. document which adopts a broad defi nition Departments of the Assembly Government of science including all aspects of the Welsh already allocate substantial resources to Assembly Government’s work in which it would scientifi c activities. It is not practical or effective be appropriate for physical or social science to bring all this activity together into a single advice to be sought. department. Commissioning of policy-related We need to have procedures in place to obtain research and evidence based advice to ministers objective and up-to-date scientifi c advice, in is best managed within relevant policy areas. which the public and scientifi c community can In line, however, with Guidelines 2000, it is have confi dence, and which informs our policy important to ensure consistency and openness. making and spending decisions. We also think that integrating analysis is important to ensure the best evidence is applied We will build on current capability, quality throughout the policy cycle. and processes, to ensure more reliability and resilience in its capacity to apply scientifi c The next stage of our development in this evidence throughout the policy making cycle. area will, therefore, be to ensure all strands of Lord May’s note The Use of Scientifi c Advice in scientifi c evidence are better integrated and Policy Making (OST 1997) contains guidelines made more resilient, consistent and open. concerned with how departments and agencies To ensure “the effective use of scientifi c utilise science and scientifi c advice in policy. The evidence in policy making”, the Welsh aim was to correct the perceived lack of trust of Assembly Government will review current the public in the transparency and quality of the arrangements within the Assembly Government scientifi c evidence. Subsequently the Guidelines as well as review external advisory mechanisms, 2000 – Scientifi c Advice and Policy-Making taking action to co-ordinate the internal science (Guidelines 2000) were adopted by the UK functions, build upon existing strengths and to Ministerial Science Group and these concentrate ensure consistency in structure and process. on three issues: To assist this, we will appoint, on secondment ■ Identifying issues early initially, a professional scientist to: ■ Utilisation of ‘best available’ science, and ■ Establish an overarching governance ■ A presumption towards openness framework for scientifi c advice, putting in As a policymaking body and a user of scientifi c place mechanisms to ensure best practice, advice, the Assembly Government has a critical arrangements for quality assurance and responsibility to apply these guidelines. procedures to ensure that high scientifi c and ethical standards are maintained, including
45 arrangements for reviewing and updating ■ Maintain contacts and networks with other our procedures. UK Government Departments and other ■ Design and implement a ‘call-off’ contract in public bodies and in the rest of Europe, order to ensure the availability of timely and and will make effective use of the UK and reliable scientifi c advice in a range of areas European science advisory systems. prioritised by departmental need and risk and ■ Take the lead in developing Assembly on the basis of horizon scanning. This will Government communications about scientifi c build on existing provision of advice and also evidence. enable the Assembly Government to be agile ■ Monitor and review procedures for: in providing timely and good quality scientifi c ● seeking scientifi c advice advice in a crisis. ● sharing and disseminating scientifi c ■ Ensure that the Guidelines 2000 information recommendations are built into the Assembly Government’s procedures. ● providing advice in crisis situations e.g. BSE crisis ■ Ensure the Assembly Government’s advisory arrangements are compliant with the OST ● the procurement and use of Code of Practice for Scientifi c Advisory scientifi c advice Committees. Again, this will recognise, and develop greater consistency with, current arrangements for example with the statutory health advisory committees.
A Science Policy for Wales – The Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Vision for Sciences, Engineering and Technology 2006 is at www.wales.gov.uk/sciencepolicy Further information on the document or hard copies are available from: The Innovation, Science and Technology lead, Business Policy Division, Policy and Strategy Group, Department for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, Welsh Assembly Government, Plas Glyndwr,^ Kingsway, Cardiff CF10 3AH: 029 2082 8740 email: [email protected] It can be made available in other formats, if required: contact as above. © Crown copyright 2006
46 Notes
47