Publisher's Synopsis
The Science base is defined as science within higher education institutions (HEIs) and research institutes, facilities and other activities supported by Research Councils, the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering.;Far-reaching changes have occurred in the science base. Some - the accidental by-products of deliberate policies - have been damaging. In many fields UK science is in the forefront of international research but if the UK is to remain a scientific force further, properly considered changes will be necessary.;Practicable recommendations to maintain and enhance scientific excellence through the nineties and into the next century are made in this book - the report of the Royal Society's Science Enquiry. The report is aimed at all those who care about long-term health of the science base: those who work in it, or hope to, those who look to it to provide particular services and those who carry responsibility for it. The report focuses on: people and the need for greater career opportunities for scientists through flexibility and mobility, plus more responsible management of those careers; internationalism and the changes needed to make the most of the UK's growing convergance with its European Community partners and to improve other relationships; organization and funding, and the importance of a long-term strategy for UK science with emphasis on strengthening political and managerial functions, improving advisory mechanisms, and a level of funding appropriate to an economy of the size of the UK's.
