Devolution could hurt science

Scotland must remain a well integrated part of the United Kingdom science, engineering and technology base following devolution, according to a report published this week, writes Julia Hinde.

The report, which was compiled by the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh, says: "There is a minimum efficient scale of scientific community and of resourcing, below which it is difficult to sustain an internationally competitive basic research capacity. It is therefore important that devolution does not lead to fragmentation of basic research in the UK.

"The diseconomics of small scale are severe, and barriers between Scotland and the rest of the UK would be to the great disadvantage of all."

Research councils are advised to retain a UK-wide remit, while Scotland is urged to continue to compete for UK-wide funding, including in the research assessment exercise.

The report notes that devolution creates an opportunity to use the science base more effectively to support distinctive Scottish priorities in areas such as health, education, agriculture, fisheries and the environment, as well as in promoting wealth creation and in supporting the new parliament on policy and legislation.

Among recommendations contained in the report is the suggestion that parliament adopt an explicit policy to sustain Scotland's role in the UK research base and appoint a senior minister with principal responsibility for research in Scotland.