National Importance of Scientific Research

Abstract

REVIEWING the organisation of industrial research in Great Britain and other countries in an article in the Draughtsman of December entitled “Research and Industry”, Mr. G. Windred concludes that we are at present by no means in a leading position, due perhaps to the curtailment of research expenditure in almost every direction, consequent upon the reduction of Government expenditure and the unwillingness of commercial organisations to spend capital. Mr. Windred states that industry, as a whole, is not prepared to apply scientific research methods until their possibilities have been clearly demonstrated. “Such demonstration can be effected only with the aid of research experience which must involve considerable expenditure, such as other countries have in general been willing to provide”. The author reminds us that in the various departments of pure science, Great Britain holds a premier position which must prove of great assistance in the work of applying scientific principles to industrial improvement, and pleads for increased opportunities for industrial research. Assuredly, in this era of world-wide industrial progress, we can no longer afford to suffer the accusation that, however important are our fundamental discoveries in pure science, we yield pride of place to others in their application.