SCIENTIFIC MAN-POWER IN BRITAIN

Abstract

QUANTITATIVE aspects of the man-power situation in Britain have not been overlooked in the numerous reports on scientific and industrial research during the last two or three years, especially in those dealing more particularly with the problems of the universities. But while there is universal agreement that industry alone will require a very considerable expansion of its scientific and technical personnel, we are only now coming to realize that, without the very careful handling of existing reserves of scientific man-power, it may be difficult or even impossible to achieve the expansion which is essential in order that British industry may increase or even maintain its efficiency. On this point, Sir John Anderson, addressing the Manchester Joint Research Council on December 6, emphasized that the deficiency could not be made good all at once and that some order of priority would be required. The expansion of the capacity of the teaching institutions of Britain, the return to university staffs of the men of high scientific attainments who had been drawn into war-time activities are first steps, to be followed by the increase in their numbers in appropriate fields and with the necessary teaching accommodation.