Without science, we are nothing

Abstract

Here in the UK, we are bracing ourselves for a possible 25% cut in government funding to the country's scientific research sector. Major projects — including even Britain's involvement at Cern (the Geneva-based home of the Large Hadron Collider research project) — are at risk. Critics say this is shortsighted, pointing out that the US, France and Germany are all increasing their investment in science and technology, taking a long-term view of its return in terms of growth. Is it possible that the British government just can't see how much science can potentially contribute to the development of the economy and, indeed, to society in general? Surely not. Presumably, the government feels that science is something that can be cut back in the short term, without undue consequences. Clearly, it is not high on their list of priorities. But do tissue viability practitioners hold science in any higher regard?