If I were Prime Minister: I would ramp up Britain's spending on science
Our series in the run-up to the General Election – 100 days, 100 contributors, but no politicians – continues with the geneticist and President of the Royal Society
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Your support makes all the difference.The UK is a world leader in science. It is one of the areas where we can really claim to be in the front rank. So, if I were Prime Minister I would invest more money in science. A scientist calling for more money for science is hardly revolutionary, but it is science which leads to innovation and applications which improve our health, the quality of our lives, protect our environment, and drive sustainable economic growth.
We currently invest 1.73 per cent of our GDP in research and innovation - the Germans invest 2.89 per cent, other countries also spend quite a lot more than we do. If we don't get smarter we will get poorer.
Another thing we are good at in the UK is being understated. We should celebrate our success more. Of the world's most famous scientists, many are British - Newton and Darwin are amongst the greatest of all time and we have many great scientists working in the UK today. What better way to celebrate than with a day off, so in recognition of our great science I would introduce a Newton or Darwin Bank Holiday.
As Prime Minister I would want to engage people more with science. The British public is supportive of science but not enough of our children grow up wanting to be scientists, mathematicians or engineers. If we are to prosper in the future that is where the jobs will be.
We need parents and teachers to inspire our youth to want to know how the world works, to invent things, to build things, to save lives, all of which are based on science. After years of neglect I would put practical science back up the list of education priorities - you don't learn science, you do science.
I would have everyone, through to age 18, doing some science and maths. In an increasingly complicated world these are subjects we all need to understand. Not as one of three A-levels but as part of a broader based education.
Before people get bored of me just going on about science and vote me out of office there are a few other matters. In education and health I will not micromanage doctors, nurses and teachers. They are the experts, I will give them the budget to make sure they can work effectively to support pupils and patients and let them get on with their jobs.
As PM I will want more independent advice from experts that the public trust and I will explain when and why I do not follow their advice. Better informed decision making will make a better country.
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