British biotechnology is suffering from public hostility and is falling behind foreign competitors, according to Sir Richard Sykes, chairman of the pharmaceutical giant, Glaxo Wellcome.
Speaking at the British Association for the Advancement of Science annual festival in Sheffield, Sir Richard challenged the government to take biotechnology more seriously by working harder to support the ailing industry. Sir Richard argued that the recent debate over genetically modified food, and the public hostility that it sparked, means that investment will be directed to other countries and British expertise may follow it. It is not only countries like the United States that will benefit: Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are catching up with British efforts and threat to outpace them.
The recent government decision not to grant planning permission to the Wellcome Trust for a biotech park in Cambridge was cited as an example of New Labour's lack of support for the industry.
Sir Richard described the decision as a big mistake which he hoped would be reversed. Sir Richard Sykes also regretted the lack of public support for British biotechnology, arguing that a greater scientific literacy on the part of the public would help to rebuild confidence in science. He called upon the media, scientists, industry and educationalists - as well as government - to work to increase the public understanding of science.
Sources and References
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Science on the slide
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Britain is missing the biotech boat, warns Glaxo head
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Public hostility 'hampers UK in science race'
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