New science White Paper published

A new science White Paper, entitled 'Excellence and Opportunity', was published by the UK government's Office of Science and Technology on 26 July. It calls for stronger links between universities and business, and greater financial rewards for public sector scientists. It also focuses on the importance of public confidence in science, and on ways to encourage school children to pursue careers in science and technology.

The document revealed details of a new £4 million annual fund to top up the salaries of up to 50 selected UK researchers. 'This is an attempt to be more competitive and recruit the David Beckhams of science' said Sir Robert May, the government's chief scientific advisor. Ministers hope that the fund, a partnership with the Wolfson Foundation and The Royal Society, will prevent the 'brain drain' of top scientists to America and other countries.

Additional cash will be used to increase the basic postgraduate annual allowance to £9000 by 2003.Other initiatives outlined in the White Paper include a plan to make 2001/2002 'Science Year' in schools, to raise the profile of science and technology with teachers, pupils and parents. The year will see the launch of a new Science Ambassadors programme, in which science students will be encouraged to form links with their old schools and colleges.

On the issue of public trust in science, the paper says that the government will create 'a robust and transparent framework to address consumer concerns over safety'. As a first step, it will implement stronger guidelines on how scientific advice should be used in drawing up government policy. It will also publish a new code of practice for scientific advisors to the government.