MPs urge science departments to specialise

Thursday, 7 April 2005 12:00 AM

University science departments should seek to specialise, rather than compete against each other, according to a report from MPs.

The Commons Science and Technology Committee also recommends a major overhaul of the system that governs funding for science at universities.

The committee's report, entitled Strategic Science Provision in English Universities, highlights the Government's enthusiasm to place science at the heart of its political and economic agenda, but says not enough science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates are filtering through to support these aims.

It also warns that the closure of key science departments in recent years have compounded the problems of reduced intake - and may leave the sector unable to cope with an upsurge in students.

It says that the root cause of declining pupil numbers must be tackled in schools by making science more engaging and increasing practical-based learning but as an interim measure recommends offering undergraduate bursaries.

Led by Dr Ian Gibson, the committee is pressing the Government to revise its current funding system in order to reverse the decline in the numbers of students pursuing science studies and careers.

"Otherwise it can kiss goodbye to its economic goals," Dr Gibson warns.

At present, the committee criticised, science funding for universities is governed by a "winner takes all" ethic, which is leaving many university departments strapped for cash.

It recommends that universities situated in the same regions should work according to a "hub and spoke" model in which they collaborate to ensure both access to a wide range of teaching and boost research.

Universities should also look to specialise, the MPs said, instead of competing for funds.

"A radical solution is needed," Dr Gibson added. "The Government needs to bang the heads of vice chancellors together until they start looking beyond their own doorsteps to the wider national interest."

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