House of Lords committee to take evidence from UK’s research chief
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee is continuing to take evidence for its inquiry on Life Sciences and the Industrial Strategy by questioning UK’s research chief, Sir Mark Walport tomorrow (Tuesday 12 December).
The committee will assess what role the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will have in implementing the Life Sciences strategy and how it will ensure the country has the necessary skills base for the strategy to succeed.
Further questions the committee are likely to ask include:
- The Industrial Strategy White Paper outlines a new UKRI 'Strategic Priorities Fund'. How do you foresee this working?
- Sir John Bell highlights the importance of the UK's science offer and the strong base of fundamental research in UK universities. Is there a risk that, with extra funding for innovation and applied research through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, that fundamental research will be neglected?
- How will UKRI ensure that the necessary research infrastructure exists to support an uplift in research spending, in particular in the life sciences?
- Does UKRI and the government have sufficient data on the UK’s international reputation in the science community to assess the impact of Brexit on that reputation?
The evidence session will begin at 10.10 am in Committee Room 4A of the House of Lords. It will be open to the public and can be watched online as a live stream.