ABPI: Action needed for future of UK's science research
Tuesday, 22 Apr 2008 13:29
ABPI warns UK's scientific research is suffering
Science In Focus
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Action must be taken to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of scientific research, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has said.
The ABPI claims that UK universities are at risk of losing their place at the forefront of scientific research due to a decline in the number of collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry on PhDs and work placements.
Without these collaborations British students are unable to develop their skills in the UK.
Figures from the ABPI show that there were 606 PhD Studentships and 327 postdoctoral grants conducted in collaboration with 78 British universities in 2007.
But the figures are down from 2003 – by nearly 14 per cent for PhD studentships and almost 25 per cent for the number of postdoctoral grants.
The ABPI is today calling for action to ensure an increase in the flow of students into the pharmaceutical industry.
"Other countries have caught up [with the UK] in terms of the quality of the science base and skills supply and are competing on cost and flexibility in terms of collaborative research," said ABPI director of science Dr Philip Wright.
"As a result the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly turning to overseas universities when it looks to fund PhD placements and collaborative research projects."
He said "a number of factors" need to be considered to reverse this trend.
"It is vital that universities that collaborate with industry are offered rewards and incentives through funding," Dr Wright commented.
"For example, research and development tax credits could be offered to those who participate in such projects."