Image: Campaign for Science & Engineering
In stormy times, evidence and steadfast advocacy win through, says Case’s departing director Sarah Main
In 2014, in my first year as executive director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, Research Fortnight’s April fool’s article featured then science minister David Willetts announcing a £60 million investment in teleportation technology: “Imagine a world—indeed solar system—where you simply stepped into a British-made teleport and most of you rematerialised at your destination, or somewhere not too far from it.”
The story included a ‘quote’ from a Case spokeswoman: “While any new money for science and technology is welcome, this fails to reverse the erosion of the core science budget that has left the UK struggling to compete on the world stage.”
This was pitch-perfect for the Case of 2014. My first few years were marked by calculating the real-terms reduction in the science budget during the flat cash years of the coalition government. Indeed, my induction into Case included the spreadsheet that calculated this number.
As I step down, much has changed. With rising government investment in R&D since 2016, Case is now more likely to comment on how to get the most out of spending, rather than solely on how much is spent.
Science has become more prominent in public and political life. The UK’s scientific capability is a regular feature of prime ministerial speeches. Science is present across the media, not least in brilliant children’s TV programming. And, while none would have wished it, the Covid-19 pandemic linked research to people’s closest cares and relationships in a visceral way.
People and economy
Over 10 years, I am proud that Case tackled issues on the national agenda. From immigration to economic recovery, from diversity to skills, we listened and collaborated widely to change policy for the better. Thank you to all who worked with us.
Economic analysis has been at the core of Case’s advocacy. In 2014, we commissioned an influential report by the economist Jonathan Haskel and his colleagues, The economic significance of the UK science base.
Case integrated the findings into mainstream political and fiscal thinking. It became part of the canon of economic evidence for rising R&D investment, cited frequently by the government.
During the 2015 general election campaign, the report gave Case a foundation from which to change the narrative from flat cash to growth, proposing long-term rising investment to reach the level of peer nations. Since then, Case and others have worked to embed this economic approach, securing commitments to R&D investment of 3 per cent of GDP and beyond.
Science and technology have also become more central in government strategy, for example in the 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy and the 2023 Levelling Up and Regeneration Act.
Despite rising public R&D investment, some policies countered progress. A restrictive visa cap prevented thousands of scientists, clinicians and engineers taking up roles in the UK in 2018. And the three-year hiatus in associating to Horizon Europe during post-Brexit negotiations of 2020 to 2023 cost the UK in reputation and partnerships. Case campaigned extensively on both issues and I was delighted when each was resolved.
There has also been a welcome focus on supporting people and culture in science. This is a complex issue that crosses many jurisdictions. Case has advocated on immigration rules, before and after Brexit; diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering and maths; and education and skills in schools and the workforce.
Policies in these areas require connections across government departments—for example, the Home Office, Department for Education or Department for Exiting the EU. The new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has a terrific opportunity to join up strategy and delivery across departments; I hope it uses it to further support people in and through science.
Election year
The political turmoil of the past 10 years has shown the importance of presence and perseverance in advocacy. It can be difficult to argue for stability in a churning environment or to be heard in a clamour. But a long-term record of being trustworthy and evidence-based is invaluable, as is forming partnerships that can speak together to create a consistent voice.
As we enter a general election year, I am optimistic about the prospects for continued long-term support for science, research and innovation. The UK’s remarkable scientific capability is recognised politically and economically as a foundation for its future.
The election is a chance to energise the public conversation about science. Case’s Discovery Decade programme is generating tools that can help make R&D matter to more people. It reveals that many are uncertain about the value of R&D in their lives, but that connecting to purpose and place makes it more relevant.
During the election, Case will explore integrating policy expertise and public opinion, such that each can enhance and inform the other. This will help the sector not only resonate more meaningfully with the public, but also be heard more clearly in politics.
I am as certain as the day I started of the value of Case. I am proud it has reached beyond recommendations to achieve positive change in challenging arenas, with creativity, tenacity and good will. Its independence, collective voice, robust evidence and public focus are qualities that will endure.
Sarah Main was executive director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering from June 2013 to November 2023. She is now vice president for academic and government relations, UK, at Elsevier.