23 July 2010
Nanotechnology - 'sub-critical'?
Science Minister, David Willetts' announcement that the UK's 24 nanotech centres are 'most unlikely' to survive the next 18 months has no doubt raised a few industry eyebrows.
Having complained to the Treasury that there are too many small 'sub-critical' research centres, one must question his definition of the word.
Despite having to find solutions to facilitate cuts of up to 40%, Willetts' focus on nanotechnology research is an unusual choice – not to mention at odds with the view of many others.
The previous government spent £50million on a network of research facilities at universities across the UK, while a number of major investments have been recently made into nanotechnology development. Meanwhile, European Trade Unions are actively pursuing the responsible development of nanotechnology. So, will these cuts leave the UK behind the rest of the world in quantum research?
The announcement couldn't have come at a worse time. The UK is in desperate need of new design engineers and on the brink of an unprecedented skills crisis.
Budgetary constraints or not, nanotechnology research is not – by any definition - 'sub-critical'.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/article/26551/Nanotech-centres-unlikely-to-survive-cuts-warns-Science-Minister.aspx
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