Last week Kenyan scientist Richard Leakey warned that the global credit crunch would be “devastating” to scientific research with “a very dramatic reduction in available funds for research” (AP).
Here in the UK however science minister Lord Drayson is looking for the silver lining:
Like many chief executives of science-based companies, I suffered from scientists going into the City* because they were paid more. My message to them is: You have been a rocket scientist in the City, now become a real scientist again.
Yes banking types, if you make a mess of the entire world’s financial markets science will always take you back with open arms. On a more positive (and sane) note, Drayson has also pledged to defend science spending in the downturn, as reported by Nature last week.
* An American colleague points out that ‘the City’ may not translate for some foreign readers. It refers to the City of London, shorthand for the Big Smoke’s financial district and institutions.
Image: Drayson.