Scientific research is among few sectors in Britain which has won support in face of the world economic recession, as the country attempts to remain a global leader in innovation and science.

Massive doctoral training spending

The British government's funding body for science and engineering recently granted 82 million pounds (about US$119 million) in awards to 45 universities and higher education institutions for an expected generation of more than 1,200 PhD students.

"People are at the heart of what we do. These grants mark a significant investment in talented future PhD students who will help drive forward the UK's economy," Professor David Delpy, chief executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) said when announcing the awards last week.

This new grant follows the EPSRC's 250 million pounds (about US$362 million) two months ago on creating 44 doctoral training centers across the country. It was the biggest single British investment in training scientists and engineers, and is expected to produce more than 2,000 PhD students.

Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson, said the training centers will tackle some of the biggest problems currently facing Britain such as climate change, energy, an aging population and high-tech crime.

"Britain faces many challenges in the 21st century and needs scientists and engineers with the right skills to find answers to these challenges, build a strong economy and keep us globally competitive," Drayson said.

Key research funding at less risk

Unlike commercial businesses and manufacturing, research activities have not yet seen specific impacts brought about by the economic downturn.

"In fact, the Media School at Bournemouth University recently won a large award. Half of nearly 6 million pounds (US$8.7 million) was awarded by the EPSRC to establish a new industrial doctorate center in digital media, special effects and animation," a senior lecturer at the media school, Sue Wallace, told Xinhua.

This is the largest research council grant to be won by Bournemouth University in southwest England, home to the National Centre for Computer Animation.

"Paradoxically, the credit crunch is stimulating more research in some areas," Wallace said, citing the Higher Education Funding Council which is funding university programs to offer advice and ways to deal with the economic downturn.

However, she admitted that in the long term, the meltdown may have a negative impact on research council funding.

Government-funded projects fare well

Her concern was supported by many other experts, who have warned that though many researchers have secured funding for the time being, the future situation would not be as positive, as Britain slides deeper into recession.

However, there are exceptions. Projects running in line with the national development plan appear to be less vulnerable. This is particularly applicable to researchers in energy and climate change, in which Britain has been attempting to step up its expertise and establish its world leading position as a low-carbon economy.

Wang Tao, a Chinese researcher with the Sussex Energy Group and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, told Xinhua that his organizations have not felt the pressure of funding so far, though a growing number of similar projects may make bids for funding more competitive.

Feeling chill during recession

The reality is that not all higher education and research institutions in Britain can escape the impact of the deteriorating economic climate.

"From research, teaching, to knowledge exchange, the recession has taken its toll," Professor S.C. Lenny Koh, chair of Operations Management at Sheffield University, said.

Most organizations, including the EU, have cut their funding, with some cutbacks as high as 40 percent, Koh told Xinhua.

In one example, a China-EU greening supply chain research project has been delayed because some of the EU funding has been shifted to research for solutions to growing unemployment, Koh said.

Koh, who is also director of the Logistic and Supply Chain Management Research Group at the university, agrees with others that the current recession presents a critical time for Britain and other countries to invest in innovation and research to survive strong competition in the post-recession era.

The University and College Union spokesman Dan Ashely urges Britons to go to university at this difficult time, to equip themselves with knowledge and skills for future career development.

"Those who fail to keep abreast with new developments may face strong competition when the economy recovers," Ashely said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2009)