Science funding in the European Union needs to be revised to better serve economic, social and environmental goals, Luke Georghiou in Nature argues that there needs to be greater levels of trans-national coordination in European approaches to tackling a small number of policy relevant 'grand challenges'. Improved linkages between policy makers and the organization and science of the Framework programmes and ERA-Nets is required.
Last week's editorial in Nature highlighted the need for institutions e.g. funding bodies to help scientists work more effectively together. Financial incentives on their own do not form effective teams. There needs to be guidelines and agreements from day one on how these teams operate. Rather than expecting scientists to (re-)invent the rules, institutions need to provide this support.
COMMENTARY In Nature Geoscience 'To blog or not to blog?'
Scientists know much more about their field than is ever published in peer-reviewed journals. Blogs can be a good medium with which to disseminate this tacit knowledge.
Defra are inviting your views on the draft Soil Strategy for England. The purpose of the document is to provide a sound framework for policy making and delivery with the aim of ensuring the sustainable management of England’s soils. This is an important opportunity to influence soils policy and future research in England. The deadline for responses is 23 June 2008.
