Menu
25/11/2004
Scientific sector ‘starved’ of investment, says analyst
Northern Ireland’s scientific sector is being starved of investment, a leading UK science analyst has said.
Speaking at the University of Ulster on Wednesday, Dr Peter Cotgreave, Director of Save British Science, said that public investment in Northern Ireland’s scientific capacity was way behind levels in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The expert said that the per capita investment in science in Northern Ireland was currently running at less than half the rate of England - and only a third of the Scottish levels.
“For its size, Northern Ireland has a strong science base, with research of the highest quality across a range of subjects, and its universities have been particularly effective at seizing the opportunity to work with industry,” Dr Peter Cotgreave said. “Science subjects remain relatively popular in Ulster’s schools, perhaps reflecting the strength of the science base.
“But public investment in science is low compared with the rest of the UK, with the Republic of Ireland and with the rest of the world.
“Moreover, the private sector does not yet invest in Northern Ireland’s technology at the rate needed to turn its scientific excellence into economic benefit.”
Dr Cosgreave said that as the science base continues to deliver the basic building blocks, industry in Northern Ireland had a real chance to move ahead quickly, and compete with the rest of the Europe in a technology-driven economy.
“Just think what could be done with funding that gave Northern Ireland parity with England, let alone Scotland,” he concluded.
(MB/SP)
Speaking at the University of Ulster on Wednesday, Dr Peter Cotgreave, Director of Save British Science, said that public investment in Northern Ireland’s scientific capacity was way behind levels in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The expert said that the per capita investment in science in Northern Ireland was currently running at less than half the rate of England - and only a third of the Scottish levels.
“For its size, Northern Ireland has a strong science base, with research of the highest quality across a range of subjects, and its universities have been particularly effective at seizing the opportunity to work with industry,” Dr Peter Cotgreave said. “Science subjects remain relatively popular in Ulster’s schools, perhaps reflecting the strength of the science base.
“But public investment in science is low compared with the rest of the UK, with the Republic of Ireland and with the rest of the world.
“Moreover, the private sector does not yet invest in Northern Ireland’s technology at the rate needed to turn its scientific excellence into economic benefit.”
Dr Cosgreave said that as the science base continues to deliver the basic building blocks, industry in Northern Ireland had a real chance to move ahead quickly, and compete with the rest of the Europe in a technology-driven economy.
“Just think what could be done with funding that gave Northern Ireland parity with England, let alone Scotland,” he concluded.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2009
'Hottest Intellectual Property' Applauded
The Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) CONNECT's search for 'the next big thing' has concluded – and a team from the University of Ulster last night walked away with a £10,000 cheque as overall winners of the entrepreneurs £25k Award.
'Hottest Intellectual Property' Applauded
The Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) CONNECT's search for 'the next big thing' has concluded – and a team from the University of Ulster last night walked away with a £10,000 cheque as overall winners of the entrepreneurs £25k Award.
16 April 2002
Economic change brings challenges for province
Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has addressed the Belfast East Rotary Club on the economic challenges facing the province.
Economic change brings challenges for province
Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has addressed the Belfast East Rotary Club on the economic challenges facing the province.
04 March 2008
Minister Cuts First Sod On £6.25m Business Facility
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Nigel Dodds today launched the development of the £6.25 million business facility at the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP).
Minister Cuts First Sod On £6.25m Business Facility
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Nigel Dodds today launched the development of the £6.25 million business facility at the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP).
12 November 2004
International tech tour takes in local economy
Northern Ireland’s rapidly growing economy, coupled with an innovation led business culture, has created a global opportunity for international knowledge based industries.
International tech tour takes in local economy
Northern Ireland’s rapidly growing economy, coupled with an innovation led business culture, has created a global opportunity for international knowledge based industries.
11 November 2021
Justice Minister Praises Work Of Forensic Science Northern Ireland
The Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) has been praised for their part in delivering justice by Justice Minister Naomi Long. Visiting the FSNI Headquarters at Seapark, Minister Long viewed facilities and met with staff working across various forensic disciplines.
Justice Minister Praises Work Of Forensic Science Northern Ireland
The Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) has been praised for their part in delivering justice by Justice Minister Naomi Long. Visiting the FSNI Headquarters at Seapark, Minister Long viewed facilities and met with staff working across various forensic disciplines.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
