Funding & the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). CaSE will continue working, often in collaboration with others, to make the strongest arguments for funding science and engineering. CaSE responded to the Comprehensive Spending Review and has also published a four page briefing on Securing our Economic Future with Science & Engineering.

Science is Vital. CaSE has been helping to organise Science is Vital - a grassroots-based movement highlighting the positive contribution of science and engineering to the economic and social health of the UK ahead of the CSR. The Science is Vital petition was handed into Downing St with 34,000 signatures, alongside a rally outside HM Treasury and a lobby of MPs in parliament.

Cap on Non-EU Economic Migrants. CaSE has circulated a briefing about the problems that an annual cap on non-EU economic migrants could have for UK universities and industries, and has responded to the Home Office consultation and the Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry in this area.
Read the briefing

Education. CaSE will be examining the Academies Act and the forth-coming Education & Childrens Bill to ensure that they are not detrimental to science and maths education.

Reform of the House of Lords. CaSE will be looking at how reform of the House of Lords might impact upon science and engineering policy-making.

Regional Development Agencies. CaSE is monitoring the cuts to the science and innovation spend by Regional Development Agencies, whose annual spend on science and innovation was £380 million. If any other organisation is working in this area please get in touch.

CoPSAC. CaSE is responding to the Government CSA's consultation on the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees

Quango Reform. CaSE is monitoring the government's reform of Non-Departmental Public Bodies, particularly changes to key scientific bodies

Devolved elections. CaSE is currently developing its strategy for this year's elections in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

HoC Inquiry into Emergencies. CaSE has submitted evidence to the House of Commons Science & Technology Select Committee Inquiry into Scientific Advice and Evidence in Emergencies

Engaging MPs with science and engineering policy. CaSE will continue to discuss with backbench MPs to interest them in science and engineering issues. We have already met with: Julian Huppert and Roger Williams (Liberal Democrats); Greg McClymont, Andrew Miller, Chi Onwurah and Rachel Reeves (Labour); and Gavin Barwell, Oliver Colville, Graham Evans and David Mowat (Conservatives).



Relevant Consultations and Inquiries

S&T Committee - Winding Down the Forensic Science Service
Deadline: 14th February

House of Commons S&T Committee - Astronomy and Particle Physics in the UK
Deadline: 16th February

Building A Smarter Scotland – Towards A Sustainable Scottish Solution for the Future of Higher Education
Engage for Education Discussion Events
Deadline: 25th February

Independent Review of Intellectual Property Framework
Deadline: 1st March

HEFCE - Consultation on changes to information published by institutions
Deadline: 7th March

House of Commons S&T Committee – Peer Review
10th March

House of Commons S&T Committee - Science and Research Budget Allocations
Deadline: 27th April

Please send any comments to Nick Hall

 

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