Commenting on the Government's response to the IUSS Select Committee report on science budget allocations Peter Cotgreave, Director of Public Affairs and the Royal Society said:

"Funding for science has been good over the past ten years but there is no room for complacency if we are to ensure that the money actually goes to improving UK science. The Government has recognised the need for greater strategic input from the science community to make sure the money is spent in the best way possible. The science community will be looking forward to playing a full part in making this a reality.

"Mistakes have clearly been made in relation to the process of the most recent STFC allocation. The comprehensive organisational review to be conducted by STFC is to be welcomed. The important thing is to use the experience of past failings to avoid similar problems in the future."

"The Society remains concerned that Government still feels it must retain its ability to raid the financial proceeds of successful science. By retaining the right to consider the retention of income on a 'case by case basis' the Government has not clarified the situation. The MRC has a proven pedigree of working with individual scientists on successful innovation. The money they make should be reinvested in science. Overly centralised control will damage the spirit of innovation that the Government claims to be so keen to promote"

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