Sir, – In a letter (August 16th), a number of the country’s leading scientists stressed that increasing access to funding through the next EU framework for research and technological development, Horizon 2020, is an opportunity that Ireland cannot afford to miss. It is therefore essential for the research community, including policy and decision-makers, to have a clear strategy and plan regarding that further funding. A strong policy agenda for collaborative research and development at a European and global level in which Ireland can play a leading and constructive role is essential.
The fact that Ireland’s next EU presidency coincides with preparations for Horizon 2020 provides that constructive environment in which to put forward ideas leading to increased funding for Irish researchers. We need to recognise the importance of globally competitive research and development as a key aspect of how science is done today, especially in biological and medical science. There must also be greater recognition of the role of science in addressing global challenges, particularly those which will have an increasing economic impact.
Scientific capacity building is crucial to sustainable economic growth and the current economic crisis should be viewed in terms of future cost. For example, the long-term cost of treating diabetes and age-related diseases can be factored into the global economic framework. This is a policy challenge as much as an economic challenge and requires planning beyond the electoral life cycles of EU member states. This is clearly recognised in the United States, where the system of government seems able to facilitate the planning of 100-year projects in areas such as the exploration of space.
It is also increasingly recognised elsewhere around the world. Ireland could emulate the vision of South Africa’s minister for science and technology, Naledi Pandor, whose country will co-host the Square Kilometre Array, which will start construction in 2016. This will be one of the most powerful research infrastructures in the world. In March of this year, the European Parliament recognised the economic potential of science capacity building in Africa through its adoption of a written declaration. We are looking forward to working with the Irish EU presidency next year to promote a greater awareness of how Ireland can participate in and contribute to the global science community in addressing global challenges.
The importance of Horizon 2020 and the opportunities it offers to grow Irish science must not be underestimated. – Yours, etc,