Chemistry for the Next Decade and Beyond: International Perceptions of the uk chemistry Research Base
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7.0 Concluding RemarksThe Panel enthusiastically embraced the International Review process and found it to be informative and a very worthwhile experience. The breadth of activities covered by the Framework Questions and the limited time to accomplish the task necessarily made for a somewhat high level overview. Looking forward, the panel offers the following general observations: Health of chemistry Overall, Chemistry in a much healthier state than it was in 2001/2002. There are pockets of word-leading and world-class research distributed throughout the community. The age distribution in many departments is such that Chemistry is well-positioned to produce a new generation of leaders. There are potentially dangerous gaps in the intellectual core of the discipline that may be related to lack of investment by the Research Councils. Vision/ambition of researchers Although there are some notable exceptions, there is a perception that overall, UK Chemistry lacks some ambition. Possible reasons for this are discussed in the body of the text, which also contains recommendation on how to deal with this issue, which in part is possibly linked to the treatment of ECRs as well as other factors. Longer term responsive mode grants would certainly help the situation. Core versus multidisciplinarity As the world faces the grand challenges of sustainability, energy, the environment, health and wellbeing, multidisciplinary research efforts will expand in importance. Chemistry undoubtedly has a central role to play. The challenge facing UK Chemistry is to define its role. Finding the ‘correct’ balance between the ‘core’ and multidisciplinary endeavours is likely to involve selectivity and focus. Critical Mass The view of the Panel is that overall the UK chemistry research community is perhaps overly dispersed across a rather large number of departments. Over the next decade, unless a compelling case can be made for an input of new funding to Chemistry, this situation will likely lead to an unhelpful dilution of the research base. While acknowledging that this is a complex and emotive issue the Panel suggests that where appropriate, a measure of strategic consolidation could do much to help all stakeholders deliver on many of the recommendations that arise from this review. Calibre of ECRs The pool of ECRs currently in the UK Chemistry departments is certainly very good quality and more diverse than the permanent faculty. This is an encouraging development since the Whitesides Review. The challenge going forward is to provide a well-defined career path with adequate research funding for the best of the best to not only chase their dreams but also to remain in the UK. Knowledge exchange and transfer Stunning examples of vigorous and successful start-ups signal a strong change of attitude within the UK Chemistry community since the last International Review. The current economic situation will likely dampen temporarily the success rate of such actions. Changes in the global situation for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries could be an opportunity for UK chemistry to exploit. However, issues relating to IP and the FEC model will likely need to be dealt with creatively by the stakeholders if the UK is to maintain its recent successes and capitalise on global changes. Societal grand challenges There is an urgent need for the UK to act boldly to play its full role in tackling the societal challenges facing humanity. As already mentioned many times in this Review, Chemistry has a central role to play in achieving viable solutions to many of the key issues. There is a pressing need for the leaders of the UK Chemistry community to play their full part in setting the agenda for the future role of Chemistry in this arena. There is also a need for the Research Councils and other government agencies to act swiftly to set the UK agenda. Glossary of Abbreviations
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