MPs launch inquiry into Scotland’s scientific research capability

• Inquiry: Science and Scotland

Eighty-five per cent of Scotland’s research is considered world-leading or internationally excellent, according to results in the Research in Excellence Framework 2021. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Science Advisory Council in 2019 noted Scotland’s “long-held reputation for producing excellent science”, describing its research base as playing a “critical role” in Scotland’s economy and society.

In a new inquiry, MPs will investigate the scope of opportunities and challenges faced by Scotland’s scientific community. Research funding opportunities for universities and businesses in Scotland, including Horizon Europe and the UK Government’s recently established Advanced Research and Invention Agency, are also under the spotlight.

Chair comment

Commenting on the new inquiry, Scottish Affairs Committee Chair, Pete Wishart MP, said:
“I am pleased to announce the launch of the Scottish Affairs Committee’s newest inquiry, looking at Scotland’s place in the international scientific research community. Our inquiry aims to uncover the extent of Scotland’s scientific capability and any barriers to its growth.

“With almost 90 per cent of Scottish university research seen as having either outstanding or very considerable impact, Scotland’s reputation as a world-leading research nation is well-deserved. Yet in an increasingly competitive research environment, it is vital that Scotland acknowledges the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“We aim to understand whether research schemes and UK Government investment frameworks meet the needs of researchers based in Scotland, to ensure that Scotland’s contribution continues to make a global impact.”

Terms of reference

The Committee invites written submissions by 23:55 on 13 September 2023. These should focus on, but not limited to:

• Could you briefly showcase the international influence Scottish scientific research and development has had in the last 10 years?
• What are the scope and nature of the opportunities and challenge surrounding the scientific community in Scotland?
• What steps should the UK Government and private sector take to support research and development in Scotland?
• How adequate are the ambitions of the Investment in Research and Development chapter of the UK Science and Technology Framework in relation to Scotland?
• To what extent are the needs of the research and development community in Scotland being met by UKRI?
• What is your assessment of the recently established Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)?
• How effective is the Research Excellence Framework (REF) as a tool to allocate funding in Scotland?
• How have the delays in Horizon Europe negotiations affected the research and development landscape in Scotland?

Further information

• Scottish Affairs Committee

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