We are a group of concerned scientists, engineers and supporters of science who are campaigning to prevent destructive levels of cuts to science funding in the UK.

We want the Government to increase its spending on R&D to at least 0.8% of GDP – the G8 average – to boost economic growth.

10 June 2014: Consultation on capital investment in R&D: have your say!
We have helped to set up a live online Q&A about the BIS consultation, on the Guardian science blogs network. The discussion will take place from 12–2 PM on Monday 16 June, and will feature Jenny Rohn and Stephen Curry from Science is Vital, along with David Willetts… read on

08 May 2014: Science really is vital
Research by economists Jonathan Haskel, Alan Hughes and Elif Bascavusoglu-Moreau provides solid evidence that spending public money on science is important for economic growth in the UK – to the tune of 20p in every pound spent… read on

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Why science?

Investing in research enriches society and helps drive the economy. It led to our preeminent position in the 20th century, and will be vital in meeting the challenges of the 21st – whether they be in energy, medicine, infrastructure, computing, or simply humanity's primal desire for discovery.

The UK has a proud history of excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We are world leaders in many fields of research, producing over 10% of global scientific output with only 1% of the global population, and despite spending less on science per capita than most of our competitors.

Our world-class research universities and institutes which attract excellence and investment from around the world have made us a global hub for science. Nations such as the United States, China, Germany, and France have all recognized the importance of investing in science especially in austere times – it could be catastrophic for the UK to do the exact opposite.