A new report that looks at the Welsh Government’s progress in growing science and research over the last 5 years has been published today by Economy Secretary, Ken Skates.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Science for Wales 2017 report sets out progress made by the various science projects and programmes supported by Welsh Government since 2012.
It shows that the Government’s Sêr Cymru programme - which has worked to increase research undertaken in Wales by attracting world class academics and their teams and building national research networks here - has brought in over £67 million in additional grant income to Wales since 2012.
Sêr Cymru programme has so far attracted 11 such stars to Wales and a second phase is bringing some extremely talented early and mid-career researchers to Wales to add to the programme’ strengths.
The Science for Wales report recognises the Welsh Government’s work to embed STEM into its new curriculum and to encourage girls and women to take up STEM subjects and consider STEM based careers.
It also acknowledges the success of the Welsh Government funded National Science Academy in funding programmes aimed at enthusing children and young people across Wales about the fun, challenge and the potentially interesting and rewarding careers that studying STEM subjects can bring.
Economy Secretary, Ken Skates said:
“I welcome the publication of this Science for Wales 2017 report, which takes stock of the progress we have made in growing science and research in Wales over the last five years.
“We know that scientific research makes an invaluable contribution to our economy and this report recognises the success of our flagship Sêr Cymru programme in bringing more than £67m additional grant income into Wales since 2012, and highlights the interest and praise the programme has attracted from beyond Wales.
“It also highlights the impact of our wider work to engage our young people with STEM, to provide an excellent STEM curriculum and range of qualifications – and to encourage our young people to consider science and technology careers.
“As our former Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Julie Williams, recognises in this report, Wales’ research has considerable impact both here and globally with researchers based in Wales having outperformed many of their UK counterparts according to latest reports.
“I look forward to Wales consolidating and building on this success in the years to come.”