Science for Wales

Science for Wales sets out the Welsh Government vision for science, the key initiatives they will take and how they measure success.

How the strategy was developed

Science for Wales has been prepared for the Welsh Government by the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor John Harries; his team; and members of the Science Advisory Council for Wales.

The strategy was developed after consultation with internal and external science stakeholders. It supersedes ‘A Science Policy for Wales 2006’.

It tells some hard truths but offers a constructive way ahead both for what we can do to help science thrive and what we expect our partners (e.g. in higher education and business) to address to make this strategy a reality.

Sêr Cymru (Stars Wales)

The strategy introduces a new initiative ‘Sêr Cymru’ (Stars Wales). It comprises funding (up to £50 million over five years) for new academic ‘stars’ and National Research Networks in:

• Life sciences and health
• Low carbon, energy and environment
• Advanced engineering and materials

Science for Wales also proposes the development of a new national innovation strategy, and stronger coordination and leadership of science engagement activities through the National Science Academy.

Download:
Science for Wales-A strategic agenda for science and innovation in Wales

Libraries Inspire

The official launch of CyMAL’s new strategy is 7th November in Treorchy library, Rhondda Cynon Taf, with the Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage.  There will be an online version of the strategy on the CyMAL website shortly.

Alyson Tyler has written a short blog post to explain current projects and programmes – see http://libalyson.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/your-guide-to-several-l-words/

Libraries Inspire – summary of responses

Summary of responses to the Libraries Inspire consultation is now available on the Welsh Government website: http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/cultureandsport/librariesinspire/?lang=en

New HE strategy for Wales

‘For Our Future – The 21st Century Higher Education Strategy and Plan for Wales’ builds upon and replaces ‘Reaching Higher’. The strategy and plan will set out the strategic direction for higher education in Wales.

The Minister has outlined a significant shift in how the £400m+ annual funding from the Welsh Assembly Government to the HE sector in Wales will be spent to improve efficiency, widen access, develop strong links between the economy and higher education providers and improve opportunities for learning through the medium of Welsh.

To download the document click here

Press release, 25 November 2009: http://wales.gov.uk/news/latest/091125highereducation/?lang=en

Note: on 3 November the UK Government unveiled a new framework for the future success of higher education, setting out the important role universities will play in securing the country’s economic recovery and long term prosperity.

Lord Mandelson’s vision to sustain university success in more challenging and competitive times sets out the Government’s approach on the major issues facing universities, including the need to make greater contributions to the economy, widening access and strengthening our research capacity.

The higher education framework, Higher Ambitions, sets out a strategy for universities to remain world class, providing the nation with the high level skills needed to remain competitive, while continuing to attract the brightest students and researchers. 
Download ‘Higher Ambitions’