Petition about reversal of a policy now being applied by the UK Research Councils
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/honest-discovery/
We request the reversal of a policy now being applied by the UK Research Councils. This policy directs funds to projects
whose outcomes are specified in advance.
Science has never worked in this way, and never could. The real world is blind to our hopes, fears, and aspirations.
Scientific research seeks to describe this world, replacing ignorance and error with knowledge and understanding. Where
a specific outcome can be predicted with confidence, then there is no research.
Practical and economic benefits arise from scientific discoveries. Science has economic impact precisely because
curiosity-driven research reveals patterns and features of the natural world that we did not know, and did not expect.
The UK taxpayer should not support investigations with foregone conclusions, however beguiling. UK research must not
be guided by wishful thinking, nor relegated to producing footnotes for ground-breaking discoveries made elsewhere.
We call upon the Research Councils to return to their mission of advancing the frontiers of human understanding. Public
support for science must renew its investment in discovery if it is to create prosperity and well-being.'
(By John Allen, the petition author)
Emily Forster
Palaeoecology of historical human impact on the vegetation and landscape of the Lake District, North-West England
University of Southampton School of Geography
Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ
Tel: 02380592218
We request the reversal of a policy now being applied by the UK Research Councils. This policy directs funds to projects
whose outcomes are specified in advance.
Science has never worked in this way, and never could. The real world is blind to our hopes, fears, and aspirations.
Scientific research seeks to describe this world, replacing ignorance and error with knowledge and understanding. Where
a specific outcome can be predicted with confidence, then there is no research.
Practical and economic benefits arise from scientific discoveries. Science has economic impact precisely because
curiosity-driven research reveals patterns and features of the natural world that we did not know, and did not expect.
The UK taxpayer should not support investigations with foregone conclusions, however beguiling. UK research must not
be guided by wishful thinking, nor relegated to producing footnotes for ground-breaking discoveries made elsewhere.
We call upon the Research Councils to return to their mission of advancing the frontiers of human understanding. Public
support for science must renew its investment in discovery if it is to create prosperity and well-being.'
(By John Allen, the petition author)
Emily Forster
Palaeoecology of historical human impact on the vegetation and landscape of the Lake District, North-West England
University of Southampton School of Geography
Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ
Tel: 02380592218
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© 2009 International Institute of Anthropology
© 2009 Lolita Nikolova, PhD
Created: 6-17-09.
© 2009 Lolita Nikolova, PhD
Created: 6-17-09.