[Leading Edge] UK's proposed research cuts show government's lack of understanding (Lancet Oncology)

Economic recovery will come from investment in the future, so the UK research community was dismayed earlier this month when the government's “vision” for science and research was unveiled by the UK's Business Secretary Vince Cable, who asked researchers to do “more for less”, abandon projects that are “neither commercially useful nor theoretically outstanding”, and “screen out mediocrity”. This vision has raised much concern—in scientific sectors—because it is short on detail of how such rationalisation is to be decided, and by whom, and, worst of all, it is probably harmful, both to today's patient and future generations.