From ANTHONY GRADIE
Examination of the table showing numbers of scientists and engineers
employed in Britain’s research councils reveals something of a sorry state
of affairs (Careering Ahead, 1 February).
I have long suspected that the balance between qualified scientists
and engineers, and supposedly all-round competent administrators has been
too heavily weighted in favour of the latter. The table shows an average
of 52 per cent scientists and engineers employed by the four research councils.
But the one that is well below the average is the Science and Engineering
Research Council – at only 43 per cent. This figure certainly seems consistent
with recent decisions and actions of SERC as they affect the progress of
British science.
Anthony Gradie Swindon, Wiltshire
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