The future of science

In February, pharmaceutical firm Pfizer announced plans to close its Sandwich site in Kent, with the loss of 2400 jobs. This was due to the firm's profitability dropping, in part because of losing patent exclusivity on several blockbuster drugs.

Described as a 'body blow' to UK science by CEO of the Institute of Chemical Engineers David Brown, this will have far reaching consequences for chemistry students and teachers. Not only was Pfizer a large employer and host to students during their year in industry, the site had also developed links with local schools, helping teach Year 12.

Just 24 hours later, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) announced the grant pots for the next academic year. For the next year, £4339 million will be allocated for teaching, a four per cent reduction, while research funding (cut by six per cent) will now only be focussed on the 3* and 4* departments, leaving 2* departments - internationally recognised in terms of originality, significance and rigour - with no 'quality related' funding.