SCIENCE AND THE STATE: 

 A PROGRAMME 



The action recently taken by Science Progress in calling 

 attention to the sweating of science in this country has 

 received much public attention, and many of our scientific con- 

 temporaries, especially Nature, have generally supported our 

 remarks. The Morning Post opened its columns during May 

 and June to a long discussion on the subject of Science and the 

 State; and the British Science Guild has appointed a special 

 committee to examine thoroughly into the matter. 1 It is a 

 popular complaint against men of science that they never seem 

 to know exactly what they want ; and we therefore now propose 

 to define exactly some of the steps which may be suggested for 

 the betterment of science in Britain and elsewhere. 



Suggested Programme 



(i) Improved payment of scientific workers in Universities 

 and other State-aided institutions, including : 



(a) Adjustment of the minimum salaries of the most junior 



workers ; 



(b) Rises of salary depending upon length of service in 



scientific or academical work ; 



(c) Adequate pensions ; 



(d) Security of tenure and better organisation of efficiency. 



(2) Special arrangements for stimulating research in Univer- 

 sities and other State-aided institutions, and for attracting and 

 retaining distinguished investigators in them. 



(3) The more careful regulation of selection for appoint- 

 ments, especially as regards the due consideration of distinction 

 in research ; and the placing of professorships upon a State- 

 regulated standing. 



(4) Abolition of the present method by which the State 



1 See p. 353. 

 14 i97 



