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British politicians have given no assurances that science will be protected from the deep cuts in public spending that are predicted to follow this year's general election (see Nature 463, 410–411; 2010). But Britain's Royal Society is trying to ward off the expected blow. In a report entitled The Scientific Century: Securing Our Future Prosperity , released on 9 March, the venerable society argues that slashing support for research would be a false economy, and would harm the nation's long-term economic prospects.

The United Kingdom has traditionally punched above its weight in science, garnering a bigger proportion of the most highly cited research papers than its share of global funding would suggest (see graphic). But this impressive track record is "fragile" and brings a "risk of complacency", the report says, noting competition from rising research funding in India, China and Brazil, along with significant investment for science seen in the stimulus packages in the United States, France and Germany.

The dossier models itself on Rising Above the Gathering Storm , an influential 2005 report by the US National Academies that advocated increased funding to maintain America's pre-eminent position in science. The Royal Society argues along similar lines: "Our scientific leadership, which has taken decades to build, can quickly be lost," it warns.

The report asks the UK government to outline plans for increased research funding over a 15-year period (2011–26). It also recommends expanding a tax credit for research and development to stimulate investment by businesses, and outlines the need for policies that encourage researchers from overseas to work in the country.

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