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During a major cabinet reshuffle David Willetts stepped down as Minister of State for Universities and Science.
Philip Greenish, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:
“As Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts has made a real and very positive difference to the way engineering and innovation are seen within government. Grasping the importance of engineering to the UK’s recovery from recession, he has championed university research as a fruitful pipeline of wealth-creating ideas. His personal engagement in and support of the work of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and particularly our Engineering for Growth campaign, has been much appreciated.
“He instinctively recognised the logic of promoting a modern industrial strategy focused on key sectors and his own initiative, the Eight Great Technologies, has translated this concept into university research output in a highly effective way.”
Dr Sarah Main, Director of Campaign for Science & Engineering (CaSE), said:
“We at CaSE have really enjoyed working with David Willetts and his team. He fully engaged with the sector, always accepting invitations to speak and shrewdly digesting reports and evidence. He was liked and respected throughout the sector for ‘getting it’, whether each policy was welcomed or not. He has set the scene for his successor to capitalise on the high level political support for science he engendered by securing substantial long-term investment.”
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said:
“David Willetts has been an outstanding science minister, respected not only in the UK but throughout the world. He has kept science centre stage in the cabinet and has helped position science at the forefront of UK industrial strategy and economic recovery. His commitment, energy and pure enthusiasm for science will be sorely missed.”
Dr Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust, said:
“I would like to thank David Willetts for his tireless work during his time as minister for universities and science: protecting the science budget, making the economic case for medical research and a proving himself a progressive force in the argument for open access to research. I always found him to be refreshingly open in his approach, willing to listen, robust in the discussions but always willing to engage in the key issues in a non-partisan way. His common sense and clear commitment to research and higher education has been a breath of fresh air. He will be sadly missed across government. I hope he is not lost to public life, he has so much more to contribute.”
Professor Sir Colin Blakemore, Professor of Neuroscience and Philosophy, University of London, said:
“The scientific community owes David Willetts a huge debt. Despite the fact that he’s not a scientist, he went native. His personal affection and enthusiasm for science have been crucially important in sustaining the government’s commitment to science through challenging times. We all hope that his departure doesn’t signal a reduction in that commitment.”
Professor Jackie Hunter, Chief Executive, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said:
“As Science Minister, David Willetts has helped to place research and innovation at the centre of rebalancing and rebuilding our economy. He has championed important initiatives including open access and synthetic biology and strategies for the life sciences and agricultural technologies which have given the research base solid foundations for the future.”
Professor Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, said:
“David Willetts gained wide cross-party respect through being a minister who was manifestly engaged with his brief. It’s sad for the scientific and academic communities that he won’t be staying in post until the general election. He immersed himself in the wide-ranging agenda of science and universities with huge commitment and energy. I much enjoyed my contacts with him, both via the Royal Society and in other contexts. — and i hope this really admirable politician quickly finds a fulfilling (and perhaps less frustrating) new outlet for his abilities.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said
“David Willetts has been a tremendous voice for UK science. Am sure all of us hope that his skills and talents will not be lost to the science community. But if he is to leave it will be with head high.”
Professor John Womersley, Chief Executive Officer, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), said:
“David Willetts was seen throughout the science community as an excellent minister – he has been an intelligent advocate for science who really enjoyed his brief, and he worked hard to make the case that science has a strong role to play in our future prosperity and should be adequately supported. His commitment to new capital investment has given a major boost to science projects and I very much hope his departure doesn’t in any way compromise the government’s commitments in this area.
Imran Khan, Chief Executive of the British Science Association, said:
“David Willetts is one of the UK’s sharpest and most talented politicians; we’ve been extraordinarily privileged to have him as the UK’s science minister for the past four years. We in the science sector like to moan about there not being enough scientists in Parliament, but it was obvious from early on that Willetts – despite not having had much to do with science previously – developed a genuine passion for the subject. You’d be hard-pressed to find many in our sector who have a bad word to say about him.”
Iain Gray, Chief Executive Technology Strategy Board, said:
“David Willetts has been a great minister, not just for science and universities but also for innovation. His framework of the 8 Great Technologies has helped mobilise the joint efforts of universities and business working together.”
Steve Bates the CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association, the BIA, said:
“David Willetts made his mark globally as a minister through championing the UK life sciences sector. He won the BIO International Leadership Award for his commitment to advancing UK biotechnology by delivering this government’s life science strategy, truly understanding what it takes to turn the UK’s fantastic science into the jobs, health and wealth the UK needs in the coming decades.”
Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, said:
“I am sure I speak on behalf of the whole scientific community in showing my appreciation for the dedication to science that David Willetts has shown over the last four years. Science and engineering have benefited from his leadership and commitment at a time when funding across the economy has been extremely tight
“The UK produces world-class scientific research. However, we require sustained and growing investment in science, engineering and technology to ensure long-term economic growth. Research shows that for every £1 invested in research there is a 20 pence return year on year (CASE 2014). The arguments for growing research investment are overwhelming.
“From antibiotic resistance to environmental degradation, the life sciences have a key role to play in tackling many of society’s greatest challenges. Investment in research and skills is fundamental to meeting them.”
Declared interests
None declared