Michael Fabricant met some of the scientists that are helping drive the UK economy at an event held by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics in Parliament on Tuesday 7 July.

Michael Fabricant SAYS: “I have a personal interest in science and I was pleased to meet with scientists and talk about UK success stories from research in both chemistry and physics. These innovations and companies have developed from work that began in university science departments. The successes from the UK’s science base are now creating jobs and economic growth across the UK.

“The event highlighted the importance of long-term government funding to science and the benefits it has on the UK economy. The UK science and innovation system produces 15.9% of the world’s most highly cited publications, with only 4.1% of the world’s researchers.

“It was good to hear about how chemistry and physics are creating much-needed jobs across the UK. The Royal Society of Chemistry and Institute of Physics are showing why investing in science is good for economy – and it also shows that science is an excellent career choice for young people.

”I was particularly interested to meet Professor Jas Pal Badyal of the University of Durham who demonstrated a coating developed at the University which resists water and is used in the manufacture of many brands of mobile phone.”

Professor Dominic Tildesley, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “We have the evidence to show that Britain is a world leader in science and that Government investment in science boosts the UK economy. There are innovative projects and companies springing up all the time and we want to see a commitment to a long-term strategy for increasing investment to ensure that we all continue to benefit from our scientific success.”

Tom McLeish, Vice-President, Science, at the Institute of Physics, said, "Investing in science and engineering drives economic growth and is at the heart of advances and innovation in healthcare, communications and national security. The UK has a unique, interdisciplinary ecosystem of innovation between global businesses and universities that we must nurture if it is to deliver the innovation-based supply chains, manufacturing and exports of tomorrow.”

Photo shows Michael with Professor Jas Pal Badyal of the University of Durham