A new report has placed Scotland amongst the best in the world for science and research.

 

The report, commissioned by Scotland’s Chief Scientific Adviser, found that Scotland’s research is cited by other researchers around the world more often than any other country in comparison to its GDP. 

 

First Minister Alex Salmond said the findings of the report were “inspirational”.

 

"Scotland has made an immense contribution to shaping the modern world through innovation in science and research. This new report makes inspirational reading and reinforces Scotland’s proud scientific reputation, with the infrastructure and people to deliver quality research and the solutions to problems that affect our world,” he said.  

 

"The Scottish Government continues to work with universities, research institutes, industry and community partners to ensure Scotland continues to be a competitive hotbed of ideas and innovation.

 

“Scientists in Scotland have been responsible for innovations such as Dolly the sheep, keyhole surgery and renewable energy technologies and this new report shows how we have maintained our world leading position on research quality.

 

“This Government is working to capitalise on Scotland’s competitive advantages to increase sustainable economic growth and create a smarter, greener, wealthier country. This report outlines the great opportunities that exist for Scottish businesses to collaborate with our research community to exchange knowledge and design the products of the future.” 

 

The study examined the research base in universities, research institutes, industry, the NHS and compared publication rates and impacts with competitor countries. 

 

According to the findings Scotland ranks third in the world for citations per researcher, ahead of all the G8 countries. The impact of Scottish research in terms of citations per paper is also second highest in the world, with only Switzerland coming in higher. 

 

Scotland’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Anne Glover, said: “This report confirms that Scotland is one of the best places in the world to do science. Our research base has the potential to offer our young people a very rewarding career, carrying out high quality work that has a global impact. Being able to demonstrate the strength of Scottish research will also help us to attract the best scientists from around the world to work here, as well as acting as a magnet for international investment. We need to ensure that we drive this research excellence through into innovation in our business community.”

 

Glover will speak at Holyrood magazine’s Science Scotland 2010 conference in Edinburgh on 17 February. For more information see http://science.holyrood.com/