Strong universities and science

We will continue to support high levels of investment in Scottish universities and protect their autonomy:

• Champion science funding and support Scottish universities to continue to secure high levels of UK science funding;
• Support more women entering science, technology, engineering and maths, taking seriously the report of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Athena Swan initiative;
• Use Scotland International and the Global Scots network to create a special programme for young women potentially interested in a career in science, using inspiring women scientists from around the world;
• Change the Scottish skills investment plan to make a diverse workforce a key challenge and priority;
• Keep pressure on the UK Government to allow overseas graduates to continue making a contribution in Scotland, to fill skills gaps and benefit our economy;
• Establish a Science & Technology Committee of the Scottish Parliament to raise the profile of science;
• Respect the role of the Chief Scientific Adviser and recruit to fill a vacancy promptly;
• Establish a scientific basis for GM crop policy, using the available evidence on safety, biodiversity and the effectiveness of individual GM technologies before taking decisions.