Leader: The UK must invest in scientists

If computer science is to become the fabric of traditional science, as some scientists are calling for, bold changes will have to be made.

We can lambaste the government as responsible for a good proportion of the blame.

There is obviously a lack of money and proper thought at the top level of government being given to science and technology. Having been a leader in these areas for such a long time, perhaps the UK has become complacent and expects to remain at the cutting edge without continued investment.

A change in culture should filter down to every level - right down to the school child. There should be better opportunities for kids to get involved with and excited about science and computers - areas often taught in a parrot fashion that's boring for students and teachers alike.

It wouldn't hurt for science and technology to glitz up their images a bit too, perhaps by providing students with role models or even celebrities who could speak out on how vital these areas are to the advancement of our society. Biology might not seem so boring if kids knew it could mean using computers to find a cure for cancer.

There also needs to be a shift in the way companies invest in research. The US has a formidable policy of backing PhD students, so it's no wonder the brains of the UK flock to a country where there are more resources.

If the government fails to drive science effectively, the UK's future brains will lack the computer science skills they need to compete with the rest of the world - and the nation will lose its competitive edge.