French Scientists Unhappy Despite Boost in Budget

doi:10.1126/science.306.5693.29b

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Science 1 October 2004:
Vol. 306. no. 5693, p. 29
DOI: 10.1126/science.306.5693.29b

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ScienceScope

PARIS--French scientists are disappointed with the government's science spending plan for 2005. But they are not yet protesting the moves. Research minister François d'Aubert last week fulfilled a promise (Science, 28 May, p. 1233) by unveiling a plan to channel an additional $1.2 billion a year into public and private research through 2007. The amount includes $400 million for a new national research agency and funding for 150 additional academic scientists next year.

But the planned increases don't fully offset past cuts, critics say. And plans for the new agency "are very vague," says Alain Trautmann, co-director of the cell biology department at the Cochin Institute and a leader of protests that forced the government to backtrack on proposed cuts. For instance, it's not clear whether the agency will focus on basic or applied studies.

The government expects to firm up spending and management plans next month, after the research community presents ideas for reforms due to take hold next year. In the meantime, science groups say they could be back in the streets early next year if the government doesn't address their concerns.