Harper government wants more focus on "one type of science"

The Harper Government wants the National Research Council to reorient its efforts toward commercially valuable science rather than fundamental science.

The government says the NRC traditionally was a supporter of business, and will return to its roots developing practical applications for industry.

"We have shifted the primary focus of our work at NRC from the traditional emphasis of basic research and discovery science in favour of a more targeted approach to research and development," said Council president John McDougall.

According to Gary Goodyear, minister of state for science and technology, the revamped agency will concentrate on industrial research, new growth and business development.

"We will continue to support basic research, but the use of that knowledge is the next step," he said.

Goodyear dismissed the changes as being part of what critics describe as the Conservative war against science.

"The home run is when somebody utilizes the knowledge that was discovered for social or economic gain."

Flickr Photo by: michael_swan

STORY WRITTEN BY: SPOON JUNG