EPSRC welcomes the findings of the report of the International Review of UK Computer Science Research

In June 2001 the EPSRC, in association with the IEE, the British Computer Society and the Royal Society, sponsored an international review of UK research in Computer Science. Under the Chairmanship of Professor Fred B Schneider (Cornell University, USA), the Panel, made up of some of the world's leading computer scientists from both industry and academia, undertook a week long study to effectively evaluate the standing and potential of computer science research in the UK.

The report [PDF - 600KB] concludes:

Although nominally about academic computer science research, this report is really about opportunities—understanding them, and then leveraging existing strengths in order to best exploit the opportunities. The message is simple, and it involves three themes.

First, computer science is a new kind of discipline. It differs in both character and culture from the pure and applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Traditional methods of supporting and evaluating research are not always appropriate for this new field.

Second, not only does computer science offer deep intellectual challenges, but research and expertise in this field will almost certainly translate into competitive advantage and economic well-being for nations, as it has in the past. Strength in computer science will be imperative for the UK in the 21st century.

And third, the UK must change the environment in which academic computer science research is being conducted. It must increase salaries and the level of support for research in computer science, change the vehicles used to fund that research, allow computer scientists to play a more active role in defining and managing the nation’s computer science research programmes, and encourage growth and strength in two specific areas of study (algorithms and experimental systems).The UK has been a world leader in computer science research, but this position is currently being allowed to erode and will continue to do so unless changes are made.