Black calls for 2020 science focus

10.28.13am GMT Wed 28th Feb 2007

Peter Black AM will lay out a vision for the future of Wales' education system - including radical proposals to put the nation at the forefront of international science and technology research - at a major speech in Treforest on St David's Day.

In a thought provoking speech to an audience of students and lecturers at the University of Glamorgan, Mr Black - AM for South Wales West - sets out his vision for education in 2020. The article is part of a series of "2020 vision" speeches and articles being undertaken by Welsh Liberal Democrat AMs outlining their vision for the subject areas they lead on, ahead of the forthcoming election.

Peter Black will call for a radical re-think of university science provision to tackle the collapse of physics and chemistry, and a National Science Research Programme to put Wales at the forefront of energy conservation and renewable energy generation.

He will say: "The situation in Wales makes it imperative that we invest in science subjects in order to make and keep Wales competitive. We are a small nation in a peripheral location - our success will depend upon innovation, and a highly skilled workforce.

"I believe that one way forward is a 'science hub' based on the same model as the medical school whereby the courses can be delivered across Wales but administered from a central core. Universities and other institutes can then work in collaboration to deliver a joined-up approach to the development of science in Wales."

Mr Black, who chairs the Assembly's education committee, will also make a strong case for Wales to reject top-up fees - whatever happens in England in the future.

"How we treat our education system is a measure of our civilisation," he says.

"There is a great deal of debate about the appropriateness of tuition fees, however my commitment has always been to an education system free at the point of access. It is an investment in our future, we should not erect barriers to people's participation nor penalise those who wish to better themselves.

"I know also that many Vice Chancellors prefer not to rely on state funding. And yes, it is true that on average graduates benefit from their education with higher wages. But a consequence of that is that they pay more tax as well. The state, our economy and our society benefits from their education too. That is why it is the duty of the state to fund that opportunity.

"The arguments put forward by those in favour of tuition fees and the market economy that has subsequently been created in our education system is very much a product of a much more selfish society. This argument should not be about how individuals profit from the advantages offered to them but how society as a whole profits. We all form part of a complex and inter-related society and we must recognise that that relationship has obligations to each other."

Notes:

The speech will be made at 6pm on March 1 at the Glamorgan Business Centre, University of Glamorgan.

It is the latest in a series of "2020 speeches" from Welsh Liberal Democrat AMs. Previous speeches have included Mick Bates on the future of farming, Eleanor Burnham on sports and Kirsty Williams on business.