Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on developments since the 1987 economic summit in Venice on the institution of the human frontier science programme; where it will be administered; what United Kingdom contribution will be made to the first phase of the project; and how the programme will benefit United Kingdom research institutions.
Mr. JacksonThe human frontier science programme (HFSP) for research in molecular biology and neuroscience was inaugurated in November 1989, and is administered from Strasbourg. The secretary general of the new organisation is Sir James Gowans, former secretary of the Medical Research Council. The United Kingdom is represented on the HFSP council of scientists and board of trustees. The United Kingdom is contributing to the first phase through the linking of a number of fellowships and workshops to the programme. Given the quality of United Kingdom science, our research institutions will be hoping to benefit from the award of grants for research, fellowships and workshops. An announcement is expected in March of the first awards under the programme.