Description | The topics covered here include university expansion (especially in science and technology); student intake, intelligence quotient, economic background and achievement; the financing and organisation of science and its relations with government.
Blackett's interest in these topics developed during the war and his service on the Barlow Committee (F.9-14). The items below fall into 2 main periods of activity: at Manchester c.1945-1951, and 1962-1968 when formulation of ideas was encouraged both by the preparation for the 1964 General Election and by the institution of the Trend Committee. Many lectures and writings here and in Section H and his pressure on Labour Party leaders to devise a policy for government involvement with science and technology (see Section E) testify to Blackett's lifelong commitment to these matters. The training of scientists and engineers (referred to passim in his notes on QSEs), and the organisation of science both national and internationally were frequently referred to in his Anniversary Addresses as President of the Royal Society and formed the main theme of his 1969 Address (R.S.119, see F.49-51).
Unfortunately, no manuscripts remain related to Blackett's long service on the National Research and Development Council (N.R.D.C) (1949-1964), but F.20-25 show his concern with the organisation and financing of science as a member of the Council of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (D.S.I.R) from 1955 and Chairman of its Research Grants Committee 1956-1960. |