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If scientists can't communicate with the public, with policy makers, with one another, the future is going to be held back. We're not going to have the future that we could have.

The idea that science is just some luxury that you'll get around to if you can afford it is regressive to any future a country might dream for itself.

Science is the key to our future, and if you don't believe in science, then you're holding everybody back.

The sciences are being held back by assumptions that have hardened into dogmas, maintained by powerful taboos. I believe that the sciences will be regenerated when they are set free.

I'm a technological optimist in that I do believe that technology will provide solutions that will allow the world in 2050 to support 9 billion people at an acceptable standard of living. But I'm a political pessimist in that I am concerned about whether the science will be appropriately applied.

I believe that the quantum of our knowledge will increase considerably in the coming years and that scientists will continue to be amongst the brave voices speaking out.

The future of society is 100% dependent on scientific advances.

So now, if we don't fund the physical sciences, where will the Next Big Thing come from?