CaSE was launched in 2005 evolving out of its predecessor Save British Science (SBS) which was founded in 1986. On this page you can explore significant moments from our history, and learn more about what has shaped the organisation over the years.
Our Story
For four decades CaSE has championed British science, engineering, and all research and development, through our policy advocacy.
1990
John Mulvey becomes SBS Executive Secretary
1998
Peter Cotgreave becomes Executive Director of SBS
2007
Nick Dusic becomes Executive Director of CaSE
2010
Imran Khan becomes Executive Director of CaSE
2011
CaSE becomes a registered charity and company limited by guarantee
2013
Sarah Main becomes Executive Director of CaSE
2021
CaSE expands into public opinion work
2024
Alicia Greated becomes Executive Director of CaSE
CaSE's Achievements
Find out more about our recent successes in the world of R&D policy and public opinion.
ExploreFoundation
Save British Science was founded in 1986 by a group of scientists at the University of Oxford frustrated by ongoing spending cuts to the UK science budget. Led by Dr John Mulvey, Professor Denis Noble, and Professor Joe Lamb, it was decided to buy an advertisement in The Times as a direct message, urging the Government to ‘Save British Science’.
The request for funds was spread via colleagues across the scientific community nationwide and the response was overwhelming. Within a few weeks nearly 1,500 contributors, including over 100 Fellows of the Royal Society and British Nobel prize winners, had sent more than twice the sum needed. The advertisement appeared in The Times on 13th January 1986, and the balance of the money raised was used to found Save British Science, taking as its name the title of the advertisement.
Save British Science’ advert, The Times, January 1986
In its early years, SBS was run by a small secretariat led by Professor Lamb (Chair) and Dr Mulvey (Executive Secretary and Director). Our membership has since expanded to include a diverse number of businesses, universities, learned & professional organisations, and research charities from across the R&D sector.
A change of name
CaSE was launched in 2005 evolving out of its predecessor Save British Science (SBS). Following the great success of SBS over the prior 19 years, it no longer felt that UK science needed ‘saving’, so the new name, with an imperative call to action, Campaign for Science and Engineering was adopted.
Find out more about CaSE
