UK's greatest thinkers celebrated

The book shows how science affects everyday life

The work of the UK's most brilliant thinkers is celebrated in a book aimed at raising the profile of universities.

Eureka UK highlights 100 discoveries and ideas of the last 50 years, including unlocking DNA, creating DVDs and building programmable computers.

The book, published by Universities UK, comes as government funding for institutions is under review.

Eureka will be sent to secondary schools next year in an effort to raise the profile of academia.

'Lasting testament'

It shows the relevance of science and research to everyday life, with sections on test-tube babies, solar panels, fluoride and tooth decay and holograms.

Other parts look at political and economic ideas, such as methods of alleviating poverty in the developing world.

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, called the book a "lasting testament to the brilliant thinkers whose contributions have changed lives around the world".

The work of scientist Stephen Hawking is outlined in the book

She added: "Who can imagine a world now without CDs and DVDs, test-tube babies, or computers?

"None of these would have been possible without the work and dedication of academics in the UK."

A working group is currently reviewing the system for assessing the quality of research.

Some academics have called for the Research Assessment Exercise to be abolished, saying funding discrepancies between departments are leading to course closures in some universities.

The government said the working group would aim to set up a "simple" system.

Funding could also become partly dependent on the level of income received from private business.

Baroness Warwick said: "The things we take for granted today offer a salutary tale for those responsible for research budgets.

"This government has done much to support high-level research but we want to see the UK catching up with other major industrialised nations in terms of spending."

She added: "We also hope Eureka UK will inspire young people to go to university and spark an interest in discovery."