Four University of Oxford scientists discuss science policy. Prof Matthew Freeman, Head of the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology and Prof Denis Noble, Emeritus Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology are joined by Dr Tianyi Zhang from the Biochemistry Department, and Dr Gijsbert Werner from Zoology. Together they outline the value of science and the need for public funding of research which will not only lead to applications such as medicine which benefit society, but also for more fundamental research, the benefits of which are as yet unknown.