Million Plus

Responding to a debate in Westminster Hall on Science and Research in the UK and regional economies and following a report published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills today (24 June) on public research and innovation expenditure, Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+, said:

“Britain needs to be more imaginative in its approach to the funding of science and research. The monies allocated through the Research Excellence Framework and the Research Councils should not be the end of the story.

“In order to address regional imbalances but also Britain’s poor record in innovation compared to that of the Nordic countries and Germany, the government should create a new fund for translational research geared at those universities which historically have received very modest amounts of research funding from the public purse but which nonetheless have excellent research.

“These universities have higher levels of interactions with small and medium sized businesses as well as with national companies and the public service and health sectors.  Three percent from the total allocation of research funding devoted specially to translational research in these universities would only amount to some £400m over four years but it would deliver a step change in support for this research and would make sure that growth by research became a reality in the regions.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Pam Tatlow on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk.

2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk.

3. Public research and innovation expenditure report published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills can be found here.

4. million+ parliamentary briefing on Science and Research in the UK and regional economies can be found here.