Million Plus

Responding to the HEFCE review on the value of quality-related research funding in English higher education institutions Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive, million+ said:

“This research confirms the value of quality-related research (QR) funding and the wider role that it has in ensuring that universities can invest in their research base.

“Unfortunately, government priorities and policies have resulted in the funding council redefining excellence which has led to the hyper-concentration of what is taxpayer-funded investment in fewer universities. As a result excellent research of international and national significance is not being funded in all universities and these policies risk wasting the talent of academic staff across the sector.

“Ministers will have an opportunity to rectify this following the publication of the REF results when they can ensure that the formulas used by the funding councils to distribute QR funding take account of the need for a more balanced approach to valuing and funding excellence.”

ENDS

Notes to editors
1. For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Rochelle Owusu- Antwi, Press and Communications Officer, million+ on 020 7717 1658 / 07527 336 795 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. The full HEFCE review can be found here.