UCL contributes to research funding debate

With weeks to go before the coalition government publishes its Comprehensive Spending Review, UCL academics have been contributing to the debate about the future of research funding, and warning of the dangers to the UK if significant cuts are made to the research budget. UCL Provost Malcolm Grant today joined university leaders and Lord Rees, President of the Royal Society, at the Science Media Centre to make the case for continued support of research in the UK. Arguing that research is not an abstract concept, but fundamental to the economic well-being of the nation, Professor Grant set out a number of areas in which UCL researchers are tackling some of the major challenges facing humanity. He also argued that significant shrinkage of the UK's scientific research base would signal 'a tragic surrender of the nation's intellectual and economic leadership'. Also today, the Financial Times reported on a letter from UCL Vice-Provosts Professor David Price (Research) and Professsor Steve Caddick (Enterprise) to the Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable, setting out some ideas being developed at UCL that could strengthen the impact of UK research in financially challenging times. Notably, the letter argues for a 'hub and spoke' model of inter-institutional collaboration, with multidisciplinary research-intensive institutions being encouraged and supported to work with less research-intensive institutions and 'islands of excellence' in their regions, thereby ensuring that the UK makes the most of its research talent and investment in facilities.