23 November 2007

Comment on Hefce's framework for future assessment and funding of research

Professor Les Ebdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and Chair of the university-think tank Million+ said “The Sainsbury Report identified the 3 key activities of universities as teaching, research and knowledge transfer. While the framework is very important, we should not lose sight of the need to ensure that all institutions receive research funding. This is vital to provide industry and the public sector with access to the local and regional research which they require but also offers a very good return on public investment. Comparatively small amounts of public funding allow universities to deliver a significant multiplier effect in terms of EU and other contract research, provide capacity for institutions to invest in new and emerging areas and facilitates the delivery of transnational education and research partnerships. Students are also entitled to expect that the universities in which they study have the 3 activity strands which David Sainsbury described.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Million+ is a university think-tank working to solve complex problems in higher education