At the Universities UK Conference, the Science & Technology Minister Chris McDonald MP FREng stated that the Government would look to make “fewer, longer awards” in research. In response, Johnny Rich, Director of ResearchPlus issued the following statement:
“The Government’s proposed intention to offer ‘fewer, longer investments’ in research is inconsistent with its stated aim of growth in every postcode. Research sparks innovation, and businesses establish or scale up around where that research takes place. Investing in research means investing in places and an over-concentration of research limits growth.
“Restricting research funding to a preselected set of universities, or amongst researchers already identified as successful, would undermine the wider ecosystem in which world-leading research in different fields is found throughout the country. Around the UK, excellent research in universities sits alongside education that develops the skilled workforce needed to turn innovation in growth.”
