Universities' high-tech future
Russell Group Director General Dr Wendy Piatt has responded to government plans to boost science and technology research in the UK.
The plans were outlined by the Universities and Science Minister David Willetts in a speech at Policy Exchange on 4 January, and include:
- a proposal to found a new type of graduate science and technology university, with international partners and business funding
- an aim for universities to increase their external funding by 10% over the next three years
Read more about the announcement.
Commenting on the plans, Dr Piatt said, "We welcome the Government's ambition of making the UK the best place in the world to do research. Our economic future depends on the country's research-intensive universities matching the best in the world, and the Government's growth strategy must recognise this. As David Willetts says, our universities and science facilities are 'great national assets'.
"Proposals to encourage private investment into new postgraduate science-focused institutions are interesting, but the Government must ensure that this wil not divert funding away from existing leaders in these fields."
Read Dr Piatt's full statement.
Posted in: Higher education news