1994 Group Calls For National Debate On Research And Investment Needed To Meet Global Challenges, UK

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Article Date: 13 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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UK universities' world-class, innovative research means that they are ideally placed to play a central role in meeting today's global challenges - for example, climate change, the global recession, and international terrorism. The 1994 Group, representing 18 of the UK's leading, most research-intensive universities, is today calling for national a debate on what expertise is needed to meet these global challenges.

Speaking later today at the 1994 Group's 'Research Excellence' parliamentary reception Professor Paul Wellings, Chair-elect of the 1994 Group and the Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University will say: "We need a national debate on the range of research expertise required to meet these global challenges and whether enhanced investment should be put in place. We need to identify which research subject areas are strategically important to give us the best opportunity to find solutions."

Professor Wellings will highlight the key contributions to national priority research areas - such as Climate Change, Global Security and the Digital Economy - being made by those working in Cultures, Languages, Arts, Social Sciences and the Humanities (CLASSH) subjects and will say: "Research here should have parity of esteem with that undertaken by teams in STEM subjects. If we are serious about identifying national priorities and making new investments in solving global problems we will need to retain a comprehensive research capacity and make greater effort in trans-disciplinary initiatives. We will struggle to do this if we continue with an environment where there are marked asymmetries in resource allocation to STEM and CLASSH subjects."

The 1994 Group of leading research-intensive universities has set up a working group to examine 'the landscape of research and innovation policy and funding' and to make suggestions as to how the research base at universities can ensure that the UK is best equipped to address the major global challenges and meet national priorities.

Following the outstanding performance of 1994 Group universities in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) today's reception will bring together the leaders and most eminent researchers from 1994 Group universities to discuss their work with parliamentarians.

Professor Steve Smith, Chair of the 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter will highlight the impressive performance of the 1994 Group in the RAE and will say: "collectively 57% of the 1994 Group's research is rated 4* 'world-leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent'. Within this, the outstanding results of individual institutions, departments and researchers across the full, diverse range of subject areas should be recognised and commended."

1. The 1994 Group represents 18 of UK's leading research intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. http://www.1994group.ac.uk

2. 1994 Group members include 9 of the top 20 universities in the UK (The Independent League Table 2009) and 9 of the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2008). 5 of the top 8 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2008 National Student Survey)

3. In 19 subject areas 1994 Group members are the UK leaders achieving 1st place in their field (THE RAE subject rankings 2008). 57% of the 1994 Group's research is rated 4* 'world-leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent' (RAE 2008, HEFCE) and 7 1994 Group members are in the top 20 in the Times RAE 2008 League Tables.

4. Four 1994 Group members are among the research-intensive university rising stars in terms of percentage increase in quality-related (QR) research funding. Loughborough University (39%), Queen Mary University of London (30%), University of Exeter (26%), and University of Leicester (17%).

5. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York.

Source
Alistair Jarvis
Director of Communications
1994 Group
1 Northumberland Avenue
Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5BW
http://www.1994group.ac.uk

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