- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Order a Prospectus
- Faculties & Departments
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
23 Jun 2006 12:38:35
A study commissioned by 35 UK universities suggests that universities like Luton, which receive the least government funding, are significantly better than others at uncovering additional research income from other sources.
From a comparatively modestly funded research base, the 35 universities, including Luton, attract three times more additional research income from a diverse range of customers. In addition, they achieve a multiplier effect greater than the “research intensive” universities (in both the Russell and the 94 Groups) which the independent study describes as ‘striking’.
The study, which highlights the University of Luton’s Institute of Research in the Applied Natural Sciences (LIRANS), was undertaken by the Arthur D. Little international firm of consultants. It comes as the future of research funding in the UK's higher education sector is being reviewed by Whitehall.
It also confirms that the group of 35 is making a significant contribution to the UK economy, particularly in the context of regional regeneration and economic development.
Welcoming publication of the report Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, said: “This report demonstrates that investment in these universities offers great value for money and that the research undertaken plays a vital role in the UK economy. Its findings suggest that a fairer distribution of university research funding would help boost economic performance and social regeneration in the UK. Ministers would do well to consider the extra value they could achieve by ensuring more research funding went to these universities.”
Other key findings include:
The study shows that the group of 35 undertakes research across a wide sectoral range including important emerging fields such as creative and cultural industries and tourism and leisure. Given trends in the wider economy, the Arthur D Little researchers suggest that these emerging industries will require a much stronger research base in the future and work undertaken by the group of 35 provides a valuable basis upon which to develop the necessary research capability.
The Arthur D. Little researchers conclude that: "The [group of 35] universities contribute a breadth and diversity of research which is clearly of huge value to a wide range of customers and users both in large and small businesses and in the public sector (at local, regional, national and international level) and is in many respects, complementary, not merely additional, to the work of the research intensive universities.”
Estelle Morris, former Education Secretary and now Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sunderland, said: "This report reveals what those of us at the sharp end know to be the case - that the work undertaken in these universities plays a vital role in the UK economy. Whilst we understand why the Government has, until now, focussed research funding in the more traditional universities, it is clear that a new approach is called for. These universities are an unexploited resource and we would be missing a trick if we did not encourage and assist them in developing further their research profiles."
To find out more about LIRANS, visit their website.
Notes
Latest news» 2006» Jun» Luton more successful at using research funding than ‘red brick’ uni's
