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Modern universities are hotbeds of useful research – independent report calls for more equitable funding

Tuesday 20 June 2006

A study launched at the House of Commons today by Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell suggests that some universities are significantly better than others at using government funding to lever additional research income from other sources, and the most successful universities are those that, at present, receive the least government support.

The study, undertaken by the Arthur D. Little international firm of consultants and commissioned by 35 UK universities, is published as the future of research funding in the UK's higher education sector is being reviewed by Whitehall.

From a comparatively modestly funded research base, the 35 universities attract three times more additional research income from a diverse range of customers and 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 also confirms that the group of 35, which includes the Universities of East London, Greenwich, Kingston, London Metropolitan, London South Bank, Middlesex, Roehampton, Thames Valley and Westminster, are making a significant contribution to the UK economy, particularly in the context of regional regeneration and economic development.

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.

Research projects currently underway at partner universities in London include:

  • a pilot plant that turns sewage and other waste products into high-performance agrgegates for building
  • a team working with London Underground to develop a revolutionary cooling system to reduce stifling temperatures on the Tube
  • a professor who is using computer modelling to make sure that the Cutty Sark in Greenwich doesn't fall down during its £2 million restoration
  • a team who have developed world leading computer software to help ensure people can be evacuated as safely as possible from fires, disasters and terrorist accidents
  • a microbiologist who is using compounds found in garlic as an effective treatment against MRSA superbug in hospitals
  • a team working with the Essex Fire Service on 'Project Firebreak' - giving young offenders practical skills through training with fire fighters

UEL Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Thorne 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 group of 35 are highly effective in attracting significant research contracts from multinational and national industries and from small and medium-sized enterprises
  • they are outstandingly successful at attracting additional research contracts from other government agencies and public bodies, thus enabling them to play a key role in public policy development
  • they lever four times as much funding from the European Union as 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 encourageand assist them in developing further their research profiles."

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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