CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSION
113. We broadly concur with the NCIHE's analysis
of the problems in university research but we cannot support the
majority of its recommendations. We do not think that the solutions
proposed by the NCIHE would resolve the current crisis nor guarantee
the long-term future of the research base, both objectives which
must be met if the nation is to prosper in the next century.
114. We strongly endorse the NCIHE's recommendation
that the dual support system should be maintained. The system
has undoubtably been under strain in recent years but it would
be foolish to mistake the consequences of inadequate funds for
fundamental flaws in the mechanism which allocates those funds.
Nevertheless, there are improvements which could be made and we
have recommended accordingly, notably in relation to the RAE.
Implementation of our recommendations in this area would serve
to ensure that excellent research is supported wherever it is
found and that there is sufficient scope for blue skies research.
115. The NCIHE concluded that "the funds available
to support research are barely adequate".[276]
It is our view that they are wholly inadequate and that without
substantial and sustained additional public investment the Government
will be putting the nation's future prosperity and quality of
life at risk. We know that, in sum, our recommendations entail
a substantial increase in public expenditure: we make them without
any embarrassment. There is an overwhelming case for a substantial
real terms increase in Government expenditure on research as an
investment in the nation's future.
116. The substantial public funds invested in the
university research base put an obligation on institutions to
deploy those funds effectively and account for them properly.
Universities must understand the consequences of undertaking research
that is not fully funded. This requires an understanding of the
true costs of research. Only then will all universities be able
to take strategic decisions about the division of activities between
research and teaching in an informed and productive manner. Similarly,
all research funders must ensure that they provide properly for
the costs of the research they fund. Our recommendations in favour
of increased Government investment in research would resolve the
current crisis but the only sustainable way to maintain the research
base to an adequate level is for all research funders to make
a fair contribution by paying all the indirect costs of the research
they fund.
Annex
Ratings used in the 1996 Research Assessment Exercise:
| 1 | National excellence in none, or virtual none, of the sub-area of activity
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| 2 | National excellence in up to half of the sub-areas of activity
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| 3-b | National excellence in the majority of sub-areas of activity
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| 3-a | National excellence in a substantial majority of sub-areas of activity, or to international level in some and to national level in other together comprising the majority
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| 4 | National excellence in virtually all sub-areas of activity, possibly showing some evidence of international excellence, or to international level in some and at least national level in a majority
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| 5 | International excellence in some sub-areas of activity and to attainable levels of national excellence in virtually all others
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| 5* | International excellence in a majority of sub-areas of activity and attainable levels of national excellence in all others.
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276 The
Dearing Report, para 11.12. Back
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