APPENDIX 6
Memorandum submitted by University of
East Anglia, Norwich
Whilst we welcome the opportunity to contribute
to the current call for evidence, our first comment is that calls
for evidence are too short term in their focus. In order to inquire
into and examine the impact of the "Realising our Potential"
White Paper, a long term evaluation would be more appropriate.
We would agree that closer relationships have
been fostered between the public sector's investment in research
and charities eg The Wellcome Trust involvement with JIF and University
Challenge with the Gatsby Foundation; the support of charities
in these areas has been welcomed. However, there are still issues
relating to infrastructure under the dual funding system whereby
research funding from charities is not effectively supported by
the dual funding system except in top rated science departments.
Overall QR only provides 13 per cent towards charitable income
whereas the real indirect costs of Universities will be of the
order of 80 per cent or more and Research Councils provide 46
per cent of staff costs. The dual funding system is an important
part of our infrastructure but a clear concordat and consistent
funding methodology is still required and has not been delivered,
(paragraphs 8.2 and 1.18.8).
The changes envisaged to postgraduate training
(eg Masters as normal entry into postgraduate research) are only
now being pursued seriously and have not yet been fully implemented.
Therefore the effect on "Realising our Potential" cannot
be evaluated, (paragraph 1.18.12).
Finally, in seeking to ensure the efficiency
and effectiveness of government-funded research, effort needs
to be made to target public funds to those areas where private
funding is failing. Public funds will not then be duplicated by
private funds on the same area whilst other areas face under-investment,
(paragraph 8.2).
I hope that these comments are of use to you.
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact
my colleague Mr John Brind in the Research and Business Development
Office.
12 June 2000
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