Memorandum submitted by Loughborough University
(FC 63)
1. The process for deciding where to make
cuts in SET spending
Making cuts in Science, Engineering and Technology
(SET) spending when we are in a competitive global market hopefully
out of recession is probably not a good policy. The case for the
return on investment in SET can be made to demonstrate it as a
mechanism for aiding economic recovery. If cuts have to be made
then the obvious answer is that it has to be done strategically
with a particular view to the scientific base we will need in
the longer term. An urgent discussion of strategy is therefore
required.
2. What evidence there is on the feasibility
or effectiveness of estimating the economic impact of research,
both from a historical perspective (for QR funding) and looking
to the future (for Research Council grants)
We should not underestimate the economic contribution,
and the impact the UK has, in training the next generation of
researchers world wide. Research in SET is an integral part of
economic development where new initiatives and a knowledge economy
are essential for success. There is much evidence through case
studies that SET research has had direct economic and other impact.
The EPSRC and others have provided examples of this. As well as
the inherent contribution as described, evidence from case studies
can provide an estimate of economic impact. This is a complex
question however.For a more profound understanding the issue would
have to be investigated in more detail. The current pilot study
of impact assessment being conducted by HEFCE will probably demonstrate
that.
3. The differential effect of cuts on demand-led
and research institutions
Those institutions without a critical mass of
research will find it difficult to sustain that research. Research
led institutions will need to maintain their critical mass and
invest in the future to maintain world leading facilities and
activity. We should not forget the damage done to subjects such
as chemistry by earlier cuts.
4. The implications and effects of the announced
STFC budget cuts
Probably a knock on effect to greater demand
from the research councils which are already under pressure. We
must be cafeful how we manage cuts where they affect our intrnational
partners. Much damage could be done if we are not involved in
world leading initiatives involving collaboration. We must appreciate
the cosequences of a loss in reputation. The balance to cuts in
larger facility use of course is the possibility of more responsive
mode research and this has a significant role to play. It is therefore
a question of value for money which the subject experts are best
placed to judge.
5. The scope of the STFC review announced
on 16 December and currently underway
No immediate response to this. It is a question
of strategy. It is important to recognise that uncertainty has
a detrimental affect and it is important to sort out what we are
going to do as soon as possible.
6. The operation and definition of the science
budget ring-fence, and consideration of whether there should be
a similar ring-fence for the Higher Education Funding Council
for England research budget and departmental research budgets
The point about cuts is made above. If cuts
have to occur it is related to strategy. Ring fencing research
at the expense of teaching may be useful in the short term but
without the qualified students in the longer term then a required
research base may not be possible to achieve.
7. Whether the Government is achieving the
objectives it set out in the "Science and innovation investment
framework 2004-2014: next steps", including, for example,
making progress on the supply of high quality science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates to achieve its overall
ambitions for UK science and innovation
Much progress has been made on this and STEM
subjects are receiving significant university applications from
school leavers. It would be counter productive to reduce much
needed students in this area when we have spent so much effort
in ensuring these important subjects are being taken up.
8. Whether the extra student support, which
the Government announced on 20 July 2009 for 10,000 higher education
places, delivered students in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics courses
This is presumably a matter of record.
9. The effect of HEFCE cuts on the "unit
of funding" for STEM students
STEM should be protected. Cuts in the unit of
funding provide great damage and can lead to a reduction in quality
in some institutions that cannot afford to maintain standards.
It is a question of balance however and the contribution of the
arts, humanities and social sciences to UK PLC should not be underestimated.
The value of cross disciplinary research for example is widely
recognised.
DECLARATION OF
INTERESTS
Loughborough University has interest as a UK
university that carries out significant research and teaching
in STEM and other subjects.
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