Spending Review 2015

25 November 2015

Commenting on the Spending Review, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group, said:

“We welcome the Chancellor’s announcement today that he will maintain the science and research budget in real terms up to the end of this Parliament.

“The Spending Review rightly recognises the role of our leading universities as engines of growth and productivity in the UK. Russell Group universities produce world-leading research which drives efficiency savings, boosts productivity, saves lives and creates innovative high-growth businesses and highly-skilled jobs.

“The Government’s decision to protect funding for high-cost (including STEM) subjects in real terms and extend loans to students doing a second degree in these disciplines reflects just how vital these graduates are to the economic success of the UK.

“Postgraduates are essential to a vibrant knowledge economy, are in demand by employers and are vital to the future academic workforce of universities. We welcome that loans for postgraduates will be made in addition to the system of grants already available. 

“We welcome the commitment to maintain current English language requirements, ensuring our universities continue to attract the very best and brightest.

“While we are encouraged by the Chancellor’s support for world-class research we look forward to understanding the detail of this Spending Review fully over the coming weeks.”

Notes to Editors

1. Our latest report Engines of Growth: the impact of research at Russell Group universities and accompanying film highlight how research from Russell Group universities generates billions of pounds in returns to the UK economy, has an impressive impact on the health and quality of life of the nation and contributes to our rich cultural life and heritage.

Related case studies

Secondment to the University of Bristol helped company to innovate

To gain a better understanding of how wireless networks work in different environments, Toshiba’s Telecommunications Research Laboratory seconded one of their engineers to the University of Bristol for three months.

Read more >

University of Oxford – modelling risks to infrastructure

The University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute has developed modelling tools to help decision-makers identify risks from climate-related infrastructure failure and build long-term resilience. Their approach has also been adopted internationally and by UK Government bodies.

Read more >