Creation of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

06 June 2009

Director General of the Russell Group, Dr Wendy Piatt, said:

"Now, more than ever, our research-intensive universities have a crucial role to play in helping the UK survive the economic downturn and stimulate a recovery. They also produce the high quality graduates essential for business and public services.

"We look forward to working with Lord Mandelson and the new department. World-class universities, with their heavy concentration of brainpower, established excellence, and the sheer numbers and facilities to achieve global impact, are best placed to attract investment in innovation by leading global companies."