Increase in research budgets welcomed by Russell Group

21 March 2007

The Russell Group of Universities has welcomed news in today’s Budget statement (21 March 2007) that will see a 25 per cent increase in public investment in science budgets from £5 billion to £6.3 billion by 2010-11.

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

“This is excellent news which should help ensure a green-light for numerous important UK research projects.

"This announcement sends a clear and positive signal about the UK’s commitment to world class research and development, and will be welcomed by higher education institutions up and down the country.

"We look forward to discussing further the details of this announcement. The Chancellor has responded positively to universities’ determination to boost the nation’s research effort which is essential to help the UK meet the challenges of the 21st century."

Chairman of the Russell Group Professor Malcolm Grant, President and Provost of University College, London, added:

"The Government's funding has placed the United Kingdom at the forefront of pioneering new technology. Most recently this funding has allowed for breakthroughs at Russell Group Universities in discoveries of new hydrogen energy, genetic mapping of Alzheimer’s disease and new discoveries of the use of nanotechnology for cellular biology, to name a few.

"Today’s announcement reflects the continued need for such advances and reflects the desire to keep the United Kingdom at the cutting edge of innovation on the international stage."

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