Russell Group response to proposed cuts to UK global research funding

15 March 2021

Responding to the news of £120m of cuts to the Global Challenges Research Fund and other programmes as a result of reduced Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding, Stephanie Smith, Head of Policy (Research and International) at the Russell Group, said:

“Cuts to the Global Challenges Research and Newton Funds will curtail successful programmes that have been a key vehicle for UK science diplomacy over many years, bolstering the UK’s place as a world leader in development and research, and helping to tackle pressing challenges faced by developing countries.

“These funds have allowed Russell Group universities to work with partners across the globe to focus their world-class knowledge and innovation capabilities on improving health, pioneering new technologies and supporting other nations to tackle climate change and poverty.”

The comment originally appeared in Open Democracy.

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