THE World University Rankings 2012

03 October 2012

Commenting on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group, said:

“Russell Group universities continue to punch above their weight, with 10 in the top 100. 

“Our institutions already do more with less, beating many key rivals despite lower expenditure. But as these tables show, cuts in public investment have seriously weakened some US public universities. We cannot afford to take this path.  

“If we are serious about staying on top, the Government must concentrate investment where it will have the most impact: in our world-class research-intensive universities.

“Our global competitors are pumping billions into research-intensive higher education and leading Asian universities – especially in South Korea, Singapore and China – are rising fast. For the first time, UK investment in R&D as a percentage of GDP has fallen behind China’s.  The UK cannot afford to be outmanoeuvred by other countries that clearly recognise that investment in their leading universities is the key to growth.

“All league tables have their limitations, and students should look beyond rankings when choosing a university or degree course.” 

Note to editors

1. For further information on comparative R&D investment as a percentage of GDP, see OECD Science, Technology and Industry Outlook, 2012.

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