The annual HEFCE Grant Letter sidled out of BIS without much fanfare last Friday. We are not sure why it came out so quietly when there is so much to welcome in it: recognition that a successful university sector is vital to the economic prospects of the UK; excellent world-leading research should be funded wherever […]
In response to the publication of analysis of full-time undergraduate applications by UCAS, Maddalaine Ansell, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said: “It is encouraging to see that young people continue to recognise that a degree is still the best route to career success – and particularly good to see an increase in applications from young […]
Research 2.0 Can UK science and innovation flourish in the next decade? Thursday 12 March, 17.30-19.00 The Royal Institution, Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS Drinks reception with short speeches and science fair Research improves the way we live, work and interact. Our research and innovation ecosystem is evolving. How do we ensure it is the envy […]
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t find the idea of university inspirational. Cambridge, the home of my nearest university in the days before the 1992 Education Act, was the shining, celestial, continuing city. And I wanted to go there. It promised excitement and opportunity. It never occurred to me that because I was, […]
Chief Executive Maddalaine Ansell was featured in a story in the Guardian Higher Education Network blog about proposed cuts to the European research budget which could risk British universities losing their position as world-leading institutions. She had called the proposals a ‘backwards step’ for UK and European researchers. You can read her full statement on […]
A subject very close to our hearts was trending in London on Twitter on Wednesday night. Anyone whose curiosity had been stirred by the steady climb of #casedebate15 to the top five spot on the social media site and clicked onto its timeline may have been surprised by the passion and blow-by-blow details of “who-said-what” and […]
University Alliance is disappointed that the EC proposes to divert money from the research and innovation budget to the newly created European Fund for Strategic Investments. Maddalaine Ansell, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said: “UK universities get up to 20 percent of their external research income from the EU. So a hit to the Horizon […]
Our report on research excellence was highlighted in a quote from John Vinney, vice chancellor of Bournemouth University – which is one of our members. Prof Vinney was sharing what he wants political parties to include in their 2015 election manifestos in the Guardian Higher Education Network Blog. “I’d like the government to fund excellence in research […]
A recent blog by Professor Steve West, Chair of University Alliance, calling on politicians to pledge to re-introduce the two-year post-study work visa allowing qualified international graduates to stay in the UK to work for a limited time, has featured in Business Leader. Read the story here.
This May, the country will go to the polls to elect a new parliament. If we believe the old saying that a week in politics is a long time, then five months should be an age. But it doesn’t feel that way. Key politicians are already rushing to make themselves heard and setting out proposals […]
