Responding to suggestions to the Times Higher Education on how research funding could change, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance said: “In this challenging economic environment it is right that we all consider carefully how to make best use of the resources available to protect the future of the UK research base. It is essential, […]
Busy warning universities of tough times ahead, ministers need to find cuts fast to placate George Osborne. Cut research science? Or apprenticeships? No thanks. They need Browne to extract more money from graduates and quickly. But a pure graduate tax does not do that quickly enough. It would exclude those who do not pay UK […]
Responding to the HEFCE grant allocation letter received by universities this week, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance, said: “HEFCE have dealt with a difficult funding environment well, managing a high level of uncertainty and cuts in overall funding to mitigate the impact on individual universities. Universities will continue to play their part in the […]
Lord Browne’s independent review of student funding seemed to have been pre-empted last week by ministers. Could he still spring a surprise? The Guardian offers a rundown of the options (allegedly) on the table. Read the full article.
Reform of university employment contracts, pensions and taxation is needed if the higher education sector is to find efficiency savings in the age of austerity, a mission group report has warned. The University Alliance says its institutions could help deliver “radical reforms” such as partnerships with private providers and mergers, but only if the government […]
Commenting on the latest UCAS application figures, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance said: “It is a very positive reflection of the aspiration and achievements of young people that we see another increase in applications. It is also a very good thing for generating growth, stimulating economic recovery and shaping the future of the UK […]
Graduates will have to pay more for their university education in the future, Vince Cable said today, under sweeping reforms being considered by the Government. Higher graduate contributions are the “only possible way forward” to make the higher education system fairer and sustainable for the future, the Business Secretary said. Mr Cable was setting out […]
Commenting on the announcements by the Business Secretary today, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance said: “This is a welcome announcement from Government. An effectively implemented Graduate Contribution Scheme would address two fundamental weaknesses of the current system – reducing the cost to Government, freeing up money to invest in a higher number of students […]
University Alliance has today published a report that, for the first time, describes the approach adopted by its universities to focus on their strengths and deliver shared economic priorities in a new era of austerity. The publication, “Efficiency, leadership and partnership: an approach that delivers shared economic priorities” takes a refreshing and upfront look at […]
Commenting on a report by Dr Ralph Kenna into research concentration and quality, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance, said: “The report is a helpful contribution to the consideration of research concentration and diversity, and the importance of communication within research departments. “It supports an earlier University Alliance publication demonstrating the importance of funding research […]