World-class university research requires cutting-edge infrastructure

To make the most of the current financial climate, universities could use a clearer picture of funding strategy, says Alex Bols.
UK universities are second only to US higher education for their excellent research, which in turn drives the country's economic growth and pushes forward the boundaries of knowledge. The 1994 Group is running a project this year to identify the key elements policy-makers need to put in place to help institutions to build on this world-class reputation. At the last spending review in 2010, funding for investment in capital, along with many other areas in these financially challenging times, was significantly restricted. This funding has, to a large extent, been supplemented since then with a series of high-profile announcements of funding for particular projects. Does the government's attitude towards investment in capital reflect the current funding environment or a wider shift in the way funding will be allocated in the future? Read more...