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22 March 2006

David Eastwood to co-chair national review of research assessment

HEFCE welcomes the Government's continuing strong commitment to research and innovation announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer today. The Government also reaffirmed its commitment to Dual Support funding arrangements for research where HEFCE will continue to provide core funding for research in institutions. This will enable HEIs to pursue 'blue skies' and other research priorities and maintain a high quality research infrastructure which in turn provides the basis for grant applications to other dual support funders.

As part of the Government's continuing commitment to selective funding of research excellence a review of research assessment for beyond 2008 has been established. Professor David Eastwood, HEFCE's Chief Executive designate will co-chair the committee. Commenting on the role of the review committee Professor Eastwood said that 'it is important to have an early debate about the future of research assessment after 2008 and there are many advantages in doing so before the results of RAE 2008 are known. Any new model would need to have wide-spread support from the academic community and build on the demonstrable successes of the RAE which has evolved over 20 years.'

HEFCE has been working with representatives of the sector in looking at alternative approaches to assessment and this analysis will help inform the work of the review committee.

Notes

1.   The announcement to consult on a new assessment system for quality-related higher education research was announced in Chapter 4 of 'Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-14: next steps' [Adobe PDF] published with the Budget.

2.   A Department for Education and Skills press release on the consultation announcement is available below.
[ MS Word 44K | Adobe PDF 37K ]