Report 01/17

Review of research: report on consultation

To:	Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of universities in Northern Ireland
Of interest to those responsible for:	Research policy and funding
Reference:	01/17
Publication date:	March 2001
Enquiries to:	John Rushforth, tel 0117 931 7123 e-mail j.rushforth@hefce.ac.uk

Executive summary (read on-line)

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Executive summary

Purpose

1. This document reports the results of the recent consultation on our review of research (HEFCE 00/37), and outlines our response to the review and the consultation.

Key points

2. The proposal to continue to fund research selectively, on the basis of quality at a departmental level, was supported by the sector and other stakeholders.

3. The principles underpinning the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) proved remarkably uncontroversial, with 98 per cent of consultation responses expressing support for the retention of a process of research assessment based on peer review. The UK funding bodies will formally report on the future of the RAE early in 2002.

4. More than half of respondents agreed with the review's recommendation that the HEFCE should maintain funding levels for departments with the ratings of 5 and 5* in the 2001 RAE. We will protect funding levels for 5* and, if possible, 5 rated departments following the next RAE.

5. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents supported the proposal that funds should be retained for departments rated 3a and 3b (the lowest ratings that receive research funds). We will fund 3a and 3b rated departments after the 2001 RAE, at levels to be determined when the results are known.

6. There was unanimous support for the creation of an independent Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) with Research Council status.

7. We will explore the viability of a new stream of funding for capability development as recommended by the review, and expect to report progress in the autumn. Such a fund may support research of regional as well as national importance, in fields of emerging significance.

8. There was encouragement to the Council to implement the recommendations of the review by working with other bodies to establish minimum standards (and good practice) for research degree provision, and exploring means to help institutions meet those standards, including assisting collaborations.

9. The proposal to investigate barriers to career progression for women and minority groups was extremely well supported, and we will be initiating such a study in the near future.

10. There were more reservations about the proposal to require institutions to submit a staff development strategy as a precondition for the release of HEFCE research funding, with about one-third opposed. However, this recommendation has been superseded by HEFCE proposals to develop mechanisms for allocating earmarked funds to institutions, the release of which would be linked to staff development strategies.

Action required

11. No action is required.