Responding to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget and the implications for higher education, Professor Steve West, President of Universities UK, said:
Universities have been essential in the fight against coronavirus and it is excellent to see government recognising that our universities can play a significant role in speeding up the UK’s recovery from the pandemic.
“The funding confirmed today will enable universities to fully support and power up the government’s plans for levelling up, working together with businesses, supporting innovation, and meeting local skills needs.
“We are very pleased to see the continued commitment to increasing public spending on research, innovation, enterprise and development, which will help to maintain the UK’s position as a global science superpower. It is also positive to hear that the full costs of meeting our Horizon Europe association will be met.
“Sustainable funding is of course vital for universities as they look to maximise their role in both levelling up and expanding pioneering research. We look forward to continuing to engage with the government on funding for post-18 education, working to ensure that anyone with the potential to succeed at university has the opportunity to do so while ensuring the country has the supply of highly skilled people it needs.
Professor Steve West
President of Universities UK