CaSE responds to the Augar Review

CaSE has responded to the Government’s Review of Post-18 Education and Funding, an independent panel report chaired by Dr Philip Augar, and its impact on science and research

Commenting on the report, CaSE Executive Director, Dr Sarah Main, said:

“The Government has set out to double the UK’s research capability, to create a scientifically-enabled economy fit for the future. Universities play a vital role in generating the science and research that underpins the UK’s exceptional research base, which in turn attracts global attention, investment and talent.”

“Universities tell us that cuts to funding for university teaching are likely to create a drain on resources for research. The impact of this would reverberate far beyond university walls and would be felt by engineering, tech, medical businesses and charities in the UK and abroad. Any policy changes resulting from the Augar Review must be assessed for their impact on the UK’s research capability and its attractiveness as a global destination for science.”

“To double the UK’s research capability, we will need to swell the ranks of researchers by at least a half. The Augar Review is quite right to look at the UK’s training and skills provision holistically, across Further and Higher Education, apprenticeships and lifelong learning. I am delighted that the report directs attention and funding to Further Education, adult lifelong learning and re-skilling, particularly because this could help address skills shortages and could widen the diversity of people studying and working in science and research.”

Yesterday CaSE published a new R&D report, Building on Scientific Strength; The Next Decade of R&D Investment, calling on the Government to grow the talent pool for R&D by widening diversity, training more researchers and attracting overseas talent, as well as strengthening provision for careers guidance and education.