Overlooking language skills ‘risks limiting the scope and impact of UK research’, new British Academy report finds

A new British Academy report highlights how multilingualism could strengthen the UK’s research, warning that language skills remain undervalued and underused in academia - despite a wealth of linguistic potential in higher education.

The report, Language Skills and Capabilities in the UK Research Base, finds that drawing on multiple languages allows for a wider choice of research topics, broader access to sources, and improved international collaboration. Multilingualism can also play a key role in building trust between researchers and the public.

But time constraints, a lack of funding, and a lack of institutional training opportunities prevent many researchers from learning or maintaining language skills, which could have consequences for the integrity and impact of UK research.

The report calls for a dedicated space in REF (Research Excellence Framework) submissions, particularly in impact case studies, to capture and capitalise languages and linguistic skills used in research and outreach. It urges universities, funders and policymakers to provide dedicated funding for language training to ensure the UK remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected global research landscape.

Professor Charles Forsdick FBA, Lead Fellow for Languages at the British Academy, said: “Language skills are not just an added extra, they are essential to the excellence, integrity and impact of UK research. Yet, as this report highlights, the UK is failing to recognise and support these skills fully. Research requires deep cultural understanding, and the ability to interpret ideas transnationally, across linguistic, cultural and social boundaries. If we want the UK to remain at the forefront of global research, we must invest in language training and embed language skills into research, from the conception and design phase right through to dissemination and engagement. Without this, we risk limiting the scope and impact of UK research at a time when international collaboration has become more important than ever.”