The British Academy responds to the UK government's spending review

The British Academy welcomes the Chancellor’s decision to maintain investment in research and development (R&D). Long-term investment in research is a vital engine for the UK’s prosperity, health, and security. We look forward to reviewing the detail and what this pledge means in practice.

The Chancellor praised the UK’s universities as world-leading. But they face a growing financial crisis. The Academy urgently calls for the government to take action, delivering a sustainable Higher Education model which enables UK research, including in the humanities and social sciences.

Professor Julia Black CBE, President of the British Academy, said:

"Investing in the UK's research and innovation environment will help to build a resilient, productive and secure nation. The humanities and social sciences are a vital part of this. Without them, we cannot properly develop and apply technological innovation. We cannot understand human behaviour and our interactions with each other, technology and the planet. And we cannot fully power our creative industries which are the envy of the world.

"While we welcome investment in research, the government must act now to deliver a new Higher Education funding model, protecting the financial resilience and future of our universities. Research and Higher Education work hand in hand to meet the challenges of the future, enrich our local economies and allow people and society to reach their potential. We must preserve and invest in both.”

Contact the Press Office:

For further information, contact the Press Office
[email protected] | 07500 010 432