UK top universities make funding plea

The UK's top universities warned that they will need more public funding if they are to continue to compete with institutions around the world, it was reported here Thursday. The Russell Group, which represents 24 of the UK's leading universities including Oxford and Cambridge, said that other nations are pumping millions of pounds into research and higher education. There is a "real danger" that, without support, overseas universities could take over, leaving the UK unable to compete. In a foreword to a report on the importance of world-class universities, Russell Group chair Professor Michael Arthur, and director general Wendy Piatt say that it is vital that the Government does not cut funding. They argue that the UK is fortunate to have some of the world's best universities, which are the "jewels in our crown". "Many countries of a comparable size and world influence would dearly love to possess even a tiny handful of our leading universities," the foreword says. But it adds: "Worryingly for us, right now many of them are doing everything they can to emulate what we already have." These countries are investing heavily in research and development, concentrating their funding in a "limited number of institutions," it says. America and China have invested "substantial sums", while other nations are attempting to build a small number of research-intensive universities. South Korea has invested 1.2 billion pound, and Germany has plans to invest 2 billion pound, it adds. Professor Arthur and Dr. Piatt say that they fear this approach will "pay dividends". "Our competitors increasingly recognise that they need a more diverse higher education system and that nations can't afford to fund all universities at the same level," it says. They argue that the UK needs a range of universities catering to different kinds of students. The report insists that while the UK's leading universities raise their own funds, they also need the support of "concentrated public funding" if they are to continue to compete globally and contribute in terms of research. "It's vital that in straitened economic times, the UK Government does not make the grave mistake of making cuts to higher education and research funding or spreading limited funds too thinly," the foreword says. "UK Government policy has, to some extent, recognised the importance of investing in research, concentrating resources on excellence and allowing universities to raise more funds from private sources. "But to compete globally our leading institutions must be able to secure sufficient funds. Only that way can they boost our economy and prosper in ways that will benefit everyone." This paper comes as a second report found that the Government has "badly underestimated" the cost to the public purse of raising university tuition fees to a maximum of 9,000 pound a year. The study by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) says that the Government's assessment about the net cost of the loans it will give to students to cover their fees (the RAB cost) depends on "highly uncertain and unrealistic assumptions." And the effect of student loans on inflation could lead to a rise in the cost of benefits such as pensions.