The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise to assess the quality and impact of UK university research, are published today (Thursday, 12 May) and found Scotland’s universities are performing at a “world-leading” and “internationally excellent” standard. 84.86% of Scotland’s research has been judged to be 4* and 3* on the overall measure,…
Tag: Economy and society
Universities Scotland’s contribution the UK Government’s Higher Education Reform and LLE Policy Consultations
Universities Scotland has contributed to the UK Government’s Higher Education Reform and Lifelong Loan Entitlement policy consultations. Whilst the proposed policy reforms primarily relate to universities in England, we seek assurances that any change to student funding will not create unintentional consequences for English-domiciled students wishing to study at Scottish institutions. We have highlighted a…
Universities Scotland’s Submission to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on the transition to Net Zero
We have provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee to help with their inquiry on the transition to Net Zero. The inquiry, which began earlier this year, is now looking at the role of skills and workforce planning in supporting the achievement of Scotland’s net zero ambitions. Our submission highlights…
Universities Scotland submission to Finance and Public Administration Committee inquiry into Resource Spending Review
Universities Scotland has responded to an inquiry by the Finance and Public Administration Committee on the framework for the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review. The Resource Spending Review is to set out spending plans for the remainder of the parliamentary term which support the Scottish Government’s ambitions. The Review was announced alongside the Scottish Budget…
Creative Sparks: Why the arts are vital to addressing society’s big challenges
The #CreativeSparks phase of MadeAtUni showcases the contribution of UK universities to the nation’s creative industries and future economic success. We’ve spoken to Principals about the far-reaching benefits of the creative and performing arts. First up is Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. We asked him how the performing arts, and…
Education, Children and Young People Committee to inform pre-2022/23 Budget Scrutiny
The Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee each year undertakes pre-Budget scrutiny in its area. We have provided a briefing for members of the committee which summarises our full Spending Review case. Our summary provides the context for our budget ask as well as issues we wish the Scottish Government should prioritise in…
Scotland’s SMEs boosted by university links
Universities are at the forefront of Scotland’s economic recovery from COVID-19 with their innovative partnerships with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) being given a special focus. As part of a UK-wide campaign from Universities UK, Getting Results highlights the ways in which universities are aiding sustainable economic growth through their partnerships with businesses, charities…
Universities Scotland submission to Economic Transformation Advisory Council
Universities Scotland has responded to a call for evidence from the Scottish Government’s new Advisory Council on the economy. Chaired by the Economy Secretary, Kate Forbes MSP, the Advisory Council will put forward ideas on how to drive Scotland’s economic transformation as the country recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. Our submission highlights the higher education…
Getting Results: Universities’ innovative partnerships with business will drive economic recovery
This week, we’ve had a series of guest blogs from Principals to mark a new report showcasing the role of Scottish universities in economic and social recovery. We’ve covered the role of education and skills development in supporting people, how university research changes lives and fuels growth, we’ve covered the way that the arts and wider…