Universities Scotland has welcomed a new report from the Scottish Science Advisory Council which assesses Scotland’s Science Landscape . Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland: “The report demonstrates that Scotland is a world leader in research. Examples of this are the fact that Scottish publications are on average 88% more cited than the global average…
Tag: Research and innovation
Independent Review of Scottish Funding Council’s Research Pooling Initiative
The SFC’s pooling initiative was developed to support Scottish HEIs to establish collaborative research pools with the aim of growing critical mass of excellent research in Scotland. The pooling initiative will be reviewed by an independent panel. Universities Scotland responded to the call for evidence to highlight support for the pools amongst the sector and…
Briefing for Scottish Government Debate: Safeguarding Scotland’s International Research Collaborations and Reputation for Scientific Excellence from the Threat of Brexit
On 7 November 2018, the Scottish Parliament held a Scottish Government Debate on Safeguarding Scotland’s International Research Collaborations and Reputation for Scientific Excellence from the Threat of Brexit. Higher education is one of several sectors that will be impacted highly by changes brought about after Brexit. Staff from within the EU make a tremendous contribution to…
REF 2021 consultation on the draft guidance and criteria
The four UK funding bodies are consulting on the detailed arrangements for the next Research Excellence Framework (REF), as set out in the draft guidance and criteria. Universities Scotland has responded to this consultation to: flag our concerns that the approach to staff circumstances could have negative equality and diversity implications; highlight the challenging timeframes…
Universities Scotland response to Science and Technology Committee inquiry on balance and effectiveness of research and innovation spending.
Universities Scotland submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee inquiry on the balanced and effectiveness of research and innovation spending. Our submission highlights the importance of the UK wide dual support system, and ensuring Scottish HEIs are involved in the ongoing review of balanced funded. We have also highlighted the need for…
Universities Scotland react to research and innovation funding announcement
Reaction to the news that the Scottish Government through the Scottish Funding Council are awarding Scottish universities £11.6m to help us compete for research projects alongside industry partners, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: This £11.6m announcement from the Scottish Government is most welcome. The money will used to support world-leading research as well as supporting…
Our response to Science and Technology Committee consultation on immigration and science
Universities Scotland has submitted written evidence to the UK Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee to their inform proposals for immigration and visa rules for scientists. Our submission highlights the importance of non-UK staff to our universities’ science and innovation success and sets out key aspects of a future immigration system, as it affects academic staff and postgraduate…
Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee European Structural and Investment Funds Inquiry
Universities Scotland has responded to the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee inquiry on European Structural and Investment Funds. You can read our submission here. Our submission outlines how our members interact with current European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) across a number of activities, including innovation and skills development, to contribute to smart, sustainable and…
Tapping All Our Talents Review 2018
Our latest blog is a guest post from Professor Lesley Yellowlees, the Chair of the Tapping All Our Talents Review 2018: Women in STEM Review Group. In 2012, the Royal Society of Edinburgh published Tapping All Our Talents, highlighting the stark finding that only 27% of women STEM graduates were going on to STEM careers….
Universities Scotland’s position on the development of Framework Programme 9
We have responded to a public consultation on the development of the EU’s Framework Programme 9 (FP9). The new research and innovation programme will succeed Horizon 2020 when it expires in a couple of years. You can read our full submission here.