Is funding for scientific research in universities at risk because of the #AugarReview ?

Over two evidence sessions on Tuesday 11th June, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will question witnesses from across the scientific community, including: Lord Willetts, The Russell Group, three National Academies and the Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University as part of its ongoing inquiry into science research funding for universities. 

The evidence session will begin at 10:30am in Committee Room 4a of the House of Lords. The witnesses are:

• Professor David Lomas, Academy of Medical Sciences
• Professor Mark Smith, Vice-Chancellor, Lancaster University
• Professor Dame Ann Dowling, President, Royal Academy of Engineering

The second session will begin at 11:30am and the witnesses are:

• Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive, Russell Group
• The Rt Hon Lord Willetts, Executive Chair, Resolution Foundation
• Professor Peter Bruce FRS, Physical Secretary and Vice President, Royal Society

The Committee will cover topics including:

• What challenges face universities in attracting a greater number of research students to meet the stated need for 260,000 more researchers to reach the 2.4% R&D target
• Whether a fee reduction as a result of the Augar Review  could affect universities’ research budgets, and whether some universities will be affected more than others 
• The importance of researcher mobility for scientific research and in what ways the current system of funding influences the mobility of researchers
• How important is research-led education in encouraging students to go into research careers?