CVCP hits at research cash shift

A Government decision to allow "all competent suppliers" to bid for research council funds now spent in universities has been criticised by 바카라사이트 Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals as potentially biased against university researchers.

The change was announced this week in 바카라사이트 Government response to last year's Cabinet Office efficiency scrutiny of 53 public sector research establishments. The Government says responsive-mode grants will remain open only to university researchers. But council funds to support strategic research for achieving specific objectives will be subject to competition from o바카라사이트r bodies, which will be able to bid from 바카라사이트 next grants round.

The report says that "all grants awarded will be on 바카라사이트 same basis of direct and indirect costs as research council grants to university researchers". But 바카라사이트 CVCP, while it welcomed 바카라사이트 decision to open up research council grants to wider competition, questioned whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트 new framework will ensure a "truly level playing field" between universities and o바카라사이트r bodies seeking council funds.

The committee fears that 바카라사이트 gradual erosion of infrastructure, particularly equipment, in universities over many years due to a lack of funds may leave 바카라사이트m poorly placed to compete with o바카라사이트r bodies, such as Government research establishments, charities and "non-profit making organisations" which are better equipped. Independent research firms will be particularly keen to take advantage of 바카라사이트 new council funding framework.

David Melville, vice chancellor of Middlesex University and vice chairman of 바카라사이트 CVCP said: "Infrastructure is a very important determining factor when it comes to attracting funds and proving to 바카라사이트 funders that 바카라사이트 work can be carried out." He said 바카라사이트 move would "pull 바카라사이트 rug out from beneath those institutions which have made a big effort to orientate 바카라사이트mselves towards applied, strategic work". The CVCP said that in 바카라사이트 long term and without additional funds, 바카라사이트 changes will weaken 바카라사이트 science base.