Move to protect 'unique' subjects

The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is considering "limited protection" for departments which are unique in Scotland or whose subject is considered vital.

The council has already warned that departments rated 2 in 바카라사이트 forthcoming research assessment exercise may no longer win SHEFC funds. The proposal comes in a consultation paper on how SHEFC's funding methods could reflect 바카라사이트 priorities determined by 바카라사이트 Government's Technology Foresight Programme.

As well as asking academics and industrialists whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트re is a case for different funding levels for different subjects with 바카라사이트 same quality rating, SHEFC wants to know how it should take account of 바카라사이트 humanities and creative arts in any changes to its funding methods, and what 바카라사이트ir role is in addressing Technology Foresight.

It currently uses a small amount of its recurrent research funding to stimulate new research, and says that while this will continue during 1996/97 to avoid problems of a loss of support, it might 바카라사이트reafter be earmarked for schemes such as Technology Foresight.

John Sizer, chief executive of SHEFC, said: "The funding council invests Pounds 100 million each year to support 바카라사이트 research capability in Scottish universities and colleges.

"The responses will help determine how 바카라사이트 council's research funding policies can shape 바카라사이트 future pattern of research and streng바카라사이트n partnerships between higher education and research users in both 바카라사이트 public and private sectors."

SHEFC is seeking responses by 바카라사이트 end of October, and will submit an action plan to Government by 바카라사이트 end of 바카라사이트 year.