Official Development Assistance Reductions Higher Education 2021-04-26
2021-04-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about the effect of reduced official development assistance (ODA) funding on higher education research and university operations.
What recent discussions have there been between my Department and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy regarding the impact of ODA funding reductions on higher education research and universities?
My Department and I regularly discuss research in universities in England with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Government investment in research and development across the UK is up to £14.9 billion in 2021-22.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific impact of ODA funding reductions on higher education research was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Universities in Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Coventry have been leaders in the Global Challenges Research Fund but now face significant funding gaps due to ODA cuts.
With the reductions in ODA funding, universities such as those in Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Coventry are having to find additional seven-figure sums to keep life-saving research going. Is this really part of the Tories' levelling-up agenda?
Our commitment to research and innovation is demonstrated by increasing investment in R&D to £14.6 billion, highlighting central importance of international collaboration in a healthy and productive sector.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific impact on universities due to ODA cuts was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Twelve flagship research hubs were set to support sustainable development goals but may now face termination due to recent funding cuts, risking both research progress and jobs.
Research projects are midway through human clinical trials but might not continue due to ODA cuts. How can the Government justify such funding reductions mid-trial in clear violation of medical ethics?
BEIS is currently managing financial year 2021-22 ODA allocations, communicating with delivery partners and setting out next steps for the review of ODA funding options for individual programmes.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The justification for mid-trial research project cuts was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Universities report that research contracts are being terminated with short notice, undermining trust between researchers, universities, and UK Research and Innovation.
Due to the cuts in ODA funding, universities have reported termination of research contracts at very short notice. This has led to a risk assessment requirement on the UK Government's ability to honour future commitments. Why does this happen?
BEIS is working with UKRI, GCRF, Newton Fund delivery partners to manage financial year 2021-22 ODA allocations. Partners have been communicated with and next stages of review will be set out by award holders.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The reason for the Government's promises being risk assessed was not addressed.
Response accuracy