Context
The MP referenced the £54 million UKRI global talent fund which excluded northern universities, including Lancaster University, from its funding despite meeting eligibility criteria. She highlighted Lancaster's significant contribution to Lancashire’s economic growth.
Question
The £54 million UKRI global talent fund, which was designed to attract and retain international research talent, has excluded all northern universities from its funding. UKRI waived eligibility criteria to ensure that the devolved nations received some of the funding. Meanwhile, Lancaster University, a huge driver in the economic growth of Lancashire and the north-west which reached the highest eligibility criteria, received none. Will the Minister commit to the Northern Powerhouse Partnership’s recommendation for greater transparency in the data and methodology used in UKRI assessments, and for an institution’s size and its role within a region’s economy to be taken into account when making future decisions on UKRI funding?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
Let me assure my hon. Friend that the Government are committed to ensuring that every region benefits from the UK’s world-leading research base. That is exactly why we are backing Lancaster University with £4.9 million for its cyber-focus project to ensure that the region’s cyber-sector grows. With my hon. Friend’s expertise in digital innovation and her strong advocacy for the north-west, we will continue to ensure that R&D funding for the north-west is on the up.
Not addressed: Commitment but without specifics on transparency or methodology changes as requested by Northern Powerhouse Partnership recommendation
How: We Are Committed
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