Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to take steps to help (a) maintain and (b) increase research capacity in universities in the context of (i) academic staff time, (ii) funding and (iii) other matters.

Research and development is fundamental to kickstarting economic growth and delivering the Government’s missions. That’s why this government is investing a record £86 billion over the SR period in research and development, supporting universities, creating jobs, skills and economic growth right across the country. In the Post-16 Skills White Paper, we committed to improving grant funding cost recovery and reducing administrative burdens on academic staff, unlocking more time and resources for research. As independent institutions, universities are responsible for decisions on staff time allocated to research.