North universities praised in funding report

Nov 26 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

TWO North East universities have been named among 16 UK institutions as world-class research centres, in a new report published today.

The University of Sunderland and Durham University have been praised in a report by national bodies Universities UK and the UK Higher Education Funding Councils.

The report, entitled “Securing world-class research in UK universities: Exploring the impact of block grant funding”, focuses on how Government money to support university research is making a real difference to people’s lives and helping universities respond quickly to emerging challenges.

The University of Sunderland is highlighted for its innovative work on Sunderland Software City – set up to encourage the growth of the software industry in the North East.

The university was chosen to help found this project because of its well- established strength in computing and digital media research. As part of this, the university used its funding to set up initiatives in support of software and digital media in the region.

Simon Kerridge, head of graduate research support at the university, said: “It’s gratifying that this national report has recognised the University of Sunderland’s strength in applied research, singling out as an exemplar Sunderland Software City.”

Also recognised in the report was Durham University’s Institute for Particle Physics Phenomonology research initiative. Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK, said: “This report brings to the fore the vital role of block grant funding in ensuring that the UK continues to produce world-class research.

“Indeed, it is absolutely crucial that we sustain the current balance of investment across dual support. This will be vital to ensure we have a sustainable and dynamic research base, underpinning our knowledge economy and supporting economic growth.”