05.05.07
1994 Group opposes motion to debate the Israeli boycott
The 1994 Group, representing nineteen of the UK's most research-intensive universities, strongly opposes the motion passed by the University and College Union to debate the Israeli academic boycott.
Professor Steve Smith, Chair of the 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said:
"We oppose the call for an academic boycott, which is contrary to the values of freedom of expression and freedom of enquiry that every university must fundamentally uphold. Our opposition to the academic boycott is not a comment on wider issues concerning Israel and Palestine."
Notes for editors
The 1994 Group represents nineteen of the most research-intensive universities in the UK. According to 2004/05 HESA data, 1994 Group members have a combined total of 190,000 students, research income of £453m and 18,000 academic staff. On average, in 2004/05, each of the 1994 Group's 15,000 members of research faculty received £30,000 in research grants and contract income. The 1994 Group universities have an international reputation for the quality of their research.
The overall strength of the 1994 Group's research performance is clearly demonstrated by the results of the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise in which 1994 Group institutions received amongst the highest results in the country. 92% of the Group's academic staff selected for assessment received ratings of 4 and above, 65% were rated 5 and above, and 17% received the highest possible rating of 5*. These results are even more impressive when it is taken into account that with 85% of all staff submitted for assessment, 1994 Group institutions submitted proportionally more staff than any of the other mission groups.
The 1994 Group provides a central vehicle for member institutions to protect their common interests in the higher education market, to respond quickly and efficiently to key policy issues, and to share best methods and practice for the smoother running of their own institutions. The Group, while working on this collaborative basis, recognises the need to preserve the distinct character and traditions of each individual member. There is ongoing assessment of how the Group's shared strengths and each member's distinctive elements can be promoted to best meet the diverse needs of students and staff, employers and industry, research councils, government agencies and all other stake-holding groups in the higher education sector.
Members of the 1994 Group are Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham, East Anglia, Essex, Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Lancaster, Leicester, Loughborough, Queen Mary University of London, Reading, Royal Holloway University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies University of London, St Andrews, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick and York.
Press Enquiries: Stuart Franklin, Head of Press and PR, University of Exeter, 01392 263146, Paul M. Marshall, Executive Director, 1994 Group, 0207 1642095
1994 Group: www.1994group.co.uk