22.06.10
1994 Group of Universities warn of distressing news in Budget
Paul Marshall, the Executive Director of the 1994 Group, has responded to the Budget presented this afternoon by saying:
"The uncertainty over future funding must be quickly addressed. The upcoming Autumn Spending Review and Browne Review of Higher Education Funding will be crucial. What our universities need is a clear long-term strategy backed up by a stable and sustainable funding environment to enable them to deliver maximum benefit to our economy and society. Despite the pressures on Government finances this is the right time to invest in high quality higher education."
"Our primary concern is that quality is maintained so that universities are able to deliver an excellent experience for students and meet the nation's needs: strengthening the economy, delivering novel solutions to major challenges through research, and developing a world-class highly skilled work force."
Notes to Editors
1. The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK's leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. www.1994group.ac.uk
2. 12 of the top 20 universities in the Guardian University Guide 2011 league tables published on the 8th June 2010 are 1994 Group members. 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey). In 17 major subject areas 1994 Group universities are the UK leaders achieving 1st place in their field (THE RAE subject rankings 2008). 57% of the 1994 Group's research is rated 4* 'world-leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent' (RAE 2008, HEFCE).
The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York.