Recommendations & Conclusions
151 items
1
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Although higher education is a devolved competence, reserved UK Government policies—such as foreign affairs, immigration and research and development— have significant consequences for UK and Scottish universities. We recommend that the UK Government continues to work with the Scottish Government (and the other devolved administrations) acknowledging that higher education cuts …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
2
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In mid-2020 insolvency was a very real prospect facing a number of universities in Scotland. Both the UK and Scottish Governments should be congratulated on their efforts and significant financial investments into Scottish universities in response to the pandemic. It is quite possible that without that support, some institutions may …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
3
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Public sector funding for higher education in Scotland has reduced by 12% in real terms in seven years. In addition, despite the policy of free tuition for Scottish students, and a cap on Scottish student numbers, only 90% of the costs of teaching Scottish students at Scottish universities are covered …
Government response. In February 2021, the UK Government published an update to the International Education Strategy, recommitting to the ambitions of the original strategy. These ambitions are to sustainably increase international students in the UK to 600,000 per year, and increase the …
Scotland Office
4
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
EU students paying international student rates can provide a new and potentially lucrative income stream for Scottish universities, though this new income stream may face the same risks posed to fees from international students. Although applications from EU students have dropped by about 40% for 2021–22 (that year being the …
Government response. The UK Government is absolutely committed to supporting the UK higher education sector, and to increasing the number of international students and academics that come here. This is demonstrated in the migration statistics which were recently published. In 2021, there …
Scotland Office
5
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Students in Scotland, as with so many groups, faced unprecedented challenges over the course of the pandemic. Whilst we welcome the investments the Scottish Government has made in student wellbeing and mental health during this period, we have heard evidence of structural underfunding that predated the pandemic, long waiting lists …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
6
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Scottish universities are dependent on immigration decisions made at UK-level but have limited opportunities to influence those decision-making processes. Given that the UK and Scottish Governments both recognise the importance of reflecting Scottish interests in UK immigration policies, the UK Government should submit a full formal response to our predecessor …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
7
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Until 17 December 2020, one week before the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, the UK Government was reassuring Parliament that UK participation in Erasmus+ was intended to be included within the UK-EU deal. Given that Erasmus+ disproportionally benefited Scotland compared to other parts of the UK, we are …
Government response. The 2021 Spending Review set out the government’s plan to cement the UK as a global science and technology superpower and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the R&D Roadmap and the Innovation Strategy. The UK Government is providing the …
Scotland Office
8
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
We note with regret however that the Turing scheme will not—as currently envisaged—support inward placements to the UK. As the Government recognises, as well as providing Scottish universities and local economies with an important income source, inward placements support the cultural education and experience of UK students in a way …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
9
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Scottish Government has indicated a desire to remain in the Erasmus+ programme. Should they decide to continue down this path and be willing to cover the associated costs, and should the EU consent to Scottish participation, the UK Government should not block this endeavour (at least until such a …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK disappointingly there have been persistent delays from the EU. Horizon Europe gives UK researchers and …
Scotland Office
10
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The UK Government should be praised for its UK Research and Development Roadmap, especially the commitment to reach 2.4% of GDP spend in this area, which has been extensively welcomed by academic institutions in Scotland. The UK Government should ensure that the commitments it made in the UK Research and …
Government response. UK visa fees are broadly in line with our competitors across a range of visa types. Visa products are, however, difficult to compare because visa offers including benefits and entitlements gained and duration of stay, vary significantly between countries. As …
Scotland Office
11
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The work of Scottish universities in combating covid-19 has been nothing short of remarkable. Going forward, the academic outputs of Scottish universities will not only support our economic recovery following the pandemic but also bolster the UK’s standing in the world as we forge new post-Brexit international relationships. In return, …
Government response. We have now launched our new global, points-based immigration system, including most recently, the Graduate route, and have extensively promoted these new immigration routes throughout the EU and the rest of the world—sending out a clear message the UK welcomes …
Scotland Office
12
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Horizon programme has been, and will continue to be, vital to Scottish academic research. It aids Scotland’s universities in their quest to tackle the biggest global challenges. We praise the UK Government for ensuring the UK’s continued participation; it is an investment worth making. Concerns have however been raised …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK Government stands ready to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity but disappointingly there have …
Scotland Office
13
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Scottish universities are inherently international institutions; international collaborations play a big part in their successes. In addition, Scottish universities act as much-valued international hubs in their local communities, bringing important cultural benefits. Scottish universities’ internationalisation agenda should therefore be supported. The UK Government has a major role to play in …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
14
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Academic institutions in Scotland depend on partnerships and connections with institutions across the EU. That includes academics who come from the EU to work in Scotland, who often specialise in highly technical areas which can be difficult to recruit from elsewhere. Whilst immigration policies are key, it’s also important to …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
15
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Higher public sector spending on higher education in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK is predominately a consequence of the Scottish Government policy of free tuition for Scottish students (and until recently EU students). Scotland is the only country in the UK that offers fee-free university tuition. This …
Scotland Office
16
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
As noted by Audit Scotland, the ability of universities in other parts of the UK to charge higher fees allows them to generate increased income, which can be invested in maintaining or improving what they can offer to prospective students and researchers.27 Unofficial ‘cap’ on Scottish student numbers
Scotland Office
17
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Although there is no formal cap on the number of Scottish students who can study at Scottish universities, in order to budget effectively, the Scottish Government predefines the funding it provides to Scottish universities each year to cover the cost of tuition for Scottish students. This has the result of …
Scotland Office
18
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
As students pay for their own tuition in other parts of the UK, a similar cap does not exist elsewhere (other than for a temporary period during the covid-19 pandemic).29 It was reported in 2020 that, for the previous academic year, the unofficial ‘cap’ had led to only 55% of …
Scotland Office
19
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
There are six main income sources for Scotland’s universities: • Tuition fees; • Funding grants; • Research grants; • Investment income; • Donations and endowments; and • Other income (including commercial)31
Scotland Office
20
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Audit Scotland’s 2019 report found that tuition fees were the single largest source of university income in 2017–18.32 This has remained the case in subsequent years.33 The chart below, which relates to 2017–18 (from Audit Scotland’s 2019 report), shows that over half of that tuition fee income came from international …
Scotland Office
21
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Scottish Funding Council (SFC) grants made up the second highest income source in 2017–18. This has also remained the case in subsequent years.35 Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, told us that although Scottish Funding Council funding represents about 30% of the whole sector’s total income, reliance …
Scotland Office
22
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Audit Scotland found that although Scottish Government funding to the SFC for universities increased by 0.1% in cash terms from £1.116 billion in 2014–15 to £1.117 billion in 2017–18, this equated to a real terms reduction of 5%.38 Taken together with a 7% reduction between 2010–11 and 2014–15, this represented …
Scotland Office
23
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Although total income for the sector as a whole increased by 3% between 2014 and 2018, total income reduced at nine universities, including five modern universities, over that period.42 The chart below (from Audit Scotland’s 2019 report) demonstrates the different levels of reliance universities in Scotland have on different income …
Scotland Office
24
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Just as there are large disparities in the importance of different incomes streams to Scottish universities, the same disparities exist—and have existed for a long time—in the financial health of institutions. Audit Scotland noted pre-pandemic that: While the sector overall is in good financial health, this masks significant variation across …
Scotland Office
25
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Audit Scotland also highlighted that six of Scotland’s universities had reported deficits every year since 2014–15; more than half of all Scottish universities were in deficit in 2017–18; and that the position was worse in 2018 than in 2014–15 for most modern and chartered universities.45 They found that this was …
Scotland Office
26
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
They also found that ‘ancient’ universities were generally better placed to withstand these pressures, because of their ability to generate income from other sources and the balances in their reserves, but they faced strong competition from other universities in the UK and the rest of the world.49 Financial impact of …
Scotland Office
27
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In the early months of the covid-19 pandemic there was a great deal of concern around the financial impact it would have on university finances. Concern was not only confined to the universities already struggling and with deficits and low levels of reserves pre- pandemic, but was also for the …
Scotland Office
28
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The covid-19 pandemic affected the higher education sector in Scotland to such an extent that a number of interventions were required by both the UK and Scottish Governments in 2020 and 2021. These are detailed in the table below (up to and including April 2021). 45 Audit Scotland, Finances of …
Scotland Office
29
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In terms of the impact of the UK Government interventions, and collaboration between the two Governments, we were told by Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, that: 66 HMG, UK Government to fund international Covid-19 studies in Scotland, 5 September 2020 67 “More mental health support for …
Scotland Office
30
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
We heard however from Professor Rebecca Lunn, University of Strathclyde, that each university had taken a different line on whether to furlough staff because the information coming out of UK Government departments and UKRI was “completely different for months”.75 She said that universities “were left in a complete lottery of …
Scotland Office
31
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Another criticism we heard of UK Government/UKRI support packages, including from Professor Chris Pearce, University of Glasgow,80 Professor Rebecca Lunn, University of Strathclyde81 and Mary Senior, University and College Union Scotland,82 was that they were too prescriptive and too tied to strict criteria, and that, given the circumstances, a more …
Scotland Office
32
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
By 17 February 2021 the forecast operating deficit for the higher education sector in academic year 2020–21 had improved significantly and was estimated to be around £50 million83 (compared to the £450–500 million expected in July 202084). The Times reported that an unanticipated influx of fee-paying international students has given …
Scotland Office
33
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Universities Scotland argue however that level of public funding invested in teaching and research in Scotland’s universities has been unsustainable for a number of years, that and the pandemic has further exposed and exacerbated this financial vulnerability.86 Likewise, Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, told us that “there were deep …
Scotland Office
34
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The ongoing effects of the covid-19 pandemic will have financial implications for the foreseeable future,88 with Minister Lochhead, Scottish Government, recognising that there was “more to be done”89 to support universities. The Scottish Funding Council has identified some of the main continuing financial pressures facing Scottish universities: • The fall …
Scotland Office
35
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Scottish Parliament research service, SPICe, has noted that whilst the Scottish Budget, announced on 28 January 2021, did not deliver the £200 million funding increase called for by the sector, the capital budget increased by £4.5 million, the resource budget increased by £25 million and universities would share (along …
Scotland Office
36
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Following the UK Budget on 3 March 2021, the Scottish Government made the announcement on 24 March 2021 that teaching funding would increase by 8.1% to £1,112.4 million, which would fund “additional places created following increased applications from school leavers.”92 Responding to this announcement, Universities Scotland said: Universities welcome the …
Scotland Office
37
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
It is not yet clear the extent to which this additional funding—along with positive indicators regarding sustained international student numbers—will support Scottish 86 Universities Scotland, The Scottish Government’s 2021/22 budget is critical for Scottish HE (December 2020) 87 Q248 88 Scottish Parliament, The impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on university funding …
Scotland Office
38
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In mid-2020 insolvency was a very real prospect facing a number of universities in Scotland. Both the UK and Scottish Governments should be congratulated on their efforts and significant financial investments into Scottish universities in response to the pandemic. It is quite possible that without that support, some institutions may …
Scotland Office
39
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Universities Scotland have noted that a strong component of Scottish universities’ internationalisation strategy has been their drive to increase the number of international students: each year more than 58,000 international students from 180 countries (including from the EU) study in Scotland.95 In 2018, this made up about a quarter of …
Scotland Office
40
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
According to NUS Scotland, some international students are paying £20,000 a year to study at Scottish universities.98 Audit Scotland found that in 2016–17, on average, Scottish universities recovered 138.2% of the full cost of non-publicly-funded teaching, mainly by teaching non-EU students.99 Income from international (non-EU) student tuition fees made up …
Scotland Office
41
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Scottish Parliament has identified that 57% of all tuition fee income received by Scottish universities was derived from international (non-EU) students in 2018–19: 94 Q187 95 Universities Scotland, ‘Internationally Scottish: Creating global communities’, accessed 24 January 2021 96 Scottish Government, The Impact of International Students in Scotland (March 2018), …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
42
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Scottish Funding Council says it is clear that universities in Scotland “need” international students as a source of income in order to remain financially sustainable and to support other areas of their operation.103 Throughout our inquiry we have heard similar messages from our witnesses. In the view of Professor …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
43
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Professor James Conroy, Dean for Global Engagement (Europe) and Vice Principal Emeritus at the University of Glasgow told us that “we are increasingly dependent on international student fee income not just to plug the gap, but to create the facilities, the capital spend that maintains our infrastructure.”106 He went on …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
44
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, told us that the level of reliance Scottish universities have on international student fees varies from university to university but that a loss of international fees has a “big impact” on some Scottish universities in particular.109 This disparity is clearly …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
45
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Scottish Government, recommended that: We now have to look at whether [Scotland’s universities] are sustainable going forward, and whether we are overdependent on international 102 Scottish Parliament, The impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on university funding in Scotland (23 July …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
46
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, also recognised the reliance of Scottish universities on international students: Scotland’s education sector should, in the first instance, exist to support Scottish and [rest of the UK] domiciled students and the long-term contribution that they will make to economic growth. …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
47
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In early 2020 there were major fears that international students would stay away from UK universities due to the pandemic. In July 2020 there were forecasts that 12% to 61% of Chinese students (who make up the biggest single contingent of overseas students) could cancel their places at UK universities …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
48
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Universities Scotland made the point of the pandemic has “exposed just how dependent the Scottish higher education sector now is on international student fee income to subsidise publicly-funded activities of teaching undergraduate Scottish [ … ] students and to underpin publicly funded research.”114 In their view this problem had arisen …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
49
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The current picture regarding international student numbers looks much more encouraging than it did in mid-2020. UCAS data117 from 18 February 2021 shows that applications to Scottish universities for the next academic year by non-EU international students has—despite many expectations in 2020—increased by 27% (to 6,100), which 110 Q232 111 …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
50
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Although international students do not seem to be staying away from Scotland like many had feared, commenters have noted that the pandemic has demonstrated just how vulnerable the current model is.120 Richard Lochhead MSP told us that “it has been a bit of a wake-up call for the institutions”.121 Whereas …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
51
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
A further potential risk to international student numbers in Scotland is, as identified by the RSE Young Academy of Scotland, the impact of—and the perception abroad of— UK immigration policies. They view this risk as having already materialised, and give the example of Indian students, where the UK saw a …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
52
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Public sector funding for higher education in Scotland has reduced by 12% in real terms in seven years. In addition, despite the policy of free tuition for Scottish students, and a cap on Scottish student numbers, only 90% of the costs of teaching Scottish students at Scottish universities are covered …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
53
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Under EU rules on freedom of movement, European students studying in another EU member state had to be given the same access to higher education as local students. This meant that when the UK was part of the European Union, EU students had the same right to free tuition in …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
54
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, and the end of the UK-EU Transition Period, 2020–21 will be the last academic year in which EU students will be eligible to apply to have their tuition fees paid for by the SAAS.127 From 2021–22 Scottish universities will be able to charge …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
55
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Despite the fact that the SAAS will still usually cover the cost of EU student tuition fees in Scotland for 2020–21, they have already seen a 15% fall in the number of placed university applicants from EU students for that academic year (compared to the same point in the cycle …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
56
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
For 2021–22, as EU students will now need to pay international student fees and immigration costs, Scottish universities were expecting in December 2020 an 80% drop in EU student numbers.132 However, UCAS data from 18 February 2021 shows that applications to Scottish universities by EU students for 2021–22 dropped by …
Scotland Office
57
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Not only are the international student rates that EU students will now be paying to Scottish universities higher than the amount Scottish universities currently receive for EU students from SAAS, but they are also higher than the rates students from other parts of the UK pay to study in Scotland. …
Scotland Office
58
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Throughout our inquiry we also heard about the non-financial benefits EU students provide to Scottish universities, including that: • EU students enrich campuses by “creating multinational, multicultural learning environments”, which is of “tremendous benefit to our home students in Scotland”.138 131 Scottish university admissions figures, Universities Scotland, 4 August 2020 …
Scotland Office
59
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In the view of Mary Senior, University and College Union Scotland, things like a “hostile environment and [ … ] draconian immigration system” all impact on the ability of Scottish universities to attract EU students.142 Universities UK believes the UK Government must “act now” or risk losing European students “for …
Scotland Office
60
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Universities UK has outlined the steps they believe the UK Government should take in order to help stabilise EU/European Economic Area (EEA) student demand. These include: • “Improving and extending the Study UK campaign into key markets in Europe by coordinating existing campaigns currently in European markets and increasing investment …
Scotland Office
61
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Minister Lochhead told us that the Scottish Government are looking at how they can maintain a European presence on Scottish campuses and have given a commitment to look at the idea of extra scholarships targeted at European countries.146
Scotland Office
62
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
EU students paying international student rates can provide a new and potentially lucrative income stream for Scottish universities, though this new income stream may face the same risks posed to fees from international students. Although applications from EU students have dropped by about 40% for 2021–22 (that year being the …
Scotland Office
63
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
During our inquiry we heard how the covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected university students. They spent most of 2020 and the first months of 2021 working remotely, with universities only permitted to have 5% of their total students on campus for face-to-face teaching, and many have experienced financial hardship, accommodation …
Scotland Office
64
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
As Matt Crilly, President of NUS Scotland, pointed out to us, an important factor is that the areas of the economy worst hit by the pandemic—particularly the hospitality sector—are the same areas of the economy that students typically rely on for their part- time work.149 In September 2020 there were …
Scotland Office
65
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In January 2021, we met with university students as part of an outreach event. Feedback from them included: “Even before the pandemic there were issues around the cost of living; student loan covers accommodation not food. The impact of the pandemic on this is that there are now even fewer …
Scotland Office
66
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Commenting on the transition to digital working, Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, made the point to us that not all students are digital native and that “alongside whatever shifts we see, [the SFC] have to deal with digital literacy, both in staff and students, and the …
Scotland Office
67
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Mental health has been flagged to us as a particular area of concern. We have heard that students tend to suffer poor mental health at higher rates than the rest of the adult population.154 Matt Crilly, President of NUS Scotland, told us that mental health waiting times at Scottish universities …
Scotland Office
68
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Now, with the effects of covid-19, NUS Scotland have found that students’ mental health has further declined.157 For example, students in self-isolation, in halls of residence, trying to come to terms with where they are, what they are trying to do and who they are.158 Professor Rebecca Lunn, University of …
Scotland Office
69
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, told the Committee that the pandemic had also “been an incredibly difficult time for staff”.160 Dr Vicky Johnson stated that: [ … ] a lot of the senior management teams [ … ] are needing to spend a huge amount of time on protocols …
Scotland Office
70
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, told us that: We have recognised that the pandemic is making life so difficult for many students. [ … ] we have been [ … ] working really hard with our colleges and universities to distribute discretionary hardship funds …
Scotland Office
71
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In terms of lessons learnt from 2020, the Minister went on to say: We set up a taskforce [ … ] to look at the hardship issues and hardship funds, and [ … ] we also want to set up another taskforce [ … ] to look at the impact …
Scotland Office
72
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
On 25 February 2021, the Scottish Government announced an additional £4.4million to provide further mental health and wellbeing services to college students and staff as they deal with the impact of the pandemic, but this funding was not made available to university students.166
Scotland Office
73
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Students in Scotland, as with so many groups, faced unprecedented challenges over the course of the pandemic. Whilst we welcome the investments the Scottish Government has made in student wellbeing and mental health during this period, we have heard evidence of structural underfunding that predated the pandemic, long waiting lists …
Scotland Office
74
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Each year more than 58,000 international students from 180 countries study in Scotland.167 In 2018, this made up about a quarter of the total student population.168 Professor Chris Pearce, University of Glasgow, told us that international students “enrich the diversity of our campuses”.169 Professor Nigel Seaton, Abertay University, was “determined …
Scotland Office
75
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In the view of Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, the attractiveness of Scotland’s universities to prospective international students will depend a lot on what’s going on in other counties.172 In particular she pointed out that the way in which counties deal with the pandemic will affect …
Scotland Office
76
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
During our inquiry a number of witnesses, including Minister Lochhead, spoke to us about the importance to prospective international students of making sure that immigration policies—which are reserved to the UK Government—are as streamlined and as simple as possible.176 In addition, the RSE Young Academy of Scotland made the point …
Government response. The UK Government is absolutely committed to supporting the UK higher education sector, and to increasing the number of international students and academics that come here. This is demonstrated in the migration statistics which were recently published. In 2021, there …
Scotland Office
77
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The duration of the Student visa depends on course length but, at degree level, can last for up to five years.180 It usually costs £348 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK or £475 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.181 On …
Government response. The UK Government is absolutely committed to supporting the UK higher education sector, and to increasing the number of international students and academics that come here. This is demonstrated in the migration statistics which were recently published. In 2021, there …
Scotland Office
78
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The UK Government has also announced, as recommended by our predecessor Committee,185 a new Graduate visa route—initially piloted in Scotland with great success186—which will open for applications from 1 July 2021. This will allow undergraduates to remain in the UK to work for up to two years after successfully completing …
Government response. The UK Government is absolutely committed to supporting the UK higher education sector, and to increasing the number of international students and academics that come here. This is demonstrated in the migration statistics which were recently published. In 2021, there …
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Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Our predecessor Committee’s Report from July 2018 on Immigration and Scotland found that: The UK and Scottish Governments both recognise the importance of reflecting Scottish interests in immigration policy, but it appears that current mechanisms do not adequately enable this to happen. We recommend that the UK Government reviews how …
Government response. We shall submit our response to the Committee’s Report on Immigration and Scotland shortly.
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, told us that: We do work with the UK Government, and the UK Government have been speaking to us. There will be lots more discussions because these are the very early stages of post-Brexit Britain, so we will …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Scottish universities are dependent on immigration decisions made at UK-level but have limited opportunities to influence those decision-making processes. Given that the UK and Scottish Governments both recognise the importance of reflecting Scottish interests in UK immigration policies, the UK Government should submit a full formal response to our predecessor …
Government response. We shall submit our response to the Committee’s Report on Immigration and Scotland shortly.
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport.195 Between 2014 and 2018 4,846 Erasmus+ grants were awarded to UK organisations, worth around €680 million and Erasmus+ funding has supported more than 128,000 UK participants.196 The RSE Young Academy of Scotland told us about the benefits of the …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow, was equally complimentary of Erasmus+ in her evidence, telling us that: 193 Q209 194 Q210 195 Erasmus+, ‘About Erasmus+’, accessed 24 January 2021 196 Erasmus+, ‘About Erasmus+’, accessed 24 January 2021 197 RSE Young Academy of Scotland (USC0006) p 2 Universities and Scotland 35 [Erasmus+] …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Unlike the EU Horizon Programme, the UK decided not to participate in Erasmus+ following the end of the UK-EU Transition Period. The Government said this was because Erasmus+ was “extremely expensive”.199 This was despite the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, telling the Committee on …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
On 26 December 2020, two days after the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, the UK Government announced a new scheme for students to study and work abroad that would “replace the UK’s participation in Erasmus+”.202 Along with the announcement, the Government said: • The scheme will provide funding …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
By way of comparison, Erasmus+ funding for 2018 covered 49,000 students in the UK (17,000 outgoing and 32,000 incoming) and over 7,000 staff, at a cost of around €160 million.205 This means that, for the one year currently funded, the Turing Scheme will be able to fund more than twice …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Universities UK had a mixed reaction to the replacement of Erasmus+ with Turing: While we are obviously disappointed that the UK will no longer be part of the Erasmus scheme, it is significant that the Government has committed to a generously funded scheme despite current economic pressures. The new Turing …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In relation to the impact on Scotland, Royal Society of Edinburgh Fellows told us that: The UK leaving the Erasmus+ programme is regrettable and will adversely affect both students and staff through the loss of two-way mobility. This impact will be felt particularly keenly in Scotland due to the higher …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
As pointed out by both Universities UK and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, it is not currently envisaged that the Turing Scheme will fund overseas students coming to the UK, as Erasmus+ did. As outlined earlier in the Chapter (paragraph 74), international students play an important role in the education …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
As reflected on by Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow, another aspect of the Turing Scheme is that it is not currently envisaged that it will fund staff mobility, like Erasmus+ did. She told us that: Although we have had 3,000 students from the University of Glasgow who have been able …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
91
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Mary Senior, University and College Union Scotland, had concerns about the “temporary nature” of the Turing Scheme.211 She noted that: Turing is only for one year. It’s going to be far harder to build relationships with other institutions when you don’t know what’s going to happen with the scheme after …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
92
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
On 28 December 2020 Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, expressed his “profound disappointment” at the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the Erasmus.213 He described the move as “a huge blow”, said that the Scottish Government would explore “alternative options” and described the …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In oral evidence Minister Lochhead also expressed concerns to us about the UK Government’s motivations behind the decision to withdraw from Erasmus+: I am suspicious that the UK Government felt the Erasmus scheme was symbolic of close ties with Europe. Therefore, Brexit is Brexit, and they unfortunately committed this vandalism …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
94
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In terms of improvements that Minister Lochhead wanted to see to the Turing Scheme, he made similar points to us as many in the higher education section, namely that it should be expanded with a longer-term budget, include other sectors and should facilitate inward, rather than just outward mobility.217 In …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
95
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Welsh Government is similarly disappointed that the UK is no longer participating in the Erasmus+ scheme and, as a result, has begun developing its own scheme called the ‘New International Learning Exchange’ to “fill the gaps Turing leaves”.220 A fundamental principle of the programme will be reciprocity: a two-way …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
96
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In relation to Erasmus+, Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, told us that that he “fully acknowledge the benefits that that scheme brought”224 and that: The possibility of staying part of Erasmus was a central part of the negotiations all the way through. I am not saying you have alleged, …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
97
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In the Government’s view the UK “could achieve the same benefits [as Erasmus+] with Turing”, but could also improve upon it by “looking at the global reach of it to widen participation”.226 Minister Stewart told us that it was about: [ … ] how we extend the benefits, reaching Commonwealth …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
98
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In relation to the importance of inward, rather than just outward exchanges, Minister Stewart said, “I absolutely get the value of these exchanges in both directions”228 and: In terms of students coming here, what we are also working on—and Scottish universities have a representation in this—is the International Education Strategy, …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
99
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Looking ahead to future years of the Turing Scheme, and collaboration with the devolved administrations, Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, told us that: 223 “New International Learning Exchange programme to make good the loss of Erasmus+”, Welsh Government, 21 March 2021 224 Q240 225 Q284 …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
100
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Until 17 December 2020, one week before the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, the UK Government was reassuring Parliament that UK participation in Erasmus+ was intended to be included within the UK-EU deal. Given that Erasmus+ disproportionally benefited Scotland compared to other parts of the UK, we are …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
101
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
We note with regret however that the Turing scheme will not—as currently envisaged—support inward placements to the UK. As the Government recognises, as well as providing Scottish universities and local economies with an important income source, inward placements support the cultural education and experience of UK students in a way …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
102
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Since the announcement that the UK will no longer participate in the EU Erasmus+ programme following the end of the Transition Period, both the Scottish Government and Scottish academics have been lobbying for Scotland to remain in Erasmus+ independently from the UK. Minister Richard Lochhead informed us that the Scottish …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
103
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Similarly, academics in Scotland have backed proposals to look at ways in which Scotland can continue an association with Erasmus+. It has been reported that a motion calling for a working group to examine options to achieve this received support during the University and College Union’s Congress in March 2021.233 …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
104
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, told us however that: The European Commission has confirmed, following the decision of the UK Government not to participate in the next programme, that there was not an option for Scotland or Wales to join. I think there has been …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
105
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
When asked what position of the UK Government would be if the European Commission changed its mind on Scottish participation in Erasmus+, Minister Stewart said: My point would be that Scotland would be paying twice: first for the Turing Scheme and then for Erasmus. I do not think it is …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
106
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Scottish Government has indicated a desire to remain in the Erasmus+ programme. Should they decide to continue down this path and be willing to cover the associated costs, and should the EU consent to Scottish participation, the UK Government should not block this endeavour (at least until such a …
Government response. At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed …
Scotland Office
107
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Scotland’s universities have an international reputation for excellent research that delivers economic and social benefits for both Scotland and the wider world.237 Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, has said that “Scotland is a science and research nation—we already punch well above our weight …
Scotland Office
108
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The University of Glasgow argues that Scottish universities’ global reputation for excellent research is evidenced through ‘Research Excellence Framework’ exercises and the percentage of funding won from UK research funders compared to the relative size of the research base.240 As Edinburgh University points out, Scotland gains roughly 11% of total …
Scotland Office
109
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, also highlighted to us the importance of Scotland’s research base: 237 Universities Scotland, Internationally Scottish - Creating global communities (July 2020), p 12 238 “Putting Scottish science and research on the world stage”, Scottish Government, 13 June 2019 239 …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Alastair Sim, Universities Scotland, made the point to us that a large amount of how we respond to the pandemic is going to be through research, and the need therefore for having a “vibrant world-class research base”.246 Professor Chris Pearce, University of Glasgow, also spoke to us about the impact …
Scotland Office
111
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Professor Chris Pearce also pointed out however that universities, such as the University of Glasgow, have had to redirect a lot of resources to fight covid-19 and, as a consequence, a lot of non-covid research has been “severely impacted”.248 He gave examples of research into chronic diseases such as heart …
Scotland Office
112
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Dr Stuart Fancey, Director of Research and Innovation, Scottish Funding Council, told us that both the sources of research funding, and the scale of research activity, varied “enormously” across Scottish universities.250 He told us that the Scottish Funding Council provides about a quarter of funding for the sector, with UKRI …
Scotland Office
113
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
According to Audit Scotland, the formula-based funding models for the core grants for teaching and research are “widely accepted” by the sector because they provide “transparency, understanding and are perceived by the sector to be fair.”253 However, when the Scottish Funding Council carried out a review with Scotland’s universities to …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Professor Chris Pearce, University of Glasgow, told us that medical research charities are having to scale back because of a loss of donations due to the pandemic, and that this will lead to a “significant drop in charity funding for our research”.257 He went on to say that the “estimates …
Scotland Office
115
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The UK Government published its Research and Development Roadmap260 in July
Government response. The 2021 Spending Review set out the government’s plan to cement the UK as a global science and technology superpower and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the R&D Roadmap and the Innovation Strategy. The UK Government is providing the …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Roadmap was warmly welcomed by those who gave evidence to us. Professor Chris Pearce,263 Professor Rebecca Lunn,264 and Professor James Conroy265 particularly welcomed the dual commitment of increasing money in real terms and of reaching 2.4% of GDP spent on R&D, especially in light of the pandemic. The Roadmap …
Government response. The 2021 Spending Review set out the government’s plan to cement the UK as a global science and technology superpower and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the R&D Roadmap and the Innovation Strategy. The UK Government is providing the …
Scotland Office
117
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
In response to the immediate economic pressures the UK faced as a result of the pandemic, the UK Government decided in November 2020 to temporarily reduce the funds it would make available for Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.7% to 0.5% of UK Gross National Income (GNI).267 On 11 March …
Government response. The 2021 Spending Review set out the government’s plan to cement the UK as a global science and technology superpower and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the R&D Roadmap and the Innovation Strategy. The UK Government is providing the …
Scotland Office
118
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The decision to reduce UK ODA spend from 0.7% to 0.5% of GNI, and the implications this has for the financing of UK academic research, has been criticised by the higher education sector, especially in Scotland, with Universities Scotland saying: [ … ] the scale of cuts is significantly higher …
Government response. The 2021 Spending Review set out the government’s plan to cement the UK as a global science and technology superpower and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the R&D Roadmap and the Innovation Strategy. The UK Government is providing the …
Scotland Office
119
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Chancellor has said that sticking rigidly to the ODA target was difficult to justify under current economic circumstances but that he intended to return to 0.7% “when the fiscal situation allows”.271
Government response. The 2021 Spending Review set out the government’s plan to cement the UK as a global science and technology superpower and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the R&D Roadmap and the Innovation Strategy. The UK Government is providing the …
Scotland Office
120
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The UK Government should be praised for its UK Research and Development Roadmap, especially the commitment to reach 2.4% of GDP spend in this area, which has been extensively welcomed by academic institutions in Scotland. The UK Government should ensure that the commitments it made in the UK Research and …
Government response. The 2021 Spending Review set out the government’s plan to cement the UK as a global science and technology superpower and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the R&D Roadmap and the Innovation Strategy. The UK Government is providing the …
Scotland Office
121
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).272 Its main purpose is to “invest in and facilitate research and innovation activities across the United Kingdom, and, through Research England, directly support higher education providers in England to …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, told us that that Scottish universities were “punching way above their weight” in terms of receipt of UKRI funding.283 He went on to say that “Scotland’s approximate share of the UK is 8% in terms of population or economic GDP, but through UKRI funding …
Scotland Office
123
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
On the subject of regional disparities in UKRI funding, Iain Stewart MP said to us “I don’t think there is a problem there to be solved. I don’t think we should get into the position of allocating money purely on a geographic basis. It is the strength of the bids …
Scotland Office
124
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Other criticisms of UKRI funding brought to our attention included, from Dr Vicky Johnson, University of the Highlands, that its “money tends to go to the older universities, and not the post-1992s or the very new universities”.290 Also, from Professor James Conroy, University of Glasgow, that “everything is not sewn …
Scotland Office
125
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
UKRI’s Framework Document says that “BEIS will regularly engage with the devolved administrations on UKRI’s priorities, including with respect to how UKRI and the devolved funding bodies can most effectively work together to support the UK’s research and innovation base”, and that this will be complemented by “several types” of …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
126
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Professor James Conroy, University of Glasgow, thought the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) was an “afterthought” in deliberations about how UK-wide funding is delivered.296 In his view: We need to have much more robust engagement between SFC and the English bodies, [and] particularly [with] UKRI, to make sure the funding is …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
127
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Alastair Sim, Universities Scotland, told us that Scotland’s voice within UKRI was “still something that needs vigilance”.298 He was keen to see a “strong Scottish research voice on the board of UKRI” in succession to Sir Ian Diamond from the University of Aberdeen.299 He went on to say: [Integrating Research …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
128
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Providing the perspective of the UK Government, Minister Stewart told us he did “not think there was a problem to be solved” as there was already “strong representation of Scottish interests” within UKRI.301 Supporting this, Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, said in her evidence: [ …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
129
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Minister Stewart also made the point that the UK Government has established, between the Department for Education and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, a Ministerial Taskforce looking at the sustainability of research funding.303 The Minister pointed out that Richard Lochhead MSP was a member of that Taskforce …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
130
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The work of Scottish universities in combating covid-19 has been nothing short of remarkable. Going forward, the academic outputs of Scottish universities will not only support our economic recovery following the pandemic but also bolster the UK’s standing in the world as we forge new post-Brexit international relationships. In 298 …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
131
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Horizon 2020 was the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation. The UK was both a significant contributor to and beneficiary from Horizon 2020 with, between 2014 and 2016, the highest share of participants in signed grant agreements (12.8% of total Horizon 2020 participants)305 and the second highest share of …
Scotland Office
132
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Horizon Europe is the EU’s €100 billion research and innovation programme that succeeds Horizon 2020 and runs from 2021 to 2027. The programme aims to strengthen European science and technology research, boost innovation capacity, competitiveness and jobs, and deliver on citizens’ priorities.310 Many in the science and research sectors, such …
Scotland Office
133
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The EU-UK Trade and Corporation Agreement, struck on 24 December 2020, confirms that—unlike Erasmus+—the UK would continue to participate in Horizon Europe following the end of the Transition Period. This decision was widely praised by the science and research sectors312 and those who gave evidence to us, including Royal Society …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK Government stands ready to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity but disappointingly there have …
Scotland Office
134
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
It is currently unclear how much influence the UK will have over Horizon Europe. The Declarations agreed between the UK and EU as part of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement state that the UK “shall participate as an associated country in all parts of the Horizon Europe programme”, and …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK Government stands ready to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity but disappointingly there have …
Scotland Office
135
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The US has previously had concerns over potential involvement in Horizon Europe. Constance Arvis, Director for Science and Technology Cooperation, US State Department, said in February 2020 that association in Horizon Europe would allow the European Commission to exclude associated countries from elements of the programme and “while this may …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK Government stands ready to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity but disappointingly there have …
Scotland Office
136
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
When we asked Minister Lochhead how much of a risk there was that the UK, and therefore Scotland, will lose influence over Horizon and benefit from its contributions going forward, he told us that was “a real concern that has been expressed by the sector”, especially as projects based in …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK Government stands ready to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity but disappointingly there have …
Scotland Office
137
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Minister Stewart did not think the UK or Scotland would be disadvantaged as an associate member of Horizon Europe.322 Expanding on this further, Rebecca Hackett, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, informed us that: [ … ] there are certain rules on what associate members can do in …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK Government stands ready to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity but disappointingly there have …
Scotland Office
138
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
The Horizon programme has been, and will continue to be, vital to Scottish academic research. It aids Scotland’s universities in their quest to tackle the biggest global challenges. We praise the UK Government for ensuring the UK’s continued participation; it is an investment worth making. Concerns have however been raised …
Government response. The UK Government has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached with the EU in December 2020. The UK Government stands ready to formalise our participation at the earliest opportunity but disappointingly there have …
Scotland Office
139
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Professor Nigel Seaton, Abertay University, told us that higher education is “fundamentally international”.324 Universities Scotland have also stated that “internationalisation is top of the agenda for Scottish universities”325 and, in July 2020, they published a report on the importance of internationalisation for Scottish universities.326 The RSE Young Academy of Scotland …
Government response. Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as …
Scotland Office
140
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Scottish academic research also has great success internationally. The RSE Young Academy of Scotland told us that Scotland’s researchers publish extensively outside Scotland (89% Scotland vs UK 72%) through “high impact collaborations”.330 Professor Chris Pearce, University of Glasgow, also noted that: [ … ] with less than 0.1% of the …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
Scotland Office
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Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow, told us that Scottish international research is a powerful tool for international collaboration and connections, with 57% of publications currently involving international collaboration, so “ensuring that the framework exists to allow that success to continue is going to be absolutely mission critical”.332 The Scottish Government …
Government response. Appointments to the UKRI Board are made on personal experience and skill set via open competition. Appointees are not recruited to represent any constituency, sector or regional grouping as it is essential that they operate collectively for the overall benefit …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
On UK immigration and visa policies, and the implications these have on academic research in Scotland, Minister Lochhead told us that the Scottish Government was working with the UK Government to make it easier for international researchers to come to Scotland, in particular to look at extending the validity of …
Government response. UK visa fees are broadly in line with our competitors across a range of visa types. Visa products are, however, difficult to compare because visa offers including benefits and entitlements gained and duration of stay, vary significantly between countries. As …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
Minister Lochhead also said that—following Brexit—Scottish researchers and academics are “worried” about “the hostile immigration policy and what that means in terms of Scotland being seen as an open and welcoming country”.335 Professor James Conroy, University of Glasgow, made the point that UK immigration polices need to be competitive with …
Government response. We have now launched our new global, points-based immigration system, including most recently, the Graduate route, and have extensively promoted these new immigration routes throughout the EU and the rest of the world—sending out a clear message the UK welcomes …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
In terms of ensuring that the UK remains an attractive place to work in for international academics, Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, highlighted to us that the Government is working on an International Education Strategy, headed up by Sir Steve Smith, “that is looking at the whole piece of …
Government response. We have now launched our new global, points-based immigration system, including most recently, the Graduate route, and have extensively promoted these new immigration routes throughout the EU and the rest of the world—sending out a clear message the UK welcomes …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
A UK immigration policy raised—and praised—by many witnesses to this inquiry was the Post-study work visa (detailed further in paragraph 78).338 Witnesses were also complimentary of the UK’s Global Talent visa, and its ability to facilitate inward mobility of world-leading research talent. Wellcome have said the Global Talent visa “is …
Government response. UK visa fees are broadly in line with our competitors across a range of visa types. Visa products are, however, difficult to compare because visa offers including benefits and entitlements gained and duration of stay, vary significantly between countries. As …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
Wellcome go on to say that “for the Global Talent visa to be a globally competitive offer for researchers, and particularly for those early on in their careers, this must be revisited as a priority”.343 They also point out that: UK [visa] charges are more than five times higher than …
Government response. 10. In order to allow Scotland to remain competitive and attractive to the best international research talent, who can bring so much to our economy and society, the UK Government should reduce the cost of visas for international researchers and …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
Scottish universities are inherently international institutions; international collaborations play a big part in their successes. In addition, Scottish universities act as much-valued international hubs in their local communities, bringing important cultural benefits. Scottish universities’ internationalisation agenda should therefore be supported. The UK Government has a major role to play in …
Government response. 11. The UK Government must promote a positive narrative—including by using its significant diplomatic reach—that, whilst we have left the EU, the UK and Scotland remain an attractive place to work for EU nationals and the brightest and best the …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
As our predecessor Committee noted in its Report on Immigration and Scotland, in 2018, EU citizens make up around 17% of academic staff and 25% of research staff at Scottish universities.345 During our inquiry witnesses spoke to us about how “vulnerable” this makes the research sector in Scotland following the …
Government response. 11. The UK Government must promote a positive narrative—including by using its significant diplomatic reach—that, whilst we have left the EU, the UK and Scotland remain an attractive place to work for EU nationals and the brightest and best the …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
Professor Katherine Smith, University of Strathclyde, told us that—despite the fact that most EU nationals are allowed to continue working in the UK—she was “really clear from conversations with colleagues working in Scotland, who were born in other European countries, that they are concerned and are feeling less welcome” following …
Government response. 11. The UK Government must promote a positive narrative—including by using its significant diplomatic reach—that, whilst we have left the EU, the UK and Scotland remain an attractive place to work for EU nationals and the brightest and best the …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, told us that what underpins the UK Government’s “strategy is to maintain good links with Europe, with our partners and friends, trading partners and academic links”—he “absolutely” wanted that to continue.351 That said, he also noted that: Whether it is the Turing scheme or …
Government response. 11. The UK Government must promote a positive narrative—including by using its significant diplomatic reach—that, whilst we have left the EU, the UK and Scotland remain an attractive place to work for EU nationals and the brightest and best the …
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First Report - Universities and Scotland
Academic institutions in Scotland depend on partnerships and connections with institutions across the EU. That includes academics who come from the EU to work in Scotland, who often specialise in highly technical areas which can be difficult to recruit from elsewhere. Whilst immigration policies are key, it’s also important to …
Government response. 11. The UK Government must promote a positive narrative—including by using its significant diplomatic reach—that, whilst we have left the EU, the UK and Scotland remain an attractive place to work for EU nationals and the brightest and best the …
Scotland Office