British Academy welcomes Spending Review announcement

The British Academy welcomes today’s Spending Review announcement by the Chancellor. Together with the other national academies, the British Academy has urged the Government to maintain a strong research base across all disciplines, supporting growth and innovation and helping people lead healthier, fuller and better lives. 

Alun Evans, Chief Executive of the British Academy, said:

“By maintaining the UK’s Science and Research Budget in real terms the Government is taking a crucial step towards creating an environment that attracts and retains top academics and researchers, and leverages in further private sector investment. As the British Academy emphasised in Building a Stronger Future earlier this year, it is essential to place research and innovation at the heart of plans for economic growth. 

“The real proof of the Government’s commitment to research will require its continued recognition that humanities and social science research supported by the British Academy and its other funding partners is a vital part of the UK’s research enterprise. 

“In our primarily service based economy, some of our most innovative sectors – such as the cultural and creative industries – have the highest rates of productivity growth.  A clear commitment to these areas is essential to build our nation’s future competitiveness and ensure the UK does not fall behind its international competitors.”