WIREDGOV

The global reputation of Scottish universities will be boosted by additional funding for world-leading research, Education Secretary Michael Russell announced recently.

An additional £13.8 million will be shared between universities by the Scottish Funding Council, based on their existing research ratings, to help further boost Scottish output of world leading research. This will deliver more high quality research in Scotland and help further improve the international reputation and standing of our universities.

Mr Russell said:

“Scottish universities are already known around the globe for their excellence and our reputation for research is a crucial part of this. I want to help our universities go further and continue to improve their global standing and build on those successes.

“That is why we will deliver investment of almost £14 million for world-leading research at Scottish universities. Alongside the matched funding that will be provided by our leading research universities, this will help institutions further strengthen  the excellence of their research base and in turn further boost their international reputation and increase their contribution to our economic future.”

Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow said:

"We are delighted that the world class research which is undertaken with such success at the University of Glasgow has been recognised through this additional funding award. The University of Glasgow will match this additional government funding through our fundraising, aimed at boosting our investment in research. The international standing of Scottish Universities has never been higher, and the University of Glasgow is one of the world’s greatest research-intensive Universities.

“This is the right time to further invest in our success. We are very grateful to the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government for this support. It will help in our continuing commitment to deliver globally important research and teaching along with a superb student experience.” 
Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal of the University of Edinburgh, said:

“We are very excited about this additional investment and, when combined with our own funds, we feel sure that it will make a real difference to our ability to recruit and retain the best young researchers and to positively influence our position as a world leading institution.

“I very much welcome the Global Excellence Initiative and commend the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council for their foresight and commitment in supporting world leading research.”

Laurence Howells, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
 
“We’re working very hard with universities to maintain Scotland’s strong position in international university research.
 
“We want to do all we can to help Scottish universities attract research talent and continue to achieve at their current high level. Global Excellence is an investment in future economic growth and in jobs and I look forward to supporting its development across the sector.”

The total funding of £13,896,000 has been shared between Scottish Universities on the basis of current research rated 4* (world-leading).

The University of Aberdeen - £1,237,000
The University of Abertay - £39,000
The University of Dundee - £1,033,000
Edinburgh Napier University - £104,000
The University of Edinburgh - £5,001,000
Glasgow Caledonian University - £134,000
Glasgow School of Art - £161,000
The University of Glasgow - £2,502,000
Heriot-Watt University - £669,000
The University of the Highlands and Islands - £56,000
Edinburgh Queen Margaret University - £29,000
Robert Gordon University – £144,000
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - £14,000
The University of St Andrews - £1,203,000
The University of Stirling - £393,000
The University of Strathclyde - £1,111,000
The University of the West of Scotland - £66,000