Empey applauds success of University research programme

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today published the Review of the Support Programme for University Research (SPUR).

SPUR was a partnership between the Department for Employment and Learning and The Atlantic Philanthropies and invested almost £94million over six years into the university research infrastructure. Funding was focused on areas of research where the universities had the potential to compete with the very best in the world.

Sir Reg said: “The report highlights the success of this programme and the investment, through SPUR, has paid dividends as reflected in our Universities’ success in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. In the current economic climate, the importance of our Higher Education research sector to Northern Ireland cannot be overstated in its role in establishing a modern, dynamic economy.”

Other significant benefits derived from this investment included the ability to attract and retain international researchers and students to Northern Ireland, as well as the creation of around 290 high quality jobs and additional leveraged investment of £140million.

The Minister added: “The research centres established by SPUR are now integrated into the Universities’ structures and all are competing on the international stage. These centres will enable us to move forward with confidence into a future where society, industry and business are increasingly aware of the importance of a strong and innovative knowledge base.”

Notes to editors:

1. SPUR was launched in July 2002 and co-funded by the Department and The Atlantic Philanthropies, an international foundation dedicated to bringing about lasting changes in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Atlantic currently focuses on four critical social problems: Ageing, Children & Youth, Population Health and Reconciliation & Human Rights. Programmes funded by Atlantic operate in Australia, Bermuda, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United States and Viet Nam. To learn more visit:the Atlantic Philanthropies website.

2. Both Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster submitted projects up to the total amount of funding available which were scrutinised by an assessment panel of international experts. “Research Assessment Exercise 2008: the Outcome” (RAE 2008) is available on the RAE website

3. The funding was used for a combination of new building work, refurbishment, equipment purchases, staff and other recurrent costs. It was a completely separate and additional stream of funding to mainstream research funding. The Review is available on the DEL website

4. The undoubted success of the Department’s joint investment with The Atlantic Philanthropies in the research infrastructure through SPUR has been highlighted by the excellent performance of our Universities, across a range of subjects, in the recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008).

5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.