A new £11 million award from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF) will secure a further £23.73 million from industry and charity partners to transform the way medicines are developed in the future.
The award, announced today, will go to CMAC, a world leading centre for medicines research and manufacturing based at the University of Strathclyde. The original concept behind CMAC grew from a collaboration facilitated by the ScotCHEM Research Pool, and its early development was supported by a £700,000 investment from SFC’s SPIRIT fund.
The new investment will be used to establish the CMAC Data Lab, a revolutionary facility designed to create faster, smarter and more efficient ways of developing, manufacturing and regulating medicines.
Helen Cross, Director of Research and Innovation at the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“The success of CMAC stems from a long tradition of world-leading medicines manufacturing research in Scotland and a passion for innovation.
“We are delighted with this announcement and also proud to have played a part in funding CMAC during the early stages of its development.
“I am confident that, through CMAC, UKRPIF funding will unlock further exciting transformations in medicines development, manufacture and supply.”
Scotland’s Minister for Higher Education Graeme Dey said:
“CMAC’s cutting edge research and development of innovative approaches to medicines manufacturing is a prime example of Scottish strengths in life sciences research and innovation.
“Scotland is a world-leader in health research and innovation and this new investment in the Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC) Data Lab will further strengthen our global reputation.”
Professor Alastair Florence, Director of CMAC and Data Lab lead, said:
“This new £33 million UKRPIF partnership will transform CMAC’s facilities through investment in a suite of innovative technologies that will allow us to address our research goals of human-centric, sustainable and resilient medicines development and manufacture.”
More information on CMAC and today’s funding announcement can be found on the UK Research and Innovation website.
An innovative partnership funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) will see rural skills career pathways become easier to follow, thanks to a joint prospectus produced by Borders College and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
The Rural Skills Pathways Prospectus has been officially launched at the Borders College Newtown St Boswells campus. Representatives from the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Borders Council, and South of Scotland Enterprise were in attendance, as well as staff from Borders College and SRUC.
As part of the event a statement of strategic intent was signed by Borders College Principal Pete Smith and Professor Wayne Powell, Principal of SRUC, to cement the exciting new initiative and ongoing partnership.
In welcoming guests to the event, Borders College Principal, Pete Smith, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome colleagues to our Newtown Campus for this sector-leading project launch, and I’m delighted that we are collaboratively able to officially launch the prospectus and sign the Statement of Strategic Intent with SRUC.”
The publication highlights learner pathway opportunities in a number of disciplines, which include Animal Care, Horticulture and Landscaping, Conservation, Forestry and Gamekeeping, and Landscaping, from SCQF level 4 up to SCQF level 8 and above.
Potential students will be able to find the courses on offer within the south of Scotland region from either organisation and see at which level they can study, along with the opportunities to further develop within their chosen area.
Anne Marie Sturrock, Vice Principal of Student Experience at Borders College, commented:
“We are delighted to present this joint prospectus on the land-based sectors. Borders College and SRUC are committed to establishing clear pathways of provision to ensure the approximately 4,500 new employees being predicted for the land-based industry in the south of Scotland have access to flexible high-level short-course training and practice-based innovation, particularly those requiring upskilling, who are currently in the sector.”
Jamie Newbold, Provost and Deputy Principal, SRUC, said:
“We see this joint prospectus as a first step in identifying areas for new joint-course development, with a focus on modes of delivery and levels of provision which are not serviced within the region, and thus either require learners to move out of the region or forgo career progression.”
Seamus Spencer, Assistant Director for Coherent Learning Provision at SFC, said:
“It has been wonderful to celebrate the launch of the joint prospectus and to hear from the principals about the positive experience of collaborating in this way and their intent for the future.
“This partnership for skills shows how colleges and universities can work together in transformative ways to have a real impact on regional economies, learners and build the workforce of tomorrow.”
With a strong record of serving the land-based sector in the south of Scotland, both Borders College and SRUC aim to improve awareness of the further and higher education courses offered in this key sector by showcasing the range of learning opportunities available. These include flexible short courses and practical-based opportunities on offer at all stages.
In addition to highlighting existing courses, SRUC and Borders College will identify areas within which to develop new land-based courses and provision in the region, which will support the local agri-tech industry and its employees, with the further aim of encouraging regional upskilling and growth.
The new joint prospectus can be found on the Scottish Borders College website.
University Innovation Fund
Innovation
The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has launched a ten-year plan to accelerate and amplify the benefits of a network of entrepreneurial campuses across Scotland’s colleges and universities.
Designed to align with the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, the new strategy sets out actions to inspire an entrepreneurial outlook amongst students and staff as well as supporting student business start-ups.
It also aims to create more connections between different disciplines and to further strengthen the contribution of colleges and universities to regional economic development by linking them to entrepreneurial communities.
Speaking at the launch which took place during a visit to BeCentral, a digital campus based in Brussels, the First Minister said:
“Publication of this blueprint marks our clear commitment to supporting enterprise and innovation. We can capitalise on the world-leading research and development work that already goes on in our higher education institutions by inspiring and encouraging students and staff to engage with entrepreneurship and innovation learning.
“This publication also marks an important milestone as a key action from our National Strategy for Economic Transformation, helping maintain Scotland’s excellent reputation as a world-class entrepreneurial nation. I am confident it will lead to more students going on to found start-ups or taking up employment with one of our growing businesses, helping them develop and grow while retaining skills and talent in Scotland.”
Helen Cross, Director of Research and Innovation at the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“We are helping our universities to support the delivery of the Entrepreneurial Campus blueprint as well as Scotland’s Innovation Strategy by increasing their underpinning funding for knowledge exchange and innovation by £5.5 million the next academic year.
“This additional funding, allocated to universities through SFC’s University Innovation Fund, is earmarked to support collaborative activities which will support academics, postgraduate researchers, students and other university staff to be more entrepreneurial, creating new businesses and driving innovation.”
More information on the Entrepreneurial Campus Strategy can be found on the Scottish Government’s website.
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde, has today (21 June 2023) opened its new world-class, flagship facility at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire, aiming to be a major stimulus for the country’s economy, skills development, and prosperous, sustainable, communities.
NMIS is operated by the University of Strathclyde and supported by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Highlands and Island Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and Renfrewshire Council.
Since 2019, NMIS has helped deliver more than 150 research and development projects for 142 different customers and partners. It has already upskilled and reskilled more than 1,300 people, placed more than 80 graduate trainees in Scottish manufacturing, and supported more than 100 internships.
Scotland’s manufacturing sector employs over 179,000 people and is responsible for more than 50% of the country’s international exports and 47% of business expenditure on R&D.
The new facility will be home to the NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy, fully connected Digital Factory, and publicly accessible collaboration hub. The Lightweight Manufacturing Centre (LMC) – which is also part of the NMIS group – will relocate from its current base in Renfrewshire, splitting its operations between the new building and NMIS’s founding centre the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC).
The factory demonstrates the vast potential of digital technologies in helping manufacturers improve their products and processes in the drive towards a net-zero economy while still increasing productivity.
The building was opened by Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf at a ceremony this morning alongside NMIS CEO Chris Courtney; Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Chair of the NMIS Board and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde; Katherine Bennett, CEO of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult; and Adrian Gillespie, CEO of Scottish Enterprise, along with senior delegates from across industry, academia, and the public sector.
Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation said,
“NMIS is an incredible resource that Scotland’s universities can use to continue to build on Scotland’s outstanding reputation for research and innovation. This facility will help projects embrace new technologies and achieve net-zero targets through innovation and collaboration at every stage.
“SFC is proud to support NMIS and partners to succeed and drive the future of manufacturing through innovation, research and development.”
First Minister, Humza Yousaf said,
“Scotland is one of the most innovative nations in the world. By bringing together research, industry and the public sector, this facility will allow companies of all sizes to embrace creative manufacturing techniques and support cutting edge research. Manufacturing is critical to our long-term economic recovery and this centre, which the Scottish Government provided funding of £75 million towards, will support that.”
Chris Courtney, CEO of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) said,
“Scotland has a strong manufacturing sector – supporting world-renowned capabilities in the maritime industry, renewable energies, food and drink, the satellites and space industry and many others. We also benefit from world-leading universities and a growing number of ambitious technology entrepreneurs.
“NMIS can play a crucial role in harnessing this potential to impact what we make and how we can do it more sustainably and efficiently. There is a real industrial demand for greener, innovative technology solutions that harness the power of digitalisation along with the future skills that we all need to thrive.”
Research Excellence Framework 2028: initial decisions and issues for further consultation
The next REF will conclude in 2028 and will assess research and impact between 2021 and 2027.
The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers.
The exercise drives research excellence across the UK, provides accountability for public investment in research, and informs the allocation of around £2 billion of block-grant research funding each year.
SFC and the other UK funding bodies are seeking to change the emphasis of national assessment from the performance of individuals to the contribution institutions and disciplines make to healthy, dynamic and inclusive research environments. They would also like the assessment to encompass broader contributions to research and the research process.
Redesigning the UK’s national research assessment exercise offers an opportunity to reshape the incentives within the research system and rethink what should be recognised and rewarded.
Changes for REF 2028 include an expansion of the definition of research excellence to ensure appropriate recognition is given to the people, culture and environments that underpin a vibrant and sustainable UK research system.
Building on changes made in the previous exercise, REF 2028 will be a more inclusive research assessment exercise, capturing the valuable contributions of a wider range of research and research-enabling staff.
REF 2028 will take a new approach to determining research volume, moving fully away from any assessment of individuals. Research volume will be determined from average staff numbers over multiple years. There will not be any minimum or maximum contributions of any individuals. In REF 2028 the work of all researchers and research-enabling staff will be eligible for submission. These changes are intended to increase the inclusivity of the assessment and provide an environment that is supportive of researchers who move into academia from other sectors.
The Future Research Assessment Board also sought advice from an International Advisory Group, which provided insights into how research assessment is carried out in other countries. These are summarised in the FRAP International Advisory Group Report. The funding bodies welcome the report’s recommendations and thank the group for its valuable contribution to the programme.
Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“The assessment of research at universities across the UK is vital both to our understanding of the benefits it delivers and to decisions on future funding.
“The decisions published today, based on two years of examination and consultation, mean we can take a broader view of the activities and people that deliver research, in all areas, while also making sure that our assessment stays in line with international practice, remains relevant to those who make decisions about research in the UK, and – most importantly – remains fair to the staff who conduct and support the research and to universities.”
Statistical publication schedule
Publications and Statistics
Provisional information on the numbers of students eligible for funding at the 19 higher education institutions (HEIs) funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has been published today (13 June 2023). The Students Eligible for Funding publication reports on the number of students eligible for funding which is distinct from the number of funded places provided by SFC, with HEIs having some flexibility to offer places beyond their allocation.
The report shows that between 2021-22 and 2022-23, the total number of full-time students eligible for funding has decreased by 8,575 or 5.6%. This can in part be attributed to the change in eligibility for EU students following the UK’s exit from the European Union, with new EU students starting courses from 2021-22 onwards no longer eligible for funding. COVID-19 is also likely to have had an impact on non-continuation rates due to the restrictions introduced during the pandemic.
Despite the fall in the number of students eligible for funding, record numbers of Scottish domiciled applicants aged 18 or under were accepted to an HEI in 2022-23. In 2022-23 17,120 applicants were accepted for a place at Scottish institutions, 195 (1.2%) higher than for 2021-22 and 2,230 (15.0%) higher than for 2018-19.
Ambitious plans to accelerate Scotland’s innovation performance to a world-class level have been unveiled today by the Scottish Government. As part of its new ten-year strategy, the Government has also developed an ‘innovation scorecard’, designed to compare Scotland’s performance against other countries.
The strategy recognises Scotland’s universities and colleges as important parts of the country’s economic infrastructure. It sees the knowledge-based economy of the future being developed as a partnership between academics, industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
While making a call for universities to leverage further private sector investment, the strategy acknowledges the important role of research funding from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and others in supporting knowledge exchange and innovation.
The strategy includes a set of actions themed around energy transition; health and life sciences; data and digital technologies; and advanced manufacturing. SFC has been a core partner in the development of the innovation strategy and welcomes its publication. Its Chief Executive, Karen Watt, said:
“The strategy recognises the existing impact of the research and innovation that already takes place at Scotland’s universities and colleges. It also maps a way forward in supporting Scotland’s world leading research institutions to release further potential for innovation.
“I am delighted we have contributed to the development of this important piece of work. The Scottish Funding Council looks forward to playing a key part in the success of the strategy.”
The new innovation strategy is available on the Scottish Government’s website.
Final report of the Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape
The Review was led by James Withers, formerly Chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) participated in the extensive engagement process and contributed to the call for evidence.
Commenting on the report, SFC Chair, Mike Cantlay, said:
“SFC welcomes the publication by the Scottish Government of the independent review of the skills delivery landscape, led by James Withers. It makes recommendations to address long-standing issues around a responsive and connected education and skills system, and provides a vital focus on the needs of learners and employers. We look forward to engaging with Scottish Government Ministers, partner agencies, and stakeholders on future reform decisions, as we continue to deliver for tertiary education and skills, research and innovation across Scotland.”
Last night’s annual Herald HE awards were attended by around 300 guests who gathered in Glasgow to celebrate the achievements of universities and colleges across Scotland.
The event also recognises individual students and staff who make a significant contribution to academic life and includes a life-time achievement award for long-term dedication to higher education.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has been involved in the awards since the first event in 2015. This year SFC supported the Research Project of the Year Award, joining other high-profile sponsors such as QAA Scotland and JISC.
The 2023 Higher Educational Institution of the Year award was won by the University of Dundee. The prize for Research Project of the Year went to Glasgow Caledonian University’s Blood Borne Virus Prevention Team, with a commendation for the University of the West of Scotland’s AI project to protect the natural environment. The life-time achievement award was presented to Professor Sir Philip Cohen for his work in establishing the University of Dundee as a centre of research in life sciences.
Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“The 2023 Higher Education Awards ceremony was inspirational. It was also a fabulous celebration of everything that colleges and universities in Scotland have achieved in the past year. My congratulations to all the finalists and winners.”
Catherine Salmond, editor of The Herald, said:
“It has been fantastic to bring so many people together to celebrate and congratulate, to inspire and reward.
“As a member of the judging panel, it was a wonderful feeling to read about the inspiring work taking place in our universities and colleges. There are so many people doing such brilliant work in Scotland, leading the way academically, but also impacting fellow colleagues and students on home soil through their talent and dedication.”
Statistical publication schedule
Figures out today from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) show how the twin effects of the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis had a detrimental effect on people studying at college.
Throughout 2021-22 colleges continued to contend with measures introduced to control COVID-19 including restrictions to halt the spread of the Omicron variant. At the same time, personal finances were starting to feel the strain of the cost of living crisis, making the choice of paid work an attractive option for those already on a course as well as for those considering enrolling.
Both these factors are illustrated in the latest College Performance Indicators report. Figures collected by SFC show a clear increase in the percentage of students leaving during their course. For full-time further education courses this rose by around four percentage points, and full time higher education courses experienced a six percentage point rise.
Withdrawals were particularly noticeable in subjects relating to hospitality and tourism where there was high demand in the workplace. Subjects more dependent on face to face teaching such as care, construction and hairdressing similarly experienced higher than normal withdrawal rates.
Today’s report also provides an update on students unable to complete their studies due to the pandemic. Previous figures have shown that by 2021-22 over 37% of the 12,500 who deferred in the first year of the pandemic had returned to their studies. The latest figures show a further 2,392 students in 2021-22 chose to defer their studies until the following year.
The report confirms that work continues in colleges to reconnect with students who deferred in 2020-21 and did not return, as well as with those who deferred in 2021-22. It is thought, however, that many may have entered employment due to the more buoyant labour market.
Responding to the findings, SFC’s Director of Policy, Insight and Statistics, Martin Boyle, said:
“These figures clearly show the continuing effects of the pandemic on colleges and their students. In 2021-22, we also see these being compounded by the start of the cost of living crisis.
“Once again colleges were coping with extremely challenging circumstances and showed exceptional determination to support their learners. Their continuing efforts to re-engage students who deferred their studies, including measures to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on mental health and poverty, are just one example of this.
“The Scottish Funding Council was engaged with the sector throughout and continues to work in partnership with colleges and will begin to support them to identify where improvements can be made.”
College Performance Indicators 2021-22 is now available along with an Excel PI Tool giving an overview of individual college data.
Results from the latest Graduate Outcomes Report show that graduates from Scottish universities continue to move into positive destinations. The report published by HESA today, 31 May, shows that 90% of graduates from Scotland’s 19 universities are in positive destinations 15 months after graduation.
Today’s results report on students who graduated in 2021, the second academic year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They were surveyed 15 months after graduation, with the majority interviewed in Autumn 2022, after restrictions were lifted.
Of those surveyed, 72% were in full-time or part-time employment, an increase of four percentage points from the previous year. Seven per cent were in full-time further study while a further 10% were in a combination of employment and further study.
Of the Scottish-domiciled graduates qualifying in 2020-21 from a Scottish provider and entering work, 77% of graduates in both science subjects and non-science subjects entered ‘high skilled’ roles (as per Standard Occupation Classification), an increase of one percentage point on the 2019-20 figure. Overall, 86% of graduates from Scottish universities in 2020-21 felt their current activity was meaningful, while 78% felt it was in line with their future plans.
Commenting on the results, Martin Boyle, Director of Policy, Insight and Analytics said:
“The results of the latest Graduate Outcomes survey are extremely encouraging. They show that graduates who left university in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to do very well despite the challenges they had faced during the final years of their studies. Scottish universities worked hard to support their students during these unprecedented circumstances and it’s fantastic to see graduates doing so well and reflecting so positively on their current activity.”
Full details of the report can be found on the HESA website.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today (25 May) published final funding allocations for colleges and universities for academic year 2023-24.
In the context of a tight fiscal environment, SFC has maintained investment in front line teaching and research, securing opportunities for Scottish domiciled students to study and gain lifelong skills at college or university; and ensuring that excellent research will continue to be delivered across all of Scotland’s universities.
An uplift of £5.5m in our University Innovation Fund will support the diffusion of knowledge and build real and tangible impact from Scotland’s excellent research base, aligning with Scottish Government’s ambitions for economic prosperity, health and wellbeing, and the just transition to net zero; while an uplift of £7.7m in college capital funding will support both the ongoing development of the Dunfermline Learning Campus and investment in the college estate across the country.
Full details of the college funding allocations 2023-24
Full details of the university funding allocations 2023-24
Three projects from Scottish universities are amongst those selected to receive money in the latest round of Prosperity Partnership funding.
Prosperity Partnership funding supports business-led research that arises from real-life needs. Universities collaborate closely with industrial partners to achieve the required research outcomes, resulting in accelerated impact from new knowledge, innovations and technologies.
The University of Strathclyde will receive funding for its work with Scottishpower Energy Networks to develop new reliable, low-carbon energy systems for the future.
At Heriot-Watt University, the Smart Products Made Smarter project is a partnership with Leonardo UK Ltd. The project aims to change the way high-value, low-volume remote sensing systems are developed by using computational imaging, artificial intelligence and robotics. Heriot-Watt University is also working with Fugro GB Marine Ltd on research that will improve the way that offshore wind farms are maintained and repaired.
The projects announced today across the UK are worth a total of £149 million and are funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This public funding is being matched by a further £88 million from academia and business.
Dr Andrew Bourne, Director of Partnerships at EPSRC said: “Prosperity Partnerships demonstrate how business and academia can come together to co-create and co-deliver research and innovation that address industry-driven challenges and deliver economic and societal impact.”
More information is available from the UKRI website.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is investing £103m to expand and upgrade the UK’s world class research infrastructure, including digital infrastructure.
The investments will support the sector and ensure UK researchers, including those in Scotland, have access to the best labs and equipment they need to keep producing world-class science.
Investments in Scotland include:
- Creating immersive experience systems with accessibility as the fundamental theme, with new equipment catering to more people, including those with additional access needs at Historic Environment Scotland.
- Modernising the electron microscopy capabilities at the University of Glasgow
- An investment in estates to provide upgrades to the national laboratories across the UK including Edinburgh, Daresbury and Harwell, which underpin fundamental research in astronomy, physics and space science.
Facilities receiving funding include:
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) for new equipment to enable a much greater understanding of human diseases and the design of powerful drugs against them.
- National Oceanography Centre’s state-of-the-art deep-sea research facility for a new sediment core scanner.
- UK Digital Heritage Centre at the University of Liverpool to fund cutting edge facilities that will pioneer a new approach to preserving, promoting and progressing cultural heritage through technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain and the Metaverse.
The £103 million additional funding support is comprised of:
- £79.3 million as part of the £150 million announcement, to address the impacts of the ongoing delay in UK association to the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.
- £23.7 million as part of the £370 million announcement to forge a better Britain through investment in science and technology.
Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“Investment in research infrastructure is critical in underpinning Scotland’s world –class university research base. These investments include universities in Scotland and will support our outstanding reputation for research by expanding and upgrading our research and digital infrastructure.
This infrastructure plays a significant role in ensuring that research realises its full transformational impact for Scottish society and for our economy.”
UK Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said:
“Our world-class science and technology sectors are the engine room for growth in the UK economy, and the basis for scientific and technological advancements that will improve everyone’s lives.
“These sectors need continued, concerted and concentrated backing from the government and I am determined to provide it during my time as Science and Technology Secretary, through funding such as this, which will ensure our world class labs have the infrastructure and equipment to match their status.”
UKRI International Champion, Professor Christopher Smith, said:
“This crucial support for UK research infrastructure is part of the package of support provided by government so that our research and innovation communities can carry on with their essential work notwithstanding the delay to association with Horizon Europe.
“The investments, made across the UK, will provide UK researchers with advanced equipment, facilities and technology, and help maintain the UK’s position as a leader in research and innovation.
“This support will ensure the UK is an attractive place for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs to live, work and innovate.”
You can find a full breakdown of funding at UKRI’s website.
A Scottish college student is one of 20 apprentices and students heading to the Polish city of Gdańsk later this year for the prestigious EuroSkills Finals.
To secure his place in Team UK, Nathanial has been through an intensive selection process including taking part in the WorldSkills UK National Competitions. In Poland he will be one of 600 young professionals from across Europe whose skills will be under the spotlight.
Designed by industry experts, WorldSkills competitions aim to help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills and boosting their confidence.
Last November, Edinburgh College hosted the finals of the WorldSkills UK national competition for construction, where more than 80 finalists demonstrated their skills in specialities such as stonemasonry, joinery and bricklaying. During the two-day finals over 500 school pupils and students attended a special visitor experience zone and the College welcomed VIP guest including the Education Minister and the Kenyan High Commissioner.
Sharon Drysdale, SFC’s Deputy Director of Work-based Learning and Skills said: “WorldSkills competitions are incredibly important as they showcase high-quality education and skills and place our colleges and students at the centre of a global stage. As well as celebrating excellence they also promote continuous innovation and improvement.”
“It’s an incredible achievement to get to the Euroskills finals and I wish Nathanial and all of Team GB the very best of luck.”
Competitors who impress in Gdańsk could see themselves representing the UK at the ‘skills Olympics’ in France in 2024.
More information on Team UK and the EuroSkills Finals is available on the WorldSkills UK website.
Colleges we fund
Universities and Higher Education institutions we fund
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today (Thursday 13 April) issued indicative funding allocations to colleges and universities for the new Academic Year 2023-24, maintaining investment levels in teaching and research despite the challenging fiscal environment.
Investment of over £1,265 million in teaching (the same level of funding as last year) will secure opportunities for Scottish domiciled students to study and gain lifelong skills at college or university and will support part-time and full-time courses, including a broad range of provision across all professional, technical and academic levels, including apprenticeships. This investment will also provide opportunities that will help lift people out of poverty. Colleges and universities will continue to demonstrate impact and best value for our investment through the Outcome Agreement process.
This year we are introducing a number of new flexibilities, including changes to guidance which will enable colleges to deliver the optimal balance of full-time and part-time provision. Minimum activity thresholds will be set for funded allocations as a first step in working with colleges to move towards allocations that more closely reflect anticipated student activity. To recognise semi-fixed costs, a proportion of SFC’s funding will not be directly related to the delivery of teaching activity and will therefore not be at risk of recovery where minimum thresholds are not met. Taken together these changes signal a more dynamic approach to funding that enables colleges to deliver activity that is right for their region and mission.
In line with government priorities and the pressures facing college students, SFC has also committed to increasing the bursary for care-experienced students.
We have maintained opportunities for Scottish domiciled students through our university funded places, while providing a small uplift in the funding for each funded place and support for Scotland’s small, world-leading specialist institutions. We have made a small adjustment in the number of funded places in response to some downward trends in student numbers at particular institutions and because previously funded EU students are now leaving the Scottish system having completed their courses.
We have kept our investment in excellent university research at current levels, adjusting the Research Excellence Grant allocations for individual universities in line with their results from the 2021 Research Excellence Framework evaluation exercise, while increasing our investment in university innovation by £5.5 million. Innovation funding will support the diffusion of knowledge and build real and tangible impact from Scotland’s excellent research base, supporting the Scottish Government’s ambitions for economic prosperity, health and wellbeing, and the just transition to a net zero future.
Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“Today’s announcement maintains funding in teaching, learning and research, supporting Scottish students to flourish, and colleges and universities to meet the needs of learners and employers at the regional and national level. Our investment will enable colleges and universities to play a full role in addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in Scotland’s economic, social and environmental life.”
Full details of the indicative college funding allocations for 2023-24.
Full details of the indicative university funding allocations for 2023-24.
The Scottish Funding Council has approved new funding for the EAUC, an organisation working in Scotland to put sustainability at the heart of tertiary education and research.
The funding will enable the EAUC to deliver the next phase of its work in response to the climate emergency. The new phase builds on previous work that has included supporting leadership and understanding in environmental sustainability and creating a culture for change and action in Scotland’s colleges and universities.
The EAUC’s bid for funding was the result of six months’ work in developing new ideas to further accelerate the sector’s response to the climate emergency. This was carried out through regional workshops, events and surveys as well as by means of a specialist Advisory Group. Central to the bid’s success was its focus on the Scottish Government’s national priorities.
The new programme is designed to create opportunities for colleges and universities to work together in developing innovative approaches in their response to the climate emergency. It will focus on supporting transformative leadership and empowering change. It will additionally aim to build capacity, develop place-based responses to the climate emergency and further strengthen the sector’s collective voice.
The EAUC will also work with the Scottish Funding Council and key partners to progress learning for sustainability and will support the national response to climate change through a ‘Team Scotland’ approach.
Helen Cross, the Scottish Funding Council’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“By harnessing the transformational capabilities of Scotland’s colleges and universities, we can help create a prosperous, low-carbon future for Scotland and the world. Working together we can progress more quickly and more inclusively.
“In funding the EAUC programme, we are demonstrating our determination to support colleges and universities progressing together through collaborating and learning from each other, and by bringing people together in common courses of action. We are also taking another step forward in achieving the longer-term ambitions set out in our Net Zero & Sustainability Framework for Action“
Statistical publication schedule
The Scottish Funding Council has published its latest report on staffing in Scotland’s college sector.
Covering the academic year 2021-22, today’s figures show the number of full time equivalent (FTE) staff in Scotland’s colleges grew to over 11,000. This represented an increase of 2.6% since 2014-15. Within the total FTE figure, just over half (50.8%) were teaching staff. According to the report, FTEs for teaching staff grew at a faster rate than those for non-teaching staff in the eight years before 2021-22.
The headcount figure (based on the number of college staff employed rather than on contracted hours) also increased and was 14,320. Female staff made up 61% of the total headcount, with people declaring a disability accounting for 7.5 %, and the proportion of black and minority ethnic staff standing at 2.6%.
The proportion of females in senior positions grew by 1.2 percentage points to 54.5%.
Full details are now available at College Staffing Data 2021-22.
The winners of the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2023 were revealed at a ceremony yesterday evening in Dundee. The Awards mark the incredible achievements of business and academic partnerships in Scotland and are hosted by SFC-funded Interface.
Entries were invited from Scottish universities, research institutes and colleges, as well as businesses and organisations active in research and development. The judges looked for collaborations showing innovation, impact and transformation, and also sought to recognise individuals making a special contribution to knowledge exchange in Scotland.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“It’s fantastic to be here to celebrate the achievements of everyone behind these projects. Bringing together the strength of Scotland’s academic base and combining that knowledge with the expertise of Scottish industry is hugely important in innovating for the future.”
Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, said:
“Today’s awards showcase the impactful collaborations between businesses and the academic community and their role in translating Scotland’s world-class research into knowledge that makes impact.
“Bringing together Scotland’s businesses with the knowledge, expertise and networks of our research community is central to achieving the ambitions of the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation and our upcoming Innovation Strategy, both in creating the inventions and innovations of the future, and in supporting translation of these into impact and opportunity.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Chair of the Interface Strategic Board and Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said:
“The annual flagship awards event for business-academic partnerships have gone from strength to strength since launching eight years ago. They celebrate the very best of people and partnerships involved in shaping game-changing innovations across Scotland.”
A full list of the winners in the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2023 is available on the Interface website.
SFC funding for research
SCF Alliances for Research Challenges (ARCs) – Call for Expressions of Interest
The first steps of a new approach to research collaboration in Scotland have been marked today by the announcement of funding for three initial partnerships.
Alliances for Research Challenges (ARCs) will now be established for brain health, energy and food. The alliances will each receive up to £600,000 over the next four years from the Scottish Funding Council. The investment will enable them to create multi-disciplinary, cross-sector teams to strengthen and accelerate bids for major research grants, including funding from overseas.
The challenges each alliance will address include some of the biggest questions facing governments across the world, such as how to manage food supply chains, how to cope with the transition to new sustainable sources of energy and how to help people have good cognitive health in old age. Also in development is an alliance to examine the best uses of emerging quantum technologies in areas such as computing, communications and healthcare.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Higher Education Minister, Jamie Hepburn, said:
“ARCs will connect Scotland’s research excellence to national challenges and will build on our unique collaborative ethos and world-class universities to prime the Scottish landscape to respond to challenge-focused research funding opportunities.
“I look forward to hearing more about the innovative solutions being developed in areas ranging from healthy ageing, quantum technologies, managing our food systems, and energy transition and sustainability as the ARCs progress.”
Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation, said:
“ARCs will make exciting and dynamic links between people, institutions and disciplines. In doing so they will place Scottish research in a strong position to generate new funding through successful bids to research grants in the UK, Europe and beyond.
“The ARCs are also designed to connect the priorities of the Scottish Government with areas of strength within our publicly funded research system.”
Looking to the future, the Scottish Funding Council sees ARCs as a fundamental part of a research system that includes universities, industry partners, research institutes, third-sector collaborators, Research Pools, Innovation Centres and policymakers.
More information is available in the research collaboration area of the SFC website.