Brunel University is proud to announce that it has secured a tremendous 54.5% increase in the level of its research funding from HEFCE, rising from £8,329,888 to an impressive £12,872,244 for 2009/10. This increase of over £4.5 million is particularly impressive when compared to the rest of the sector, which averages at an increase of just 7.8%. This places Brunel 9th in the UK, in terms of its overall funding increase.
This is the direct result of the university's success in the RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) 2008, and is a testimony to the efficacy of the its inclusive submission strategy, under which Brunel submitted research from 87% of all eligible staff, 21% of whom were Early Career Researchers. As a result, Brunel rose 10 places to 37th overall in the UK Research Power ranking, while 10% of staff submitted were classed as conducting 'world leading' research.
The funding further cements Brunel's arrival as a research-intensive university, and ensures it can continue to foster a sustainable, high-profile research culture. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Jenks, has also confirmed that the extra funding will be used to strategically invest in research infrastructure and capacity.
Commenting on the funding outcome, Professor Jenks also added: “Funding allocation is a true measure of a university's standing as a research-intensive institution. The increased funding Brunel has been allocated is a reflection of our quality and commitment to maintaining a sustainable research culture.
“Today's news marks yet another milestone in Brunel's journey. I am not surprised by our tremendous progress, which is increasingly recognised by our peers.“