"We are deeply disappointed that universities in the North of
England, some of the best and brightest in the world, have once
again been overlooked in the allocation of national innovation
funding, despite their research credentials.
"The North is home to some of the UK's most innovative,
high-performing universities. These institutions drive the
development of lifechanging technologies and work hand in hand
with industry to create good jobs and grow the economy. Their
exclusion from the Global Talent Fund undermines their
contribution to the UK's economic success, as well as the
Government's stated commitment to rebalance our economy.
"As Mayors, we stand ready to support the Government in its
mission to make the UK a global science superpower. But to truly
deliver on that mission, investment in innovation must
reflect the full breadth and depth of talent that exists across
the country, not continue to be concentrated disproportionately
in London and the South-East.
"We are calling for urgent reform to ensure greater transparency
and fairness in how public research and innovation funding is
allocated. Strategic funds like this must support national
growth, and that means recognising and investing in the full
potential of the North of England and the fifteen million people
we collectively represent.
"We urge UK Research and Innovation to think again, review this
disappointing decision and work together with us on creating a
new funding model that truly reflects the strengths and
aspirations of all of our regions, to build a brighter Britain
that works for us all."
Signed,
, Mayor of West
Yorkshire
Andy , Mayor of Greater
Manchester
, Mayor of Hull and
East Yorkshire
, Mayor of South
Yorkshire
Lord Ben Houchen, Mayor of the Tees Valley
, Mayor of the
North East
, Mayor of the
Liverpool City Region
, Mayor of York and
North Yorkshire
Notes to editors
For more information about the Global Talent fund, visit:
Global Talent Fund –
UKRI
Leading lights of UK
research spearhead search for world's best talent - GOV.UK
