Funding from the government's global talent fund, totaling 54m, has been awarded primarily to universities in the south-east of England. No northern universities, despite their strong research records, were selected, which has drawn criticism from MPs and researchers. Concerns have been raised about the selection process being neither evidence-based nor fair. Chi Onwurah has called for an explanation from the science minister regarding the criteria used, and the Northern Powerhouse Partnership has deemed the process arbitrary, missing the opportunity to support significant institutions in northern England.
The government awarded 10m to five universities in the south-east, while none were selected from the north of England, raising concerns about innovation investment.
Labour has called the funding decision deeply disappointing, noting that no northern universities were chosen despite their research strengths and the aim to rebalance the economy.
Chi Onwurah expressed concerns about the selection process for funding, labeling it as neither evidence-based nor place-based policy, and demanding clarity from the science minister.
The Northern Powerhouse Partnership criticized the selection criteria as arbitrary and inconsistently applied, highlighting the unfairness towards large northern institutions like Manchester and Durham.
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