Reaction to Spending Review and Autumn Statement from around UCL

There has been reaction from around UCL to the Spending Review and Autumn Statement speech given earlier today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, setting out the government's spending plans to 2019/20. Science spending. Professor David Price, Vice-Provost (Research) said: "We welcome the Government's commitment to protect today's £4.7 billion science resource funding in real terms for the duration of the Parliament. The new Global Challenges fund and further investments in research capital are also positive steps that will provide many opportunities for UCL researchers. Professor Price also commented on the Chancellor's confirmation that the Government will implement in full the recommendations of the Nurse Review of the research councils. "Implementing the Nurse Review and creating Research UK has the potential to support the ongoing success of UK research, but we are conscious that the risks around restructuring may also be disruptive. We hope that this implementation includes heeding the many wise principles on the use of research funding that Sir Paul highlights, including preserving the spirit of the science ring-fence as well as the Haldane principle."  - £138m funding for major collaborative research.