Last week the four UK national academies jointly submitted a letter to Sir John OReilly (Director General for Knowledge and Innovation at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills) in response to his consultation on government strategic priorities for science and research funding. This complements the recent joint statement ‘Fuelling Prosperity the academies published in April 2013 on the importance of research to the UK economy.

The British Academy has also submitted supplementary advice to Sir John further detailing and illustrating issues concerning humanities and social science research. The supplement details how these disciplines contribute to the UK’s ability to maintain its comparative advantages and respond to national and international challenges. It builds on the common concerns that were emphasised in ‘Fuelling Prosperity – including the importance of maintaining a broad research base that is focused on excellence and can attract the best researchers from the UK and overseas.

To read the letter and supplement please visit the British Academys website.