Scotland has been able to carry out world-leading research - from the creation of Dolly the Sheep to developments in quantum physics - by sharing funding and knowledge as part of the UK, according to the latest Scotland Analysis paper released today on November 11, 2013.
As part of the UK, Scotland has 5 of the top 200 universities in the world and has been able to secure a higher percentage of UK research council funding (13%) than its population share. Research activity in Scotland and the rest of the UK has flourished through sharing risks, infrastructure and expertise, according to the latest Scotland analysis paper by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
"Scotland Analysis: Science and Research" found that as part of the UK, Scotland has a strong and vibrant research base which brings both economic and social benefits. Applying and commercialising research and technology has transformed lives by improving health, ways of working, transport and communication.
UK researchers and institutions benefit from a wide range of funding sources, including funding councils, UK Research Councils, business and research charities. Scotland’s strong performance in research means it often secures a greater share of funding from these sources compared to population. In 2012-13 Scotland received £257 million or 13% of grant funding from Research Councils.
The UK is ranked second only to the US in terms of world-class research. It has a large, heavily integrated research base comprising over 160 Higher Education Institutions, with Scottish universities a key part of the success story. A UK-wide approach enables more large scale facilities such as the STFC Astronomy Technology Centre, minimising duplication. In addition, sharing facilities and a common set of frameworks helps to establish best practice and ensure research excellence.
