Extra funding for chemistry at universities announced this morning by HEFCE will go some way to making the subject more secure in England in the short-term, says the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Chief executive, Richard Pike said: "The RSC welcomes this additional funding which comes after years of campaigning; it will go some way to addressing the under-funding of Higher Education chemistry teaching in England.

"This is a good start on which HEFCE and the Government can build in the coming years and it will begin to alleviate the cost pressures on laboratory-based subjects. It will also help hard-pressed vice-chancellors are who are managing tight budgets."

Richard Pike added: "It was obvious from last week's Stern Report on climate change - and from Tony Blair's subsequent speech on the importance of science - that chemistry will play the key role in providing solutions and future business opportunities. 

"However, still more support is needed to guarantee that we have a scientifically literate society able to debate and address these complex issues.

"The key objective now is to ensure that this money is channelled to those actually teaching the subject and that there is adequate funding in the long-term."