The Royal Society of Chemistry welcomes HEFCE report with reservations

The RSC is pleased that the funding council report spotlights the reality that Science at universities is vulnerable and strategically important. We also welcome the funding council's intention to develop its own role by working with universities and other partners to address supply-and-demand issues.
 
"Provision of education in such a strategically important subject as chemistry should not be solely determined by the decisions of individual institutions responding to the 'market'," said Dr Tony Ashmore, Registrar of the RSC.
 
"We note with disappointment that the issue of funding is not addressed. We regard the under-funding of chemistry provision which distorts the market to be at the heart of recent closures."
 
He added: "The chemistry community has welcomed support from HEFCE under the AimHigher initiative to increase participation in higher education in chemistry by students from under-represented communities.  The RSC looks forward to broadening its collaboration with HEFCE to ensure provision of appropriate courses to meet national needs and the aspirations of students."