Chemistry review undertaken by HEFCE and The Royal Society of Chemistry alliance

The Royal Society of Chemistry and HEFCE today committed themselves to work collaboratively to secure a vibrant future for chemistry in UK universities. 

Both parties acknowledge that the key issues to be tackled are the recruitment of students (where recent trends are encouraging) and appropriate funding of chemistry in the context of the higher education system as a whole.

The two organisations have been in dialogue over the future provision of chemistry in English universities. The RSC therefore welcomed the commitment on the part of HEFCE to work collaboratively with subject communities to address the issues raised in the HEFCE Report "Strategically Important and Vulnerable Subjects".

A joint initiative is being worked out in principle between HEFCE and the RSC building on a relationship already established in the pioneering Aimhigher pilot project Chemistry: The Next Generation that has been running for the past year in parts of the UK encouraging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter chemistry.

Dr Simon Campbell, President RSC, said today: "Both we and HEFCE realise that changes may be required in order to allow chemistry to thrive and flourish at university level.

"The prospect of support from HEFCE will allow the chemistry community to review and, where appropriate, adapt and develop sustainable provision.

Dr Campbell added: "HEFCE and the RSC occasionally have different views on the funding of science in the UK. I would not pretend that HEFCE's view of all national funding issues dovetails with ours but in our dialogue with the funding council we have been struck by its commitment and determination to support strategically important and vulnerable subjects.

"The RSC embraces this opportunity to work with the HEFCE to enhance chemical science provision and to look at potential for significant innovation in HE courses. We look forward to working with academia and industry to ensure a dynamic future for students, universities and the chemical science base in the UK."

"It is clearly in the national interest that important subjects like chemistry are sustained and developed. We look forward to building on the successful work we've already delivered and are excited about the possibilities for future investment," said Sir Howard Newby, HEFCE