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That 1* activity will not be funded after the 2008 research assessment exercise appears to be accepted as "fact" within much of the sector, probably owing to a perception that the Higher Education Funding Council for England will fund from the top down but not stretch to 1* (national level) activity, despite this comprising 50 per cent of the 5* ratings for 2001.

There is a danger of the sector scoring an own goal, wrecking nascent careers and rendering invisible a large proportion of UK research.

Hefce could transform this negative climate by committing to fund 1* activity appropriately.

Peter Barrett.
Pro-vice-chancellor
Salford University