Birkbeck, University of London: Mathematics and Statistics

(asked on 20th July 2023) - View Source

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions she has had with Birkbeck University on proposed cuts to its mathematics and statistics department.


Answered by
George Freeman Portrait
George Freeman
This question was answered on 6th September 2023

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education gave to her question 193653 on 20 July 2023.

Higher Education providers are independent, autonomous institutions responsible for their own decisions on staffing issues, including how they structure themselves to deliver research and teaching priorities. Research in mathematical sciences is key for the advancement of all areas of science and technology, and a vital area of science in itself. UK Research and Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funds Mathematical Sciences from its core budget, typically spending £25-£30 million per annum. They have also committed a further £124 million out to 2028-29 as part of the Additional Funding Programme for Mathematic Sciences programme.

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