The University of Stirling has welcomed nearly £400,000 of additional research funding from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
The extra money was announced by the Scottish Education Secretary Michael Russell today (23 May).
The Stirling funding – totalling £393,000 - is part of a larger £13.8 million package shared amongst Scottish Universities to help boost Scottish output of world-leading research.
Professor Gerry McCormac, the Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University, said: “We’re delighted to be allocated these additional resources in recognition of the quality of our research and thank the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government for their support.”
“The funding will be used to continue the expansion of a major strategic research initiative started in 2012. The ‘Impact’ initiative is focused on attracting outstanding early career staff, building research partnerships and industry collaborations, and enhancing the research performance and profile of the University.
The funding will support growth in priority research strengths identified in the University’s Strategic Plan.”
Mr Russell said: “Scottish universities are already known around the globe for their excellence and our reputation for research is a crucial part of this. I want to help our universities go further and continue to improve their global standing and build on those successes.
“That is why we will deliver investment of almost £14 million for world-leading research at Scottish universities. Alongside the matched funding that will be provided by our leading research universities, this will help institutions further strengthen the excellence of their research base and in turn further boost their international reputation and increase their contribution to our economic future.”
Laurence Howells, the Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “We’re working very hard with universities to maintain Scotland’s strong position in international university research. We want to do all we can to help Scottish universities attract research talent and continue to achieve at their current high level. Global Excellence is an investment in future economic growth and in jobs and I look forward to supporting its development across the sector.”
The full announcement from the Scottish Government is available here