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Northern universities miss Global Talent Fund drawing regional backlash
Twelve universities will deliver the fund while Hull and other northern institutions are not included. The government says the fund will attract talent and boost growth. Mayors call for a rethink and a fairer funding model.
Northern universities are excluded from a 54m fund to attract global research talent, drawing criticism from northern mayors.
Northern universities excluded from Global Talent Fund
Britain plans a 54 million Global Talent Fund to attract researchers from around the world. Twelve universities were chosen to deliver the fund, including Cambridge, Oxford and Birmingham. Hull and other northern institutions were left off the list. The government says the fund could boost growth by creating jobs and linking research with industry.
A group of northern mayors published an open letter saying the decision overlooks the strengths of northern universities and could undermine the economy. They call for more transparency and a funding model that reflects talent across the country and reduces London and South East dominance. Chi Onwurah, chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, criticized the decision as not aligned with devolution and regional opportunities.
Lawmakers and academics have long called for regional equity in science funding, and this decision could become a political issue ahead of future rounds. The letter argues that innovation spending has been concentrated in the capital and the South East and calls for clearer criteria in how public research money is allocated.
Key Takeaways
"We are deeply disappointed that universities in the North have been overlooked"
from the group letter by northern mayors
"The North has many world class universities"
regional critics
"We stand ready to support the Government in its mission to make the UK a global science superpower"
mayors statement
"The decision misses the chance to rebalance growth across the country"
editorial remark
This move tests the balance between national growth and regional strength. The perception that science power is concentrated in the South could hurt the credibility of public investment and complicate talent attraction. The risk of backlash is real as voters question where opportunity is created.
A transparent revamp of the funding model could help. Clear criteria and independent oversight would make future rounds easier to defend. If the North gains a bigger voice, the policy could unlock broader economic and social benefits across multiple sectors.
Highlights
- The North deserves a seat at the table of national science funding
- Investment must reflect the full breadth of talent across the country
- We stand ready to support the government in its mission to grow science
- This decision misses a chance to rebalance growth across the country
Regional bias in talent fund allocation
The decision to exclude northern universities from the 54m Global Talent Fund raises questions about fairness and transparency in public research funding. Critics warn that perceived bias could widen regional inequalities and trigger public backlash.
A fair map of investment could unlock broad gains for the country
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