As James Ladyman knows, the Arts and Humanities Research Council is always open to constructive engagement, as it regards divergent thinking as a great strength of its research community.
However, I would like to correct one inaccuracy in his letter of 19 March. The AHRC regularly uses data on UK research students as part of its case for the economic impact of arts and humanities research. In fact, it recently highlighted the fact that overseas students studying with arts and humanities researchers bring more than £2 billion a year into the UK economy.
The AHRC's argument for the impact of arts and humanities research is very much broader than that, and it will shortly launch a report The Economic Impact of Arts and Humanities Research, demonstrating the extensive impact of its research community not only on wealth creation, but also on society, public policy and practice, and the culture and quality of life in the UK.
Shearer West, Director of research, Arts and Humanities Research Council.