University pioneers argue for research respect

BOTH research and community work spearheaded by the new universities are undervalued, former polytechnics have told the Dearing inquiry into higher education.

The Coalition of Modern Universities, comprising 33 universities created in and since 1992, has urged the committee to "support good research wherever it may be found". It also wants Sir Ron Dearing and other committee members to suggest mechanisms by which universities' contributions to their communities can be strengthened.

In its submission to the inquiry, the coalition stresses the economic importance of applied and end-user research and technology transfer. It wants the introduction of a credit-based funding system to remove the split between full and part-time work and academic and vocational studies.

The Association of University and College Lecturers has called in its submission for harmonisation of the Universities Superannuation Scheme and Teachers' Superannuation Scheme to stop lecturers having to switch when they move between old and new institutions. Tony Pointon, national adviser to AUCL, said changes this year to the TSS, including reduced employer contributions, had brought the two schemes closer together.

Training to become a doctor could soon be the preserve of the affluent, the British Medical Association warns in its Dearing submission. The average medical student now owes more than Pounds 4,500. The BMA says that medical students hardship may put off less affluent applicants, distorting the intake into the profession.