Universities in England at Risk of Long-Term Decline
British Academy's Warning to the Government
Dame Julia Black
Outgoing President of the British Academy
Renowned academic and policy expert
Advocates for urgent higher education reform
Universities face
Funding challenges
Falling international competitiveness
Policy instability
A possible
long-term decline
without action
What She Said
Ministers have a confused and fragmented approach to higher education. Without strategic reform, the sector is at serious risk
Problems Identified
Inconsistent policies
Poor funding models
Neglect of humanities and social sciences
Lack of clear long-term vision
Consequences of Inaction
Brain drain
Drop in research quality
Decline in student experience
Reduced global influence
What Needs to Change?
Strategic investment in universities
Clear and consistent policy roadmap
Strong support for research and innovation
Protection of academic independence
British Academy urges government to
Reassess its priorities
Value higher education as a
public good
– Support long-term planning for UK’s knowledge economy
Final Message
Universities are vital to the UK’s future.
Without proper attention and reform, the decline could become irreversible.