The AHRC is making some radical changes to the way it funds research and postgraduate study (see our February 2008 Newsletter for a summary). The impact of these changes on Philosophy within the UK threatens to be very damaging indeed; there are not only major cuts to PG studentships and the Research Leave Scheme, but there is a clear indication that a much greater proportion of the AHRC’s money - including 50% of its postgraduate studentships - will be devoted to areas that are ‘research priorities’.
The BPA is extremely concerned about the possible effects of the changes, as are many other national subject associations for arts and humanities disciplines. We are considering how, in collaboration with other subject associations, to respond to the situation, and will keep you posted.
Meanwhile, if you can stomach it, you might want to take a look at the AHRC’s Delivery Plan 2008-11, and Simon Blackburn’s Times Higher Education article (31 January 2008).
