Greater support needed for charity-funded research
16th June 2009
Greater support needed for charity-funded research
The future of charity-funded research in the UK could be under threat, ultimately impacting those touched by breast cancer, according to a report published by Breast Cancer Campaign today (16 June).
Despite support from the Government through the Charity Research Support Fund (CRSF), the report shows that of 253 university based researchers questioned, nearly a third (29 per cent) were discouraged by their universities from applying to charities for funding, citing that only directly incurred costs are met by the charities.
The CRSF, worth almost £200 million in 2009/10, was set up by the Government in 2006 and is crucial to the sustainability of charity-funded research in the UK as it is designed to cover the additional costs not met by charity funding.
Worryingly, the majority of respondents (73 per cent) had never heard of the CRSF, with only five per cent considering it adequate. In addition, a quarter of respondents (24 per cent) felt that charity funding was not promoted enough within their institutions, suggesting a reluctance to pursue this option.
These findings support those from a recent Research Councils UK and Universities UK report which found that even when the CRSF is taken into account, around 22 per cent of the full costs of charity-funded research are still left uncovered. This gap in Government funding could dissuade institutions from considering charities to fund medical research.
Last year charities contributed more than £900 million to medical and health research in the UK, which demonstrates the significant contribution the charity sector makes.
Campaign’s report has revealed a clear need to provide greater support for charity funding through the CRSF and its equivalents in the devolved governments.
Pamela Goldberg, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Campaign said: “The findings from our report are very concerning. The research into breast cancer that we support relies entirely on donations provided through the generosity of the public. But we also depend on the funding provided to universities through the CRSF, in order to ensure that they can host this vital research.
“Unless we see a significant increase in the current level of funding, and a long-term commitment from the Government to maintain this, it could have serious repercussions for medical research supported by charities, in addition to the financial implications for universities left to fund the remaining costs.
“We urge the Government and funding councils to endorse our recommendations and ensure that the concerns surrounding the future of CRSF are addressed.”
Simon Denegri, Chief Executive, AMRC said, “Breast Cancer Campaign's findings will resonate with many of AMRC's members who have been telling us of similar attitudes and behaviours among researchers. What is clear is that the Government must 'up its game' on the CRSF if we want to see charity-funded research continue to thrive in the UK. Unless that happens it may simply become too costly and prohibitive for institutions and some charities to continue working together given the current economic climate and forecast. The ultimate loser, of course, will not be either sector but patient and public health and wellbeing.”
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