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There are increasing indications that England and Scotland will fund the 2001 research assessment outcomes differently (For the Record, THES, February 9), that is, England will fund 3a and above units of assessment (UoAs), while Scotland may opt to fund only 4-rated and above UoAs. Are the consequences of such selective and differential funding being explored and debated? One can argue the case for funding either 3a and above, or only 4 and above UoAs, but to introduce further variability into a stressed sector is unhelpful.

How convenient that devolution allows us the conditions for a social experiment in widening access (teaching) and/or selectivity (research).

Lorraine N. Smith
University of Glasgow