Currently 75% of the annual recurrent research funding from Government is allocated to just 31 of Britain’s 161 universities resulting in a concentration of resources in just a few universities.

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor at the University said: “The University of Bedfordshire has a growing reputation for carrying out world-leading, high quality research. Much of our research has a direct economic as well as a social benefit to the country.”

Earlier this year Bedfordshire was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, for its pioneering research in the area of social work and social care, bringing national and international recognition to the University.

However this recognition for excellence in research is not reflected in the level of research investment.

“If investment is focused on just a few universities, it limits the ability of other universities to provide research support,” said the Vice Chancellor. “It is particularly unhelpful to small and medium sized businesses that are more likely to turn to their local university for research support.”

Mr Rammell pointed to recent research carried out by the University including:

• The Centre for Computer Graphics and Visualisation who’s work on analysing data to identify individual reactions to treatments and lifestyles has real life application in personalised treatment plans for cancer, heart failure and osteoporosis patients
• While The Centre for Research in Distributed Technologies is at the heart of developments to prototype robotic assistants to support older people’s independent living.

“However ground breaking research of this type is at risk without the proper funding,” explained Mr Rammell.

The Growth by Research campaign is calling for Government to commit to the need for a broad and balanced research base, including investing in the research infrastructure of all universities.

The campaign launch comes ahead of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills’ upcoming strategy for Science and Innovation that will also be released in December.