Research funding plans 'will force academics out'

THE UK risks losing many of its top academics if proposals to give more funding to research which has economic benefits go ahead, a poll found today.

More than a third of professors (34.5 per cent) say they would consider working overseas if the plans are introduced, according to the University and College Union.

Under the Higher Education Funding Council for England plan, up to 25 per cent of research would get extra recognition if it "benefits" the economy and society.