The University of Oxford received more external research income than any other UK university in 2007–08, according to figures released last week by HESA (the Higher Education Statistics Agency).

Oxford topped the table for the third year running, with £285.3m, up 14.9% from the previous year.

External research income (research grants and contracts) is the largest source of Oxford University’s funding, accounting for 38% of all income – compared to 25% from HEFCE and 4% from endowment returns.

The figures mean that Oxford’s external research income is up 64% over the past 4 years and 142% over the past 9 years. Based on third quarter estimates for this year, it will have almost doubled over five years (2003/4-2008/9).

The news follows on from Oxford topping the tables for RAE funding, with £118.9m for 2009–10, higher than any other university.

Dr John Hood, Vice-Chancellor, said: ‘This unrivalled research investment is an annual vote of confidence in Oxford’s ability to conduct world-leading research into that which we do not understand about our societies, our world and our universe.

'Oxford’s research power is unparalleled in the UK: we have topped the tables for the third year running, alongside topping the tables for RAE income. 

‘However, the challenge for everyone is maintaining investment in research through the global financial downturn. We were delighted that when the Prime Minister visited Oxford back in February he noted that this is no time to slow down investment in research. Our external research funders are obviously not going to be immune to global financial movements, and their continued support in the face of this pressure is vital to us. And, more than ever, the generosity of donors and benefactors is crucial to our endeavour.’

Oxford has also attracted significant funding from overseas, with more international research income than any other UK university. Recent examples include two grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: £8.7m for a large-scale international study that will establish a new set of standards for foetal growth, and £12.5m to map the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs and guide global efforts to control and eradicate the disease.

Oxford is involved in many projects with local, national or international partners. Promoting economic growth in developing countries is, for example, the focus of a new centre established by Oxford and the London School of Economics (LSE), awarded £37m over the next three years by Department for International Development (DFID).

Funding councils have shown strong support for research. The AHRC awarded the largest grant ever to a single institution in March, with £30m for postgraduate research – Oxford Humanities’ biggest ever grant. A recent £8m grant from the Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) will fund a research centre that allows engineers to apply their skills to human health, developing personalised healthcare to help treat conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

Alongside efforts to secure direct investment in specific research projects runs Oxford Thinking, a fundraising drive with a minimum target of £1.25 billion. Well over £713m has already been raised.

Professor Michael Earl, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Development and External Affairs), said: 'Oxford’s research strength, evident in the HESA data and RAE results, has been a key factor in the Campaign, with many donors wishing to invest in discovery and innovation that will benefit humanity. The news about our unequalled success in the competitive process of applying for grants demonstrates to potential donors that Oxford is the very best investment for those wanting to fund research of global importance. It is clear that both benefactors and external funding bodies consider Oxford to offer outstanding value for money in converting funds into research with real impact.'

(www.eduwo.com, Jainlyn&Charlotte)