20th March 2009, 02:51 PM
The 1996, 2001 RAEs? and the 2009 RAE just aren't quite that comparable.
Though the most telling part of the 2009 RAE would note that there has been an expansion, on applicable research staff has increased by 27.79 FTE (Full Time Equivalent), across the field of research since 2001.
On top of that the criteria seem to have evolved somewhat, into what appears to be a more transparent analytical format than the 2001 RAE, but the international recognition and excellence criteria are a little too vague.
To be honest, I think this may just be as a result of a complexity to the organisation of educational structures as creative pools, with a best face forward approach.
However, what is worth noting is that there was a growth of 111.5 FTE, across the field of research from 1996-2001. This steep climb considerably shallowed to a mere 27.79 FTE for 2001-2009.
But this still means that in a period of 13years we are left with an increase of 139.29 FTE across the research sector.
I think this is a major boundary to be broached before we are ready to move any discussions forward on the industries future in any serious capacity.
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Mike