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There are increasing indications that England and Scotland will fund the 2001 research assessment outcomes differently (For the Record, É«ºÐÖ±²¥S, 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