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University Grants Committee's response to enquiries on result announcement of Research Assessment Exercise 2014

The University Grants Committee (UGC) today (February 5) responded to enquiries on the result announcement of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2014 as follows:

Academic freedom and institutional autonomy are core values treasured by Hong Kong and are cornerstones of our higher education sector. All eight higher education institutions funded by the UGC are autonomous bodies with their own Ordinances and governing Councils. The UGC Notes on Procedures clearly state that institutions enjoy autonomy in the development of curricula and academic standards, selection of staff and students, initiation and conduct of research, internal allocation of resources, etc. The UGC has all along supported and safeguarded academic freedom and institutional autonomy in accordance with the Notes on Procedures, in the context of appropriate financial and public accountability.

Academic and administrative matters fall squarely within the autonomy of the UGC-funded institutions in accordance with their own governing Ordinances and internal procedures. While institutions should be mindful of the public interest and be held accountable for their decisions, the UGC appeals for society's continued respect for institutional autonomy.

Regarding the result announcement of the RAE 2014, the results of the RAE 2014 were kept strictly confidential until the public announcement on January 27, 2015. All relevant confidential papers for discussion at the UGC meeting were returned to the UGC Secretariat immediately after the meeting.