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Tim Birkhead's column on the lottery nature of research funding ("Working Knowledge, July 21) demonstrates why many academics rely on "self-funding".

The UK must take care to ensure that any new regime does not reinforce gender inequities that have been found in the UK systems. Care needs to be taken not to place more emphasis on quantity than quality. If it does, it will disadvantage those who seek a work-life balance and those with caring responsibilities.

Dory Reeves
Helensburgh