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The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills should bring the Academy of Social Sciences into the grant-giving process. With 680 individual academicians, 34 learned society members, 90 per cent of members being of working age and some 35 specific social-science disciplines represented, it is well qualified to make valid and informed assessments. Its credentials are unparalleled.

Additionally, the academy participates in the Strategic Forum for the Social Sciences and recently worked collaboratively with the Economic and Social Research Council on its Developing Dialogue (2008) report.

The academy exists to be the voice of the social sciences for the public benefit. It stands ready in this, its tenth anniversary year, to be entrusted with a broader research grant-giving role to foster the process of interdisciplinary knowledge production and exchange.

Sir Howard Newby, president, Miriam David, chair of council, and Cary Cooper, chair-elect of council, Academy of Social Sciences.