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It is not often that academics are tempted down from their towers to tiptoe to the edge of their territory for a little constructive engagement with their neighbours.

The disgraceful RAE process provides a rare window of opportunity for academics to work together to propose a new process that does not compromise what academia stands for. Dennis Noble's suggestion, for the top five institutions to speak out, is an excellent one.

I also hope sufficient energy is directed towards the development of a credible alternative.

Those of us who believe the RAE must go in its present form need to provide solutions as well as criticisms.

Tim Clark
Research student
Department of social policy and social work
University of Birmingham