"The European economy, and indeed the world economy, are facing threats that have not been seen for several generations. Energy and resources are becoming scarcer and more expensive as we consume more. The internet and social networking are changing the way we work, interact and communicate.

These are just some of the challenges that we face. We need the Social Sciences and Humanities to examine, interpret and understand these challenges and point us to answers.

This has never been more true than today – for example, we look to these disciplines to explain why and how the current economic crisis happened, to identify its social impacts and to discern future trends.

We cannot rise to the challenges facing Europe without deepening and updating our knowledge of the very economy, society and culture we live in, and without understanding Europe and its relationship with the rest of the world. [...]   

We have heard the concerns expressed by this Academy and others about the place of the Social Sciences and Humanities in future European funding for research and innovation.

Let me assure you that the European Commission shares the goals of the British Academy to inspire, recognise and support excellence in the social sciences and humanities and to champion their role and value.

Let me also assure you that future funding at the European level will provide significant space for social sciences and humanities research."