Leading article: Russell's Grant

It is good news that the Russell Group of research-intensive universities is about to find a new voice this year under the chairmanship of Professor Malcolm Grant, UCL's provost. If Britain is to compete globally it is important that some of the best universities are able to make a strong and lucid case for more money and for the cap to be removed from the £3,000 top-up fee. The fact that the Russell Group will have a director general, produce policy documents and engage effectively with the outside world will make them much more influential.