Pencil point blunted

I read "Is your career in the can?" ( THES , July 5) with interest, particularly as it highlighted the achievements of London Institute students. But the conclusion mentioned the institute's improved rating in the research assessment exercise and suggested that "Ithe yellow pencil winners from Chelsea and St Martins could well have helped nudge up the score".

This statement is quite misleading. The relationship of research and teaching is rich and complex, however, the RAE assesses only the research outputs of staff, not student achievements.

Norma Starszakowna
Chair of panel for art and design
RAE 2001
London Institute