SOAS fellowships

I do not wish to prolong the debate about the two fellowships at the School of Oriental and African Studies in Iranian studies, especially now that the SOAS academic board and governing body have reconfirmed their establishment ("Uproar as SOAS takes Iran cash", THES, December 10). But two factual points deserve correction.

First, the financial contribution to SOAS from the Institute of Islamic Studies for these fellowships will be less than Pounds 35,000 over three years - not Pounds 180,000.

Second, Ayatollah Araki has not been appointed to either of the fellowships (nor is he a PhD student at SOAS).

Tim Lankester Director School of Oriental and African StudiesUniversity of London