2010 RCUK User Satisfaction Survey results are positive and encouraging

Research Councils UK (RCUK) have made significant progress in meeting the needs of user communities since the last User Satisfaction Survey was conducted in 2007. The findings show that Research Councils have made improvements across a broad range of strategic and operational areas. This includes high levels of awareness and user involvement in knowledge exchange, high levels of advocacy for Research Councils and recognition of the important role Research Councils play in helping to facilitate knowledge exchange.

RCUK are committed to enabling users to engage with Research Council funded research and support postgraduate skills provision. RCUK also aim to embed the views of users’ in all levels of policy, strategy and delivery because they believe that users make a significant contribution to Research Council decision making at all levels. This survey further highlights the importance of strong interactions with users and it is encouraging that a high number of users are already interacting with RCUK on a range of strategic and operational issues.

Specific findings of the survey include:

• The majority of users say the Research Councils are effective at meeting their needs.
• 72% of respondents engage with Research Councils on strategic and/or operational issues.
• Over half of users involved with knowledge exchange believe Research Council schemes are effective in facilitating such activities.
• 64% would speak highly of the Research Councils.
• Over half are satisfied with postgraduate skills available in their sector.
• 60% are confident that the necessary infrastructure is in place for research in their sector.

A full version of the User Satisfaction survey results can he found here .

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Further information

Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592

Notes to editors

1. In summer 2010, RCUK commissioned Ipsos MORI to undertake its second User Satisfaction Survey. The 2010 Survey was conducted online, with fieldwork taking place between 2 and 26 July 2010. Results are based on 902 completed questionnaires from a sample of 7,755 users and beneficiaries, representing a response rate of 12%.

2. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.

   The seven UK Research Councils are:

   • Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
   • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
   • Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
   • Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
   • Medical Research Council (MRC);
   • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
   • Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).