Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today (4 January) published the RCUK Impact
Report 2011 which complements the impact reports prepared by the individual
Research Councils for the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
The report details the various activities through which the Research Councils
are working together to achieve greater impact. This includes collaboration with
partners in key commercial sectors, the Technology Strategy Board and governmental
departments. It also highlights the impact of the six major cross-Council themes
and how the Research Councils will develop the impact agenda through the current
spending review period. The report concludes by setting out aims of the RCUK Impact
Strategy.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: "These reports demonstrate
that the UK is a world leader in science and research. From the development of groundbreaking
new treatments to studies that shape public policy and improve lives, the significant
economic and societal impact of the UK research base is extremely impressive."
RCUK define impact to include the many ways in which research-related knowledge
and skills benefit individuals and organisations. As well as stimulating economic
growth, excellent research with impact can increase the effectiveness of public
services and policy and enhance the quality of life, health and creative output
of society.
Professor Dave Delpy, RCUK Impact Champion said: “The UK research base is one
of the best in the world and we should be proud of the impact it has both here and
abroad. In addition to the outstanding research we support, the Research Councils
continue to invest in schemes and partnerships that increase the impact of this
research. It is vitally important to demonstrate the value that the UK’s excellent
research contributes to the economic growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK,
both now and in the future.”
A copy of the RCUK Impact Report 2011 is available
here.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes to editors
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This is the first RCUK Impact Report in the current Spending Review period
(2011-15). It covers the final year of the 2007 Spending Review period (April
2010 – March 2011), and the first six months of the current period (April –
September 2011). The overall performance targets for RCUK are detailed in the
RCUK Delivery Plan 2011-15 which can be found
here.
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Research Council Impact Reports can be accessed through the following links:
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Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's
seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We
support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on
the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global
research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster
international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure
around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers
and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with
research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal
wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology
Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education Funding Councils, 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).