The seven Research Councils and RCUK today publish their Delivery Plans for 2008/09 to 2010/11 to coincide with the announcement of the Science Budget allocations. The RCUK delivery plan reflects the Research Councils' priorities for joint working for 2008/09 to 2010/11 and complements the Research Councils' individual delivery plans.
RCUK priorities fall into three inter-related areas:
Skilled people. The Research Councils support the current and next generation of world class researchers so that the UK can increase its research output and global research impact and enable more young people to act as informed citizens.
Knowledge. The Research Councils' primary task is to deliver world class research in globally competitive, networked institutions. RCUK has developed six major cross-Council programmes to address major national and international challenges. RCUK is also committed to including public engagement in the future developments of each.
Economic impact. The Research Councils stimulate innovation - the successful exploitation of new ideas - a key process that enables the UK to compete effectively in an increasingly competitive global environment.
In supporting activities in these areas RCUK will build partnerships with researchers and research funders overseas and potential beneficiaries. RCUK works to engage the public in its work.
As part of their efforts to provide the most efficient and effective services, the Councils are establishing an RCUK Shared Services Centre, covering finance, HR, procurement, IT IS and grants processing. It will begin operations in 2008/09.
The RCUK and Research Council Delivery Plans can be viewed here.
The Science Budget Allocations are available on the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills website.