Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes 'International comparative performance of the UK research base'

Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes 'International comparative performance of the UK research base' published last week which finds that UK research remains the most productive and efficient in the G8. RCUK's commitment to funding independent, world-class research ensures that the UK remains renowned for the excellence of its research.

The benchmarking study, commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, compares how UK research performs in an international context. The UK performs well across the board and ranks first among G8 nations on the number of citations in relation to public R&D spend, described by the report as "an exceptionally high level of output productivity".

Professor Alan Thorpe, Chair of RCUK, said: "RCUK funded research is a driving force in ensuring that the UK is a world leader in a global market. This study demonstrates how our commitment to funding excellent research with impact strengthens the UK's position. We welcome evidence that UK output from PhDs and our international collaborations are increasing, as RCUK believes strongly that substantial investment in the next generation of researchers today will favourably position the UK to seize future opportunities and maintain its world leading status."

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Notes

Contact:
Chloë Somers
RCUK Press Officer
Tel: 01793 444592

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).