Results from a comprehensive survey of current and former Fellows funded by Research
Councils UK (RCUK) and the three national Academies have been published today, 18th
November 2009.
The survey, run by RCUK, was developed to find out whether a UK International Fellowship
Association should be established. Fellows were asked how they currently keep in
touch with colleagues and research associates and what existing academic networks
they use. The survey was also interested in how Fellows find out about funding opportunities,
with a particular focus on international collaborations, and how they access research
career advice, such as guidance helpful when moving to the UK or overseas for an
academic position. RCUK and its partners are now using the survey findings to look
into how best to serve the needs of Fellows both in the UK and internationally.
With over 93% of respondents in regular contact with former colleagues and research
associates, Fellows are clearly making the most of the wide range of communication
methods available to stay in touch. One key area highlighted by the survey was the
need for a single source announcing funding opportunities in the UK. By developing
a website, or portal, listing research career opportunities in the UK, respondents
said they would be less likely to miss out on funding and it would reduce time spent
and simplify the process of searching for opportunities.
Professor Ian Diamond, RCUK Skills Champion, commented: "We would like to thank
all those who responded to the survey. Listening to the academic community is a
vital way of understanding how best we can meet their needs and RCUK will work with
partners to develop the recommendations that have come out of this report.
"There is clearly a demand for better information provision, for both funding opportunities
and research careers advice. We will be looking into the recommendation to develop
a portal detailing research career opportunities, as well as exploring how we can
build on the initiatives that are already in place. The UK is already one of the
most attractive destinations in the world for researchers to work and we must continue
to ensure that the support our researchers receive throughout their careers is as
comprehensive as possible."
- ends -
Notes
Contact:
Chloë Somers
RCUK Press Officer
Tel: 01793 444592
- The survey was run by Research Councils UK in collaboration with the British
Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society.
- A copy of the survey report is available to download
here
.
- Around 900 Fellows were asked to respond to the survey in May/June 2009.
About Research Councils UK
Research Councils UK 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 the third sector.
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).