RCUK welcome the effort and thought that has gone into understanding the need to encourage the best researchers from around the world to come and work in the UK. The new system introduced by the UK Border Agency combines rigour and responsibility with flexibility. It will benefit the UK research base by ensuring the best minds are able to work together to address global research grand challenges.
The RCUK Shared Services Centre Ltd Immigration Team is supporting the Research Councils by developing an immigration model that will enable each Council to meet employer's obligations in line with the Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Following the introduction of the new system from the UK Border Agency, the team are now working with the Research Councils to ensure a smooth transition while applying the changes to meet individual objectives. The team also helps the Research Councils utilise various immigration routes available, such as the Points Based Tiers and Visas routes for visiting researchers. Alongside this, the Immigration Team also assist the UK Border Agency with developing immigration principles that may have an impact on RCUK.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes to editors
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).