RCUK welcomes the recommendations made by Royal Society report: 'The Scientific Century: securing our future prosperity'

Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the report The Scientific Century: securing our future prosperity from The Royal Society and will consider the recommendations made carefully.

RCUK endorses the report conclusion that sustained investment in research is key to the long-term economic growth of the UK. RCUK funds excellent research that contributes to a productive economy, healthy society and sustainable world and has helped establish the UK as a world-leading centre for research. Research in the UK has seen 10 years of increased investment, but it is essential that this is maintained.

Much of the activity conducted by RCUK already supports the recommendations made in The Royal Society report. In particular RCUK:

• Is building the case for sustained investment in research through the RCUK Framework for the Future: Excellence with Impact
• recognises that research is critical to solving grand challenges. Solutions to these problems requires working across disciplines and in order to facilitate this, RCUK has established the cross-Council programmes that have put in place unprecedented partnerships across the research community and the public, private and third sectors
• works closely with Government departments and is strongly committed to the use of the best research-based evidence in policy making
• has introduced flexible block grants to fund postgraduate research training. These offer a significant degree of flexibility to vary the level of resource for each student and to increase the length of the PhD
• has taken a lead role in developing transferable skills and career development for researchers and is committed to ensuring these are embedded within the doctorate and the employment of researchers
• supports excellent research that attracts collaborations with and investment from international business and industry. The RCUK Science Bridges Schemes that was praised in the report was a highly successful collaboration between RCUK and partners overseas. RCUK has recently signed agreements with FAPESP in Brazil and with the G8 national funding organisations that will facilitate further engagement between international and UK researchers and institutions
• has established a Public Engagement with Research network across the Research Councils to support the cross-Council research programmes by giving advice and support in delivering public engagement activities
• runs initiatives including the Researchers in Residence scheme which offers early stage researchers an opportunity to use their expertise in schools or colleges to create quality experiences for pupils and support the professional development of teachers.

RCUK is pleased that this report highlights many of its achievements that have helped establish the UK as a world-leading research base. RCUK will continue to support excellent research to ensure the UK maintains a world leading position.

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Further information

Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592

Notes for editors

1. More information about the RCUK Framework for the Future: Excellence with Impact can be found at: www.rcuk.ac.uk/Publications/policy/framework/Pages/home.aspx

2. The RCUK cross-Council programmes are:
   • Global Uncertainties
   • Living with Environmental Change
   • Lifelong Health and Wellbeing
   • Energy
   • Digital Economy
   • Nanoscience: through Engineering to Application
   • Global Food Security
   
   
3. 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 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).