Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes today, 28th February, the Review of Business University Collaboration conducted by Professor Sir Tim Wilson.
RCUK believes that the world leading quality of UK research attracts business and industry from around the world to work with our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Over the past decades, the Research Councils have developed and strengthened successful collaborations between business and UK universities to ensure long-term partnerships are forged. Such partnerships, and the research that is invested in because of the collaborations, have a positive impact on the economic and social wellbeing of UK, maximise the impact of research and generate highly skilled graduates needed by business.
RCUK’s experience echoes the findings of the report that these are complex, multidimensional relationships and RCUK is committed to continue to build and encourage partnerships for the benefit of the research base and the UK economy. On 30th May RCUK will bring together representatives from both universities and business to explore the opportunities that collaboration can bring and how, through university-business collaboration, we can ensure that the UK is a world leader.
In addition, the Research Councils, with other stakeholders will be considering their response to the direct recommendations made to them by the report including those around the development of transferable skills through secondments, internships and work experience throughout a research career. RCUK will also continue to work closely with the Technology Strategy Board to explore the implications and opportunities for the HEI sector presented by the establishment of Catapult Centres. This includes identifying emerging areas of research that have the potential to bring value to the UK economy.
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Further information
Contact:
Alexandra Saxon
RCUK Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: alexandra.saxon@rcuk.ac.uk
Notes to editors
Professor Sir Tim Wilson’s review can be found on the BIS website here and the review website here.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, 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).