RCUK welcomes announcement of new Centre to strengthen university / business relationships

Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) and Higher Education Funding Council for England (HFECE) announcement today (26th June) of a new National Centre for Universities and Business, which will focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between universities and business to drive economic growth and recovery.

Over the last decades, the Research Councils have developed successful research partnerships between business; industry and UK universities, which have had a positive impact on the economic growth and wellbeing of UK. Sir Tim Wilson’s review, published in February 2012, highlighted the vital need for universities and business to do more together to address the UK’s economic challenges and future competitiveness.

RCUK is committed to identifying areas of research that have the potential to bring value to the UK economy and will work together with CIHE and HEFCE to ensure the new Centre enables universities and business to develop stronger collaborations to help secure a stable and prosperous economic future for the UK.

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Further information

Contact:
Alexandra Saxon
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444474 or email: Alexandra Saxon

Notes to editors

1. The HEFCE / CIHE announcement is available here.

2. 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).