Sustainability of the UK research workforce report published

A report on the sustainability of the UK research workforce has been welcomed by UK research funders. The report aims to ensure that the 'supply chain' of researchers across different disciplines is effectively managed, so that overall research requirements and strategy within the UK are supported.

Sustainability of the UK research workforce, a report by Research Councils UK, describes the range of activities that are intended to help inform the UK research community and policy makers about the sustainability of the UK research base. One element of the report focuses on potential skills gaps in the research sector. It identifies key areas of research, such as language based area studies, green technologies and health economics, which exhibit an increased need for further expertise in their fields.

However, with numbers of academic staff across the disciplines steadily increasing, the sector needs to consider whether a continued rise in research sector employees is sustainable in the current economic downturn.

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Notes

Contact:
Chloë Somers
RCUK Press Officer
Tel: 01793 444592

1. Sustainability of the UK research workforce is available to download here .
2. Sustainability of the UK research workforce was presented by Research Councils UK in December to the UK Funders' Forum, a meeting of the main UK funders of research. This report combines information and data previously published in the Health of Disciplines' and 'Researchers: What is the situation? reports.
3. 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).