Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the findings of the Research Excellence
Framework (REF) pilot scheme that demonstrates it is possible to assess the economic
and societal benefits arising from research and how this can be achieved across
all disciplines.
Professor Dave Delpy, RCUK Impact Champion said: “RCUK is committed to supporting
excellent research that ensures social wellbeing and economic prosperity and ultimately
places the UK in a position of leadership on the world stage of research and innovation.
We support the wide definition of impact, as set out in this report, which includes
social, economic, cultural, environmental, health and quality of life benefits.
This reflects the approach already adopted by RCUK through Pathways to Impact.”
RCUK has worked closely with the Funding Councils to ensure that proposals for
the REF will be effective in pursuing shared objectives and will continue to support
the REF by working with HEFCE to contribute expertise in developing impact assessment
methodologies.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes for 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).