In a letter, published in The Times today (11 June), the seven Research Council
Chief Executives have set out their ideas on impact. The letter gives the Chief
Executives, collectively, the opportunity to underline their commitment to continued
funding for excellent research, whether basic or applied, and to signal to the community
that we need to work together to put research at the heart of the country’s economic
recovery.
The full text of the letter is below:
Sir, A healthy and vibrant research base is crucial for responding to the economic
downturn and, as we emerge from these difficulties, it must remain a priority to
ensure the future prosperity of the nation.
Research has always had a massive impact on the economy and society. There are
numerous examples of the value of discovery and innovation, whether through influencing
government policy, for example, in the areas of education, welfare or health; making
discoveries such as the work done on MRI and stem cells or collaborating with business,
industry and the third sector.
But we cannot be complacent. The world is changing, not just as a result of the
present economic situation, but also because of the revolution in communication
technologies and the rapidly expanding economies in parts of the developing world.
As current world leaders, the UK research community needs to seize the opportunities
offered, and that is why the UK Research Councils are placing an increasing focus
on the impact of the research we fund.
This will not disadvantage basic research, or stifle research creativity or scientific
discovery. Excellence will continue to be the primary criterion for funding and
we fully believe that the highest-quality research will, over time, have the greatest
impact. Excellent research without obvious or immediate impact will not be disadvantaged.
We are committed to working with the research community to deliver the knowledge-based
economy that will be central for the nation’s future. But in this uncertain economic
climate we need the research community to work with us to demonstrate the impact
that research has on society and why it is vital to continue to invest in it.
Professor Ian Diamond
Chairman, Research Councils UK, Chief Executive, Economic and Social Research Council
Professor Philip Esler
Chief Executive, Arts and Humanities Research Council
Professor Douglas Kell
Chief Executive, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Professor David Delpy
Chief Executive, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Sir Leszek Borysiewicz
Chief Executive, Medical Research Council
Professor Alan Thorpe
Chief Executive, Natural Environment Research Council
Professor Keith Mason
Chief Executive, Science and Technology Facilities Council
- ends -
Contact
Chloë Somers
RCUK Press Officer
Tel: 01793 444592
About Research Councils UK
The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded
by the Science and Research Budget through the Department of Business, Innovation
and Skills (BIS). They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research
budget of around £3 billion a year.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's seven Research
Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research,
training and innovation they support.
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).