Throughout 2012, the Research Councils continued to support research that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. 2012 was the year of the London 2012 Games, in which UK research and the work of the Research Councils contributed significantly to Team GB’s success.
Highlights included the Cutting Edge 2012 series of events and films in the lead up to the London 2012 Games, the use of innovative tailor-made seats for the wheelchair basketball events in the Paralympics, and the development of the London 2012 anti-doping facilities into a world-class resource that could help revolutionise healthcare.
One major discovery was the new particle found by researchers from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, which was consistent with the long-sought Higgs Boson. This marked a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the Universe.
Some of these highlights and more have been compiled in 2012: A year with RCUK which can be found here.
Over the last year, the Research Councils have invested in new schemes, partnerships, people and facilities to increase the impact of UK research. 2012: A year with RCUK is a celebration of just some of the impressive activities the Research Councils have led and supported. It also includes details of those honoured in the 2013 New Year Honours List with a connection to the Research Councils.
If you would like to keep up with the exciting developments from across the Research Councils in 2013, please subscribe to This Week in RCUK which is sent via email every Monday, by contacting communications@rcuk.ac.uk.
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Further information
Contact:
Katie Clark
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Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark
Notes to editors
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).