Research Councils UK today welcomes the publication of The Race to the Top, Lord Sainsbury’s review of UK science and innovation policy. The report recognises the vital role that the Research Councils play in maintaining the UK’s economic competitiveness and supports many of the actions currently being undertaken by them.
Lord Sainsbury highlights the importance of Research Council work with the government’s Technology Strategy Board, which aims to place the UK as a global leader in technology and innovation. A mutually beneficial relationship has been developed since the new Technology Strategy Board was formed in July 2007 and the Research Councils are expecting this to continue to flourish, enabled by a new TSB/RCUK group.
Speaking on behalf of the Research Councils, Professor Ian Diamond said, "The Research Councils have made great strides in developing our knowledge transfer activities and we are delighted that Lord Sainsbury recognises some of our successes. We share his view that we need to extend our activities and strive to communicate our schemes as clearly as possible."
A challenge for the Research Councils is to embed economic impact considerations within their strategies, delivery and organisation, building on UK research’s reputation for excellence. Research Councils UK will be setting out how they achieve this in a report to be published shortly.
The Research Councils share Lord Sainsbury’s view that the UK needs to build on their already strong record in collaborating internationally. They will be opening offices in China and the USA this autumn and are planning to open an office in India early in 2008. These will provide the single points of contacts recommended in The Race to the Top.
The Research Councils will be further strengthening their collaboration in international activities with the formation of an International Fellowship Association to sustain the valuable relationships formed by Research Council fellows during their time in the UK.
Professor Diamond said, "As well as the areas in which Lord Sainsbury directly mentions the Research Councils, we also welcome the thrust towards improving science in schools and ensuring the development of the next generation of scientists. We intend to work with other stakeholders to develop this agenda."
He added, "The Research Councils have already developed a number of ideas along similar lines to those suggested by Lord Sainsbury. His excellent review has confirmed our own thinking and provided some valuable recommendations that we shall be seeking to implement in the future."
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Contact
Julia Short
RCUK Media Officer, Tel 01793 444435
About Research Councils UK
The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Office of Science and Innovation. They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research budget of over £2.8 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 and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).