Research Council chief executives have invited Randal Richards to assume a new Research Councils UK (RCUK) position to support them in developing RCUK's strategy. The move reflects the increasing collaboration between Councils in a range of areas and in particular in the three areas of: research careers, international activities, and knowledge transfer & economic impact of research outputs.
Working alongside chief executives and senior Research Council staff, Dr Richards will establish dialogue and engagement on behalf of RCUK with leading stakeholders, including leading industrialists, Government Departments, and research funding bodies both overseas and in the UK.
Dr Richards said: "The Research Councils face significant challenges in responding to the new globalised research base and in ensuring that our investments yield the greatest impact. I am delighted to be taking on this role at an exciting time for the Research Councils when their role in enhancing the UK's economic, social and cultural vitality has been fully recognised by the Government."
Some early tasks for Dr Richards will be the coordination of RCUK's offices overseas, the launch of a new knowledge summit to cement partnerships between organisations committed to maximising the impact of the research base, and the development of the new International Fellowship Scheme to sustain links with overseas researchers who have returned home after working in the UK.
Speaking on behalf of the RCUK chief executives, Professor Ian Diamond said "The Research Councils are fortunate to have retained Randal's services. His experience and commitment will provide further impetus to our collective efforts to enhance the quality and value of UK research."
Dr Richards will assume his position on 1 November 2007. Until recently he was Interim Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
- ends -
About Research Councils UK
The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). 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).
Contact
Julia Short
RCUK Media Officer, Tel 01793 444435