The Research Councils welcome the Chancellor’s continued commitment to science set out in his Budget statement on 22 March 2006 and his recognition that science and innovation are at the heart of the UK’s response to the challenges of globalisation.
The creation of the National Institute for Energy Technologies will build on the strong platform created by the Research Councils’ Energy Programme and UK Energy Research Centre. The announcement of a health research fund of over £1 billion per year, combining the MRC and NHS R&D budgets, will boost research across a wide range of disciplines. This is excellent news for UK researchers, business and the public.
Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014: Next Steps, published alongside the Budget Report, recognises the significant contribution of the Research Councils in sustaining the excellence of the UK research base and mobilising it for the benefit of business and public services. It proposes initiatives to maximise the impact of research, improve the supply of scientists and enhance the effectiveness of the Research Councils in helping to make the UK the best place for science and innovation.
A major proposal is the creation of a Large Facilities Research Council by combining the large facilities operations conducted by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council with the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils. The excellence of these Councils’ work is not in question but they recognise the importance of considering options which will position the UK to compete more effectively in the international arena. All the Councils will engage in the consultation process with their staff and stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Research Councils, Professor Ian Diamond said "Yesterday’s announcements provide tremendous opportunities for the UK research base. We are delighted by the Government’s commitment to invest in fundamental research through independent Research Councils, and we are already hard at work looking at how to improve efficiency in our peer review and administration. This will increase the value we provide for the public purse and provide a better service to the research community."
The Research Councils will be participating fully in the Government consultation exercises announced and will be encouraging the members of their academic, business and user communities to make the most of this opportunity to shape UK research.
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Contact
Alun Roberts, Research Councils UK press office
Tel: 01793 444474
Notes to Editors
The Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014: Next Steps can be downloaded from the Treasury website.
About Research Councils UK
The eight Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Office of Science and Technology. They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research budget of over £2.5 billion a year.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's eight Research Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support. The Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Office of Science and Technology.
RCUK was created to increase the collective visibility, leadership and policy influence of the Research Councils; to stimulate multi-disciplinary research that encourages collaboration; to provide a single focus for collective dialogue with stakeholders and to encourage greater harmonisation of internal operations.
The partnership is led by the RCUK Executive Group, which meets monthly and comprises the chief executives of the eight Research Councils. The Group is currently chaired by Professor Ian Diamond, Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council.
The eight UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).