A roundup of discoveries and achievements from across the Research Councils in 2011
Throughout 2011 the Research Councils continued to support research that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. Highlights included a vaccination for chickens against bird flu, new investments in Centres for Innovative Manufacturing, a blueprint design for new drugs to treat HIV, collaboration with BBC Radio 3 to find new academic broadcasters and the first findings from Understanding Society - the world’s largest household survey.
Other memorable moments came when researchers at CERN found ‘tantalising hints’ of the Higgs boson and a British engineering team headed off to explore Lake Ellsworth in Antarctica in the hope of discovering new clues about the Earth’s climate past. Some of these highlights and more have been compiled in 2011: A year with RCUK which can be found here 
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Over the last year, the Research Councils have invested in new schemes, partnerships, people and facilities to increase the impact of UK research. 2011: A year with RCUK is a celebration of just some of the impressive activities the Research Councils have led and supported.
If you would like to keep up with the exciting developments from across the Research Councils in 2012, 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:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
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 Councils, 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).