Report published on the leverage of science and research from public funding

A report has been published which presents evidence to show how public investment in science and research levers additional funding from industry, charities and overseas sources.

Leverage from public funding of science and research, published today (15 July) on the Research Councils UK (RCUK) website, examines the financial contributions made by each sector to the research base and their interdependencies. It illustrates examples of successful leveraging with case studies, provided by stakeholders, of the consequences of withdrawal of public funding from areas of research.

The report was written by Dr Sarah Main, now the Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, who last year was seconded from the Medical Research Council to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to gather evidence on the impact of public investment in science and research, looking specifically at leverage. The team also looked at issues including efficiencies in higher education, the dual funding model, and the impact of science and research on local economies.

Further information about this work is available in Dr Main’s blog, published today on the RCUK blog site. A summary of the report is also available.

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Notes to editors

1. 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).