Funding Agencies continue to work to maximise the UK engagement in EU Structural and Investment funds
Research Councils UK, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and Universities UK have published a joint letter and analysis of responses received from HEIs following a request for input from the sector on working with European Union Structural and Investment (ESI) funding.
23 Dec 2013
The UK has overtaken the US to rank 1st by field-weighted citation impact
Professor Dave Delpy, Impact Champion of RCUK has commented on the latest International Comparative Performance of the UK Research Base – 2013 report commissioned by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills
6 Dec 2013
42,000 research projects available to business and the public – Gateway launched
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today launched Gateway to Research - a new web-based portal that gives businesses access to the latest research supported across all the UK’s seven Research Councils and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) in a single website.
5 Dec 2013
Celebrating three years of strategic commitment to engaging the public with research
UK research funders are celebrating a host of landmark achievements in public engagement, three years on from the launch of the Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research
28 Nov 2013
RCUK notes the Select Committee report on scientific infrastructure
Research Councils UK (RCUK) notes the report published today (21 November) by the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology on scientific infrastructure, which underpins the UK’s reputation for research excellence.
21 Nov 2013
£150M committed to India-UK joint research in 5 years
To commemorate UK-India collaboration on research and innovation, the British High Commission, New Delhi is celebrating Research & Innovation Week from November 11-15. During the week, the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN), Department for International Development (DFID) South Asia Research Hub and the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) in partnership with Research Councils UK (RCUK) India are bringing together senior academics, research funders, policy makers and key government officials from both the countries.
13 Nov 2013
£7 million funding boosts UK China Science and Innovation relationship
The Rt Hon David Willetts MP, UK Minister for Science and Universities, announced £7 million of UK China research and innovation funding during his visit to China with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to participate in the UK China Economic and Financial Dialogue.
21 Oct 2013
RCUK welcomes Sir Andrew Witty’s review of universities and growth
Sir Andrew Witty’s review of universities and growth, Encouraging a British Invention Revolution, highlights the strength of the UK research base and the vital contribution that UK universities make to economic growth. Working with the Department of Business, Innovation and skills, RCUK will consider his recommendations.
15 Oct 2013
Remarkable experiences in science for young prize winners
Three young people embarked on special trips to some of the most prestigious scientific facilities in the world, thanks to Research Councils UK (RCUK). As prize winners of the National Science + Engineering Competition 2013 at the Big Bang Fair 2013, Phillippa Nightingale, Fred Turner and Emily O’Regan were each treated to exclusive scientific trips provided by RCUK where they had an opportunity to meet with scientists and take part in exciting experiments.
11 Oct 2013
Minister highlights investments for the eight great technologies of the future
RCUK welcomes the Mountbatten Memorial Lecture given by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts on 9 October, highlighting investments in the eight great technologies of the future that will help drive economic growth. RCUK has also published a number of timelines on the eight great technologies.
10 Oct 2013
Cutting-edge research in regenerative medicine showcased in latest RCUK timeline
A lab-grown ‘beef’ burger produced from muscle stem cells, artificial liver cells using umbilical cord blood stem cells, and light-sensitive photoreceptors used to restore vision are just some of the ground-breaking discoveries in regenerative medicine of the last 50 years, showcased in the latest timeline, published today (9 September) by Research Councils UK.
9 Sep 2013
Groundbreaking agreement strengthens UK-US research collaboration processes
Research Councils UK and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States have entered into a new agreement designed to help support international research partnerships between the two countries.
5 Sep 2013
Important changes made on Je-S application forms for Research Council grants
Changes have been made in the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S), the system used by the Research Councils to provide their communities with electronic research grant services. The Facilities section of the proposal form has now become mandatory for all applicants to complete.
27 Aug 2013
Research Councils agree common terminology for postgraduate training funding approaches
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today set out Common Terminology for the different approaches to funding postgraduate training taken by the seven Research Councils to provide clarity and consistency for postgraduate students and higher education institutions.
7 Aug 2013
RCUK calls for case studies to demonstrate the benefits of public engagement with research
Research Councils UK are calling for contributions of stories to highlight the benefits and impact of public engagement to institutions, researchers and their research.
5 Aug 2013
RCUK welcomes the Government’s new strategy to support transnational education
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the Government’s International education strategy - global growth and prosperity, launched today in London by Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science.
29 Jul 2013
Ground-breaking research in agri-science showcased in RCUK timeline
Control of the bluetongue virus, a synthetic vaccine against Foot and Mouth disease, and wheat genome sequencing are just some of the ground-breaking discoveries of the last 80 years that are showcased in a new Research Councils UK timeline.
22 Jul 2013
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.
15 Jul 2013
Government response to the Valley of Death report welcomed by RCUK
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the Government’s formal response to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee report, Bridging the valley of death: improving the commercialisation of research
11 Jul 2013
More research career case studies are now available
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today published further research career case studies, designed to inspire young people to think about pursuing a career in research.
10 Jul 2013
New blog published on supporting research data management costs through grant funding
A new blog has been posted on the RCUK blog site, highlighting RCUK’s common principles on data policy and how research grant funding can help with the costs associated with research data management.
9 Jul 2013
RCUK welcomes House of Lords report on Regenerative Medicine
The House of Lords Science & Technology Committee today reports the findings of its inquiry into UK regenerative medicine. The inquiry was set up in July 2012 to examine what the UK is doing well in regenerative medicine and any barriers to its future development. The Research Councils submitted both written and oral evidence to the inquiry.
1 Jul 2013
RCUK welcomes announcement of government’s investment plans for capital and infrastructure
Research Councils UK (RCUK) today, 27th June 2013, welcomes the further commitment that the government has given to science and research through the announcement by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, of the government’s capital and infrastructure investments from 2015.
27 Jun 2013
RCUK position on the announcement of the 2015/16 Science Budget
The Research Councils have today noted the announcement of the allocations to the Science and Research Budget for 2015/16 financial year. We appreciate the landscape of fiscal constraint that provides the context for these allocations and understand that the spending review has again seen significant cuts to public spending across the board.
26 Jun 2013
RCUK highlights researcher engagement with business at the Science and Innovation Conference 2013
Delegates at this year’s Science and Innovation Conference, taking place on 27 June at the QEII Conference Centre, will have the opportunity to hear about how Research Councils UK (RCUK) is fostering two-way engagement between business and researchers.
19 Jun 2013
RCUK unveils expectations for doctoral training support
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today unveiled its Statement of Expectations for Doctoral Training, which sets out common principles for the support of all Research Council-funded students.
17 Jun 2013
RCUK launches timeline demonstrating 60 years of cutting-edge DNA research
Research Councils UK will today launch a new timeline that showcases the exciting research into DNA that has taken place over the last six decades.
4 Jun 2013
New Chair sought for the Natural Environment Research Council
Mr Edmund Wallis will step down as Chair of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) in December 2013. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is seeking a successor to lead NERC, working with the fulltime Chief Executive and the Council.
31 May 2013
TRAC dispensation threshold increases from £500k to £3 million
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has agreed with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to raise the threshold at which UK universities and colleges will be eligible for dispensation from the need to comply with the full Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) requirements.
30 May 2013
RCUK’s latest podcast on the doctoral impact study
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today released a podcast about a survey launched for PhD graduates to examine their career pathways, their impact in employment, and how their skills contribute to innovation and growth.
23 May 2013
RCUK responds to the House of Lords inquiry report on open access
RCUK welcomes the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee’s report on the implementation of Open Access and the Committee’s acknowledgement that this fast moving policy area is bringing significant change to scholarly publishing.
9 May 2013
RCUK launches survey to examine the economic impact of PhD graduates
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has launched a survey for PhD graduates to examine their career pathways, their impact in employment, and how their skills contribute to innovation and growth. Doctoral graduates from 2003-04 to 2005-06 are invited to take part in the survey over the next five weeks to gain a better understanding of the real impact of doctoral training over the medium to long-term.
29 Apr 2013
RCUK publishes further revisions to guidance on Open Access
Research Council UK has today published the latest version of its guidance for the revised Policy on Open Access, which came into effect on 1st April. The changes aim to further clarify the guidance and draw on comments received from across the research community, learned societies and publishers following a call for input in March.
8 Apr 2013
Further Pathways to Impact case studies now available
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today published a number of additional best practice case studies online to help applicants to realise the impact of their research and to provide guidance with completing the Pathways to Impact section of their application.
4 Apr 2013
Cyber security workshop brings together top researchers from India and the UK
Research Councils UK (RCUK) and India’s Department of Science and Technology have brought together top researchers from India and the UK for a workshop in New Delhi to discuss cyber security, a pressing transnational issue demanding global cooperation.
26 Mar 2013
RCUK launches review of funding for researcher development
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today launched a review of the revised funding arrangements for researcher development. Previously, research organisations received payments for career development and skills training known as Roberts funding, but this is now embedded in the fees for postgraduate students and in the indirect costs of research grants.
21 Mar 2013
Withdrawal of the VAT Exemption on Research
RCUK has responded to the HMRC Consultation on 'The withdrawal of the exemption of VAT for business supplies of research between eligible bodies'.
15 Mar 2013
Select Committee publishes report on the commercialisation of research
The House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee has today published a report, Bridging the valley of death: improving the commercialisation of research.
13 Mar 2013
UK research is crucial for innovation and growth
UK research is vital to boosting innovation for economic and business growth, according to a booklet published today from Research Councils UK.
11 Mar 2013
RCUK publishes revised guidance on Open Access
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today published the latest version of its guidance for its revised Policy on Open Access, which comes in to effect on 1 April 2013.
6 Mar 2013
Further Careers in Research case studies now available
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today published further research career case studies, with researchers telling their own personal story of how they got involved in research, what it takes to be a researcher, and their rewarding experiences from their chosen career paths.
4 Mar 2013
Revised Guidance for the RCUK Policy on Open Access
Following discussions with researchers, research organisations, learned societies and publishers, the revised guidance to accompany the RCUK Policy on Open Access will be published on the RCUK website on Wednesday 6 March.
28 Feb 2013
RCUK publishes guidelines on the governance of good research conduct
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today published its latest policy and guidelines to help researchers and research organisations achieve the highest standards possible when carrying out research.
26 Feb 2013
RCUK welcomes recommendations made by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee on open access
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee's report, The Implementation of Open Access, which has been published today.
22 Feb 2013
Value of research facilitated by RCUK India tops £100 million as the two Prime Ministers endorse new joint ventures
The value of joint research facilitated by Research Councils UK (RCUK) India since 2008 has topped £100 million, as was highlighted during the meeting of the UK and Indian Prime Ministers, David Cameron and Manmohan Singh, in India this week.
21 Feb 2013
RCUK welcomes recommendation to include informatics in the Shortage Occupation Lists
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommendation that both Informatician and Bio-informatician job titles should be included in the Shortage Occupation Lists for the UK.
18 Feb 2013
RCUK and Professor Lord Winston explore the importance of universities and schools working together
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today released a podcast which discusses the importance of engaging young people in science and research, following the launch of its School-University Partnerships Initiative (SUPI).
12 Feb 2013
RCUK and Dstl sign Strategic Relationship Charter
Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have signed a collaboration agreement that will ensure they continue to work together in priority areas to maximise the benefits delivered by public investment in research, innovation and technology.
4 Feb 2013
RCUK announces new school-university projects to engage young people in research
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today announced the successful projects to be funded through its new national School-University Partnerships Initiative (SUPI), which exceeds £3.5 million including matched funding from universities, schools and businesses.
31 Jan 2013
RCUK demonstrates impact of working together
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts has today (24 January 2013) announced the publication of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) Impact Report 2012, during his speech at the Policy Exchange to update on progress of the Government’s industrial strategy.
24 Jan 2013
RCUK announces policy to support equality and diversity in research
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today (17 January 2013) unveiled its new Statement of Expectations for Equality and Diversity, which is intended to drive more rapid cultural change in the management of equality and diversity in institutions receiving Research Council funding.
17 Jan 2013
RCUK and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology build stronger links
Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) have today announced the projects to be funded under their China-UK Cooperation Programme in Global Priorities.
14 Jan 2013
2012 – a successful and innovative year for UK research
Throughout 2012, the Research Councils continued to support research that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. 2012 was the year of the London 2012 Games, in which UK research and the work of the Research Councils contributed significantly to Team GB’s success.