Research Councils Budgets Announced
The individual budgets for the seven UK Research Councils over the 2011/12-2014/15 spending review period were today (20th December) announced by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science.
20 Dec 2010
UK universities lead Europe in HR Excellence in Research awards
Research Councils UK (RCUK) congratulates the thirteen UK universities that have been awarded ‘Human Resource Excellence in Research’ badges by the European Commission (EC).
16 Dec 2010
New Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research launched
A new Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research will be launched later today (7 December) by the UK’s research funding bodies.
7 Dec 2010
Listen to a podcast about the 2010 RCUK Business Plan Competition
On 24 November SQUEASE Ltd won the Research Councils UK (RCUK) Business Plan Competition 2010. The team led by Sheraz Arif from Design London, received £25,000 towards accelerating their business.
3 Dec 2010
Research Councils UK welcomes the announcement of the Growth Review
Research Councils UK believes that research is at the heart of the UK’s long-term wellbeing and economic growth.
29 Nov 2010
SQUEASE Ltd wins 2010 RCUK Business Plan Competition
SQUEASE will revolutionise the way people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are helped to deal with anxiety and has today (24 November) won first prize in the prestigious Research Councils UK (RCUK) Business Plan Competition.
24 Nov 2010
Research Councils UK (RCUK) response to REF pilot report
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the findings of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) pilot scheme that demonstrates it is possible to assess the economic and societal benefits arising from research and how this can be achieved across all disciplines.
11 Nov 2010
Professor Lord Robert Winston goes back to school
As part of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) school placement scheme, Researchers in Residence (RinR), Professor Lord Robert Winston visited St Bonaventures Catholic Comprehensive School in Newham, East London on Friday 5 November 2010.
11 Nov 2010
Research Councils UK (RCUK) to set priorities for e-infrastructure
Research Councils UK (RCUK) have identified e-infrastructure for research as an important area for the future. As there have been a number of recent reviews in this area, RCUK will be convening a group to look at the evidence presented by them.
11 Nov 2010
Appointments to Research Councils UK (RCUK) 2011
The Appointments Panels for Research Councils UK (RCUK) are inviting applications from suitably qualified academics and experienced individuals from the industrial, commercial, government and voluntary sectors, to fill a number of vacancies, including some with Audit Committee responsibilities, for part-time membership, which are expected to arise during 2011.
10 Nov 2010
Ten new Public Engagement grants awarded
Ten new public engagement grants worth £1,000 each have been awarded to UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop and run a public event inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games.
20 Oct 2010
RCUK position on the spending review
We understand that the spending review has seen unprecedented cuts to public spending. The allocation that the Science and Research budget has received will enable the UK research base to contribute positively to the future prosperity and wellbeing of the UK.
20 Oct 2010
International conference to consider the relevance and role of science in the 21st century
A conference, supported by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and being held at Chatham House, London on 22 and 23 November 2010 will consider the relevance and role of science in the 21st Century. It will feature politicians, investors, industrialists, experts, analysts and commentators who will discuss the role of science in national competitiveness.
18 Oct 2010
UK research is key to business productivity and economic growth
A new report released by Research Councils UK (RCUK) presents the case for public funding of UK research and why it is so vital for our future prosperity. “Research for our Future: UK business success through public investment in research” includes input from leading decision-makers from business and industry in the UK and elsewhere, and examines why they choose to work in partnership with British researchers.
13 Oct 2010
RCUK respond to Lord Browne’s Review of Higher Education and student finance in the UK
Research Councils UK supports highly skilled researchers, helping them to achieve excellence with impact and ensuring that the UK has a productive economy, healthy society and contributes to a sustainable world.
12 Oct 2010
Researchers needed for new documentary
Research Councils UK (RCUK) school placement scheme, Researchers in Residence (RinR) is searching for engaging researchers to participate in a new TV documentary. Filming will take place in November and the documentary will appear on TeachersTV in the New Year.
30 Sep 2010
Invitation to attend NCCPE Conference 2010
Research Councils UK (RCUK) are pleased to support the annual the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) conference which is taking place on 7-8 December 2010 in central London . The conference is an opportunity for the academic community to come together and share best practice and explore how to embed public engagement within the higher education sector.
24 Sep 2010
RCUK speakers at annual UK Research Conference
Research Councils UK (RCUK) are pleased to support the fourth annual UK Research Conference which this year is focused on the future of research funding. The conference is taking place today (23rd September) at the Inmarsat Conference Centre in London.
23 Sep 2010
Research Councils UK: Excellence with Impact
Research Councils UK (RCUK) already invests in the highest quality research as judged by peer review. Excellence with impact is central to the research that we fund and this is reflected in the excellence of the UK research environment. Within the UK the quality of research output is top internationally in many fields in terms of citations per paper and per pound invested.
9 Sep 2010
UK universities win unprecedented number of HR Excellence in Research awards
Research Councils UK (RCUK) congratulates the ten UK universities that have been awarded ‘Human Resource Excellence in Research’ badges by the European Commission (EC). The UK institutions join just twelve other European universities to be awarded the same honour, making the UK achievement even more pronounced.
8 Sep 2010
Report of the UK Research Integrity Futures Working Group
The report concludes that the UK and its employers of research would benefit from a unified approach to issue surrounding research integrity and recommends that a new system for research integrity in the UK should be development which builds on the UK’s existing strength in this area.
7 Sep 2010
What do researchers do? New report examines the impact of doctoral graduates
A supply of highly skilled people is critical to the economic growth and social wellbeing of the UK. A new report released today (6 September) by Vitae presents for the first time, the career destinations and impact of research graduates three years after graduation.
6 Sep 2010
UK Young Scientist and UK Young Engineer of the Year take inspirational trip of a lifetime
Around the UK at the moment thousands of young people are waiting for exam results that will take them onto higher education and after that the career of their choice. Two people who already have a good idea of where their futures lie are Thomas Hearing and Shawn Brown who were recently awarded the titles of UK Young Scientist and UK Young Engineer of the Year respectively.
18 Aug 2010
Opportunity to apply for new Public Engagement grants
Ten new public engagement grants are available for UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop and run a public event inspired by the forthcoming 2012 Games. The aim of the events is to communicate the role of science and medicine in sport, so applications are welcomed from HEIs involved in teaching and/or research in science, education and medicine in sport.
10 Aug 2010
RCUK release findings of Review of e-Infrastructure
Research Councils UK (RCUK) today (5 August) released the report of the Review of e-Infrastructure. The report “Delivering the UK’s e-Infrastructure for research and innovation” concluded that the UK’s e-Infrastructure is well developed and among the best in the world.
5 Aug 2010
RCUK supports the Researcher Development Statement as a replacement for the JSS
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcome the publication of the Researcher Development Statement, a reference document that sets out the knowledge, behaviours and attitudes of effective and highly skilled researchers. It will assist in supporting and promoting the enhancement of the quality of research training and the employability of early stage researchers.
5 Aug 2010
New report shows impact of UK/India research is growing
A new report commissioned by Research Councils UK (RCUK) shows collaboration between UK and Indian researchers is growing and suggests that India will become increasingly important to the global research community.
28 Jul 2010
RCUK Large Facilities Roadmap 2010
Research Councils UK today (28 July) released the Large Facilities Roadmap 2010. This Roadmap is an overview of research facilities that are under construction or planned by RCUK and of other emerging facilities, in the UK and overseas, that are currently considered to be priorities for UK research.
27 Jul 2010
New resource offers public engagement advice and tips for researchers
"The Engaging Researcher" is a new publication that offers practical advice on how researchers can engage with the public. It highlights the benefits of public engagement and gives tips on how to get started. By drawing on real life examples, it is full of ideas about how to engage difference audiences in a variety of ways including public lectures, workshops and festivals or working in schools.
8 Jul 2010
RCUK and UUK release findings of review to implement Full Economic Costing of Research in UK HEIs
Research Councils UK (RCUK) and Universities UK (UUK) today (24 June) announce the outcomes of a review led by Sir William Wakeham to implement the recommendations made by the Full Economic Costing (fEC) Review published in November 2009.
24 Jun 2010
RCUK champions the people having a real impact
Research Councils UK (RCUK) today (14 June) launches a new publication Impacts: People and Skills celebrating the impact people are having on the economic and social wellbeing of the UK.
14 Jun 2010
RCUK announce independent review of Roberts’ recommendations
At the January 2010 Vitae Policy Forum plans were announced to undertake a review of the recommendations made by the Sir Gareth Roberts’ Review. An expert panel has been formed to conduct the review, with secretariat provided by Research Councils UK (RCUK).
27 May 2010
RCUK Review of Energy - Re-scheduled
EPSRC announcement about the postponement of the RCUK International Review of Energy, due to start in the week commencing 19 April 2010.
26 May 2010
New CIHE report about the impact of research and business collaborations
A new report from the Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) sponsored by Research Councils UK explores how collaborations between university research and business have an impact on the economic and social wellbeing of the UK.
20 May 2010
Large Facilities Funding Model: Implementation Project Announcement
In March 2010 as part of the outcome of a wider review of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Lord Drayson announced that from April 2011 a new arrangement will see Research Councils UK (RCUK) working with STFC to agree the availability and support requirements for large domestic facilities (the Central Laser Facility, Diamond and ISIS).
17 May 2010
Research Councils UK announce fee and stipend levels for 2010-11
RCUK has announced the figures for studentship fees and minimum stipends for 2010-11.
13 May 2010
Call for researcher profiles for new publication
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement and Vitae are working together on 'The Engaging Researcher', the third booklet in the Vitae series for researchers.
13 May 2010
RCUK Review of Energy – Re-scheduling
The RCUK Review of Energy was due to take place from Sunday, 18th April to Friday, 23rd April 2010. The review had to be postponed due to the travel restrictions arising from the volcanic eruption in Iceland, which made it impossible for the large majority of the review Panel to travel to the UK.
23 Apr 2010
International Review of Energy Postponed
Because of the travel restrictions arising from the volcanic activity in Iceland, we regret that the International Review of Energy due to start this week has been postponed.
19 Apr 2010
Maternity leave for Research Council funded students
The Research Councils have harmonised their terms and conditions for Maternity Leave for Research Council funded students. The terms and conditions of training grants have been amended from 1 April 2010.
1 Apr 2010
RCUK welcomes the recommendations made by One Step Beyond: Making the most of postgraduate education
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the report: One Step Beyond: Making the most of postgraduate education by Professor Adrian Smith and will consider the recommendations carefully.
31 Mar 2010
RCUK statement of expectation regarding researcher development activities
RCUK has circulated to its contacts within HEIs a statement of its expectations regarding researcher development activities, which clarifies the position regarding future payments and reaffirms that RCUK remains committed to researcher development.
31 Mar 2010
RCUK welcomes government announcement of new investment in research
Research Councils UK (RCUK) today welcomes the announcement by the Secretary of State Lord Mandelson of a new investment in two new research projects from the Large Facilities Capital Fund.
30 Mar 2010
RCUK welcomes outcomes of REF Consultation
Research Councils UK (RCUK) today welcomes the announcement of the outcomes of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) consultation. RCUK has worked closely with the Funding Councils to ensure that proposals for the REF will be effective in pursuing shared objectives, particularly in terms of rewarding excellent research and its impact.
26 Mar 2010
Online survey to evaluate the Beacons for Public Engagement (BPE) Initiative
UK higher education staff and researchers are invited to take part in a new online survey to evaluate the RCUK Beacons Public Engagement (BPE) Initiative. The closing date for entering the survey has now been extended to Friday 9th April 2010
24 Mar 2010
RCUK welcomes the findings of: 'Public Support for Innovation'
RCUK is encouraged that the findings support the case for sustained investment in research by highlighting the “exceptionally high” rate of return achieved by Research Council funding.
16 Mar 2010
New awards bring together academic researchers and local government to tackle complex community issues
The Local Authorities and Research Councils’ Initiative (LARCI) is bridging this gap by bringing together academic researchers and local government policy makers and managers to make research more accessible to their councils and other local public services.
10 Mar 2010
Public Engagement with Research benefits researchers and provides a major contribution to society
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today released three new publications that highlight the importance of public engagement activities and celebrate the successes of the increasing number of researchers engaging the public with support from RCUK.
10 Mar 2010
RCUK welcomes the recommendations made by Royal Society report: 'The Scientific Century: securing our future prosperity'
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the report The Scientific Century: securing our future prosperity from The Royal Society and will consider the recommendations made carefully.
8 Mar 2010
RCUK statement on the future funding model for large scale facilities
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the outcome of the review of Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) started by Lord Drayson in December 2009. The aim of the review was to address the tensions faced by having international science projects, large scientific facilities and UK grant giving roles within a single council, STFC.
4 Mar 2010
Response to recommendations made by the Council for Science and Technology (CST) report: A Vision for UK Research
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the new report “A Vision for UK Research” from the Council for Science and Technology (CST). We will consider the recommendations made carefully.
1 Mar 2010
RCUK position statement on the recent reports regarding the development of a new UK based fusion power station
RCUK position statement on the recent reports regarding the development of a new UK based fusion power station. The Expert Group considered that the pathway to realise this type of fusion as a commercial power station was at least as long and difficult as for magnetic confinement fusion.
24 Feb 2010
Research councils around the world join forces to tackle global problems
For the first time in history, research organisations from across the G8 have joined forces to find solutions to some of the biggest global problems. Research funding organisations from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, the UK and the USA have signed an agreement which will bring together the best researchers in world to address some of the biggest challenges of the 21st Century.
12 Feb 2010
UK e-Science Programme is “world-leading” and “empowering” says independent panel
An independent panel of international experts has judged the UK’s e-Science Programme as “world-leading”, citing that “investments are already empowering significant contributions to wellbeing in the UK and the world beyond”.
9 Feb 2010
CIHE Report on Value of Graduates and Postgraduates
A new report from CIHE outlines the findings of a small-scale study co-sponsored by RCUK which explored how the value of recruiting graduates and postgraduates is measured by employers.
2 Feb 2010
RCUK Review of Energy 2010
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has asked the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to conduct, on behalf of all the Research Councils, a Review of Energy. Over the next few months interested parties are invited to submit their views on energy to the Review Panel who are keen to hear from a wide audience.
2 Feb 2010
Digital Economy and Nanoscience explored in two new RCUK websites
Research Councils UK (RCUK) have today launched two new websites which explore the areas of Digital Economy and Nanoscience research, two major multi-disciplinary programme areas funded by RCUK.
22 Jan 2010
Research Councils UK launches Research Outcomes Project
The Research Councils UK (RCUK) Research Outcomes project will establish an ongoing dialogue with the research community to allow the outcomes of research to be reported at any stage during the funding agreement and, most importantly beyond.
11 Jan 2010
RCUK Review of e-Science 2009 Town Meeting
RCUK asked EPSRC to organise, on behalf of all UK Research Councils and in conjunction with the learned societies, a Review of e-Science in the UK to provide an independent assessment of the quality and impact of the UK Programme.
11 Jan 2010
Response to recommendations made by House of Lords Select Committee report on Nanotechnologies and Food
Research Councils UK (RCUK) welcomes the new report from the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee on Nanotechnologies and Food and will consider the recommendations made. As a result of the RCUK Nanoscience: through Engineering to Application programme the Research Councils support a wide portfolio of nanotechnology research in areas such as nanotoxicology, nanometrology, nanotechnology-based sensor devices, food manufacturing and processing.
8 Jan 2010
Climate Geoengineering Sandpit
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) in partnership under the Living With Environmental Change (LWEC) programme, intend to provide support to research within the Climate Geoengineering remit through a joint sandpit event.
5 Jan 2010