1. Home
2.  / Press and Media
3.  / Press Releases
4.  / Appointments to the Research Councils 2015

Appointments to the Research Councils 2015

Do you want to be part of decision making at the heart of science and research, helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy?

The Research Councils fund research, research facilities and postgraduate training.  The Appointments Panels for six of the Research Councils are seeking applications from suitably qualified academics or experienced individuals from the industrial/business/financial/government/voluntary/creative and cultural sectors, to fill a number of vacancies on their governing Councils.  These vacancies are for part-time, fixed term membership which are expected to arise during 2015:

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

For EPSRC only, the closing date for the receipt of applications is midday on Monday 15 December 2014.

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Science and Technology Research Council (STFC)

For AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, NERC, STFC the closing date for the recipt of applications is 4pm on Monday 5 January 2015.

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills will appoint members to the Councils on merit after considering advice from the Appointments Panel. The Secretary of State is committed to the principle of public appointment with independent assessments, openness and transparency of process and to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender and working patterns. 

An annual honorarium of £6,850 is normally paid to Council members.  Further information about the vacancies, application forms and interview dates are available to download via the cabinet office web site at: http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ and Research Council’s websites:

http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/Information/Pages/Jobs.aspx 
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/vacancies 
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/vacancies.aspx
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/about/governance/council/councilmemberappointments/
http://www.nerc.ac.uk/council 
http://www.stfc.ac.uk/newcouncilmembers2015

If you do not have internet access for the vacancies, please contact the relevant person:

AHRC: Cecilia Sparke, telephone: 01793 416013
BBSRC: Jane Rutherford, telephone: 01793 413259
ESRC: Marie Lloyd, telephone: 01793 413132
EPSRC: Catherine Bailey, telephone: 01793 444324
NERC: Andrea Turner, telephone: 01793 411799
STFC: Zena Davis, telephone: 01793 422 089

Experiences of Research Council Members

RCUK  commissioned a short film showing current and former members of a number of the Research Council boards talking about their experiences as a member, the benefits, how they have contributed; and what is required as a member.  The film emphasises the need for a diverse membership on our respective Councils, and can be viewed here.

- ends -

Further information

Contact:
Nicholas Turner
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Nicholas Turner

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 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).