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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.

Earlier this year RCUK, HEFCE and UUK contacted higher education and research institutions across the UK to highlight opportunities for accessing ESI funding and invite suggestions for ways to maximise the benefits of the funds. This original request for input is available here. The responses received demonstrated a strong appetite to engage with ESI funds, while raising important concerns and barriers to fully utilising ESI funding.

Working together RCUK, HEFCE and UUK will continue to address the concerns and barriers that have been highlighted. Our response to the input received is set out in the joint letter which provides an update on ESI funds, identifies opportunities for our organisations to collectively and individually address key concerns, and promotes resources that institutions may not be aware of.

RCUK recognises the issues involved and will work together with partners to address them. We are also positive about the progress that is being made, and the benefits that European funding can bring to the higher education sector.

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Further information

Contact:
Jane Sykes
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444400 or email: Jane Sykes

Notes to editors

1. The joint response letter is available to download from the UUK website here.

2. 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).