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The UK has overtaken the US to rank 1st by field-weighted citation impact

Commenting today on the latest International Comparative Performance of the UK Research Base – 2013 report commissioned by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills Professor Dave Delpy, Impact Champion of RCUK said “RCUK welcomes this report. It demonstrates the world leading performance of the UK research base and our continuing ability to compete and deliver in the global research race”. The UK share of the most highly cited papers has risen from 13.8% in 2010 to 15.9% in the period of the report, which also translates to the following statement in the report “Amongst its comparator countries, the UK has overtaken the US to rank 1st by field-weighted citation impact (an indicator of research quality).”

The report was prepared by Elsevier for the UK’s Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)

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Further information

Contact:
Katie Clark
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark

Notes to editors

1. A copy of the report is available to download 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).