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Research Councils UK welcomes Science Europe call to safeguard European research and innovation budget

Funding from the European budget for research and innovation is a valuable funding stream for UK research, with the UK receiving the second largest share of the funding after Germany (14.9% or nearly €4 billion in the period until June 2012). Research Councils UK welcomes the position statement issued by Science Europe today, 14th November 2012, which calls for the safeguarding of Europe’s future by protecting its research and innovation budget.

Although it is recognised that many European nations face an economically challenging time, the investment in research and innovation are investments made in Europe’s future, contributing to Europe’s future growth and competitiveness.

The statement outlines that proposed €80billion budget for Horizon 2020 is carefully calculated to be the minimum acceptable amount to achieve ambitious goals in both research and innovation, which will pave the way for positive European competitiveness in a highly competitive global marketplace.

Professor Paul Boyle, RCUK Champion for International and Science Europe President commented: “Ensuring that there is adequate public funding for research and innovation is good for Europe’s economy. National systems that previously increased public research spending in the past are better prepared to face the current period of financial uncertainty. Public spending on research today will make Europe more resilient to future crises; in contrast, decreasing the budget now would send the wrong signal at a time when national budgets are under threat.”

Science Europe has issued the position statement in advance of an EU summit on 22 and 23 November devoted to setting the European budget for the next seven years. This includes Horizon 2020, the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

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Further information

Contact:
Alexandra Saxon
Head of Communications
Tel: 01793 444474 or email: Alexandra Saxon

Notes to editors

1. The Science Europe position statement is available from the Science Europe website

2. Science Europe comprises 50 Research Funding and Research Performing Organisations from 25 countries, representing around €30 billion per annum. It was founded in October 2011 with the aim of promoting the collective interests of members and providing them with a platform to collaborate at both policy and activity level.

3. 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).