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4.  / Research Councils UK welcomes the Government’s Science and Innovation Strategy, published today, and the recognition it makes of the importance of research to the UK economy and society.

Research Councils UK welcomes the Government’s Science and Innovation Strategy, published today, and the recognition it makes of the importance of research to the UK economy and society.

The Research Councils welcome the opportunity to work with Sir Paul Nurse to ensure that the UK research system continues to deliver high impact, high quality research that benefits economy and society in the UK and beyond.

The UK has one of the strongest, most efficient and highest impact research systems in the world and the Research Councils have played a central role in leading, developing and supporting this over many decades. This review will be an opportunity to reaffirm the benefits that the Research Councils bring to UK research, economy and society as recently confirmed by the Triennial Review, while ensuring that we explore every opportunity to improve effectiveness and efficiency. 
 
We will encourage our partners from business, academia and civil society to engage positively with Sir Paul as he supports the Government’s long-term vision for science and innovation through this programme of work.

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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).