Users of research report positive engagement with RCUK

Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today (18 December) published its third User Satisfaction Survey, with findings of how the Research Councils are meeting the needs of users of research.

More than 1,300 non-academic end-users across a diverse range of sectors, geographical spread and size responded to the survey, which specifically gathers their views on their experiences of working with the Research Councils and universities, and how they make use of research outcomes. These ‘users’ include representatives from business and charities as well as policymakers.

Respondents acknowledged a wide range of positive impacts and outcomes that have arisen from RCUK’s work and the research that has been funded.

Key findings from the survey include:

A significant number of respondents report that their level of interaction with academics has increased in the last two years.
Around two thirds of respondents said that they consider the excellence of the UK research base to be a unique benefit to their business, with particular value attached to the UK’s track record for innovation. This is consistent with the findings in the World Economic Forum report that the UK is an innovation-driven economy with significant competitive advantage in the quality of its research institutions, and in its R&D interactions between universities and business.
The Research Councils’ combined investment is having a positive impact on UK research in specific societal and economic grand challenge areas, particularly in Lifelong Health and Wellbeing, Energy and Living with Environmental Change.
Respondents are largely satisfied with the skills of doctoral graduates, and highly value the support and funding that RCUK offers to PhD and post-doctoral researchers.
Respondents also told us that the Gateway to Research, which is currently in development, will be very beneficial for a wide range of applications.

Professor David Delpy, RCUK Impact Champion, said: “Year-on-year, the Research Councils are consistently engaging with new stakeholders as well as maintaining and enhancing long-term relationships, some for more than 50 years. The findings are very positive and tell us that we understand users’ needs and that they are satisfied with the research projects they have been involved in.

“Research can provide many benefits and opportunities for business, the public sector and voluntary and community organisations. The findings of this survey will help us to ensure these benefits are maximised. Through an improved understanding of the research and skills needed for particular sectors, we hope to increase the impact of our work.”

The RCUK User Satisfaction Survey report is available here.

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Further information

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

Notes to editors

In summer 2012, RCUK commissioned Pye Tait Consulting to undertake its third User Satisfaction Survey. The 2012 Survey was conducted online, with fieldwork taking place between May and August 2012. Results are based on 1,331 completed questionnaires from a sample of 6970 users and beneficiaries, representing a response rate of 20%.
RCUK is currently developing a new web-based portal that gives the public better access to information about research funded by the Research Councils. A beta version of Gateway to Research was released on 12 December 2012 and the final system will be launched at the end of 2013. See http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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).