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THE RESEARCH COUNCILS
Office of Science and Technology (OST): part of the Department for Innovation,
Universities and Skills (DIUS) and under the Chief Scientific Advisor.
Provided the central focus for consideration of science and technology issues across
Government. It has the responsibility for the Science Budget and the work of the eight
Research Councils.
2009 ……………………
BIS's ministerial team is led by First Secretary of State, Lord Mandelson.
Stephen Marston is Director General, Universities and Skills
2010: Dr Vince Cable
David Willetts: Minister of State for Universities and Science
CSR: Comprehensive Spending Reviews
Science Budget 2005-06 to 2007-08
The Government is substantially increasing spending on science.
Between 1997 and 2007 the science budget will have more than doubled,
rising to £3.4 billion in 2007-08.
This has enabled the Research Councils to substantially raise their
support for research and make a major start repairing the scientific
infrastructure.
Science Budget 2008 – 2011
Average of 5.4% per year increase in budget
(2.5 % in real terms).
£’000
Research Councils
Arts & Humanities Research Council
Biotechnology & Biosciences Research
Economics & Social Research Council
Engineering & Physical Sciences Res.
Medical Research Council
Natural Environment Research Council
Science & Technology Facilities Council
Sub Total Research Councils
Less Depreciation & Impairments
Total Research Councils - Note 1
National Academies
Royal Society
Royal Academy of Engineering
British Academy
Total Academies
Capital Funding
Large Facilities Capital Funding
University Capital
Knowledge Transfer
Higher Education Innovation Fund
Public Sector Research Establishments
Science & Society
Science & Society
Other Programmes
Total Science Budget
2007-08
CSRO7
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
CSR07Total
End CSR07Increase
96,792
386,854
149,881
711,112
543,399
372,398
573,464
2,833,900
-85,748
2,748,152
103,492
427,000
164,924
795,057
605,538
392,150
623,641
3,111,802
-124,748
2,987,054
104,397
452,563
170,614
814,528
658,472
408,162
630,337
3,239,073
-141,748
3,097,325
108,827
471,057
177,574
843,465
707,025
436,000
651,636
3,395,584
-153,748
3,241,836
316,716
1,350,620
513,112
2,453,050
1,971,035
1,236,312
1,905,614
9,746,459
-420,244
9,326,215
12.4%
21.8%
18.5%
18.6%
30.1%
17.1%
13.6%
19.8%
79.3%
18.0%
41,072
9,752
21,385
72,209
43,360
10,279
22,540
76,179
45,823
12,138
25,062
83,023
48,558
12,826
26,448
87,832
137,741
35,243
74,050
247,034
18.2%
31.5%
23.7%
21.6%
104,681
300,000
104,681
266,711
138,428
258,149
265,285
214,851
508,394
739,711
153.4%
-28.4%
85,000
14,000
85,000
12,500
99,000
12,500
113,000
12,500
297,000
37,500
32.9%
-10.7%
11,441
46,940
3,382,423
13,441
8,857
3,554,423
15,441
11,557
3,715,423
17,441
17,678
3,970,423
46,323
38,092
11,240,269
52.4%
-62.3%
17.4%
http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/
Launched on 1 May 2002
RCUK: strategic partnership of all seven research councils established to
enhance the collective leadership and influence of the Research Councils
and to secure greater strategic coordination in the funding of science
Research Councils: the main public investors in fundamental research in
the UK with interests ranging from bio-medicine and particle physics to
the environment, engineering and economic research. RCUK works
alongside the Office of Science & Technology (OST) to support the
UK’s finest academic researchers and to ensure the best investment of
public money in research.
The partnership is led by the RCUK Executive Group which comprises
the eight Chief Executives of the Research Councils.
The Research Councils
There are seven Research Councils, established under Royal Charter. DIUS has statutory
control of the Councils, supported by the Director General of Research Councils, Sir Keith
O’Nions, in the Office of Science and Technology (OST). Council members are appointed by
the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who is answerable to Parliament for the
Councils’ activities.
The UK Research Councils are:
Biotechnology & Biological Science research Council (BBSRC);
Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
Medical Research Council (MRC);
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) (since 2005)
STFC (since 2006)
Further information about the Research Councils and their activities can be found at:
www.rcuk.ac.uk
Merger: April 2007
Engineering &
Physical Sciences
Astronomy &
Nuclear &
Particle Physics
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council (EPSRC)
www.epsrc.ac.uk
The main UK government agency for funding research and training in
engineering and the physical sciences ………. to help the nation handle the next
generation of technological change…. from mathematics to materials science,
and from information technology to structural engineering.
It works in partnership with universities to invest in people, scientific
discovery and innovation to meet the needs of industry and society.
Its work is complementary to other research investors including other
research councils, government agencies, industry and the European Union. It
actively engages in and encourages partnerships and collaborations across
disciplines, boundaries and the world and actively promotes public engagement
in science, engineering and technology.
The Website: Funding for Researchers
We fund research in a number of different ways. This section of the website will tell you about the
various funding opportunities, as well as providing the Funding Guide, application forms and
guidance on how to apply to EPSRC. One of our ways of funding research is through:
Calls for Proposals. These are requests for research proposals in specific areas.
Calls for Outline-Proposals.
Programmes. EPSRC manages a portfolio of research through Programmes, each covering a broad
area. In each programme area you will find information on how we operate, strategy for development
of the programme, targets for the year ahead, and reviews and consultations.
Facilities. We provide access to a number of Facilities and Services, such as high performance
computing. Details of the services and how to apply to use them can be found in this section.
Research proposals are assessed using peer review, with those involved collectively called the peer
review college. More information is available on who makes up the peer review college, along with
forms and guidance for those undertaking the roles of referee or panel member.
Information for Grant Holders includes best practice in conducting research, advice on managing
EPSRC research grants, and forms and guidance for completing Final Reports.
Programmes
We fund a dynamic and evolving research portfolio,.
From:
to :
fundamental research in mathematics, chemistry, computer science and physics
more applied topics in engineering and technology.
Each programme has its own objectives and strategies. These are formulated by Programme Managers
after consultation with colleagues in academia, industry, government, learned societies, professional
organisations and the Strategic Advisory Teams. Programme plans are endorsed by the Technical
Opportunities Panel (TOP), the User Panel (UP) and by the EPSRC Council.
Multidisciplinary opportunities. Major breakthroughs often occur when researchers from related
disciplines work together. Many EPSRC research activities are co-funded between programmes, with
proposals specifically designed to encourage multidisciplinary collaborations. Major cross-EPSRC
activities include Novel Computation, Crime Prevention and Detection Technologies and the IDEAS
Factory.
We also have an active Public Engagement Programme. We manage the Research Councils' Energy
Programme and the Basic Technology and e-Science Programmes on behalf of all the Research Councils.
Longer-term priorities for EPSRC are provided in our Strategic Plan.
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Chemistry
Engineering
Information and Communications Technologies
Infrastructure and Environment Innovative Manufacturing
Life Sciences Interface
Materials
Mathematical Sciences
Physics
Energy
Basic Technology
e-Science Cross-EPSRC Activities
Chemistry Programme
Research and training supported by the Chemistry Programme covers a wide range of chemistry
Extending to the boundaries with other disciplines such as physics, materials science, engineering and the
life sciences. The majority of the Chemistry Programme research grant funding is allocated through
responsive mode, and assessed through the Chemistry Panel.
The objectives of the Chemistry Programme are to:
Maintain the health of the chemistry discipline through the support of high quality
research.
Support key areas of chemistry research that offer particular scientific and industrial
opportunities.
Facilitate research opportunities at the interfaces with other disciplines.
Provide support for a sufficient supply of postgraduate researchers in chemistry with the
skills required to meet the needs of industry, public bodies and academia.
Following the International Review of Chemistry which has highlighted the need for more adventure in
research, adventure continues to be encouraged in responsive mode but separate pump-priming activities
are also planned. The programme continues to recognise the importance of both core chemistry and
outreach to other disciplines. The flexibility of EPSRC support through responsive mode and for
postgraduate training will continue to be promoted.
The Chemistry Programme also funds national services in mass spectrometry, computational chemistry,
solid state NMR, X-ray crystallography, EPR and chemical database.
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Physics Programme
The Physics Programme supports a broad portfolio of research and training in the areas of atomic and
molecular physics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, optics and lasers and plasmas.
The objectives of the programme are to:
Increase the understanding and exploitation of the fundamental properties of matter
and energy through the support of leading edge research.
Enhance the excellence of the research base by supporting a high quality portfolio of
research and postgraduate training.
Support a pool of talented researchers at all stages of their careers.
Enhance the performance of other disciplines and user communities through the
provision of knowledge and trained personnel.
Responsive Mode plays an important role in supporting high quality science and the research community
is encouraged to make use of its flexibility. Applicants must contact the Programme Manager or the
relevant Associate Programme Manager for consultation regarding the submission of proposals above £1
million.
A full list of mechanisms available for supporting research and collaboration can be found in Funding
Opportunities. The Physics Programme has available up to four Postdoctoral Fellowships in Theoretical
Physics each year - see latest call for proposals (closing date 18 October 2005).
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Physical Sciences 2010
Physical sciences programme funding plan
The Physical Sciences Programme has a commitment budget for 2009/10 of £91.6 million for research
and about £32 million for postgraduate training.
£81.6M is Investigator-led
The Programme funding plan focuses on delivering our primary objective: to enable UK physical
scientists to deliver the very best world-leading research and trained personnel that are central in meeting
the scientific challenges across the EPSRC remit and the broader societal challenges facing the UK.
Mathematical Sciences: £34.5M
Materials, Mechanical and Medical Engineering: £53.7M
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Calls For Proposals
Bridging the Gaps Between Mathematical Sciences, ICT and Engineering
EPSRC would like to encourage researchers in the mathematical sciences, information and
communication technology (ICT), and engineering to bridge the disciplines in their university and work
more closely together.
Issued: 26/10/05 Closing Date: 19/04/06
Challenging Engineering 2008-2009 - Call for Outline Application
Issued: 4 November 2008
Next Generation Facility Users' Call 2008
Issued: 16 October 2008
Design in the Digital World - Call for Expressions of Interest
Issued: 6 October 2008
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PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION
Complete Application Form
1
Send to EPSRC
7
6
2
Response
EPSRC
3
Comments
Sent to 3-4 Referees
8
8
5
4
Comments
REJECT
PANEL
9
RESULT
Responsive Mode: Flexible
The majority of research funded by EPSRC is supported through responsive mode. The key features of responsive mode are:
 No closing dates - applications may be submitted at any time.
 No constraints on the field of research, providing the majority of it falls within our remit. Prominence is
given to the applicant as the creative figure who determines the direction of the research.
 Research quality, as defined by independent peer review, is the main criterion against which proposals
are assessed.
……. to support a wide variety of proposals, including feasibility studies, instrument development, equipment to support a
number of research projects, overseas travel grants and visiting researchers, and long-term proposals to develop or maintain
critical mass.
………is very flexible, with the scale of projects supported ranging from small travel grants to multi-million pound research
programmes. High risk/high return research proposals, embracing new concepts or techniques, are particularly encouraged.
………encourage the involvement of industrial collaborators on responsive mode research proposals, particularly where the
involvement can significantly help the progress of the research and the take-up of the research results.
Programme Managers and Associate Programme Managers are happy to discuss your ideas for responsive mode proposals
before their submission. We particularly encourage discussion for proposals with a complex management nature, those
involving large consortia or those consisting of more than one research theme.
In putting together a Case for Support for your proposal, you should consider how to best use the allowed
page limits to reflect the nature of the project.
Proposals should be submitted using the Research Councils' Joint Electronic submission (Je-S) System.
Responsive Mode:
2009: ECONOMIC IMPACT
(1) Impact summary – explain who may benefit from the research, how they may benefit and what will be done
to make sure they have the opportunity to benefit.
(2) Academic beneficiaries – explain how the research will benefit other researchers in the field.
(3) You will need to write a new impact plan of up to two pages in addition to the case for support. The plan
expands on the information in the impact summary.
Why
One of our goals is to make sure that the worldleading research we support has a positive
impact across all areas of society. We aim to
support researchers in exploiting potential
benefits of their work, and must demonstrate
these wide-ranging impacts as part of the
ongoing case for sustained science and
engineering funding.
It's quality of argument, realistic assessment of
potential impacts and timescale (that could be
from 5 to 50 years) that will be considered.
CCLRC: now part of STFC
The Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils
(CCLRC or CLRC) is a UK government body that carries out civil
research in science and engineering. It administers the UK's large scale
facilities for materials research, laser and space science and alternative
energy exploration on behalf of the government, the other UK research
funding bodies, universities, and corporate research and development.
It employs about 1700 staff at three locations:
Chilbolton Observatory, near Stockbridge in Hampshire
Daresbury Laboratory. at Daresbury in Cheshire
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, near Didcot in Oxfordshire
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CCLRC
The Rutherford High Energy Laboratory was set up on the
former RAF Harwell airfield between Chilton and Harwell in
1957, and merged with the Atlas and Appleton Laboratories
in 1975 and 1979, respectively, to form the current laboratory.
The CCLRC was set up to run RAL as well as Daresbury
Laboratory in 1996
In the US:
The National Science Foundation (NSF)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA (created 1958)
National Institutes of Health NIH
NASA's FY 2008 budget of $17.318 billion represents
about 0.6% of the $2.9 trillion United States federal
budget, 35% of total spending on academic scientific
research in the United States, and 269% of the National
Science Foundation budget, but only 61% of the
National Institutes of Health budget.
In the US:
The National Science Foundation (NSF)
…….an independent federal agency created by Congress
in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance
the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the
national defense…"
Annual budget of about $6.87 billion.
The funding source for approximately 20 percent of all
federally supported basic research conducted by
America’s colleges and universities. In many fields such
as mathematics, computer science and the social
sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing.
The NSF – the US model – since 1950
Research funding begins with workshops and conferences to
discuss the progress of science and engineering and what
the US needs to accomplish in each field.
Next, the agency publishes a notice about a funding
opportunity (a "solicitation"), which invites researchers to
submit proposals describing their ideas on how to meet a
particular need.
At any time, you are also welcome to send in unsolicited
proposals
Merit Review:
Criterion 1: What is the intellectual merit of the proposed
activity? Criterion 2: What are the broader impacts of the
proposed activity?
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Europe
The European Research Council (ERC) is the first
European funding body set up to support
investigator-driven frontier research.
7th Framework ………Programme (FP7)
The Seventh Framework Programme for research and
technological development (FP7) is the European Union´s chief
instrument for funding research over the period 2007 to 2013.
CORDIS is the official portal for participating in FP7 and
following related developments in European science and
technology. The European Commission's Directorate-General for
Research has published two calls for proposals in the Thematic
Area of 'Research potential of convergence regions' under the
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).
The ESF also exists
…………………………………………