The Research Councils

There are seven Research Councils, established under Royal Charter. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has statutory control of the Councils, supported by the Director General for Science and Research, Professor Adrian Smith.

Council members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, who is answerable to Parliament for the Councils’ activities.

The UK Research Councils are:

  • Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 
  • 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);
  • Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

On 1 April 2007, PPARC and CCLRC merged to form the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Further information about the Research Councils and their activities can be found on the Research Councils UK (RCUK) website.

In particular, RCUK produces a regular research newsletter collating the latest stories from across the Research Councils, highlighting the exciting developments taking place in Government-funded research today.

Research

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