UK research councils launch international strategy
Research Councils UK (RCUK), the body which brings together the country's seven research councils, has launched its first international strategy covering all research disciplines. The new strategy aims to encourage international research collaboration; boost researcher mobility; generate access to the best data, facilities and resources for UK researchers and promote the UK as a world centre for research and innovation. 'International collaboration is vital - we should be working with other countries in order to promote scientific excellence on a global scale,' commented Science and Innovation Minister Ian Pearson. 'By providing a coordinated approach to international research, RCUK will be able to make the UK more visible and attractive as a research partner for organisations, research teams and individuals from all over the world.' At the European level, RCUK states that it is 'committed to the aims of the European Research Area and in particular the EU's Framework Programme and the European Research Council', which it believes will lead to 'deeper and wider' connections between the UK and other European researchers. The councils are already involved in 20 ERA-NETs, EU-funded initiatives which support collaborations between funding bodies in different EU countries, and the RCUK believes this instrument will continue to have a significant impact on research collaborations with European partners. The RCUK has had an office in Brussels since 1984, and it now plans to boost its international presence by opening office in China, the USA and India over the next two years. 'This will increase the volume, range and durability of substantive research collaborations with the UK,' the document reads. The document also notes the importance of a strong science base in attracting investments from overseas. 'Several of the UK's most successful industries, notably pharmaceuticals, have a world perspective,' the RCUK writes. 'They are dependent on research and need to know that UK science is of world standard. We will work to ensure that Britain remains an attractive environment for research and innovation.' The strategy also sets out the councils' plans to influence the global research agenda. 'As a strong research nation, the UK has a major role to play in influencing international research policy and delivery, and in maximising its impact,' the strategy reads. 'As well as its reputation in research, the UK is seen as a world leader in areas such as research ethics, peer review and public engagement. By exerting their influence, the Research Councils will enhance the reputation of UK research and make it the international partner of choice.' The RCUK highlights in particular its role in funding research into issues of global importance such as climate change and poverty alleviation. 'The Research Councils are striving to tackle the challenges that face today's society,' said Professor Ian Diamond, speaking on behalf of RCUK. 'We can best achieve this by removing obstacles to international collaboration and sharing facilities and data.' According to a recent study almost 40% of UK scientific output over the last five years involved international collaboration - a fifty% increase compared with the previous five years. Examples of international organisations and initiatives in which the UK research councils are already actively involved include the European Molecular Biology Organisation, the European Southern Observatory and the European Social Survey.
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