Research Council Funding

The Research Councils promote and support research, postgraduate training and associated activities in UK research organisations.

All UK Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) are eligible to receive funds for research, postgraduate training and associated activities.

The Research Councils are established by Royal Charter and their work is defined to include the facilitation and support for the conduct of scientific research. The following seven Research Councils provide funding for research grants:

• Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
• Biological and Biotechnological Research Council (BBSRC)
• Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
• Economic and Social Science Research Council (ESRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERO)
• Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

The Research Councils are an Independent Non-departmental Public Body (NDPB) established by Royal Charter and accountable to Parliament through the DIUS’s office of Science and Innovation.

Since 1^st September 2005, all applications to the Research Councils must identify the full economic cost (fEC) of the research, including academic staff and estates costs. The majority of Research Councils contributes 80% of the fEC value for successful applications. Further information about the Research Councils’ implementation of fEC may be found at http://www.pparc.ac.uk/jeS/dualsupport.asp