EPSRC Identify Further Research Areas
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have been undertaking continued work over recent months to shape their portfolio of research and training in areas where they are internationally excellent and nationally important.
To maintain the UK's global research standing in light of increasing international competition, and with limited funding available to the EPSRC, they must focus their investments in areas that are of long-term strategic importance to the UK. Working with their major stakeholders the EPSRC have mapped their current portfolio and, with the support of their Strategic Advisory Teams and agreement of Council, have made decisions on the relative funding trajectory for a further 31 research areas. They will be making decisions on all the research areas within the EPSRC portfolio by 31 March 2012.
The action categories for these research areas are available to view online through the 'Our portfolio' section of the EPSRC website. You will see details of the EPSRC strategy and approach for each research area along with diagrams displaying the value of EPSRC investment.
Alternatively you can also view the research areas as a full list.
Shaping Capability is NOT about predicting where new research discoveries will come from but does seek to ensure ESPRC continues to invest in a balanced portfolio, with any changes taking place gradually over time. The EPSRC will monitor the shape of the portfolio and the scale of investment in different areas as it evolves and continue to encourage the free generation of ideas, curiosity, and research creativity.
On behalf of the EPSRC, Clive Hayter (Associate Director, Capability), thanks the University of Bath for our continued support and asks to get in touch with any questions.