Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is set to undertake a comprehensive series of visits to universities across the UK in 2025. This proactive engagement is designed to deepen the EPSRC's understanding of the diverse research landscape and foster closer collaboration with the academic community that underpins much of the nation's scientific and engineering advancements.
The visits will provide a vital platform for Professor Deane and her team to engage directly with researchers, academics, and university leaders. The objective is to gain first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities currently faced by institutions in delivering cutting-edge research. This includes understanding the impact of funding decisions, the evolving needs for infrastructure, and the development of future research talent.
The EPSRC, as the primary funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK, plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's position as a global leader in innovation. By actively engaging with universities, the organisation aims to ensure its strategies and funding priorities remain aligned with the needs of the research community and the broader national agenda for economic growth and societal benefit.
Professor Deane's itinerary is expected to cover a wide range of institutions, from large research-intensive universities to smaller, specialist centres, reflecting the breadth of engineering and physical sciences research conducted across the UK. The discussions during these visits are anticipated to inform future EPSRC policies and initiatives, ensuring that support is targeted effectively to maximise impact and nurture emerging fields.
These direct engagements are a continuation of the EPSRC's commitment to transparency and collaboration. By strengthening relationships at the grassroots level, the council aims to build a more resilient and responsive research ecosystem, capable of tackling complex global challenges and delivering tangible benefits for the UK population.
The initiative also serves to highlight the significant contributions of UK universities to scientific discovery and technological innovation, underscoring their role as critical drivers of national progress.
Source: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)