Cross-Research Council programmes

BBSRC contributes to cross-Research Council programmes in several areas.

For more information on the aim and scope of our involvement, please see our Strategic priorities.

We also have science contacts for each cross-Council priority.

Energy

The RCUK energy programme (external link) aims to position the UK to meet its energy and environmental targets and policy goals through world-class research and training. It is investing more than £530M in research and skills to pioneer a low carbon future. This builds on an investment of £360M over the past 5 years.

Brain science and mental health

Understanding the brain is one of the greatest intellectual challenges of our time. The potential impact such understanding would have on preventing and treating nervous system disorders makes it a challenge worth taking on. Through the brain science programme (external link) researchers are working to understand more about how the normal brain and the senses work, as well as what goes wrong and why.

e-science

e-Science is the invention of computer-enabled methods and their application to research. Through the e-science programme (external link), £44M has been invested in projects to develop and apply e-science techniques in different research fields.

Environment and land use

Rural areas in the UK are experiencing a period of considerable change. The rural economy and land use programme (external link) aims to advance understanding of the challenges caused by this change today and in the future.

Global food security

The UK's main public funders of food-related research and training are working together through global food security (external link) to meet the challenge of providing the world's growing population with a sustainable, secure supply of good quality food from less land and with fewer inputs.

Global uncertainties

The RCUK global uncertainties programme (external link) is examining the causes of insecurity and how security risks and threats can be predicted, prevented and managed.

Global uncertainties newsletter

RCUK Global Uncertainties Programme has its own newsletter, G-news, covering news, funding opportunities, and updates. If you wish to receive G-news, please e-mail global.uncertainties@esrc.ac.uk

Lifelong health and wellbeing

Life expectancy in the UK is increasing at an unprecedented rate. One in six people are currently over 65. By 2033 that figure is projected to rise to 25% of the UK's population. The lifelong health and wellbeing programme (external link) aims to meet the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population.

Living with environmental change

Our planet faces unprecedented change. If we continue on our current path, by the end of this century, or earlier, our environment will be in a state that modern humans have never experienced. The living with environmental change programme (external link) will provide decision makers with the best information to effectively manage and protect vital ecosystem services. It will improve our tools and knowledge needed to build resilience, mitigate problems, and adapt to environmental change.

Nanoscience

The RCUK nanoscience programme (external link) provided the focus needed to evolve nanotechnology. This coordination of research ensures that the UK remains a world leader in the area.

Funding opportunities

Details of funding opportunities in these areas can be found in special opportunities.

Contact

External Relations Unit
external.relations@bbsrc.ac.uk