There are seven Research Councils, established under Royal Charter. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has statutory control of the Councils, supported by the Director General for Science and Research, Professor Adrian Smith
Council members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, who is answerable to Parliament for the Councils’ activities.
The UK Research Councils are:
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
On 1 April 2007, PPARC and CCLRC merged to form the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Details of each Council's existing membership is on their web site which can be accessed via the external link to the RCUK website.