How we make decisions
In looking at the relationship between research areas we consider the quality of UK research in the area, its national importance, and the existing capability in the UK.
In considering the overall quality of the research area, we take into account:
- the international standing of the research area,
- its potential to lead to transformative or disruptive research,
- whether the area provides the UK with a unique capability in an international context.
In considering importance, we take into account:
- the potential impact of a research area on the current or future success of the UK economy,
- whether it has been identified as an area that will enable the future development of key emerging industry(s),
- if the area makes a clear contribution to meeting key societal challenges facing the UK,
- if the area is key to the health of other research disciplines.
Our decisions are based on our knowledge of the whole UK landscape, the best available information (such as EPSRC data on Grants on the Web, UK Research Assessment Exercise, funding from other bodies, international reviews and other reports), and advice from key groups and individuals (such as strategic advisory teams, learned societies and industry partners).
We have mapped EPSRC's current portfolio and for part of it we already have sufficient information to determine how we would see a research area changing as the portfolio develops. We will be taking input and assessing the rest of our portfolio as we progress with a view to making decisions on all the research areas within the EPSRC portfolio by 31 March 2012.
For more information on the approach taken by specific themes please see the relevant ‘our approach’ pages: