Developing the shape of the portfolio

We are now assessing research areas within the portfolio and taking decisions about the relative scale of our investment in these areas. These decisions will state whether we intend to 'grow', 'maintain' or 'reduce' a research area as a proportion of the total EPSRC portfolio, indicating the overall trend we would like to see.

• Grow - this research area will be grown relative to other areas in the portfolio
• Maintain - this research area will be maintained relative to other areas in the portfolio
• Reduce - this research area will be reduced relative to other areas in the portfolio

We will continue to accept and fund proposals in areas with a reduce category; we are not stopping funding in these areas but expect to see some reduction in the overall investment to create space to grow other priority areas. It is likely that competition for funding in reduce areas will be greater as a result. In addition the strategy for areas identified as grow, maintain or reduce may encourage a particular focus e.g. on research that meets particular industry needs, addresses a societal challenge or community identified grand challenge.

Peer Review is a key element in achieving our aims and reviewers will be asked to consider importance as well as excellence. We will expect all applicants to explain the strategic fit of their proposals with respect to the portfolio we are looking to create.

We will be publishing more information about the role of peer review in the coming months. Updates can be found in the Application and review process section of the website.

Any changes in the portfolio will take place gradually over time. We will monitor the shape of the portfolio and the scale of investment in different areas as it evolves.