Written question asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 19 May 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 3 June 2016. It was answered by Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 June 2016 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Global Challenges Research Fund

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the process for agreeing cross-research council proposals before accessing Global Challenge Research Fund monies.

Answer: As stated in the recent White Paper, Government is committed to the Haldane principle, including with respect to Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). As with other areas of science and research activity, Research Councils will work with other delivery partners to prepare a high-level research strategy for the GCRF, which they will agree with Ministers. The specific approach to be taken to currently unallocated funds will be developed with delivery partners over the coming months, and will include using the funding to promote multidisciplinary research, in line with Sir Paul Nurse’s recommendations.

Secondary information