ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
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Transcript of ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
Interdisciplinary Research
Kedar PandyaInterdisciplinary Research Policy: An EPSRC Perspective
Head of the Cross-disciplinary Interfaces Programme
ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
A Collage
Mainstream processes 36%
37%42%
Managed programmes
Cross-council Research Programmes
Towards a Sustainable Urban Environment (SUE)
Genomics
Centres for Doctoral Training
Why?
Facilitating Interdisciplinary ResearchNational Academy of Sciences 2005
“Interdisciplinary research can be one of the most productive and
inspiring of human pursuits”
Research Council Interest
Insight-led, contributing to knowledge and innovation
Challenge-led, providing solutions to problems
Creating the “Right” Conditions
People
Commissioning
Cultures & structures
People and Careers (I)
Early adopters are essential:
People able to take risks and challenge conventions
Leadership
Vision, creativity and innovation in research
Integration across disciplines & interests
2001
2007
Quarter of a billion pound investment in Centres for Doctoral Training across the EPSRC portfolio
2009
People and Careers (II): Looking Ahead
Metrics of success
Publication options
How to overcome barriers?
An example: Royal Society Interface Journal
Journal of the Royal Society Interface celebrates fifth anniversary with £5,000 EPSRC award
Reward structures e.g. promotion criteria
Nurturing early-stage cross-disciplinary careers is a key priority
Partnership between sponsors and universities needs to be stronger
Inspirational role models
Sandpits
Potential for transformative thinking
Networking, promoting interdisciplinary interaction, breaking down barriers
Financial reward drives behaviour
Not for everyone!
Commissioning (I)
Consortia
Flexibility and non-standard working approaches
Added value from different expertise, both academic and users
Management skills crucial and sometimes overlooked
The sum can be greater than the parts but it depends on the individuals
A range of approaches needed: Networks, translators, mobility, grand challenges, centres, consortia…
Research Councils Energy Commitments
Conventional Energy Generation; Nuclear Fission; Nuclear Fusion; Sustainable Power Generation; Climate Change; Carbon Abatement; Markets, Policy and Public Attitudes
BasicTechnologies
Security
Body motion capture
Eye tracking technologie
s
Behavioural simulation
Emerging computer paradigms
Robotics
Quantum computing
Modelling uncertaint
y
Novel maths &statistics
Digital Economy
Health
Animation
Performance monitoring
Visual search
systems
Image interpretatio
n
Semiconductor devices
Patient monitoring
Surgical applications
Epidemiology
Advancing the
Ecosystem
Start-up companiesPatents
Demonstrators
PromotionsAppointmentsSecondments
Continuous training
Academic papersBook chapters
International lectures
TSB, Research Councils, Government Departments
DoH, Research CouncilsIndustry, Charities
EPSRC TRL
3
2
1
0
Novel screening platforms
Basic Technology
Commissioning (II): Looking Ahead
Economic & Societal Themes e.g. Energy, Digital Economy, Manufacturing the Future
Core capabilities: excellent, long-term core and multi-disciplinary research
Linking underpinning disciplines to societal themes
Greater focus on best with best collaborations
Language challenges vs. opportunities
Identifying the right people
Not a service-based relationship
Further segmentation, matching interventions to desired outcomes
Peer review: excellence and importance
Cross-disciplinary Proposals in the Mainstream: Working with other Programmes & Funders
EPSRC remit queries, managed by the Cross-disciplinary Interfaces Programme
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/about/progs/Pages/remit.aspx
Summary, objectives, research challenges & novelty
Remit queries batched every two weeks
Cross-office group which meets fortnightly:
All programmes involved, with links to other Research Councils
Early advice on where best to submit
Concordat between all Research Councils governs cofunding
Structural and Cultural Change
Structural and Cultural Change (I)
Institutional (e.g. Bridging the Gaps) & individual (e.g. Discipline Hopping):
Innovative approaches to collaboration (workshops, internal competitions)
Cross-fertilisation of ideas between disciplines (contact time)
Embedding multi-disciplinary research & building advocacy
Positive outcomes:
Impact on university strategy, laying the foundation for follow-on funding and new research avenues
“Our vision is to eliminate departmental barriers and bring together the people, talent, and infrastructure necessary to catalyse breakthroughs…”
Structural and Cultural Change (II): Looking Ahead
Continued need for transformation:Structural barriers & incentives for change
EPSRC leadership: Research & training within and across disciplinesLeading-edge thinking in policy
Coordination & collaboration, not just competition
Creating a national perspectiveMultipliers on investments, not just about £££