Part 3Research

Research and innovation functions and role of the Councils

I193UK research and innovation functions

1

UKRI may—

a

carry out research into science, technology, humanities and new ideas,

b

facilitate, encourage and support research into science, technology, humanities and new ideas,

c

facilitate, encourage and support the development and exploitation of science, technology, new ideas and advancements in humanities,

d

facilitate, encourage and support knowledge exchange in relation to science, technology, humanities and new ideas,

e

collect, disseminate and advance knowledge in and in connection with science, technology, humanities and new ideas,

f

promote awareness and understanding of science, technology, humanities and new ideas,

g

provide advice on any matter relating to any of its functions, and

h

promote awareness and understanding of its activities.

2

The activities which UKRI may carry out in, or in connection with, exercising a function conferred by subsection (1) are not restricted to the United Kingdom.

3

The functions conferred by subsection (1)(a) to (f) include, in particular, power to encourage and support the provision of postgraduate training in science, technology, humanities and new ideas.

4

For the purposes of this Part, “knowledge exchange”, in relation to science, technology, humanities or new ideas, means a process or other activity by which knowledge is exchanged where—

a

the knowledge is in, or in connection with, science, technology, humanities or new ideas (as the case may be), and

b

the exchange contributes, or is likely to contribute, (whether directly or indirectly) to an economic or social benefit in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.

5

Section 94 makes further provision about the giving of financial support under this section.

6

Sections 95 to 98 provide for UKRI to make arrangements for the exercise of functions by the Councils on UKRI's behalf.