Higher education research policy

The aim of the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) is to develop and sustain a research sector that holds a strong position within the UK and beyond, by increasing the quality and maintaining a wide range of research appropriate to the region.

The Department provides research funding for the Northern Ireland universities through a range of mechanisms. The majority of year on year or recurrent research funding is distributed by reference to quality as assessed by performance in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). (New arrangements are currently being developed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), in partnership with the other UK Higher Education (HE) funding bodies, for the next assessment of research performance, the Research Excellence Framework (REF)). This is known as Quality-related Research (QR) funding and is used to cover the essential costs necessary to carry out research.

The Department provides capital funding for research through the Higher Education Research Capital fund, previously known as the Research Capital investment Fund (RCIF)and prior to that the Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF). It also operated the Support Programme for University Research (SPUR), an initiative unique to Northern Ireland which directed funding towards interdisciplinary research activity capable of competing at the highest international levels.

The universities also apply for funding to cover the direct costs of specific research projects from the Research Councils , along with other funders such as industry, charities, government departments and the European Union. There are thus two main kinds of higher education research funding in Northern Ireland: that are provided by the Department for Employment and Learning for essential infrastructure costs and the funds made available for specific projects by the Research Councils and others. This is known as the Dual Support System.

The research activity of the Northern Ireland universities is a vital ingredient in the development of the future economy in Northern Ireland.

Concordat for Researchers

A new Concordat for Researchers agreement was signed on Thursday 26 June 2008 which sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.

The Concordat, of which DEL is one of the signatories, will ensure that today's researchers are nurtured and supported during their career development. By setting out clear expectations for researchers, research managers, research institutions and funders of research, the Concordat aims to enhance the research workforce and thereby sustain research excellence in the UK, bringing benefits to the health, economy and well-being of our nation.

The Concordat is available to download: Concordat for Researchers

For further information, please contact HE Research Policy Branch (tel: 028 9025 7693).