Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funds research and training in social and economic issues. It is an independent organisation, established by Royal Charter, but receives most of its funding through the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Its budget of £181 million (2007/2008) funds over 2,500 researchers in academic institutions and policy research institutes throughout the UK. It also support more than 2,000 postgraduate students.
The ESRC began in 1965 as the Social Science Research Council, comprising social science committees covering 14 disciplines ranging from anthropology to statistics. In 1983 the council was restructured under the new name of Economic and Social Research Council, focusing on six research areas: economic affairs, education and human development, environment and planning, government and law, industry and employment, and social affairs.
It has an international reputation both for providing high-quality research on issues of importance to business, the public sector and government, and for our commitment to training world-class social scientists. Nearly two-thirds of its budget (£105 million in 2007/2008) is allocated to research, and just under one-third (£56 million in 2007/2008) to postgraduate training.
The quality of life and economic well-being of the UK and its citizens are just two of the many policy-relevant issues addressed by its research and training activities. Comparative and international perspectives are strongly encouraged. For example, UK economic performance is increasingly dependent on the global economy, and economic distribution - both within and between countries and regions - is a major issue for social science research.
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