SFC news published since 2018. See SFC archived content for earlier news articles.
The postgraduate research system in Scotland is set to benefit from expert knowledge drawn from a wide spectrum of the Scottish university system. Following a competitive applications process, the 19 members of a new national advisory group for postgraduate research have been announced today by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
Describing the foundation of the group as a pioneering move, the Scottish Funding Council says the group’s work will include advising on future funding approaches for postgraduate research, building and strengthening the evidence base and guiding Scotland’s response to changes in the rest of the UK.
The advisory group members come from a mixture of disciplines and from different sizes and types of universities. They include representatives from Scotland’s oldest and youngest universities and both the arts and the sciences. As well as academics, the group includes professional services staff and representation from Scotland’s national graduate schools and Research Pools. The inclusion of UKRI’s Director of Talent and Skills will ensure a UK-wide perspective.
Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“So much of Scotland’s global reputation is based on our talent for discovery and innovation. In areas such as medicine and life sciences we have been the research lab for the rest of the world. For this to continue, and for Scotland to contribute to the huge research challenges ahead, we need to encourage and support our postgraduate researchers.
“It’s exciting to be announcing the members of a group that will bring incredible energy and all-round knowledge to SFC’s focus on supporting postgraduate researchers.”
Dr Kay Guccione, Head of Research Culture & Researcher Development at the University of Glasgow and one of the co-chairs of the new group, said:
“The work we’re setting out to do is a great opportunity to think imaginatively to address some long-standing issues as well as some contemporary challenges for post graduate researchers. It has the potential to create the foundations for an even stronger and more equitable research base for the future.”
View the SFC Advisory Group on Supporting Scotland’s Postgraduate Researchers.
