This summit begins a process of strategic engagement on research and training priorities with energy related business.
The launch represents a significant step forward in helping the UK meet the objectives and targets set out in the 2003 Energy White Paper, to drive forward the sustainable and low carbon energy agenda. The overall Energy Programme will be building on existing research in this area.
The Energy Programme is being managed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
EPSRC will be working closely with sister research councils BBSRC, CCLRC, ESRC and NERC along with the DTI to develop the research portfolio. This will cover a wide area across the economic, social, environmental and biological sciences as well as the engineering and physical sciences.
Initial funding of £30M for the programme came from the 2004 Spending Review. Alongside this there has been substantial investment from the individual research councils involved. In addition the Office of Science and Technology has challenged the Research Councils to increase their energy spending from £40M pa in 2005/6 to £70M pa in 2007/8.
This event will include a showcase of energy research already underway in the UK. Details will also be announced regarding a new post of Energy Senior Research Fellow. A second energy summit will take place in May 2006 to report on progress and decide on action for the future.
The launch will include a presentation by Malcolm Wicks, Minister of State for Energy and the Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Professor John O'Reilly.
Notes for Editors:
Journalists are invited to the morning launch event prior to the summit and/ or the informal networking lunch session between 11.30 and 13.00 where there is a chance to talk to some of those involved in the Energy Research Programme who will be showcasing their work and latest achievements.
If you would like to attend please send an e-mail to natasha.richardson@epsrc.ac.uk with the following information:
Name:
Organisation:
Contact details:
I would like to attend the morning launch session (between 09.45 and 11.30) Y/N
I would like to attend the Energy Research Showcase and networking lunch (11.30 – 13.00) Y/N
Venue directions:
One Whitehall Place is two minutes from Charing Cross Rail Station (200 yards). Waterloo Rail Station is 2 miles away.
Nearest Underground Stations are Embankment (which is opposite One Whitehall Place), Charing Cross and Westminster.
Event schedule
09.45 – 10.30 Registration
10.30 Welcome address – Professor Sir David King, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser
Malcolm Wicks, Minister of State for Energy
Professor John O'Reilly, EPSRC Chief Executive
11.30 – 13.00 Energy Showcase and networking lunch
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK's main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. The EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone's health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. Website address for more information on EPSRC: www.epsrc.ac.uk/
For information on BBSRC, CCLRC, ESRC, NERC and the DTI visit the following websites:
BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) www.bbsrc.ac.uk/
CCLRC (Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils) www.cclrc.ac.uk/
ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) www.esrc.ac.uk/
NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) www.nerc.ac.uk/
DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) www.dti.gov.uk/
For more information on the Research Councils' Energy Programme and the summit process contact:
EPSRC Press Office, Natasha Richardson, tel: 01793 444404, e-mail: natasha.richardson@epsrc.ac.uk