UK Research Councils' Knowledge Transfer Portal and consultation launched

The UK Research Councils, RCUK, have launched a Knowledge Transfer Portal to help researchers and businesses find funding for knowledge transfer opportunities. Intended as a 'one-stop-shop' to give details of all seven research councils' knowledge transfer schemes and activities and how to get involved into four areas: Collaborative Research; Collaborative Training; People Exchange; and Commercialisation and Development.

The Research Councils are also seeking personal responses to a consultation on their Knowledge Transfer schemes, activities and mechanisms. They would like individuals to complete 16 questions by June 2009 to report to the Research Councils Knowledge Transfer and Economic Impact Group in the Autumn. Responses may be made online.

Funding: RCUK Business Plan Competition, cd 14 Sep 2007

The Research Councils UK (RCUK) Business Plan Competition provides researchers who have ideas with commercial potential the skills, knowledge and support needed to develop a first-rate business plan. This is provided through expert trainers, coaches and mentors.

The competition is open to researchers based in UK Higher Education Institutions or Public Sector Research Establishments that are eligible to hold Research Council grants from across the whole spectrum of academic research within the remit of the seven Research Councils – from the arts and biosciences, to environmental physical and social sciences to technology.

Postgraduates, postdocs and academic staff who have a business idea arising from research and want to develop this further are encouraged to participate. Prizes of up to £25,000 will be awarded to the business plans judged to have the best potential to help turn business ideas into reality. Closing date 14 September 2007.