Opportunity: Research Council Board membership, c/d 13 November 2009

The Research Councils fund research, research facilities and postgraduate training, and are funded by Government. Four Research Councils are seeking suitably qualified academics and experienced individuals from the industrial/commercial sectors to fill a number of Board vacancies.

These are renumerated, part-time positions, which will influence the future strategy and direction of the Research Councils, including their knowledge transfer role.

There are currently vacancies for the Arts and Humanties Research Council (AHRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC). Details of the vacancies can be found on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website. The closing date for all vacancies is 13 November 2009.

Opportunity: BBSRC Strategy Panels and Research Committees, c/d 9 June 2009

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is looking to appoint high calibre, committed individuals from the academic and industrial sectors to its Strategy Panels. The Strategy Panels advise BBSRC on how best to deliver world class basic and strategic science. There are seven BBSRC Strategy Panels, including Bioscience for Industry and Bioscience for Society.

Members are drawn from universities, research institutes, Government departments and industrial user organisations, and BBSRC is keen to appoint members to the Panels with experience of industry relevant to the BBSRC Mission, particularly in the areas of food security and bioenergy.

Appointments are for one year in the first instance, with a minimum time commitment of two two-day meetings a year and time for grant review. An attendance fee of £170 per day and reasonable travelling expenses is payable.

Further details, including the Expression of Interest form is available on the BBSRC website. The deadline for applications is 9 June 2009.

Opportunity: NERC’s Science and Innovation Strategy Board (SISB, c/d 8 June 2009

NERC, the Natural Environment Research Council is inviting self-nominated applications for membership of its Science and Innovation Strategy Board from across the NERC science domain. The SISB is the key source of advice to NERC on science and innovation matters. For the 2009 round, applications from those with expertise in physics, atmospheric sciences, geo- and palaeochemistry, marine biogeochemistry, geophysics, ecology, solar and terrestrial physics or a relevant business sector background would be particularly welcome. All applications will be considered on merit. Deadline for applications, which should be made via the NERC website: 8 June 2009.

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.