MRC research portfolio now online
16 April 2009
The MRC has launched an interactive online resource that lists research currently funded by the MRC. The MRC Research Portfolio also includes MRC-funded research projects that have been completed since 1 April 2008. The portfolio will enable visitors to the website to see exactly what research is underway, who is leading each project and roughly how much money is being spent on it.
The MRC Research Portfolio will help to increase the MRC’s transparency and accountability in its use of public funds.
John Jeans, MRC Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “This is an exciting development for the MRC. We are keen to show the public exactly what research their money is funding. The portfolio also gives the UK research community an insight into our research so that they can position themselves according to the work that others are doing.”
The portfolio contains information on programmes and projects across the whole spectrum of MRC research – from research programmes in institutes, units and centres, to individual project grants and fellowships. Users can browse the portfolio by grant type, status, principal investigator and research organisation, or search the system using key words. Search results can also be filtered, so that users can select the most relevant information.
Each research project shows a financial value, though these figures cannot be accurately added to create a fair comparison of funding for specific conditions. MRC Director of Corporate Affairs Dr Tony Peatfield explained: “It’s important to note that for grants or fellowships the sum shown is the whole-life-value, but for a unit/institute programme or partnership/contribution the figure denotes annual spend. There are also important differences in the funding structures, so these figures can include different components. The financial information shown online is intended as an overview. If users have a specific question about the financial value of what is being funded in a particular area of science they should contact the MRC at corporate@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk to discuss their requirements.”
Follow this link to try out the MRC Research Portfolio: www.mrc.ac.uk/researchportfolio
Press contact: 020 7637 6011
press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
