‘National importance’ becomes crucial in EPSRC peer review

Researchers applying to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for funding will in future have to clearly identify the “national importance” of their proposed project in the next 10 to 50 years. The measure will become a primary assessment criterion in peer review, alongside research quality, from 15 November. The measure will take into account the potential impact of the proposed research on the UK economy, whether it could enable an emerging industry, help meet society’s challenges or promote other research disciplines, said the EPSRC.