Global challenges prompt biggest ever cross-council investment

With 37 awards, funding projects in more than 60 countries, the research councils are supporting the work vital for addressing the world's greatest challenges, says Stuart Taberner.

Today, science minister Jo Johnson announced the projects that will be supported by Growing Research Capability, a funding stream of the Global Challenges Research Fund. The 37 projects, with a total funding of £225 million, will see UK researchers working with not-for-profit organisations and industry in more than 60 countries to address vast issues such as health, humanitarian crises, the environment, the economy, and technology.

This represents the largest single interdisciplinary, cross-council investment ever made by the research councils. Of the 37 projects, 36 cut across more than one council’s remit, and 17 cut across three or more. The awards come from the Research Councils UK’s GCRF Collective Fund, which supports interdisciplinary research that is vital for addressing global challenges.