EPSRC was created in 1994. It was formerly a part of the Science and Engineering Research Council EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences and its headquarters are at Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon.
EPSRC and the Industrial Strategy: In 2013 the UK government launched a new Industrial Strategy. This new partnership between
business and all parts of government has identified a range of opportunities to help create growth for the future, from developing new skills and securing critical investment to commercialising our scientific research and inventions. They explore areas where government action can have a real and early impact across five themes such as Working with all sectors and developing strategic partnerships with those where we can have the most impact on growth, Supporting emerging technologies, Improving access to
finance for businesses, Working with
business to help develop skills they need, Developing supply chains and simplifying government procurement processes.
In addition to funding academic research projects, the EPSRC also funds Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs). These deliver four-year doctoral training programmes to cohorts of PhD students and EngD research engineers studying within UK universities, and are funded to target specific areas of research for which there is recognised need. In 2008, the EPSRC announced funding for 44 new CDTs spanning its entire remit and The EPSRC also funds or joint-funds Innovation and Knowledge Centres. Innovation and Knowledge Centres are university based
business incubators established in order to support commercialisation of emerging technologies
Last Updated on: May 14, 2025