STFC Futures - Solutions to Global Challenges

Introduction

The increasing pressure on natural resources, our changing climate, an ageing population and uncertainty arising from international terrorism and conflict are challenges that affect us all. Governments, researchers, industry and others have recognised that more can be achieved by working together in a coordinated way than working alone and have placed these 'Global Challenges' at the heart of international and national policy and research agendas.

The Futures Programme was created as STFC's response to ensuring that skills and technology originally developed to address fundamental research questions are harnessed effectively to provide solutions to the global challenges.

Visit our background page to find out more.

Programme activities

Energy

The UK faces unprecedented challenges to the environment, the economy and the future security of its energy supplies. Science and technology is addressing these challenges by helping to find new and innovative ways to deliver secure, clean and efficient energy.

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Environment

Life on Earth depends on the environment, and ensuring the future health of our planet presents huge challenges. Science and technology can address challenges such as managing scarce resources, reducing pollution, and understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change - providing the right connections are made between researchers, technologies and facilities.

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Security

Every citizen wants to stay safe at home and abroad. In today's society, with the threat of international terrorism, security is an increasingly important concern along with the other priorities within the Research Councils UK Global Uncertainties Programme.

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Healthcare

We may be living longer and healthier lives but an ageing population also presents challenges. More and more people will experience chronic diseases and disabilities and this, in turn, increases the pressure on healthcare services. By applying science, technology and engineering to a variety of health-related areas, STFC can help solve some of these challenges.

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Horizon Scanning

Horizon scanning and other Futures techniques are used to ensure that STFC are aware of future developments, opportunities and potential threats in order to improve the robustness of STFC's policies and evidence base in the global challenge areas.

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Cross Council Research

The STFC Futures programme will ensure that STFC contributes effectively to the RCUK (Research Councils UK) cross-council research programmes addressing the global challenges.

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Funding Opportunities

The STFC Futures Programme will ensure that skills and technologies originally developed to address fundamental research questions are harnessed effectively to provide solutions to Global Challenges.

Available schemes

NERC-STFC Technology Partnership Scheme
Global Challenge Networks - pilot scheme

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Useful Information

Contact us
Futures Advisory Panel
Futures factsheets
Futures portfolio