About
The RCUK Global Uncertainties programme is examining the causes of insecurity and how security risks and threats can be predicted, prevented and managed.
The programme is one of six RCUK priority themes and brings together the activities of all seven UK Research Councils to better integrate current research investments as well as support new multi-disciplinary research in security.
The programme fosters collaboration between academic partners and funders and a range of national and international policy makers, public bodies, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and the public.
The Global Uncertainties programme focuses on six core areas:
- Ideologies and beliefs
- Terrorism
- Transnational organised crime
- Cybersecurity
- Threats to infrastructures
- Proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) weapons and technologies
The programme explores how developments in these areas are affected by environmental change and diminishing natural recourses, food security, demographic change, poverty, inequality and poor governance, new and old conflicts, natural disasters and pandemics, expansion of digital technologies, economic downturn and other important global developments.
The Global Uncertainties programme runs from 2008 to 2018. The Economic and Social Research Council is leading the programme on behalf of the Research Councils, which currently (March 2012) supports £180 million portfolio of research and activities relevant to Global Uncertainties.
A Strategic Advisory Group with representatives drawn from academia, government, business and the third sector helps shape the programme's priorities and direction.
Aims and objectives
The programme enables more effective co-ordination across RCUK and other stakeholders to maximise the impact of the activities that are funded through:
- facilitating and supporting high-quality, interdisciplinary research that are problem-based
- co-design, co-production and co-delivery of research and linking research base expertise with end users
- co-operation in future strategy development with users so that activities are aligned with shared goals
- shared horizon-scanning activities to identify and respond to emerging challenges and priorities
- engaging with the public and other users to ensure research is addressing relevant questions and issues.
Programme funders
The Global Uncertainties programme brings together all seven of the UK Research Councils:
- Arts and Humanities Research Council
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Medical Research Council
- Natural Environment Researach Council
- Science and Technology Facilities Council
Programme partners
The Global Uncertainties programme works closely with other independent research organisations, research funders and policy makers and practitioners.
- Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure
- Chatham House
- Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
- Department of Communities and Local Government
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Ministry of Defence
- Royal United Services Institute
- Technology Strategy Board
- The Home Office
- US Department of Homeland Security