The seven grant-awarding Research Councils have common objectives, which are to:
- fund basic, strategic and applied research;
- support postgraduate training (PhDs and masters students and fellows);
- advance knowledge and technology and provide services and trained scientists and engineers to contribute to the economic competitiveness, the effectiveness of public services and policy, and quality of life;
- support science in society activities.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) owns and operates large facilities. These world-class institutions support the research community by providing access to advanced facilities and an extensive scientific and technical expertise.