An RCUK Review of Energy was carried out by a panel of international experts
in October 2010. This review was organised by the EPSRC on behalf of all UK Research
Councils and in conjunction with the learned societies to provide an independent
assessment of the quality and impact of the UK programme. The Review Panel globally
benchmarked the strength of the UK Energy research programme compared to those found
across the world and highlighted any gaps or missed opportunities.
The Review Panel, comprised 16 academics and industrialists, was chaired by Dr
Carsten Hein Westergaard, Global Technology Director, Vestas Technology R&D Americas,
Inc., USA and the UK Steering Committee was chaired by Dr Sue Ion, Independent.
The Steering Committee included representation of E.ON UK, National Grid, the
Royal Academy of Engineering, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
(EPSRC), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Science and Technology
Facilities Council (STFC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
(BBSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
RCUK provided the Panel with various information, including evidence gathered
from a wide range of sources, to assist them in the undertaking of their task -
a copy of the data document is available
here 
along with an
update
which was produced following the Review’s postponement in April 2010 due to the
Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.
The report of the Review Panel was presented to the academic community at a Town
Meeting held on 18th January 2011 -
transcript of the meeting
and
Dr Westergaard’s presentation slides
are
available.
The Review Panel’s report is available here . An initial response to the 64 recommendations made by the Review Panel was published by the Research Councils in early 2011. Two years on from the review, and approaching the midpoint of the current delivery plan period, an updated response to the panel’s recommendations (as of December 2012) has now been published, which details progress made against actions taken in response to the review.
If you have any questions about the Review, please get in touch via our
contacts
page.