What does RRUK-A do?
RRUK-A provides a focus for research institutions who undertake R&D that could be of benefit to the railways and for the railway industry to access academic research capabilities. It brings together those who can use and fund research, with those who do it.
To do this it provides a forum for targeted knowledge exchange between universities and the industry, including the organisation of focussed workshops and seminars, as well as wider networking opportunities.
RRUK-A will also maintain a ‘map’ of expertise that will help identify experts in particular areas. It will collate knowledge of what is being researched or has been researched, so that it is not duplicated when further research is being considered and undertaken.
I’ve heard of RRUK. Does that still exist? How is RRUK-A different?
RRUK-A builds on the foundation of RRUK, which was a virtual research centre funded by the EPSRC from 2003 to 2010 and comprised specific research groups from a limited number of universities. Funding was available for research focussing on particular subjects at those universities for a fixed time and is now complete. RRUK-A is new and is open to all universities. It does not have funding for research.