STFC was established as a Research Council and legal entity as set out in the Royal Charter on 1st April 2007.
Ten years later , the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 was enacted into law in the UK which was intended to create a new regulatory framework for higher education, increase competition and student choice, ensure students receive value for money, and strengthen the research sector. The Act established a body called United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) and gives it responsibilities for regulating and funding research.
STFC’s mission remains to;
Promote and support high-quality scientific and engineering research by developing and providing, by any means, facilities and technical expertise in support of basic, strategic and applied research programmes funded by persons established in the UK and elsewhere.
Promote and support, by any means, high-quality basic, strategic and applied research and related postgraduate training in astronomy, particle physics, space science and nuclear physics and research in any other field which makes use of scientific facilities where access is provided, arranged or otherwise made available by STFC, having regard to the objectives of the other Research Councils.
Promote and support the advancement of knowledge and technology (including the promotion and support of the exploitation of research outcomes) and to provide trained scientists and engineers, and thereby to contribute to the economic competitiveness of the UK and the quality of life of its people, meeting the needs of users and beneficiaries.
In relation to STFC’s activities and as it may see fit:
This mission provides the underlying framework for our entire portfolio of operations and activities as we focus on delivering world-beating science and technology.
Last updated: 28 February 2019
Science and Technology Facilities Council
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