Mission

As set out in the Royal Charter* which came into force on 1st April 2007 and established STFC as a Research Council and legal entity, our mission is 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:
  • generate public awareness
     
  • communicate research outcomes
     
  • encourage public engagement and dialogue
     
  • disseminate knowledge
     
  • provide advice

This mission provides the underlying framework for our entire portfolio of operations and activities as we focus on delivering world-beating science and technology.

* Royal Charters, granted by the Sovereign on the Privy Council’s advice, date back to the 13th Century. Originally, their aim was to create public or private corporations (including towns and cities) and define their privileges and purpose. Today, new Charters are normally reserved for bodies working in the public interest and demonstrating pre-eminence, stability and permanence in their field of specialism.