The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is responsible for the allocation of the Science Budget into research via the seven Research Councils for which the Director General of Science and Research (DGSR) is responsible.

The Science and Research Group are responsible for:

• The Research Base
• The Science and Innovation Analysis (SIA) Unit
• The International Science and Innovation Unit (ISIU)
• British National Space Centre

The Research Base includes the science budget for the seven Research Councils, three National Academies, Capital Funding for Research Infrastructure, and science and society programmes. The UK Research Councils established under Royal Charter are:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
• Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

The Director General of the DGSR is also responsible for Science and innovation Analysis (SIA) unit. The SIA is an interdisciplinary unit of analysts within the Science and Innovation Group of BIS. Economists and statisticians provide professional advice and develop the evidence base underpinning Science, Technology and Innovation policy. Evaluation advice is provided for planning and the monitoring and ex-post evaluation of Science and Innovation programmes. The unit is a focal point for analytical advice on Science and Innovation policy for BIS and across Government.

The International Science and Innovation Unit (ISIU) works to ensure that UK researchers, business and Government gain greater benefit from international partnerships and programmes in science, technology and innovation and are partners of choice for our overseas counterparts. The ISIU has three key objectives to:

• Accelerate the commercial exploitation of creativity and knowledge, through innovation and research, to create wealth, grow the economy, build successful businesses and improve quality of life
• Pursue global excellence in research and knowledge, promote the benefits of science and society, and deliver science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills in line with employer demand
• Encourage better use of science in Government, foster public service innovation, and support other Government objectives which depend on DIUS expertise and remit

In managing the Science and Innovation Network (SIN) in collaboration with FCO (see FCO page), the ISIU also contributes directly to FCO objectives.