The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has announced a new approach to supporting research skills training and capacity building in the UK. As part of its effort to shape this new approach, ESRC is conducting a phase of community engagement, which includes a short survey that will run until 30 April 2024. 

The goal of ESRC's new approach is to create a research talent ecosystem that enables researchers to develop a range of research skills that are needed throughout the chronology of a research grant, from research design to impact. Additionally, the new approach aims to adapt to an evolving research landscape that is increasingly interdisciplinary, reach across sectors, and facilitate a diversity of research careers, including those that are non-linear. 

ESRC is seeking the community's views on what effective interventions are required to strengthen current provision and enable the research talent ecosystem outlined above. The input received from the survey will inform a funding opportunity that ESRC plans to publish in summer 2024, with a view to a new infrastructure investment starting in autumn 2025. 

ESRC believes that the insights provided by the community will ensure future funding successfully builds upon, complements, and adds value to its portfolio of training and capacity building provision.