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Economic and Social Research Council

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funds research and training in social and economic issues.
We have an international reputation both for providing high-quality research on issues of importance to business, the public sector and government and for our commitment to training excellence, which produces world-class social scientists.
We are an independent organisation, established by Royal Charter, but receive most of our funding through the Government's Office of Science and Innovation. Our budget of more than £100 million funds over 2,500 researchers in academic institutions and policy research institutes throughout the UK. We also support more than 2,000 postgraduate students.
The quality of life and economic well-being of the UK and its citizens are just two of the many, policy-relevant issues addressed by our portfolio of research and training activities. Comparative and international perspectives are strongly encouraged. For example, UK economic performance is increasingly dependent on the global economy, and economic distribution - both within and between countries and regions - is a major issue for social science research.
Every member of society benefits from the contribution the social sciences make to the UK's science base and public life.

Economic and Social Research Council
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1UJ
Telephone: 01793 413000
Fax: 01793 413001