WIREDGOV

STFC is setting up a new Innovation Advisory Board (IAB) which will advise STFC’s Council and Executive Board. The Advisory Board, which is expected to have 6-8 members, will review the ‘innovation’ aspect of STFC’s work and will provide recommendations on existing and future programmes. The Board’s role has a particular significance because it will oversee STFC’s activities which have a direct impact on economic growth. Demonstration of impact is seen as an important part of making the overall case for science funding.

In the context of the proposed Advisory Board, ‘innovation’ is used in its widest sense, viz. the process of translating ideas and capabilities arising from the research base into practical deployment. For STFC, this research base includes international facilities that are funded by STFC, university partners that receive STFC awards, user facilities and other STFC national laboratory activities. STFC currently engages in a wide range of means to enable the process of innovation, including the provision of innovation funding, the provision of business incubators, the management of STFC owned intellectual property, working with businesses large and small and partnerships to develop research and innovation campuses.

The Innovation Advisory Board will be chaired by a member of Council (in the first instance Dr Richard Worswick) and membership will be sought by open call and direct invitation. Senior representation from the following areas will be welcomed, to complement STFC's existing partnerships:

• Businesses aligned to technologies relevant to STFC (ideally one SME, one large business)
• Organizations that fund or support collaborative R&D
• STFC partner international facilities
• The venture capital community
• UK University Technology Transfer Office or other academic organizations with direct experience of generating economic impact.

STFC now invites applications or nominations for membership of this new board, please see the terms of reference for more information about the role of the board.

STFC is committed to the principle of public appointment with independent assessments, openness and transparency of process and to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender and working patterns.

STFC will appoint the best members possible for its advisory bodies but also seeks to ensure that membership reflects the diversity within the relevant communities and so would particularly welcome nominees from groups traditionally underrepresented on such bodies. STFC welcomes applications and nominations from appropriate experts based outside the UK.

If you wish to apply or to nominate a colleague, please complete the online form.

If nominating a colleague, please ensure that the nominee is aware of and agrees to nomination.

The closing date is 17 October 2014. If you require any further information, please contact Tim Bestwick