The Research Councils and the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) are the major source of research support in the UK Higher Education sector. Responsibility is split according to discipline or subject area: Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Biotechnology & Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC) Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) Medical Research Council (MRC) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils In addition: The Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC) provides large scale facilities and expertise in support of research. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is a strategic partnership set up to champion science, engineering and technology supported by the eight UK Research Councils. Through RCUK the Research Councils are working together to create a common framework for research, training and knowledge transfer.