A new database of Areas of Research Interest has been developed

Published on 28 September 2023

Now Live – A new database of Areas of Research Interest has been developed by the Government Office for Science and the Economic and Social Research Council. This new tool brings together all Areas of Research Interest (ARI) documents from across government departments in a one-stop shop.

ARIs are lists of research questions or topics which government departments and agencies would welcome more research on to inform their policies and help close the evidence policy gap.

This new database allows anyone accessing it to search for particular areas of research interest, and find out what are the main research questions facing government departments.

If applicable, the database will also find research already funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and connected to the searched topic, thereby making it easier to identify existing evidence and experts in the field.

Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Dame Angela McLean said: “ARIs are a mechanism to improve engagement between policy officials, funders and experts in the UK and provide a clear indication of government priorities in tackling societal issues.

“This database will help officials, funders and experts in the UK to spot better opportunities to collaborate more effectively and shape their activities in response.”