Currently, four of the seven Research Councils (AHRC, ESRC, NERC and STFC) use a common ‘UKRI Research Classification’ consisting of Research Areas, Qualifiers and optional free text keywords, recorded through Je-S. This has been introduced to facilitate inter-disciplinary working, reviewer-matching and reporting. Two councils have implemented a 3-level Research Areas hierarchy. However, in all cases the top level of common Research Areas is not selectable, and is only an aid to reporting and navigation.
The classification consists of up to three parts, depending on the Research Council:
1. Research Area
These should be used to indicate the subject area(s) relevant to the student’s programme of study or research. Users can either search the list of Research Areas or browse through it by expanding higher levels to identify those areas of most relevance.
In some areas, three levels have been defined, whereas in others there are only two. Terms at the top-level of the structure cannot be selected, as this is mainly a grouping to assist in finding relevant areas, but users may select at either the second level or the third level, where this is available. Users should try to select terms at the lowest appropriate level to describe the subject area.
Users may make selections within up to ten second-level Research Areas (for NERC, users should select up to five of the second-level Research Areas). Within these second-level Research Areas users may make as many selections at the third level as they wish. Users should also ensure that a primary area is selected once the selection is completed, and the percentage indicators are set against each Research Area (where required) Research Areas can be removed by using the links on the page.
2. Qualifiers
Qualifiers are terms that further qualify the areas selected under Research Areas, and cover aspects such as approach, time period, methodology and geographical focus. Depending on the Research Council, the choice here may be restricted. Users may select as many Qualifiers as are relevant to enable the Research Councils to gain a more detailed understanding of the subject area.
3. Free Text Keywords (ESRC, NERC and STFC)
Free text keywords can be used to describe the proposal in more detail. These will facilitate reviewer-matching and may form the basis of a more detailed classification in the future. To add a new Free text keyword, click on the Add New Free-text Keyword link.
To add a keyword, users first need to search the existing Research Areas by entering the keyword in the search box and selecting the Filter button. If the keyword is adequately reflected by one of the terms displayed, then click in the corresponding checkbox and select save. If no potential matches are displayed, or none of those displayed are suitable, then select the Add New button followed by the Save button to add it as a descriptor.
Note: For ESRC, it is essential that the primary classification for the studentship reflects one of the ESRC core disciplines. Please see the following website for further guidance:
https://esrc.ukri.org/about-us/what-is-social-science/social-science-disciplines/