The SERC commissioned this survey of research support for young investigators as they were concerned that younger scientists and engineers were not competing successfully for limited research resources. The survey, consisting of a questionnaire followed up by selective interviews, included young (up to 35) and older (36-45) permanent academic staff in five university disciplines and one polytechnic discipline, as well as all Royal Society University Research Fellows in post at the time. Three of the subjects (chemistry, electrical engineering and physics) were chosen as ones largely supported by the SERC, biology was chosen for its diversity of funding sources and physiology because it is predominantly funded by sources other than the SERC.<br />
