Research Councils UK (RCUK) was a strategic partnership of the UK's seven research councils, which were responsible for funding and supporting research across various disciplines. These councils aimed to promote excellence in research and innovation, ensuring that the UK remained a global leader in scientific and academic endeavors. In 2018, RCUK was replaced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which brought together the research councils, Innovate UK, and Research England. UKRI continues to support research and innovation in the UK, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to address societal challenges and drive economic growth.