UK’s world-class research organisations launch new collective today
The National Research Organisations (NRO) Group officially launches today (Thursday 9 July) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, London. A first of its kind collective for the UK, the NRO brings together more than 100 leaders from government, research, academia, industry and funding organisations, marking a new chapter for the UK’s research landscape.
The event will formally introduce the NRO Group as the collective voice of more than 40 of the UK’s national science and research organisations, including the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Together, these organisations represent a specialist national research capability dedicated to advancing science that benefits people, communities, the economy, the environment and national resilience.
The launch will be attended by Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance, and the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, alongside directors of NRO member organisations and senior representatives from across the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The NRO Group was established in response to growing recognition that the UK research landscape would benefit from stronger strategic alignment, clearer governance and greater visibility of the specialism and capabilities provided by national research organisations. Bringing together these organisations under a single alliance, has never been more important: providing a coherent and authoritative voice on science, research policy and long-term investment.
The launch event will highlight how the NRO Group will work alongside Government, UKRI, academia and industry to support national priorities, strengthen research excellence and help deliver economic growth through science and innovation.
Professor Sir Ian Chapman, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, said:
“Delivering UKRI’s mission to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth requires the foundational capabilities provided by national research organisations, including our Centres, Institutes, Catapults and Units. I look forward to working in partnership with the National Research Organisation group as we shape the UK’s future.”
Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Dame Angela McLean said:
“The launch of the National Research Organisations Group marks an important step in harnessing science advice and expert knowledge to shape better policy for everyone. By working together, these organisations will be able to provide science-based insight which underpins decisions that benefit society as a whole.”
Professor Paul Matthews, Director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, said:
“The Franklin is committed to working in support of government missions and in partnership with other UKRI institutes and national laboratories. We are founding member of the NRO group and already have seen how much the direct dialogues across UKRI and government that is fostering are helping us find better ways of targeting our science for public good.”
Looking ahead to 2030, the NRO Group has set out an ambitious vision to become an indispensable strategic partner across the UK’s research system. Its priorities include delivering measurable impact against Government priorities, aligning research with national needs, securing sustainable investment in research infrastructure and capability, fostering innovation and skills, and strengthening the UK’s global scientific leadership.