The UK’s foremost research agencies and institutes have come together to launch the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group, a new alliance of 35 organisations dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities. The NRO Group is a trusted partner for government, academia and industry, providing a unified and authoritative perspective on science, policy, and research investment – making research matter.

The NRO Group formed to address fragmentation across the UK research landscape and unlock the full potential of national research organisations (NROs). This will involve clearer governance, strategic alignment, and better visibility of these unique capabilities. By creating an authoritative, collegiate voice and a trusted interface, the NRO Group ensures science-based insight informs decisions and connects major national priorities to improve people’s lives, boost growth, and ensure security and resilience – while driving progress toward net zero and UK environmental goals.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Research and Development is essential to building a better Britain. From new treatments for cancer, to breakthroughs in clean energy or developing the computers of the future, the path to a stronger economy and society will be dependent on science and innovation. There has never been a better time for the UK’s research institutes and public research bodies to pull together. By aligning their capabilities to deliver maximum impact, the NRO Group will be a key part of our efforts to ensure that science and technology benefits everyone.”

Lord Vallance talking to researchers in the Quadram Institute labs, February 2023

The NRO group brings together many agencies and institutes that provide unique national and international capabilities. Their principal purpose is to perform curiosity-driven as well as focussed full-time research, from searching for new antibiotics to the clean jet engines of the future. This grouping is underpinned by a formal partnership agreement, to generate maximum value to the economy, security, and the lives of people.

Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of UK Research and Innovation adds: “Our National Research Organisations are a real asset for the UK, providing world-class facilities and researchers. By coming together in this way, they [NROs] have the opportunity to improve efficiency, allowing the whole to be greater than the sum of the parts. By focussing their efforts, the NRO can play an important role in improving lives and driving growth across the UK.”

Professor Daniel Figeys, Director of the Quadram Institute said: “We at the Quadram Institute are proud to be be part of the newly launched NRO Group – uniting UK research centres making a positive impact for people, communities and the UK economy.”

Find out more:  www.nrogroup.org