Research support packages announced
27 June 2020
Responding to the Government's announcement of a support package for research, Dr Tim Bradshaw, CEO of the Russell Group, said:
"The UK’s research sector is one of our global success stories, creating jobs, drawing investment into the UK and securing our status as a world leader in science and innovation.
“Providing costed grant extensions through UKRI and the National Academies is a positive step towards protecting that national asset and the workforce at its heart, who will play a huge part in driving the post-Covid19 economic renewal across every nation and region of the UK.
“The ability to access additional loans and grants should provide help where this is needed most and act as a bridge to a more sustainable future for research. However, we need to understand more about the detailed rules that will apply.
“This is step one though, and we look forward to continuing work with Government on its roadmap to deliver a science superpower future. Key to that will be moving towards a more sustainable operating model for research backed up with wider measures to boost collaborative research in the UK and with partners across the globe.
“Research has never been more important than now to drive innovation and productivity as the UK deals with the post-Covid-19 economic recovery. The challenges we face dealing with pandemic, climate change and other major issues will only be addressed through many disciplines working together, so today’s announcements are good news for the country.”