Russell Group response to launch of new research agency

19 February 2021

In response to the launch today (19 February 2021) of a new Government research agency to support high risk, high reward science, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"The creation of a new high-risk, high reward research agency for the UK is a real statement of intent about the future direction of our economy. Get ARIA right and we can unlock technological innovations that will drive post-pandemic recovery and help tackle global challenges like reaching net zero. Russell Group universities are home to some of the world's best researchers. This new agency has the potential to help turn their ideas into technologies that will support jobs and change our country for the better.

"Covid has shown us just how quickly UK researchers can react to rapid funding calls – removing unnecessary bureaucracy and giving ARIA the ability to act flexibly will help cutting-edge projects go forward at pace. We look forward to working with Government to shape the new agency's agenda."

Notes

• You can read the Russell Group submission to the Science and Technology Committee (Commons) Inquiry on A new UK research funding agency here