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 (including the John Innes Centre) 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."
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."
Dr Stuart Wainwright, NRO Group Director and CEO of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: "I've worked with many NROs over the last 25 years and have consistently been inspired by how their science improves lives, drives growth and ensures our national security. Through the new NRO Group we aim to do even more good for the nation and our people."
Professor Cristóbal Uauy, Director of the John Innes Centre, said: "I am proud that our institute is part of the new National Research Organisations (NRO) Group, creating a stronger, central voice for research in the UK. The JIC has a long history of delivering science that benefits people, the economy and the environment. By working collectively across organisations we can ensure that our national capabilities are strategically aligned to the UK's most pressing priorities, from sustainable agriculture to healthy diets, and that our science has maximum relevance for society."
