Today, ten leading research-focused universities announced their intention to form a new strategic partnership. \u2018ResearchPlus\u2019 will give a collective voice to universities that constitute a critical element of the UK\u2019s research and innovation system, and that deliver vital research-informed education and advanced skills.<\/p>\n
ResearchPlus has the primary aim of enhancing the strength of the UK\u2019s research and innovation base. Through strategic collaboration and proactive engagement, this new partnership will seek to support economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing across the whole of the UK, working with government, business, and civil society, and complementing rather than competing with other sector bodies.<\/p>\n
The foundations of most ResearchPlus universities were laid by successive government and industry initiatives to invest in economic growth and social development, through fundamental research, the advancement of technology, and the expansion of educational opportunity and the provision of advanced skills.<\/p>\n
ResearchPlus universities remain true to those missions and are essential partners for government, businesses, and communities in the expansion and re-imagining of universities\u2019 contribution to the public good. They will play a vital role in delivering the ambitions of the Industrial Strategy across all eight high-growth sectors.<\/p>\n
Over the next few months, the ResearchPlus partners will develop a programme of collective and collaborative work and engagement, with a formal parliamentary launch planned for the autumn.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for ResearchPlus said:<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently, a significant number of research-focused universities are not aligned to any university mission group. This is a particular problem for the research and innovation challenges the UK faces. We cannot afford not to make the most of the UK\u2019s research and innovation capabilities and capacities.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the creation of a new collaborative, ResearchPlus, leading research-focused universities can make a stronger collective contribution to public and policy debates on research and innovation, research-informed higher education, and advanced skills, supporting policymakers and public goals.<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cEach ResearchPlus partner has outstanding research teams and specialist areas that are recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, attracting global talent in staff and students. Each is essential to the success of the industrial and business ecosystems, public services, and community and cultural life in their places. Together, they \u2013 and other similar universities \u2013 play the same role UK-wide.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n