Making research matter: BGS joins leading research organisations in new national initiative

The UK’s foremost research agencies and institutes have come together to launch the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group. The NRO Group is a trusted partner for government, academia and industry, providing a unified and authoritative perspective on science, policy and research investment to make research matter.

The NRO Group has been formed to address fragmentation across the UK research landscape and unlock the full potential of national research organisations. 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 also driving progress toward net zero and UK environmental goals.

Research and development are 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, Science Minister. 

BGS has a long history of working closely with fellow research institutes and organisations, and we are delighted to be part of the National Research Organisations Group. Geoscience has a crucial role to play in addressing societal challenges and enabling economic growth and we look forward to continuing our work as part of this initiative, delivering geoscience for benefit of society.

Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director.

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

I’ve worked with many national research organisations 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.

Dr Stuart Wainwright, director of the NRO Group and CEO of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Find out more

• NRO Group website