The Pirbright Institute and other leading UK research agencies and institutes have today launched the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group. The new alliance of 35 organisations is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities.
A trusted partner for government, academia and industry, the NRO Group provides a unified and authoritative perspective on science, policy, and research investment – making research matter.
Formed to address fragmentation across the UK research landscape and unlock the full potential of national research organisations (NROs), NRO Group will provide 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."
Professor Bryan Charleston MRCVS FRS, Director and CEO of The Pirbright Institute, said: “The Pirbright Institute has been a long-standing champion for the formation of the NRO Group, which provides a single-entry point to a network of organisations enabling UK Government, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and industry to engage strategically, and steer investment, in major areas such as growth, security, and health.
“Our collective capabilities will support government priorities and provide greater value and impact in areas of mutual interest or ambition – including the provision of national research infrastructure, sector support and regulatory roles, innovation needs. And our expertise, data and models will help plan and deliver across major areas of the science-policy interface, enabling evidence-based decision-making.”
Dr Stuart Wainwright, NRO Group Director and CEO of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology: “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.”
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.