In March 2010, then Health Secretary Andy Burnham announced a Government commission for the Academy of Medical Sciences to conduct an independent review of the regulation and governance of UK medical research. The Academy had highlighted the need for this review in 'Reaping the rewards: a vision for UK medical science', published on Monday 11 January 2010.
Following the change in Government support for the study was given by Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science at a press briefing in May 2010.
The Department of Health has since highlighted the study in its Health White Paper - Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS and Liberating the NHS: Report of the arm's-length bodies review.