Government support for research and innovation

The Academy continues to keep in close contact with organisations across the medical research sector and is working with the other National Academies ahead of the 2015 general election.

The Academies jointly responded to the consultation on research capital, focusing on the importance of principles such as the need for a long term approach, and provision of funds for infrastructural upgrades, maintenance and staffing.

The Academies are also providing input into the Government’s developing ‘Science and Innovation Strategy 2014’, which will be announced in this year's Autumn statement. This has been through meetings with civil servants and as a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group. Furthermore, the President gave evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee on 8 July 2014 toward their inquiry ‘2025: Priorities for scientific research’, which was considering the developing Government Strategy. The session can be watched online.

Upcoming joint work with the National Academies includes meetings of the Presidents with senior figures in the major political parties and hosting events at the 2014 party conferences.