In response to the announcement that Liz Truss will be the UK's new Prime Minister, Professor Dame Anne Johnson PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
“As Liz Truss takes office as the new Prime Minister, she faces international and domestic challenges. Central to many of these challenges is the UK’s ability to protect the health of the nation, to grow the economy and to have access to the best evidence to inform decisions. I hope Ms Truss will remember the critical role that health research plays in each of these.
“When it comes to research, you reap what you sow. As well as developing lifesaving treatments and improving care for patients, medical research is responsible for economic returns to the country to the tune of 25p per pound investment, each year, forever.
“Ms Truss takes up the mantle of delivering existing pledges for the UK to become a ‘Science and Technology Superpower’ and invest £22 billion in R&D by 2026/27. I was delighted to see her support for the life sciences during her campaign, but she must now stand by these commitments and be the Prime Minister to deliver them.
“Medical research requires a coherent, long-term approach, backed by investment, which inspires talented researchers to build their careers in the UK and supports international collaboration. For the UK to build on the benefits of research the new Prime Minister must swiftly drive forward this agenda, creating a healthier future while delivering for the economy. I look forward to working alongside Ms Truss and her Government as they do so.”
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