The Higher Education Research Bill (HERB) yesterday received Royal Assent and will now pass into law. With the passage of this Bill, UKRI will bring together the Research Councils and Innovate UK under the umbrella of a new body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences commented:
“We have engaged with the government at many different stages as this Bill has evolved and we believe that the Bill as enacted will bring value and new opportunities for the UK research community.
Translating scientific discovery into patient impact requires a healthy pipeline of investment, which must be balanced between research and innovation. We look forward to working with UKRI to preserve this balance, promote interdisciplinary work and ensure the UK maintains its role as a global leader in research and innovation.”