The University of Essex has announced its participation in the new ResearchPlus initiative, joining nine other universities in a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the UK”s research landscape. The initiative was officially launched at the House of Lords.
The primary goal of ResearchPlus is to unify research-focused universities, significantly contributing to the UK”s framework for research and innovation. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration with government, industry, and civil society.
Dr. Peter Kyle MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, expressed strong support for the initiative, noting, “Innovation is crucial to the UK”s future, and so much of our potential will come from higher education. That”s why the work of ResearchPlus is so important; it brings these partnerships together and helps turn world-leading research into real-world impact.”
Professor Frances Bowen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex, highlighted the significance of this opportunity: “ResearchPlus is a great opportunity to bring together universities that share our enthusiasm for research and education.”
The launch event was attended by vice-chancellors from all ten participating universities, along with notable figures such as the Rt Hon. Lord Peter Hain and Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK. Lord Hain remarked, “ResearchPlus is the collaboration of universities that we have been missing. Now there is a vehicle for government to hear the collective voice of university research that is truly diverse and will bring solutions to the challenges of our time.”
