New body seeks to counter Russell Group research dominance

ResearchPlus, which includes 10 founder institutions, is intended to counter the traditional dominance of Russell Group universities.

In its launch statement, the new body noted “there is no collective voice or visibility for the research-focused universities outside the Russell Group. We see this as a problematic gap and a weakness in the system”.

However, the group emphasised it would seek to address the issue in a “complementary” way with existing groups across the national research and innovation system.

Kyle described the creation of ResearchPlus as an “exciting opportunity” for the sector.

“By strengthening collaboration between universities, industry and government we can break down barriers to opportunity and work together to drive the economic growth that is central to the Government’s Plan for Change,” he added.

The founding list of member institutions encompasses those described by Research England as ‘large, highly research intensive and broad-discipline universities’ with others focused on more specialised research in particular subject areas.

To date these include University of London institutions Brunel, City St George’s, Royal Holloway and SOAS, plus Keele, Essex, Sussex, Hull and Ulster universities. A further recruit, the Open University, boasts a national profile enhanced by its role as a BBC programme producer.

While the Russell Group accounts for 24 of the best-known research universities, there remain many institutions such as Aston, Bath and Reading, which are not currently linked to either body.

However, these and a number of other universities do collaborate on a regional rather than a national basis, in order to foster stronger links with industry and local funding bodies.  Examples include the Midlands Innovation Group, the northern England N8 Research Partnership and the west of England and Wales’ GW4.