The Science and Technology Committee hold an introductory evidence session with Sir John Kingman, the interim Chair of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), on 12 October 2016. UKRI is the single strategic body proposed in the Higher Education and Research Bill, to bring together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK, and Research England.

We are pleased to submit a response to the committee’s call for evidence on the role and priorities of UKRI interim chair  prior to this session. In our submission, we highlight issues particularly relevant to Scottish universities. In summary, our response:-

• Focuses on the importance of UKRI being set up to take due regard to the representation and interests of devolved nations.
• Outlines that we would welcome a statement on the vision for UKRI from the interim Chair and detail as to how the success of the new structure will be monitored.
• States that UKRI must be set up to maintain the strong characteristics of current structures including dual support, best practice funding mechanisms and the autonomy of the Research Councils.
• Comments that we have specific recommendations around appropriate governance structures of UKRI given its cross-UK nature and would recommend early engagement on the representative role of UKRI (at a global and UK-level) and in the design of cross-cutting funds with the sector.

Read our submission

Further information on the inquiry can be found here