Making a difference

ResearchPlus

We’re proud to be a founding member of ResearchPlus – a national collaboration of ten leading research-focused universities. We drive innovation, fuel economic growth and create social impact through world-leading research and education.

Scientist in a cleanroom suit examines a silicon wafer with data monitors in the background.

Who are we

ResearchPlus partner institutions are located across the UK’s cities and regions, bringing together world-class research and a strong commitment to civic engagement to deliver benefits for local communities, the economy and society as a whole.

Through a shared purpose and strategic approach, ResearchPlus brings together institutions that are committed to advancing knowledge, developing talent and addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the UK now and in the future.

By working collectively, we champion the vital contribution that research-focused universities make to the UK’s research and innovation landscape and demonstrate the real-world impact of our work.

Founding Partners

Together, we represent a distinctive and essential part of the UK’s research base, bringing agility, interdisciplinary strength, and a deep connection to public and private sector partners.

What we do

The UK's research and innovation success is built on the diversity of its higher education sector. ResearchPlus works to demonstrate that strength, supporting government priorities, including the Industrial Strategy, and contributing to economic growth, regional development and societal progress.

As part of this work, ResearchPlus aims to broaden and strengthen the Higher Education sector’s voice, adding to the perspective of the Russell Group in highlighting the impact of research and innovation in the UK and across the world.

Researcher at the Wounds Innovation Centre

Launching a new era

ResearchPlus was launched in October 2025 at the House of Lords, bringing together Vice-Chancellors from all ten partner institutions alongside The Rt Hon. Lord Hain; Secretary of State for Business and Trade The Rt Hon. Dr Peter Kyle; Jordan Cummins, UK Competitiveness Director at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI); and Universities UK Chief Executive Vivienne Stern MBE.

By working together and engaging proactively, we can make a stronger contribution to public and policy discussions on research, innovation, higher education and advanced skills, supporting both policymakers and the public good.
Professor Kevin Kerrigan
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Hull

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ResearchPlus Launch outside the Houses of Parliament

Mission and impact

This was just the start. Since its launch, ResearchPlus has continued to develop a programme of collective and collaborative activity and engagement across the sector. This includes policy advocacy, joint research initiatives, sector-wide dialogue, and knowledge exchange activities focused on advancing the UK’s strategic priorities, including economic growth, technological innovation, public service transformation, and skills development.

Mission

Our universities were founded on the idea that research and education should serve society. Today, that principle remains at the heart of what we do. Through ResearchPlus, we commit to:

Excellence in research and innovation across all disciplines

Research-informed education and advanced skills development

Collaboration with government, business, and civic partners

Driving social mobility, inclusion, and opportunity

Delivering impact locally, nationally, and globally

Together, we aim to support the UK’s ambitions for innovation, skills, and economic renewal — and to ensure that research serves people and places across the whole country.

Impact

ResearchPlus universities make distinctive contributions to:

Innovation and impact

Turning discovery into real-world solutions

Industry partnerships and knowledge exchange

Working closely with business and public services

Advanced skills development

Preparing graduates for the industries of the future

Civic life and community development

Strengthening the places we serve

Cultural and creative growth

Enriching public life

Social inclusion and mobility

Ensuring access and opportunity for all

These are the foundations of the UK’s research and innovation success. By working together, we can do even more.

Find out more about ResearchPlus

Explore the ResearchPlus website to learn more about the collaboration, its member universities and how it is advancing research, innovation, economic growth and social impact across the UK.

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ResearchPlus

Who are we

What we do

Launching a new era

Mission and impact

Mission

Impact

Find out more about ResearchPlus

Learn more about our groundbreaking research and how you can get involved

Who are we

What we do

Launching a new era

Mission and impact

Find out more about ResearchPlus