Making Research Matter: NOC Unites with UK’s Leading Research Organisations

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has joined forces with the UK’s foremost research agencies and institutes to launch a pioneering alliance.

NOC is among 35 organisations that form the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group, dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities.

The NRO Group is a trusted partner for government, academia and industry, providing a unified and authoritative perspective on science, policy, and research investment – making research matter.

The NRO Group formed to address fragmentation across the UK research landscape and unlock the full potential of national research organisations (NROs). This will involve clearer governance, strategic alignment, and better visibility of these unique capabilities.

By creating an authoritative, collegiate voice and a trusted interface, the NRO Group ensures science-based insight informs decisions and connects major national priorities to improve people’s lives, boost growth, and ensure security and resilience - while driving progress toward net zero and UK environmental goals.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

“Research and Development is essential to building a better Britain. From new treatments for cancer, to breakthroughs in clean energy or developing the computers of the future, the path to a stronger economy and society will be dependent on science and innovation.

"There has never been a better time for the UK's research institutes and public research bodies to pull together. By aligning their capabilities to deliver maximum impact, the NRO Group will be a key part of our efforts to ensure that science and technology benefits everyone."

The NRO group brings together many agencies and institutes that provide unique national and international capabilities. Their principal purpose is to perform curiosity driven as well as focussed full-time research, from searching for new antibiotics to the clean jet engines of the future. This grouping is underpinned by a formal partnership agreement, to generate maximum value to the economy, security, and the lives of people.

Dr Stuart Wainwright, NRO Group Director and CEO of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said:

“I’ve worked with many NROs over the last 25 years and have consistently been inspired by how their science improves lives, drives growth and ensures our national security. Through the new NRO Group we aim to do even more good for the nation and our people.”

Professor John Siddorn, Chief Executive Officer, National Oceanography Centre, added:

"We are proud to be founding members of the NRO Group. It provides us with an opportunity to work together with other leading science and research organisations to support government through science, accelerate innovation, and tackle some of the most urgent challenges to improve people’s lives."