The National Research Organisations (NRO) Group officially launches today, on Thursday 9 July 2026, at Academy of Medical Sciences in London. A first of its kind collective for the UK, the NRO brings together more than 100 leaders from government, research, academia, industry and funding organisations, marking a new chapter for the UK’s research landscape.

The launch event formally introduces the NRO Group as the collective voice of more than 40 of the UK’s national science and research organisations, including the National Centre for Atmospheric Science. Together, these organisations represent a specialist national research capability dedicated to advancing science that benefits people, communities, the economy, the environment and national resilience.

Attended by Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance, and the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, the NRO launch brings together directors of NRO member organisations and senior representatives from across the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem.

The NRO Group was established in response to growing recognition that the UK research landscape would benefit from stronger strategic alignment, clearer governance and greater visibility of the capabilities provided by national research organisations.

Bringing together these organisations under a single alliance has never been more important – providing a coherent and authoritative voice on science, research policy and long-term investment.

The launch highlights how the NRO Group will work alongside Government, UKRI, academia and industry to support national priorities, strengthen research excellence and help deliver economic growth through science and innovation.

Professor Jacqui Hamilton, Science Director at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, says:

“As a proud member of the National Research Organisations Group, NCAS welcomes this collective commitment to strengthening UK research and innovation. Addressing the complex challenges facing society requires sustained investment in expertise, infrastructure and collaboration, and national research organisations are uniquely placed to provide these long-term capabilities.

“At NCAS, we are providing the knowledge, data, facilities and scientific expertise that help the UK build climate resilience, develop clean air solutions and improve preparedness for high-impact weather. By working together across the research community, we can ensure that world-leading science continues to inform decision-making, drive innovation and deliver benefits for society, the economy and the environment.

“As the NRO Group looks towards 2030, we share its ambition to be a core strategic partner to the government and the wider research community. Together, we can strengthen the UK’s global scientific leadership and enable the discovery, collaboration and impact needed to meet the challenges of a changing world.”