Plymouth Marine Laboratory joins UK's new National Research Organisations Group

As a founding member of the NRO Group, PML will help shape a more coordinated approach to research policy, investment and national capability, ensuring world-leading science continues to address society’s most pressing challenges – from climate change and ocean health to food security and environmental resilience. 

Professor Icarus Allen, Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, said: 

“The challenges facing society today demand collaborative, interdisciplinary science with real-world impact. As a founding member of the National Research Organisations Group, Plymouth Marine Laboratory is proud to help strengthen the UK’s research landscape by working alongside fellow national research organisations to provide the evidence, expertise and innovation needed to support informed decision-making and deliver lasting benefits for people, the environment and the economy. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.” 

The National Research Organisations (NRO) Group officially launched last week, at the Royal Academy of Sciences, 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 event formally introduced the NRO Group as the collective voice of more than 40 of the UK’s national science and research organisations, including Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Together, these organisations represent a unique national research capability dedicated to advancing science that benefits people, communities, the economy, the environment and national resilience. 

The launch was attended by Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance, and the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, alongside 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. 

Further information: https://nrogroup.org/