Statement on HM Government Changes

Published: 24 July 2026

Research Plus Co-Chairs, Professor Andrew Jones, Vice Chancellor and President of Brunel University of London, and Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, said:

"We are very sorry to see Patrick Vallance standing down from his role as science minister following the abolition of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He has always been a staunch and impactful advocate for research and innovation in this country.

"He knows how critical innovation emanating from universities is in driving the economic growth that we all agree is so needed. The university sector loses a good friend in government who beat the drum for the UK’s outstanding research capabilities and we wish him well for the future.

"We hope that the return of Jonathan Reynolds as Secretary of State in the reconstituted Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, alongside the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, will herald a new period of stability and continued advocacy for UK research and innovation excellence. Clearly Mr Burnham understands well the empowering role universities play in driving regional and national growth.

"We wish them well in their mission to drive growth in every postcode and reaffirm the ambition of our ResearchPlus universities to play a key role in advancing those national priorities."