Manifesto

A manifesto for a new collaborative of universities

Our purpose

ResearchPlus brings together ten UK research-focused universities with a shared mission — to advance economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing for the benefit of our communities and the wider world.

We believe that excellence in research, innovation, and research-informed education are inseparable. Together, we are working to strengthen the UK’s research and innovation system, to help deliver opportunity and progress across the whole of society.

Why ResearchPlus

The UK’s world-leading research reputation depends on the diversity and strength of its higher education system. Yet, research-focused universities outside the Russell Group have not had a clear collective voice — until now.

ResearchPlus fills that gap, offering a complementary voice in the national research and innovation landscape. Our collaboration strengthens the whole system by championing excellence, inclusion, and regional growth across all four nations of the UK.

Our 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.

Our 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.

Our launch

ResearchPlus will be formally launched at a parliamentary event in October, marking the start of a new phase in collaboration between universities, government, and industry.

“The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, making ResearchPlus an exciting opportunity to bring that top talent together to solve challenges and unlock new innovations that improve lives across our country. 

“By strengthening collaboration between universities, industry and government we can break down barriers to opportunity and work together to drive the economic growth that is central to the Government’s Plan for Change.” 
— The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology

Research-focused universities in partnership