The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the power of publicly-funded research in tackling the biggest global health crisis of the past century. The strength of the response by universities has underlined the country’s genuine claim to be a global research superpower delivering real-world benefits to society. The cost of participation in Horizon may be taken from the UK Research and Innovation budget. We know that every £1 invested in university research generates further private sector investment of £1.60, creating the jobs, products and services that drive growth. Our research universities, together with UKRI, other funders and business, have created a national research and innovation system that is the envy of the world.
