Million Plus

Modern universities are crucial regional anchors. Researchers and academics at these universities are vital in ensuring that businesses – especially the small and medium enterprises that are the lifeblood of the UK’s towns, communities, regions and nations – can benefit from expertise in research and innovation. Modern universities are essential in bringing these experts closer to business, supporting them in providing solutions to major challenges and driving economic growth in all parts of the country.

In terms of impact, 63% of research carried out at modern universities in REF2021 was judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

MillionPlus has long called for the government to go further and faster on investment in research and development, and equally to commit to invest across the whole of the research ecosystem not just a select few. MillionPlus universities are key hubs of internationally excellent research in every region, vital to building back better and levelling up.

Download Parliamentary briefing - Research and development funding and Horizon Europe »