BPS signs joint statement on research and development investment

The statement is signed by organisations from a number of different sectors, including universities and organisations representing science, technology, engineering, and research.

It calls for investment into research and development to encourage business, drive growth, and allow the UK to lead on the drive for net zero while tackling societal issues including health and wellbeing.

The full statement reads:

"We are united in a belief in the importance of ambitious, long-term, and sustainable investment in Research and Development (R&D) for the future of the United Kingdom. R&D is the foundation upon which the UK's economic prosperity, well-being, and global competitiveness rest. A sustained increase in government R&D investment creates the stability to pursue big ideas, discoveries, and innovations that improve UK public services and make the world a better place for the next generation.

"Such investment will instil confidence in the UK as a place to do business, drive growth, prosperity, and allow the UK to lead on the transition to net zero while tackling threats to health, wellbeing and quality of life across the UK. A majority of the public think that new research has a role to play in solving society's challenges; 77 per cent say new research is an essential or important part of solving the problem of climate change and 80 per cent for securing the UK's energy supply and lowering the cost of energy bills.

"The UK should be a leading country in the G7 on R&D investment. We want to see political parties commit to investing in and nurturing a culture of research and innovation, ensuring the UK continues to attract private, philanthropic, and charity investment as well as the most talented researchers from around the world."