Published today and available on the gov.uk website, an independent report by Sir Paul Nurse reviews UK research councils. Nurse also makes recommendations for how research councils could develop and evolve so they can effectively support research. Recommendations include the establishment of a new body called Research UK to oversee research however, he is against merging the individual research councils. Nurse proposes that the functions of a new body like Research UK should include the development of research data management systems and devising the UK’s research strategy.

The report is available in two PDF files:

Ensuring a successful research endeavour: review of the UK research councils (36 pages)

Ensuring a successful research endeavour: review of the UK research councils – consultation and evidence gathering (27 pages)