Response to Wellcome research culture survey

15 January 2020

In response to the Wellcome survey into research culture published today, Stephanie Smith, Head of Policy (Research and International) at the Russell Group said:

"This timely survey highlights the need to improve conditions for the vital staff who drive UK research. It is critical to our ambition for a future economy underpinned by R&D and innovation that the UK not only develops excellent research but the best possible research environment and culture too.

"As a research community, we have a collective responsibility to take care of our talent and we must work together to improve opportunities for researchers and create a more supportive and inclusive research environment.

"It is also important that underlying problems facing the system, such as underfunding of post-graduate research, are addressed to give early-career researchers more security in pursuing a career in the sector. We hope the Government’s very positive commitment to double R&D funding will mean research can be put on a more sustainable footing in future."

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