Published: 1 July 2020

Following publication of the Government's Research & Development Roadmap, Aisling Burnand MBE , CEO of the AMRC said: 

“Medical research is vital not just for what it produces and its impact on people’s lives but as part of the rich tapestry of life sciences which keeps the UK as a global leader. The Government’s recognition of the need to invest in UK R&D is encouraging particularly the support promised for infrastructure and to nurture and attract talent. This will be invaluable to the UK in the coming years, but support is needed now if we are to retain the current research base on which to build it. 

“Following on from the announcement last week to ensure our universities are properly funded, it is becoming clear that protecting and developing the UK’s capacity for research is on the Government agenda. But despite this, although we note that the Government has recognised the importance of charity funding, it remains opaque as to how these announcements will help ease the urgent need for support. 

“The plight currently faced by charitable medical research remains real and present. We look forward to having the opportunity to help secure the contribution of charities to medical research in the UK and as part of that we continue to recommend a Life Sciences Charity Partnership Fund to mitigate the impact on the sector.”