Diamond joins the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group

Diamond Light Source is proud to be a part of the newly launched NRO Group. The collective brings together more than 40 of the UK's national science and research organisations supported by 41,000 dedicated staff. Together, these organisations represent a specialist national research capability dedicated to advancing science that benefits people, communities, the economy, the environment and national resilience.

The launch event was attended by Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance, and the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, alongside directors of NRO member organisations and senior representatives from across the UK's research and innovation ecosystem.

Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance at the NRO group launch.

Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance said: "The UK's strength in science and innovation depends on collaboration across our research ecosystem. National research organisations play a vital role in generating the knowledge, infrastructure and expertise that support economic growth, improve lives and help address the major challenges facing the country. I welcome the launch of the National Research Organisations Group and look forward to working with its members to maximise the impact of UK science and research."

The NRO Group was established in response to growing recognition that the UK research landscape would benefit from stronger strategic alignment, clearer governance and greater visibility of the specialism and capabilities provided by national research organisations. Bringing together these organisations under a single alliance, has never been more important: providing a coherent and authoritative voice on science, research policy and long-term investment.

The launch event highlighted how the NRO Group will work alongside government, UKRI, academia and industry to support national priorities, strengthen research excellence and help deliver economic growth through science and innovation.

Professor Gianluigi Botton, Chief Executive of Diamond Light Source attended the launch meeting and said: "Joining the National Research Organisations Group is an important step in strengthening the UK's research and innovation ecosystem. At Diamond, we know that world-leading science depends on collaboration, shared infrastructure and long-term investment. We look forward to working with our partners across the NRO Group to establish new partnerships that will enhance the impact of Diamond across even more sectors of science and technology to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of scientific discovery, innovation and economic growth."

Looking ahead to 2030, the NRO Group has set out an ambitious vision to become an indispensable strategic partner across the UK's research system. Its priorities include delivering measurable impact against government priorities, aligning research with national needs, securing sustainable investment in research infrastructure and capability, fostering innovation and skills, and strengthening the UK's global scientific leadership.