ResearchPlus - a new collaboration has been formed by 10 UK universities: "there is no collective voice or visibility for research-focused universities outside the Russell Group. Our collaboration seeks to address this & enable us to work better with each other & with existing groups"
ResearchPlus: a manifesto for a new collaborative of universities - HEPI
ResearchPlus unites leading research-focused UK universities to boost innovation, skills, and regional and national prosperity.
www.hepi.ac.uk
June 30, 2025 at 10:48 AM
ResearchPlus - a new collaboration has been formed by 10 UK universities: "there is no collective voice or visibility for research-focused universities outside the Russell Group. Our collaboration seeks to address this & enable us to work better with each other & with existing groups"
ResearchPlus chief says fewer, longer grants could ‘stifle’ system.
Johnny Rich warns of over-concentrating funding “in a few places, and with a few individuals”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Johnny Rich warns of over-concentrating funding “in a few places, and with a few individuals”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
ResearchPlus chief says fewer, longer grants could ‘stifle’ system - Research Professional News
Johnny Rich warns of over-concentrating funding “in a few places, and with a few individuals”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 25, 2026 at 7:15 AM
ResearchPlus chief says fewer, longer grants could ‘stifle’ system.
Johnny Rich warns of over-concentrating funding “in a few places, and with a few individuals”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Johnny Rich warns of over-concentrating funding “in a few places, and with a few individuals”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
We are proud to have officially launched ResearchPlus (@researchplusunis.bsky.social) in Parliament, today 🎉
ResearchPlus is a new collaboration between ten long established and highly regarded research focussed universities, of which we are one.
Learn more: ow.ly/R9i050XjfgX
ResearchPlus is a new collaboration between ten long established and highly regarded research focussed universities, of which we are one.
Learn more: ow.ly/R9i050XjfgX
October 28, 2025 at 5:41 PM
We are proud to have officially launched ResearchPlus (@researchplusunis.bsky.social) in Parliament, today 🎉
ResearchPlus is a new collaboration between ten long established and highly regarded research focussed universities, of which we are one.
Learn more: ow.ly/R9i050XjfgX
ResearchPlus is a new collaboration between ten long established and highly regarded research focussed universities, of which we are one.
Learn more: ow.ly/R9i050XjfgX
We're proud to officially launch ResearchPlus in Parliament today 🎉
ResearchPlus is a collaboration between 10 research focussed unis with a common goal – to advance economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing.
https://researchplus.ac.uk/new-collaborative-of-research-focused-universities/
ResearchPlus is a collaboration between 10 research focussed unis with a common goal – to advance economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing.
https://researchplus.ac.uk/new-collaborative-of-research-focused-universities/
October 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
We're proud to officially launch ResearchPlus in Parliament today 🎉
ResearchPlus is a collaboration between 10 research focussed unis with a common goal – to advance economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing.
https://researchplus.ac.uk/new-collaborative-of-research-focused-universities/
ResearchPlus is a collaboration between 10 research focussed unis with a common goal – to advance economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing.
https://researchplus.ac.uk/new-collaborative-of-research-focused-universities/
A&H research: “The impact can be absolutely huge...And I know from the ResearchPlus universities that I’ve been visiting, some of the arts and humanities research they’re doing has real-world implications on a major scale and is achieving things for tens of thousands of pounds, not for millions.”'
September 25, 2026 at 9:01 AM
A&H research: “The impact can be absolutely huge...And I know from the ResearchPlus universities that I’ve been visiting, some of the arts and humanities research they’re doing has real-world implications on a major scale and is achieving things for tens of thousands of pounds, not for millions.”'
'Research Professional News made FOI requests to all 24 members of the Russell Group and 10 members of the ResearchPlus mission group of universities.' 24 institutions responded: their redundancies increased from just over 2,200 in the 2023 calendar year to nearly 4,400 in 2025. 1/3
Job losses at UK research-intensive universities double in two years.
Exclusive: Scale of redundancies branded a “disaster”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Exclusive: Scale of redundancies branded a “disaster”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Job losses at research-intensive universities double in two years - Research Professional News
Exclusive: Scale of redundancies revealed branded a “disaster” for UK research capacity
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 25, 2026 at 7:58 AM
'Research Professional News made FOI requests to all 24 members of the Russell Group and 10 members of the ResearchPlus mission group of universities.' 24 institutions responded: their redundancies increased from just over 2,200 in the 2023 calendar year to nearly 4,400 in 2025. 1/3
New Post: ResearchPlus: a manifesto for a new collaborative of universities www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/06/26/r...
June 25, 2025 at 11:07 PM
New Post: ResearchPlus: a manifesto for a new collaborative of universities www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/06/26/r...
Responding to RPN FOI requests 'to all 24 members of the Russell Group and 10 members of the ResearchPlus mission group of universities....[of 25] institutions that responded, just under 11,600 academics were hired in 2023, compared with just over 9,400 in 2025—a reduction of nearly 19 per cent. 1/3
Exclusive: Academic hiring at UK research-intensives falls 19 per cent in two years.
Data obtained through freedom of information requests reveal impact of financial crisis on job opportunities.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Data obtained through freedom of information requests reveal impact of financial crisis on job opportunities.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Academic hiring at UK research-intensives falls 19 per cent in two years - Research Professional News
Data obtained through freedom of information requests reveal impact of financial crisis on job opportunities
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
April 29, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Responding to RPN FOI requests 'to all 24 members of the Russell Group and 10 members of the ResearchPlus mission group of universities....[of 25] institutions that responded, just under 11,600 academics were hired in 2023, compared with just over 9,400 in 2025—a reduction of nearly 19 per cent. 1/3
· #AcademicSky · #EduSky · #HigherEd ·
The Russell Group and ResearchPlus, jointly representing 34 leading research universities across the UK, have written to the Home Secretary to call for an exemption for Chevening Scholars impacted by the recent 'visa brake' policy. - @russellgroup.bsky.social
The Russell Group and ResearchPlus, jointly representing 34 leading research universities across the UK, have written to the Home Secretary to call for an exemption for Chevening Scholars impacted by the recent 'visa brake' policy. - @russellgroup.bsky.social
Research universities urge government to exempt Chevening Scholars from visa brake | Russell Group
The Russell Group and ResearchPlus call on the Home Secretary to take action to protect opportunities for talented international students
www.russellgroup.ac.uk
May 23, 2026 at 4:01 PM
· #AcademicSky · #EduSky · #HigherEd ·
The Russell Group and ResearchPlus, jointly representing 34 leading research universities across the UK, have written to the Home Secretary to call for an exemption for Chevening Scholars impacted by the recent 'visa brake' policy. - @russellgroup.bsky.social
The Russell Group and ResearchPlus, jointly representing 34 leading research universities across the UK, have written to the Home Secretary to call for an exemption for Chevening Scholars impacted by the recent 'visa brake' policy. - @russellgroup.bsky.social
It won't come as a surprise to most in UK higher ed that redundancies at research-intensive universities have gone up
But it's stark to see that they practically *doubled* between 2023 and 2025
(figures are from FOI responses from 24 members of either the Russell Group and ResearchPlus)
...
But it's stark to see that they practically *doubled* between 2023 and 2025
(figures are from FOI responses from 24 members of either the Russell Group and ResearchPlus)
...
February 25, 2026 at 8:51 AM
It won't come as a surprise to most in UK higher ed that redundancies at research-intensive universities have gone up
But it's stark to see that they practically *doubled* between 2023 and 2025
(figures are from FOI responses from 24 members of either the Russell Group and ResearchPlus)
...
But it's stark to see that they practically *doubled* between 2023 and 2025
(figures are from FOI responses from 24 members of either the Russell Group and ResearchPlus)
...
"What do you want to be when you grow up, little Johnny?"
"A stalwart!"
#MissionAccomplished
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/researc...
"A stalwart!"
#MissionAccomplished
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/researc...
ResearchPlus names Johnny Rich as inaugural director
Sector stalwart picked to lead new grouping in next stage of development
www.timeshighereducation.com
June 3, 2026 at 2:54 PM
"What do you want to be when you grow up, little Johnny?"
"A stalwart!"
#MissionAccomplished
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/researc...
"A stalwart!"
#MissionAccomplished
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/researc...
ResearchPlus at odds with Russell Group on minimum entry standards | THE
September 25, 2026 at 6:16 AM
ResearchPlus at odds with Russell Group on minimum entry standards | THE
'The director of the new mission group for “research-led” UK universities outside the Russell Group has said its members will not support any proposals for minimum entry standards to access student loans.'
ResearchPlus at odds with Russell Group on minimum entry standards
Head of new mission group for smaller ‘research-led’ universities rejects minimum tariff and differential fee plans endorsed by larger institutions
www.timeshighereducation.com
September 25, 2026 at 6:33 AM
'The director of the new mission group for “research-led” UK universities outside the Russell Group has said its members will not support any proposals for minimum entry standards to access student loans.'
Good to hear @laurensullivanmp.bsky.social engage with the recently established ResearchPlus group at a Labour conference Fringe event.
Member & Sussex v-c says group wanted to “find a better way... of HE than the current broken market-based system that is causing enormous damage”.
Member & Sussex v-c says group wanted to “find a better way... of HE than the current broken market-based system that is causing enormous damage”.
Universities urged to get more political by scientist-turned-MP.
A Labour MP who was a scientist before entering parliament has urged universities to have a “strong lobbying position” on the sector’s financial concerns. #Lab25
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
A Labour MP who was a scientist before entering parliament has urged universities to have a “strong lobbying position” on the sector’s financial concerns. #Lab25
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Universities urged to get more political by scientist-turned-MP - Research Professional News
Labour 2025: Lauren Sullivan tells institutions they need a “strong lobbying position” on financial sustainability
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Good to hear @laurensullivanmp.bsky.social engage with the recently established ResearchPlus group at a Labour conference Fringe event.
Member & Sussex v-c says group wanted to “find a better way... of HE than the current broken market-based system that is causing enormous damage”.
Member & Sussex v-c says group wanted to “find a better way... of HE than the current broken market-based system that is causing enormous damage”.
After ten fantastic years as CEO of the @epc.ac.uk, I am delighted to announce that I have been appointed first Director of @researchplusunis.bsky.social, the collaborative of research-led universities, from August 1st 2026.
researchplus.ac.uk/policy-news-...
researchplus.ac.uk/policy-news-...
ResearchPlus appoints Johnny Rich as first Director - Research Plus
researchplus.ac.uk
June 3, 2026 at 12:33 PM
After ten fantastic years as CEO of the @epc.ac.uk, I am delighted to announce that I have been appointed first Director of @researchplusunis.bsky.social, the collaborative of research-led universities, from August 1st 2026.
researchplus.ac.uk/policy-news-...
researchplus.ac.uk/policy-news-...
At @uniofhull.bsky.social we are very proud to be one of the founders of ResearchPlus, a new collaborative between ten research intensive universities. "We are a collaboration ... with a common purpose – to advance economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing" www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/06/26/r...
ResearchPlus: a manifesto for a new collaborative of universities - HEPI
ResearchPlus unites leading research-focused UK universities to boost innovation, skills, and regional and national prosperity.
www.hepi.ac.uk
June 26, 2025 at 5:40 AM
At @uniofhull.bsky.social we are very proud to be one of the founders of ResearchPlus, a new collaborative between ten research intensive universities. "We are a collaboration ... with a common purpose – to advance economic growth, prosperity, and societal wellbeing" www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/06/26/r...
We're proud to be part of a new collaborative led by 10 of the UK's leading research-focused universities.
ResearchPlus is committed to making a significant and distinctive contribution to UK research and innovation.
Read more: ow.ly/VHcI50WgzmO #ResearchPlus
ResearchPlus is committed to making a significant and distinctive contribution to UK research and innovation.
Read more: ow.ly/VHcI50WgzmO #ResearchPlus
June 26, 2025 at 9:05 AM
We're proud to be part of a new collaborative led by 10 of the UK's leading research-focused universities.
ResearchPlus is committed to making a significant and distinctive contribution to UK research and innovation.
Read more: ow.ly/VHcI50WgzmO #ResearchPlus
ResearchPlus is committed to making a significant and distinctive contribution to UK research and innovation.
Read more: ow.ly/VHcI50WgzmO #ResearchPlus
'ResearchPlus will bring together “research-focused universities that are currently under-represented in the national conversation” to help deliver the UK’s research and innovation agenda and strengthen the higher education sector.' 1/2
Research universities form new mission group to ‘grow visibility’
Ten institutions including some members of the now-defunct 1994 Group join together in attempt to find ‘collective voice’ away from the Russell Group
www.timeshighereducation.com
June 26, 2025 at 6:13 AM
'ResearchPlus will bring together “research-focused universities that are currently under-represented in the national conversation” to help deliver the UK’s research and innovation agenda and strengthen the higher education sector.' 1/2
Apparently we’re in a new university ‘research partnership’: www.essex.ac.uk/news/2025/06...
ResearchPlus launches to help boost UK research and innovation | University of Essex
The University of Essex is one of 10 leading research-focused universities forming a new strategic partnership. ResearchPlus’ will give a collective voice to universities that constitute a critical el...
www.essex.ac.uk
June 26, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Apparently we’re in a new university ‘research partnership’: www.essex.ac.uk/news/2025/06...
For Playbook subscribers, there is an extended interview with Rich.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
Johnny be good - Research Professional News
Playbook speaks to the inaugural director of the ResearchPlus mission group
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 25, 2026 at 7:15 AM
For Playbook subscribers, there is an extended interview with Rich.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
Johnny Rich, the head of new ResearchPlus mission group for smaller “research-led” universities, rejects minimum entry tariff and differential tuition fee plans endorsed by larger institutions. Jack Grove reports #AcademicSky #edusky
https://ow.ly/xlLJ50ZR3Gn
https://ow.ly/xlLJ50ZR3Gn
September 25, 2026 at 7:10 AM
Johnny Rich, the head of new ResearchPlus mission group for smaller “research-led” universities, rejects minimum entry tariff and differential tuition fee plans endorsed by larger institutions. Jack Grove reports #AcademicSky #edusky
https://ow.ly/xlLJ50ZR3Gn
https://ow.ly/xlLJ50ZR3Gn
Leading universities urge Shabana Mahmood to exempt exceptional students from visa ban: Leading UK universities, represented by the Russell Group and ResearchPlus, have appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to exempt exceptional students from conflict-stricken co… https://ranked.news/869244?u=b
May 23, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Leading universities urge Shabana Mahmood to exempt exceptional students from visa ban: Leading UK universities, represented by the Russell Group and ResearchPlus, have appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to exempt exceptional students from conflict-stricken co… https://ranked.news/869244?u=b
'Neither did ResearchPlus back Hackett’s call in The Times last week for tuition fees to be allowed to rise above current thresholds for some universities and courses as part of a wholesale review of higher education funding.'
September 25, 2026 at 6:33 AM
'Neither did ResearchPlus back Hackett’s call in The Times last week for tuition fees to be allowed to rise above current thresholds for some universities and courses as part of a wholesale review of higher education funding.'
“We risk turning away tomorrow’s leaders by placing restrictions on outstanding scholars who have already passed the government’s own rigorous selection process”. – Prof Sasha Roseneil of ResearchPlus
Leading universities urge Mahmood to exempt exceptional students from visa ban
Exclusive: Russell Group universities ask for carve-out from visa ban for Chevening scholars
www.independent.co.uk
May 26, 2026 at 1:14 PM
“We risk turning away tomorrow’s leaders by placing restrictions on outstanding scholars who have already passed the government’s own rigorous selection process”. – Prof Sasha Roseneil of ResearchPlus
This feels like what ResearchPlus was trying to do though? How is this different to the collectivisation under Russell Group-style rackets?
September 10, 2025 at 9:31 AM
This feels like what ResearchPlus was trying to do though? How is this different to the collectivisation under Russell Group-style rackets?