Review aims to reduce red tape for UK researchers

Removing unnecessary red tape that wastes the time of UK researchers will be the focus of a new independent review into research bureaucracy, launched by Amanda Solloway, Minister for Science Research and Innovation.

The review, led by Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, UK, will seek to identify why bureaucracy has increased across the UK’s research system.

It will provide recommendations to help reduce time-consuming administrative demands, which can free up researchers to pursue their work, In turn, they can generate more knowledge, develop and mentor their teams, and make a full contribution to the wider research community.

Its recommendations will highlight the need to demonstrate impact and value for money while supporting the UK research environment, particularly higher education institutions, to be more streamlined, dynamic, diverse and transparent.  

'The UK is home to some of the world’s leading scientists and researchers and their response over the past year to the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the vital need for them to be able to carry out their ground-breaking work at pace,' says Solloway.

'Their discoveries have created much needed medical treatments and vaccines which are saving lives across the world.

'As we build back better by unleashing innovation, it’s crucial that we create a research environment that harnesses this same scientific speed and endeavour.

'This review will identify how we can free up our brightest minds from unnecessary red tape so they can continue making cutting edge discoveries, while cementing UK’s status as a science superpower.'