Vision and Values

To discover how we strive to achieve our vision and values, and to see our impact, follow the links below.

Our vision

We seek to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, while creating an impact on a very tangible, human scale. We are delivering this through our three strategic goals of delivering world-class research, world-class innovation, and world-class skills.

Our values

Collaboration
Excellence
Innovation
Integrity

We will work in partnership with the UK’s diverse community. Our priorities are to:

  • increase the power of research and innovation to deliver for the UK, working hand in hand with businesses, universities, charities, independent research institutes, the national academies and other stakeholders
  • work across the whole of the UK, respecting the responsibilities of the devolved governments and their funding agencies, and commit to working closely with the Office for Students in England
  • maintain the UK’s reputation for research and innovation excellence, nurture out many international collaborations and aim to catalyse new ones

We will ensure quality, value for money and sustainability are embedded in everything we do. Our priorities are to:

  • work in partnership with those at the front line of research and innovation to identify emerging opportunities
  • balance these with key national strategic priorities identified through working in partnership with government
  • continue the commitment of the Haldane principle and make funding decisions on the basis of excellence. We will make proper use of expert review in our research funding and assessment processes and continually strive to maximise our impact and efficiency
  • work with stakeholders in the research system to review the key strategic drivers that ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the UK system, and advise on the balance of funding across disciplines and for the dual support system

We will build on international best practice, learn from what works as well as what doesn’t, innovate and take risks.

  • we will build on existing strengths across our nine councils and ensure they work together in synergy, in partnership with the devolved funding bodies
  • we will be flexible and agile, try new approaches, and seize new opportunities
  • achieving the best research and innovation is an uncertain and risky business. We will support talented researchers and innovators to step into the unknown and to take risks
  • we will engage with the public, to support and help to deliver the best outcomes

We will be independent and objective, supporting our work with rigorous analysis. We are committed to robust monitoring and evaluation of the outputs and outcomes of our work.

  • we will promote and safeguard the public value of research and innovation
  • we will ensure decisions are based on evidence and rigorous analysis. We will champion evidence-based policymaking across government
  • we will be robust in our monitoring and evaluation and share guidance on what works — and what does not