Insights

There is a growing policy push for universities to specialise: to focus on their areas of research strength, consolidate excellence, and align more closely with strategic national priorities. At ARMA 2025, Steven Hill (Director of Research at Research England) invited universities to consider doing 'less'. This call has echoed across recent policy discussions. On the surface, this makes sense. The sector is looking for solutions in a challenging financial climate.

The 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) highlights research security as a core concern for safeguarding the UK’s economic, technological, and strategic interests. Here's what the NSS tells us about the promise of a new research security strategy: Strategic Importance The NSS positions research security alongside economic security and national resilience. It recognises the UK's research and innovation assets as critical to maintaining a competitive and secure position global