What’s going on in the UK: 20 January to 2 February

This week: record research returns, collaboration citations, gene-editing rules and more

University R&D

A group of four universities in south-west England and Wales has seen a record return on its investment in research groups across the region. The GW4 Alliance, comprised of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, said it now generates £20 in cash from external research awards for every £1 it spends on networks among its researchers, up from a previous high of £16 in May 2021. It says its investments to date have netted £62.8 million in grant income. More than 100 research groups across the universities have been supported by £3.1m from the alliance to date.