Coronavirus test and trace service launched across England
Today, the NHS coronavirus test and trace service launched across England. In response, AMRC's Chief Executive Aisling Burnand has stressed that the service's success will be dependent on sustaining widespread public trust and confidence in the use of our data, for which transparency and open communication from the government are absolutely vital. 

Updated sector statement on Job Retention Scheme
On 15 May, we updated our sector statement on the government’s job retention scheme and charity-funded university researchers to further clarify our position. In the statement we urge universities to use the scheme until paused projects can be started again. We also ask that UKRI provide specific guidance on the scheme to give clarity in cases where charity-funded researchers have multiple funding sources.

AMRC welcomes NIHR's restart research framework
On 21 May, NIHR launched a framework supporting the restart of research paused due to COVID-19. We welcomed the framework and will continue to work with the NIHR and other key stakeholders to restore the UK’s world-class clinical research base and ensure the continued delivery of innovative treatments for patients while playing a critical role in the UK’s economic and social recovery.

Survey to inform how the UK can sustain its R&D activity
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has commissioned a survey to understand the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of researchers and research groups. The survey results will be used to inform potential interventions that government and others could make to help protect UK researchers, research institutions and facilities, and in the longer term reinforce the research base and sustain R&D activity in the UK.

Pandemic preparedness findings reported to Prime Minister
The Commons Science and Technology Committee has written to the Prime Minister detailing ten key lessons the government should learn from its experience of handling the first months of the pandemic. The letter recommends that government provide further transparency regarding the provision of scientific advice, build up capacity for contact tracing, and progress understanding of the disproportionate number of deaths of those from BAME backgrounds.

MPs told to return to Westminster
The leader of the House of Commons has told MPs to return to Parliament by 2 June, following five weeks of semi-virtual working. The plan to return to physical working has been criticised by MPs and two unions representing parliamentary staff. The Lords, many of whom are over 70 years old, will continue working virtually for the time being. Last week, Baroness Hayter helped to introduce a new Lords Select Committee to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19.

Science Minister called to protect entire UK research base
The Campaign for Science and Engineering has written to the Science Minister, calling on government to ensure that all areas of the UK research base are protected from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter highlights the richness of the UK research and innovation ecosystem and the role of research charities within it, urging an R&D-led economic recovery plan to ensure the entire sector recovers. It estimates a loss of £5 billion to UK R&D without intervention.

Coronavirus Community Support Fund open for applications
Government’s new £200 million Coronavirus Community Support Fund is open for applications from small to medium organisations in England. It aims to increase community support to vulnerable people and reduce temporary closures of essential charities and social enterprises. These grants will allow organisations to meet service costs, where they are experiencing increased demand and income disruption. 

New leadership at UKRI and Wellcome
On 14 May Dame Ottoline Leyser, was appointed new CEO of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to guide the delivery on the government’s ambitions to increase investment in research and development to 2.4% of GDP by 2027. On the same day,  Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia, was appointed as the next Chair of Wellcome, to support the charity’s growing ambition to address the world's greatest health challenges through science.

Policy & Public Affairs: An Introductory Toolkit
Taking place over two afternoons (8 and 9 July), this virtual workshop is aimed at those new to, or simply confused by, the world of policy and public affairs, covering (almost) everything you've ever wanted to know about PPA but didn't know who to ask. With a mixture of presentations and panel discussions, this event presents a great opportunity to explore the world of policy.