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Edge Debate 187: Why the UK needs a National Built Environment Research Organisation 7th October 2025, 18.00 – 20.00

“The critical need for industry engagement and for a more comprehensive and coherent body of knowledge reinforces the vital importance of Government continuing to engage … in the programmed development of the knowledge, skills and tools by which building safety will be more securely delivered.”

Morrell and Day (2023)

"A nationally based approach to knowledge creation, validation and curation … is essential for improving capabilities in the construction and property industries and for effective public policymaking. Only an organisation with the status and adequate resources of a Public Sector Research Establishment can achieve this." the Edge (2024)

Built environment activities account for over 20% of the UK’s GDP but only 0.8% of public university research funding. In Building Competence and Capability the Edge identified the need for a new and independent Public Sector Research Establishment (PSRE) for the built environment. The UK has other PSREs, including NICE and HSE, but far fewer than elsewhere, as noted by The Royal Society (2020).

A National Built Environment Research Organisation (NBERO) would support vital public interests by providing robust evidence and guidance for practice, policymaking and regulation. This debate will consider the need for such a body and the benefits to different stakeholders: civil society, the construction and property industries, their supply chains, central and local governments and more.

Chair: Andy von Bradsky, Government Chief Architect 2019-2021

Speakers:

  • Dame Judith Hackitt

  • Elanor Warwick, Clarion Housing Group

  • Peter Caplehorn, Construction Products Association

  • Elena Marco, University of the West of England

  • Alan Penn, University College London

  • Richard Lorch, Buildings & Cities

Venue: University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, NW1 5LS

Time & date: 18.00 – 20.00, 7th October 2025 (in person)

Event registration at:  https://Edge_NBERO.eventbrite.co.uk

References:

the Edge. (2024). Building Competence and Capability: The case for a Public Sector Research Establishment for the Built Environment.

Morrell, P. and Day, A. (2023). Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime. London: Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.

The Royal Society. (2020). The role of public and non-profit research organisations in the UK research and innovation landscape

Hosted by the Centre for the Study of the Production of the Built Environment (ProBE)