155. Research Council Institutes play a vital role in UK science. In general, we believe that they have a distinct future apart from universities. Although there is often much to be gained from the embedding of individual institutes within higher education institutes, we are firmly of the view that this should be done on assessment of the case of each individual institute, rather than as a policy applied across the board. The difficulties we have examined at NIMR and other institutes highlight the importance of work they do and show that RCIs are central to UK research. Our inquiry has demonstrated the need for greater co-ordination on policy, particularly by Government departments, and firmer commitments by some departments to their research institutes. There is also a clear role for Research Councils to play in this. The RCI sector has a significant and idiosyncratic part in the science base of this country, and we should take all steps necessary to support it where the science it conducts is still relevant and effective.