#glad to know that there are twelve billion ways to spell this show's name

[harukakitous]

ohsama sentai king-ohger opening credits - individual shots

[captain-kingliamsqueen]

Exceeding Expectations - Until We Meet Again - Part 4

Pairing: Liam x MC

Summary: …DISTANCE MEANS SO LITTLE, WHEN SOMEONE MEANS SO MUCH!

When King Liam manages to break free from his Marriage to madeleine and takes a trip to new York for the biggest UN event of the century. What happens when his suitcase doesn’t make it to new York with him. when a stranger comes to his rescue to find appropriate clothing for the Event. What happens when he meets the woman of his dreams but she already has a home along with a Mutli-billion dollar business in New York. 

Word Count: 4,637

Masterlist

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 ASK IF YOU WANT TAGGED! SORRY IF I MISSED ANYONE!

I always notice every single spelling mistake or issue after I’ve posted…so apologies in advance! 

Apologies if the tags aren't working, for some reason some are working and some aren't :/

  The rays from the sun coming through the space in the drapes are what woke Kayliegh up the next morning. She sighed in content as she stretched and felt the silk sheets against her bare skin. she looked around the room, taking in everything that she didn’t get the chance to last night. It was all so regal, so…Royal. She climbed from the bed, wrapping one of the sheets around her naked body, she walked around the room, looking at the pictures on the dresser…the trinkets and things on the night stand. She walked over to the window, pulling the drapes back, she gasped at the view from the window. “this place is beautiful” she whispered. She was so caught up in the view, she didn’t hear the door opening and closing again. “it’s beautiful isn’t it” Liam walked over, he placed the tray he had on top of the dresser on his way, he wrapped his arms around her stomach, resting his chin on her shoulder, and placing a kiss on her cheek. She tilted her head back leaning it on his shoulder.

“It’s gorgeous” she whispered “good morning, Liam” she smiled contently

“good morning, beautiful” Liam smirked as they both turned their heads to face one another and leaned in for a kiss. “I hope you’re hungry, I made us some breakfast”. Kayliegh turned and looked over at the dresser, then found a grin on her face. “I’m starving…” 

“why don’t you climb back into bed, and I’ll bring the food over” he suggested. Kayliegh agreed, then made her way over to the bed, she pulled her pyjama shorts and vest top on from the night before, then climbed under the sheets. Liam headed over to the dresser, where he lifted the tray then made his way over to the bed, he gently placed It down next to Kayliegh, then climbed under the sheets. The two picked at the fresh fruits and cheeses, takings sips of the earl grey tea.

“Last night really was amazing, Liam” Kayliegh leaned her head to the side, resting it on Liam's shoulder.

“it really was” he agreed

“what time does the fashion show start?” she asked as she popped a grape in her mouth.

“it starts at two, everyone will be there for one thirty.”

“okay”

“you know…I was thinking maybe we could go…together?”

“together? okay, yeah that sounds great, but won’t that start rumours amongst your people?”

“most likely…but that’s okay…as far as the people are aware, they are just rumours, for all they know, we’re just good friends” he smirked

“you’re a little troublemaker aren’t you” Kayliegh laughed

After the two finished breakfast, Kayliegh headed back to her room to dress for the Fashion Show. She dressed in a loose strappy silk top, tucked into the top of a pencil skirt covered in white, silver and beige sequins along with some nude heels.  She wore her hair down in loose curls and neutral make up. Kayliegh headed to her room to get ready she was interrupted by a gentle knock at her door, she headed over and opened the door to be greeted by Regina.

“Kayliegh, good morning, I hope you’re first night was up to standard”

“oh, standards we’re more than exceeded Regina”

“I’m glad to hear it, now, I was hoping we could have lunch?”

“absolutely, I would love to”

“great, I will meet you in the dining room at twelve” she informed her, then bid her goodbye.

When Kayliegh left to make her way down to the dining room she got to the end of the corridor to come to a crossroad in her journey… “crap…which way is it” she mumbled to herself a she looked down each direction “dammit”, she was startled when she felt two hands on her waist, making their way around her stomach. “everything okay?” she heard Liam’s voice, bringing an instant smile to her face. “I’m supposed to be meeting Regina for lunch…but I have no idea how to get to the dining room” she whispered embarrassed.

“It’s alright, come on, I’ll walk you down” he moved to stand beside her, taking her hand in his they he took her down the left corridor and down to the main stairs “you look absolutely breath taking by the way”

“Thank you” Kayliegh blushed. Once they reached the double doors of the dining room Liam turned to stand in front of Kayliegh “Enjoy lunch, I’ll see you when it’s time to leave for the fashion show?”

“definitely, aren’t you coming to join us?” she asked

“sadly not, I wish I could, but I have a meeting to get to.”

“oh okay…I’ll see you for the fashion show then” she smiled, Liam leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her lips then opened the door for her, he bid Regina hello as Kayliegh made her way to her seat, then he closed the door and headed up to his meeting. Once Kayliegh sat down, one of the staff poured them both some tea, then headed for the kitchen to get their food.

“Thank you so much for joining me”

“no need, it’s my pleasure”

“you look absolutely lovely this morning, my dear”

“thank you, as do you”

“I have not stopped hearing your name around this palace since Liam came back from New York, I don’t know what you did, but he is…totally besotted by you”

“the feeling is entirely mutual” Kayliegh admitted as the staff placed plates down in front of them then left them to eat.

“well, you don’t know how happy that makes me, Liam's been through a rough couple of years, finding out his brother was abdicating, marrying madeleine, his father’s death, just living with madeleine was a task in itself” she sighed “the best decision he ever made was divorcing her, I know she’s my niece but boy is she hard work”

“she was that bad?”

“then some! so I hope you don’t mind, but Liam told me, you too didn’t have an easy marriage”

“oh, umm…of course not, I didn’t” she whispered “sorry, it’s a-”

“don’t even think about apologising, my dear,” Regina reached over placing her hand on top of Kayliegh’s comfortingly “When Liam was married to madeleine, he wasn’t himself, it was very rare that I seen a smile on his face. The people noticed the change in him straight away, it was a really tough time for him. As soon as the divorce was final…his mood changed, he was happier, but he wasn’t back to his normal self…then he went to New York…he came back like a totally different person…he was laughing, he was smiling…I had never seen him so happy, over the past two months he’s only gotten happier.”

“I’m happy I could help him…he’s helped me too…in so many ways. After everything that happening with my ex-husband, I was barely leaving the house, I only left if it was for work appearances, and I really really needed to. After I met Liam, I started leaving the house again, I was going out with my friends again. He really helped me come to terms with everything that happened, I mean I’m not totally one hundred percent, but he’s really helped me get to where I am right now. He means a lot to me”

“, and I know for a fact, you mean a lot to him, my dear”

They spent the next hour chatting and eating. by the time one o’clock hit Liam entered the dining room.

“Ladies, I hope you enjoyed your lunch” he smiled as he poured himself a glass of water.

“it was wonderful, Liam, Kayliegh is a wonderful woman”

“isn’t she” he smirked as he watched Kayliegh blush “I just came to tell you both, the cars are outside”

The three cleaned up then headed out to the cars, Regina climbed into the first one, then Liam and Kayliegh went in the one that followed. Liam slipped his hand into Kayliegh’s, linking their fingers together, he gave it a gentle squeeze

Once they reached the venue, Regina headed in first, then Liam exited his car, followed by Kayliegh. As soon as the press seen them, they went crazy.

“KING LIAM!! KING LIAM!! THIS WAY”

“OVER HERE!”

Liam and Kayliegh stopped for pictures, they stood as close as they could, his hand placed gently on her waist, hers sitting on his back.

“King Liam…Kayliegh Reed, Ana from trend magazine, may I say you both look amazing”

“thank you” they both smiled

“this is the second time, you have attended an event with Kayliegh, Your Majesty…may I ask…what your relationship with Miss Reed is?”

“Kayliegh and I are extremely good friends, that’s all I’m going to say” he smirked

“Kayliegh, how long are you staying in Cordonia for?”

“I’m here for the next two weeks”

“well, we’re glad you’re here”

“as am I”

After the two finished with the questions they headed inside and got seated. They watched the models strut up and down the catwalk. Kayliegh was hooked the whole time.

“oh wow…look at that…that’s beautiful” she placed her hand on Liam's knee “they’re all so breath-taking!”

Liam chuckled to himself as he watched her in her element. He could see the real joy in her eyes as she watched everything around her. After the first half of the show, Liam went to do his rounds, greeting everyone and thanking them for coming, he took Kayliegh along, introducing her to everyone. After greeting a few members of the court, they came to a couple of familiar faces.

“Kayliegh hi!” Maxwell pulled her into a hug with a grin

“Maxwell, it’s great to see you” she grinned as she returned the gesture

“you have to come to see the estate whilst you’re here, we’ll have a Beaumont bash!” he laughed as he pulled back

“I would absolutely love that!”

“great, ill set it up!”

“Bertrand, it’s lovely to see you again!”

“and you too, Miss Reed”

“how many times do I have to tell you…it’s Kayliegh” she chuckled, she turned to see a tall redhead next to Maxwell.

“and you must be Olivia” Kayliegh reached her hand out for her to shake it

“Kayliegh Reed…I’ve heard a lot about you…”

“as I have, you. A force to be reckoned with, I’m sure were the words used”

“and don’t you forget it” Olivia smirked

The carried on making their way around all of the guests. They eventually reached the Duke and Duchess of Portavira

“King Liam” they greeted him with a slight bow, then they turned to Kayliegh

“Miss Reed, it’s a pleasure to meet you”

“and you too, I’m so sorry about everything that’s happening in your duchy, King Liam has told me all about it, if there’s anything I can do, anything at all, just let me know”

“that’s very kind of you, Miss Reed, it’s heart breaking seeing our people going through it all, their homes and their lively-hoods, all of it just torn apart, we’re trying to raise the money to help our people, anything you can donate would be a great help to us.”

“if It’s not too forward, may I ask how much you need to be able to get back to where you were?”

“with everything considered…90,000€”

“how much do you expect to make today roughly?”

“around 50,000€” Landon frowned. Kayliegh frowned, hearing of the trouble they were in. She lifted her clutch back into her hands, opening and taking out her cheque book and a pen. She opened the book, then crouched down to lean the book on her knees whilst she filled the piece of paper out. Once she stood up, she ripped the cheque from the book then put it along with the pen back in her bag, she handed the cheque over with a smile. “you need it more than I do”. The look in their eyes when they looked at the amount. Watching the joy on their face, knowing they will have enough to repair their dutchy

“Miss Reed…we couldn’t accept that amount…” Landon stated

“please, take it, I’m just one person…that money could help hundreds…thousands…of people. It will be more help in your bank account than it will mine, I am more than happy to help”

“thank you so much” Emmaline wiped the tears from her cheeks “you don’t know how much that means to us, just know, if you come back to Cordonia…you will always have a friend in Portavira.”

“thank you”

“no, thank you, Miss Reed”

“Please, call me Kayliegh” she insisted. After a few minutes more of talking to Emmaline and Landon, everyone made their way back to their seats to wait for the second part of the fashion show. Liam turned to Kayliegh, placing a hand on her knee “thank you, Kayliegh…for what you just did, I don’t know how to repay you”

“there will be no repaying me, Liam, it was a donation towards a cause that really needed it…I am happy to help”

“I have to repay you somehow”

“I tell you what…you can repay me, by taking me to Portavira one day”

“deal” he smirked

After the fashion show finished, there was a small after party, then Liam, Regina and Kayliegh headed back to the Palace.

As the two weeks went on, Kayliegh and Liam spent as much time as they could together, most of their nights ended up with them in bed, some just sleeping others everything but sleeping, Liam kept his promise and showed her all his favourite sites around the capitol. The times where he had to attend meetings that Regina couldn’t attend for him, Kayliegh would take a trip to the beach, where she would get her inspiration for her next collection. She took a walk through the capitol, going into all the little gift shops. The Beaumont’s had organised a Beaumont Bash for Kayliegh’s last night in Cordonia. Once Kayliegh and Liam arrived at the Duchy, they were greeted by Maxwell and Bertrand before being shown to their rooms. After Liam dressed for the Bash, he headed on down to Kayliegh’s room to see if she was ready to head down. he gently knocked on the door then waited for an answer, just about thirty seconds later the door opened. Liam's jaw hit the floor when he was greeted with Kayliegh dressed in a gorgeous long red chiffon gown, with a slit right up the side, showing just enough skin, to distract him. Liam cleared his throat then grinned “You look magnificent” he took one of her hands in his, lifting it to press his lips on the back of it then stepping closer, placing a kiss on her lips. “are you ready?” he asked

“yes, I’m ready” she nodded then the two headed down to the ballroom. Once they entered the ballroom they headed over to Maxwell and Bertrand to thank them for their hospitality.

It was about an hour and a half into the party, Liam had been doing some rounds whilst Kayliegh chatted with Lady Hana and Maxwell. Liam couldn’t keep his eyes off of her, he had been watching her all night from across the room. Liam quickly made his way to drake “cover for me?”

“of course“

As soon as he seen Kayliegh leave her conversation with Maxwell and Hana to get a drink, he made his way over to her, he discreetly made his way to her side, leaning in to her ear.

“come for a walk with me?” he whispered as his hand slowly made its way around her waist. Kayliegh nodded with a slight smirk, the two made their way out to the Gardens, taking in the cold night air.

“I can’t believe your two weeks are up…it feels like you only got here yesterday” Liam squeezed her hand, Kayliegh looked up into his eyes, seeing the sadness in them.

“I know, I’m going to miss you so much, Liam, spending these last two weeks with you…it’s been Amazing to say the least”

“I’m going to miss you too, I have loved absolutely every minute of you being here”  

As the two approached the Beaumont flower garden, they both took a seat on the edge of the fountain in the centre. “the skies are always so clear here…look at all the stars it’s amazing” Kayliegh smiled as she gently leaned her head on Liam's shoulder, he smiled as he turned his head placing a gentle kiss on her head. “the views beautiful” he whispered as he looked at her. she looked at him with a smirk then leaned in, placing the most gentle kiss on his lips. Liam smiled into the kiss as one of his hands found its place on her waist and the other placed on her cheek. After a few moments, the kiss was interrupted when they heard something in the Bushes.

“What was that?” Kayliegh questioned as she looked around

“I’m not sure, we…we should probably head back inside”

Liam stood to his feet, taking her hand in his then they both headed indoors.

Once they reached the grand hall, they were met by Maxwell at the doors before they could get in.

“Liam I was just coming to look for you!”

“is everything alright, Maxwell?”

“it’s the She-devil…she’s here”

“what the hell is she doing here Maxwell?” Kayliegh could hear the anger in his voice, she placed her arm gently on his upper arm.

“I didn’t invite her! she must have found out about the party”

“does she know I’m here?”

“of course, she does…its madeleine…speaking of…” Maxwell nodded his head for Liam to Look behind him. Liam let out a sigh then turned around.

“Madeleine…what on earth are you doing here?”

“well, my lovely ex-husband, I came for the party”

“you weren’t invited”

“well, everyone else from court was here so why shouldn’t I be”

Madeleine looked over at Kayliegh sending her the dirtiest look.

“oh…you must be his little side piece”

“side piece? Hah! I’m only a side piece if your still married…Bitch”

“Excuse me! Do you know who I am?”

“yes…yes I do…do you know who the fuck I am?”

“who are you to talk to me like that?”

“I am not one of your subjects…you have no right to talk to me the way you did…you get what you give, you want me to treat you with respect…then you give me the respect you want to receive”

“how dare you”

“how dare I? I am the last person you want to get on the wrong side of…I promise you…that is not a good move to make”

The two glared neither one taking their eyes off the other one.

“Maybe you should go madeleine” Maxwell tried to diffuse the situation

“why…I have a place at court…which means I have a place at this party…she isn’t royalty…she isn’t a duchess, or a lady so why should I have to leave…”

“Madeleine, this is not a courtly event…, Kayliegh was Invited…you were not, she is very much welcome here whenever she wants” Bertrand interrupted as he approached them.

“well…I know when I’m truly not welcome” madeleine stormed off in the direction of the main door.

“well that was dramatic” Kayliegh stated, then turned to Liam “shall we head back in?” she smiled

“of course,” he nodded, shook from how she handled madeleine.

The rest of the night went swimmingly, Madeleine had gone, everyone was enjoying themselves. By the time the clock reached one am, Kayliegh was in the middle of a conversion with Liam when she yawned, she quickly lifted her hand to cover her mouth “I’m so sorry” she giggled.

“no, don’t be” he smiled

“I think I’m going to head up to my room, I’m a little tired” Kayliegh whispered

“I was just thinking the same…I’m going to head up as well” he placed his hand on top of hers on the table. The two stood from their seats, hand in hand they headed over to Maxwell and Bertrand, they bid the brothers goodnight then headed up to their rooms.

They stopped at Kayliegh’s room door. she turned to face him, running her hands down his suit lapel.

“will you stay with me?” she asked in a whisper

“of course,” he agreed.

Kayliegh opened the door, she walked in, followed by Liam, then they locked the door behind them.

Whilst Kayliegh changed out of her dress Liam stripped down to his boxers then they climbed into bed, turning the main light off on their way. The only light in the room was the bedside lamps. Liam cuddled close to Kayliegh, she wrapped her arms around his torso.

“I wish you didn’t have to leave” Liam whispered

“I wish I could take you to New York with me”

The two lay in silence, just being in each other’s presence…just being together. Liam's heart broke as he watched a stray tear fall from Kayliegh’s eye.

“hey,” he whispered sympathetically as he lifted his hand to her face to wipe it away.

“I’m sorry, I just…I’m going to miss you” she whispered as another fell.

“I’ll miss you too…but I’ll see you soon, I promise”

“I know…I just…after the past two weeks, spending every day with you, then having to go home and be alone”

“hey…you won’t be alone, you have Allie”

“I know…but I wish I could have you with me”

“I know, love” he whispered trying to calm her “come on, you should sleep”

Kayliegh turned to her other side, facing away from Liam, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, shuffling as close to her as he could. He placed gentle pecks on the bare skin of her shoulder.

“goodnight Kayliegh”

“Goodnight Liam”

The next morning, Liam and Kayliegh awoke to a loud knocking on the door. Liam groaned as he pulled the duvet up a little

“who the hell Is that?” Kayliegh mumbled as she climbed from the bed, half asleep still, she pulled her robe on then walked towards the door. she opened the door, to see Bastian, with a handful of tabloids.

“Miss Reed, I’m looking for King Liam”

“of course,” she nodded as she opened the door letting him in. Liam sat himself up when he seen Bastian

“Bastian? Is everything alright?”

“I’m afraid the Beaumont estate had a lurker in the bushes last night”

“what are you talking about?” he asked

“this, Your Majesty” Bastian handed him the magazines and newspapers, He and Kayliegh were on every front cover, lip locked in the flower garden.

“dammit” he sighed as he ran his hands over his face.

“alright, I’ll deal with it” he stated, after Bastian left the room Liam climbed from the bed pulling his trousers from the night before on. He turned to Kayliegh “I’m sorry this happene-”

“hey, don’t apologise, you didn’t do this…don’t apologise for something that’s out of your control Liam, it happened, it’s out there, all we can do is either ignore it, or make a statement, we can deny it…or we can tell them…everything, we’re courting” she chuckled at the phrase.

“the thing is Kayliegh…the second I confirm a relationship with you…you are in danger, people can use you against me, the press will hound you”

“Liam…not to be big headed but…do you know who I am? The press already hounds me” she laughed “the rumours were already out there, before the tabloids got the pictures, the second I stepped foot in front of a camera with you, they started. As long as the rumours were there, people could have tried to use me against you, I know what I got myself into when we got involved. I willingly took that risk, it’s up to you, how you want to deal with this, I’m fine with whatever decision you make.”

“then I think we should tell them…I think that’s the best option, I want to be honest with them…if I want them to trust me as their monarch, I need to be truthful with them”

“then let’s tell them” she replied with a grin.

Liam and Kayliegh headed back to the Palace as soon as they had finished breakfast. Liam made arrangements For Ana to be at the palace for them returning. They told her they were going to tell her everything. They sat down, in the main living room, Ana across from the two with her recorder in her hand, and a photographer.

“King Liam, how did you meet Kayliegh?”

“I met her whilst I was in New York for the UN party, my suitcase was lost at the airport so I had to find a suit, I was out with Drake walker, Maxwell and Bertrand Beaumont, the waitress turned out to be Kayliegh’s sister, she put us in contact with Kayliegh, who agreed to help, Kayliegh and I stayed up all night, putting together my outfit, when it came to the UN party, I felt it only be right that I invite her to attend with me, which she agreed to” he grinned as he placed his hand on top of hers on her knee

“So, what is your current relationship with Miss Reed?”

“Kayliegh and I, are seeing where things go.”

“and where are things going?”

“In a very good direction”

After they finished their interview, Kayliegh headed up to her room, to make sure everything was packed.

It was just twenty minutes later that a knock sounded through Kayliegh’s door. she finished zipping up her suitcase then pulled it to its wheels before walking over to the door to see who her visitor was. she smirked as she seen Liam’s face.

“hey” he smiled “I just came to see if you need any help”

“I think I’m alright, everything’s packed away…but I just need one more thing…”

“and what’s that?”

“this” she chuckled as she gently pulled his tall frame down to place a kiss on his lips. Liam's hands found themselves on her waist as he steadied himself.

“Mmmm I’m going to miss that” he chuckled “what time are you leaving the palace?” he asked

“thirty minutes” she frowned

The two spent the following half hour, just being together, what felt like just a few minutes later, Bastian alerted Kayliegh that her car was outside.

Kayliegh nodded as she lifted her bag and Liam grabbed her suitcase, then they headed for the main doors. After putting the bags in the car Liam turned to Kayliegh taking her hands in his.

“I wish I could take you myself” he sighed

“it’s okay, you have a meeting in twenty minutes, I understand”

“I know but, it would have meant more time with you”

“I know, but it’s out of our control, I promise, its fine”

“promise me you’ll call me when you land”

“at three am your time?” she giggled

“yes…it doesn’t matter what time it is, I just need to know you made it back okay”

“okay, I promise I’ll call you” she whispered

“Miss Reed we have to head out” the driver informed her.

“okay” she nodded as her voice cracked a little.

“come here” Liam pulled her into his chest, holding her tight as she wrapped her arms around his torso.

“I’m sorry” she sniffled as she tried to wipe her eyes “I hate saying goodbyes, I can’t handle them emotionally” she giggled

“then don’t say goodbye, say…until we meet again” he whispered, using her own words on her.

“alright, I…I really have to go, or I’ll miss my flight…” she rolled onto her tiptoes placing a hot kiss on Liam's lips.

“see you soon, Liam…Until we meet again”

“Until we meet again”

Kayliegh climbed into the car, she waved out the window as Liam waved as he watched her leave through the gates. Once the gates closed, she turned to face the front, letting out a deep breath, she finally let the tears fall.

 If you like it, maybe give it a wee reblog? <3

[writerspink]

K-12 Words

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9.2

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K-12 Words was originally published on PinkWrite

[naivelocus]

Nine brains or megabrain: who’s making UKRI?

On the fourth floor of London’s 1 Victoria Street, a science-based start-up is in the throes of being born. Under the watchful eye of Sir Mark Walport, its CEO-designate, and Rebecca Endean, its strategy director, a twenty-strong team of BEIS officials and secondees from existing funding agencies are hard at work translating part three of the freshly-minted Higher Education & Research Act into operational reality. In April 2018, this high-stakes venture opens for business, and by 2020 it is projected to have a turnover of £8 billion a year. In return, it promises nothing less than a transformation in the UK’s research and innovation performance.

Welcome to Shadow-UKRI.

Much of the detailed preparation for UKRI’s launch has been taking place below the radar. The research community knows that changes are on the way, but their scale and speed remains unclear. Tomorrow we will learn more, when Sir Mark Walport gives his first public speech under a UKRI banner, in which he promises to spell out his vision for the new body “and how it will push the frontiers of knowledge, deliver economic impact and support our society.”

The UKRI moment

It has become commonplace to describe the current higher education reforms as the most significant for twenty-five years. On the research side, we have to cast back further for a period of equivalent change – to the 1965 Science and Technology Act, and the subsequent reviews of government R&D and basic research by Lord Rothschild and Sir Frederick Dainton, which were published as a matching pair in November 1971.

Sir Paul Nurse revisited this terrain in his 2015 review and called for it to be reshaped around a newly consolidated funding agency: Research UK (which later morphed into UKRI). But while his headline proposal was rapidly endorsed by ministers, the Nurse Review was sufficiently ambiguous on crucial points of governance to provoke intense debate during the passage of the 2016 Bill. Arguments focused initially on whether UKRI was needed at all, then on how its component parts should relate to one another, and what powers and accountabilities should apply at its new strategic layer.

From the autumn of 2016, these concerns began to ease, thanks to greater clarity from BEIS, and to HM Treasury’s unexpected largesse in committing an extra £4.7 billion to R&D by 2021, through the new Industrial Strategy Challenges Fund. A final flurry of amendments to part three of the Bill in February 2017 satisfied remaining critics (myself included) – and the heat over UKRI was reduced to a low simmer – with more energy going into debates about post-Brexit research collaboration than the specifics of how UKRI will work.

But inside government, the pace has been picking up. The Shadow-UKRI team has active streams of work ongoing around organisational design; data and technology infrastructure; knowledge exchange and commercialization; skills and training – and numerous option papers have been drafted for Sir Mark’s consideration. Jo Johnson’s return as minister provides welcome stability at a political level, and will further accelerate the process of implementation.

For Shadow-UKRI, the skunkworks phase is now drawing to a close, and the focus is shifting outwards. On 22 June, it launched an official Twitter account – @UKRI_News – a sign that it intends to start talking to a wider world. It also unveiled a logo (albeit one that appears to have been knocked up by an intern using Microsoft Word. Let’s hope it’s just a placeholder.)

Then there’s tomorrow’s speech. Hosted by four of the national academies, this is a significant staging post on the road to UKRI’s launch. Like Sir Michael Barber’s recent speech on the Office for Students, Sir Mark’s text will be scrutinised for hints of what is to come. And we can expect him to include a few eye-catching announcements – perhaps of the next Global Challenges Research Fund call, or a shortlist of future priorities for the Industrial Strategy Challenges Fund.

In response, the research community also needs to shift gear – from questions of what and why, to the finer detail of precisely how UKRI can achieve its objectives, and interface effectively with the rest of the sector.

Over recent months, as preparations for UKRI have been taking shape, I’ve spoken to dozens of key players across the system – research council heads, senior staff, council members, VCs, PVCs and members of the UKRI transition team – to build up a better picture of how it will work. So as we wait for Sir Mark’s vision, how much is already clear? What remains uncertain? And what should we look out for in tomorrow’s speech?

The top team

The task of assembling UKRI from its nine constituent bodies is a complex jigsaw of legal, financial, HR, logistical and administrative challenges – made more difficult at various points by political uncertainties over the HER Bill, and by the need to keep the normal machinery of research funding and innovation support running smoothly throughout. So it’s a credit to the skills of the Shadow-UKRI team that everything remains on track for the launch in nine months time.

As the weeks go by, more pieces slot into place. Inevitably, a great deal of effort has gone into securing a high-calibre board and executive team, and we now know who will occupy several key roles.

At board level, Sir John Kingman (former Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury, and now Group Chairman of Legal and General) was appointed Chair in May 2016 “on an interim basis” to see through the transition. The assumption is that he will hand over to a new Chair before the end of 2018, though some kind of extension to his tenure can’t be ruled out.

Sir John notionally devotes one day a week to his UKRI role, but by all accounts, it’s often more. As he explained to the Commons Science & Technology Committee back in October, his priority is “to make sure that by April 2018 we have an organisation that is credible and able to do its job”. Sir John’s hand was visible in November’s surprise £4.7 billion boost to UKRI’s budget, and more recently, he has been heavily involved in recruiting the rest of the board. Hundreds of applications were received for the nine to twelve available places on the Board, and interviews took place in the second half of May. Subject to ministerial approval, an announcement must now be imminent – possibly alongside tomorrow’s speech. Whoever is chosen, the sector and disciplinary balance, diversity, and perceived independence of the final line-up will be closely scrutinised.

On the senior management side, Sir Mark Walport was confirmed in February as CEO-Designate, to the surprise of some. Over a decade at the head of the Wellcome Trust, and four years as Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Sir Mark has become something of a Marmite figure within the science community: admired, respected, feared and loathed in even measure. It’s well known that he doesn’t suffer fools, or even the ostensibly intelligent, with particular gladness. One of Whitehall’s departmental chief scientists (who meet regularly as a network under Sir Mark) admits to me: “I’m not sure he brings best out of the CSAs, as so many of us feel bullied or belittled by him at times.” This piece by Dame Athene Donald takes a diplomatically coded tiptoe through such concerns, which now swirl, like port, at many a high table.

But at the end of the day, UKRI needs a CEO who is effective, rather than loveable – particularly in its startup phase. Even his critics concede that Sir Mark is highly strategic and decisive, with the experience and networks to get things done. “Mark is simply brilliant at managing upwards”, one senior policymaker says (leaving the corollary unspoken). He will also be well rewarded for his talents. When the CEO spec was drawn up, Sir John Kingman made the case to HM Treasury for an exceptional public sector salary, to attract international candidates at vice-chancellor level.

The search was indeed extensive, but it ended up on the same corridor where it began, creating an unusual situation where – assuming he has taken the job at its advertised rate – Sir Mark will move desks in the same building, while seeing his salary rise 82% from £164,999 (on a 0.9 FTE contract, according to 2016 data), to £300,000 (plus a “performance element” as he informed the Commons S&T Committee in March). This may raise eyebrows at a time when Jo Johnson has been vocal in urging “sector leaders to show pay restraint”.

Currently, Sir Mark is engaged in a “tapered transition” between jobs, spending roughly half the week on UKRI, while Chris Whitty (CSA at Department of Health) covers some of his responsibilities in the Government Office for Science. This arrangement will continue until the autumn, and ideally until Sir Mark’s successor as GCSA is in post. I’m told that the name of a preferred candidate for GCSA has been sent to No.10 for approval, but may not be able to start immediately, so the job-share may run for a while yet.

As soon as he was appointed, Sir Mark began to populate the senior team who will work alongside him at UKRI’s strategic core. Top of his list was Rebecca Endean, who was confirmed in March as UKRI’s director of strategy, having led the transition team. Whip-smart, tough and respected across Whitehall, Endean enjoys a good rapport with Sir Mark and will be an influential force in UKRI. Next up was Anne Dixon, currently COO at Innovate UK, who has been confirmed as UKRI’s programme director. A chief finance officer will be announced any day. Other members of the Shadow-UKRI team, including Alex Marsh and Bryony Butland, are also expected to move into permanent roles. And while this makes complete sense in terms of continuity and capability, it has ruffled the feathers of some senior research council staff, who also aspire to move to the nerve centre of the new operation.

Musical chairs

It’s all change too, across the leadership of UKRI’s nine constituent bodies. One of these – Research England – is being carved from scratch out of the dying husk of HEFCE, and the late-April announcement that David Sweeney, HEFCE’s director of research, education and knowledge exchange, will be its first executive chair, has been welcomed across the sector. Sweeney’s richly-sedimented experience will ensure the smooth running of REF2021 and bring a whole-institution perspective to the heart of UKRI. He will also act as a champion of “balance” across the funding system – a principle enshrined in the HER Act, but open to a range of interpretations.

Across the other bodies, there will also be an unprecedented level of senior management churn over the next six to twelve months. On 31 March, the roles of chief executive and chair of the research councils and Innovate UK dissolve, and the following day, a new cadre of executive chairs is created, who will report to Sir Mark and operate collectively as UKRI’s Executive Committee. Before then, as this table shows, several new faces are needed:

UKRI bodyCurrent CEOStatus and future plans AHRCAndrew ThompsonAfter a period as interim, confirmed in March 17 as chief executive, transitioning to Executive Chair in April 18. Term runs until Sept 2020. BBSRCMelanie WelhamInterim chief executive to 31 March 18. Recruitment for an Executive Chair from 1 April will start soon. EPSRCPhilip NelsonExpected to see through the transition, and stay until late 2018, before handing over to a successor. ESRCJane ElliottResigned in March 17, a year before the end of her term. Recruitment for a successor is now underway. Deputy also needed, as Phil Sooben resigned on the same day to lead the Political Studies Association. MRCSir John SavillReappointed term runs through the transition until September 18. Recruitment for a new Executive Chair expected soon. NERCDuncan WinghamTerm runs until December 2017. Recruitment for a new Executive Chair expected soon. STFCBrian BowsherAppointed chief executive in Nov 16, so likely to transition to Executive Chair for a full term. Innovate UKRuth McKernanWill remain in post and transition to Executive Chair. Longer term plans unknown. Research England*N/ADavid Sweeney is now Executive Chair-Designate. He has indicated previously that he intends to retire in 2020.

*newly created

This is a significant HR task, particularly as these roles haven’t yet found their market weight. As one PVC put it to me: “Is it a step up to chair one of the UKRI councils or a step off the ladder towards becoming a VC?” The first test of this will be the ESRC, where huge effort has gone into ensuring a strong field, after an initially tepid response.

In parallel, UKRI needs to recruit or reappoint members of each council, whose roles won’t automatically roll across into the new structure. For Research England, this means finding a wholly new council, for which an advert was issued last week. The other councils will also follow an open process, but some existing members are being quietly encouraged to reapply.

So while the legislation formally safeguards the autonomy of individual councils within UKRI, such a changing of the guard will give Sir Mark huge leeway to shape management and governance in line with his vision and strategy.

In the management layers below, changes are also expected once UKRI is up and running. Both Sir Mark and Sir John are said to admire the “rotator model”, long used by the US National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health to bring senior academics into research management on secondments of two to four years, to set up or lead particular programmes. While this approach is occasionally used in the UK, a push in this direction would be a significant and potentially controversial change – not least because of the discretion that NSF/NIH rotators exercise over specific funding decisions. The rotator model is not without its critics, who see it as expensive, and at times problematic for the management and morale of permanent staff.

There are also practical issues to resolve. If you’re a professor in Illinois or South Dakota, the opportunity to spend a few years in Washington DC at the NSF could be rather attractive. Swindon doesn’t have the same allure. And this links to a wider question: how much of UKRI will be headquartered in London, and how much in Swindon (or in HEFCE’s old offices in Bristol)?

Sir Mark has made it clear that he wants a London base, which seems sensible, given the need for UKRI to engage with the rest of government, and the value of a London “front door” for business and overseas delegations – the latter especially crucial given the need to expand our collaborative options after Brexit. Both the MRC and HEFCE have small offices in London, but neither of these is likely to suffice, and the MRC’s lease expires in 2019. So the search is underway for a solution. (Perhaps a wing of the Royal Institution could be repurposed if it remains in a financially fragile state?).

Assuming an office is found, that still leaves the managerially-delicate task of deciding who gets to work there. It was interesting to note that the recent advert for an Executive Chair of ESRC indicated that the role would be London based. As one senior figure told me: “I’m worried we’ll end up with a split between the ‘doers’ in Swindon and the ‘deciders’ in London.”

The brains of the beast?

Beneath the froth of job titles and desk space, lies a more fundamental question: how far and fast should the strategic centre of UKRI grow? Both Sir Mark and Sir John have been at pains to stress that it should be small and strategic. Speaking to Nature, Sir Mark said he had never been a proponent of “something monolithic” and wanted “nine, very strong individual component parts, where, working together, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.” Similarly, Sir John talks of “nine brains in one body”, and insists that there is “absolutely no value in building a galumphing new bureaucracy: UKRI’s strategic function needs to be lean, focused, respected and (of course) extremely high quality.”

Early on in the UKRI planning process, BEIS asked consultants Deloitte to develop design options. They proposed several models, including “centres of excellence”, whereby each body leads on one cross-cutting issue for the whole of UKRI. But while it’s feasible to see how STFC could lead on facilities and infrastructure across the system, or Research England could lead on HEI capabilities and HEIF-type funding, it’s not easy to attach all nine bodies to a core competence in this way. Questioned by the Commons S&T committee in March, Sir Mark seemed lukewarm about Deloitte’s proposals, saying “I was not in any way involved…and I have seen the report only relatively recently.”

An alternative would be to build up the strategic capacity at the centre –creating, to adapt Sir John’s metaphor, a “megabrain” for research and innovation strategy. This option seems unlikely to be followed in year one, but must remain open, if a more distributed, networked approach fails to deliver the step-change in performance that UKRI’s creation demands.

Worldwide, the science of science and innovation policy, sometimes known as “meta-research”, is advancing rapidly. There is now huge potential to combine machine learning, advanced data, analytics and metrics with a mix of qualitative methods, expert judgement and horizon-scanning, to provide UKRI with rich, real-time intelligence on how the research and innovation system is performing; areas of research strength and weakness; disciplinary, institutional and geographic balance; emerging industrial and business priorities; and changing dynamics of concentration and diversity.

In a thoughtful post last year, Stian Westlake and colleagues at Nesta considered the challenge of creating a “strategic brain” and concluded that “the one thing that holds back the government’s ability to get good data on the innovation system is the fact that this analytic capability is widely dispersed: excellent analytic teams at HEFCE and the IPO; capability in various parts of BIS; the Smart Specialisation Hub; expertise in the Government Office for Science.” To this one could add a long list of data sources on the research side, gathered in a fragmented way by HEIs and research funders, through the REF, by the large bibliometric databases like Scopus, or via altmetric platforms and peer-networks like ResearchGate.

Work is underway to capitalise on these opportunities through UKRI. Jisc is working on a next-generation research information infrastructure. The Forum for Responsible Research Metrics is looking at smarter uses of data in the next REF and beyond. And there are pockets of excellent analytical capacity in several of UKRI’s component parts.

The need for collective intelligence

But how it will come together is not yet clear. Now that the sensitivities of the HER Bill are behind us, I hope Sir Mark and colleagues will be more bullish about the opportunities of a more capable strategic brain. Of course, this needs to work sensitively and inclusively across all UKRI’s bodies – tapping into what Tom Saunders and Geoff Mulgan describe in another Nesta paper as “collective intelligence”.

But there is no point undergoing the pain and effort of such a massive reorganisation if we don’t come out the other side of it stronger. Given UKRI’s unprecedented powers to determine priorities and allocate funding, the alternative to a bigger strategic brain, governing through collective intelligence, is opaque decision-making by small, unaccountable groups. In the past six months, there have been unwelcome hints of the latter in the way certain decisions have been taken – particularly around the Industrial Strategy Challenges Fund.

So his speech tomorrow, I want Sir Mark to tell us more about how he intends to create an open, diverse and evidence-informed organisation. Against the backdrop of Brexit, it would be good to hear him speak up for international collaboration and participation in EU networks, as crucial to that diversity. Above all, I hope he spells out how UKRI can improve our research and innovation culture, in terms that resonate at every level of the community – not only in the corridors of power.

— Wonkhe