Contrary to your view that the UK Higher Education and Research Bill could spell the end of independence for British research and universities (Nature 538, 5; 2016), I believe that, with safeguards, it can provide a strong coherent voice for science and allow strategic decisions to be taken by scientists rather than by government officials (see also Nature http://doi.org/brz7; 2016).

In my role as president of the Royal Society, I think that improving and streamlining the highly productive UK research enterprise becomes more important as we enter a post-Brexit world. Funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will boost cooperation among the research councils; allow a more flexible, interdisciplinary approach to global challenges; and position research at the heart of a new industrial strategy. Including the funder Innovate UK will strengthen links between the innovation and research communities, provided that its unique business-facing focus and customer connections are not put at risk.

Such long-term benefits, championed by the UKRI's interim chair, John Kingman, justify the transition — with the provisos that it safeguards the best in our current research system, retains operational autonomy of research councils and attracts top scientists to lead them. Including these leaders on an executive committee that is responsible for key decisions will ensure a collegial environment and smoother functioning. Evaluation in areas such as the teaching and research interface and the assessment frameworks will need particularly careful scrutiny, and consultation with the research community must be legally guaranteed before major research-council reform.

The government's White Paper on research reforms refers to “the primacy of scientific and academic decision-making” (see go.nature.com/2ekbtx2). It commits to investing in excellent research and legally underpinning balanced funding. These safeguards are not compatible with alleged intentions to reduce British research independence. Moreover, the value of the research endeavour itself provides greater security than any royal charter.