OKRE: Opening Knowledge across Research and Entertainment

The proposal outlines the request for funding to support the set-up, operation and activities of OKRE: Opening Knowledge across Research and Entertainment over five years.

OKRE is a high-profile strategic initiative for working with the entertainment industries that has been developed in partnership with UKRI.

OKRE enables Wellcome to build on the work it has done so far, to scale its impact and create a more sustainable transformation in the engagement of research with mass media.

A gap was identified between research and entertainment sectors for a body akin to the Science Media Centre but designed to address the particular challenges of working with the entertainment industries.

OKRE's business model has now been developed and the organisation has been registered with Companies House and the Charity Commission. Wellcome is uniquely positioned to establish such a body. Funding enables OKRE to deliver core services in line with Wellcome's new strategic vision.

OKRE's objects include promoting research, advancing education of the public and advancing the arts in social, scientific and health-related issues, as well as promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of charities. By sharing infrastructure costs with other funders, OKRE will enable Wellcome to scale the impact of its funding.