Big ideas for the future is a joint report by Universities UK and Research Councils UK, published as part of the second annual Universities Week campaign. This new report explores the excellent research taking place in UK higher education today and what it will mean for us in 20 years' time. It demonstrates the value of public investment in higher education and research and the positive impact this has on economic growth and the social wellbeing of the UK. By looking to the future, the aim is to inspire and excite the general public about what is happening in universities, and how it might change their lives in the future.