Science Council and its members, representing thousands of scientists, alarmed at funding changes

The Science Council and its member bodies, which collectively bring together and support more than 330,000 scientists across the UK, are concerned by the Government and UKRI changes to funding for elements of science research and development. These changes appear to have been made with limited notice and without meaningful consultation with the scientific community.

To date, proposed real-terms funding reductions are falling on scientific infrastructure, affecting disciplines such as astronomy, physics, chemistry and meteorology. Additionally, we are concerned about impacts on curiosity-driven research, which is critical and underpins progress across different sciences. Decisions that weaken these two foundations risk significant long term consequences for the UK’s research capability, innovation capacity, and international standing and will affect an entire generation of current and future researchers.

The Science Council and its member bodies are asking the Government to:

• Adopt a measured and transparent approach to changes in science funding, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence and clear long term objectives.
• Consult proactively with the scientific community and its representative bodies before implementing significant changes to research, development and innovation funding, to fully understand potential impacts and reduce unintended consequences.
• Recognise the critical importance of continuity and stability in science funding, particularly for infrastructure and for foundational and curiosity driven research that delivers long term value.
• Improve communication and engagement with the research community in advance of funding announcements, providing clarity on rationale, timelines and anticipated impacts.
• Acknowledge the long term implications of current funding decisions for the UK’s research capacity, skills pipeline and international competitiveness.

Research, development and innovation are proven drivers of productivity, economic growth and improved living standards, delivering benefits to individuals, communities and the wider economy across the UK. Long-term, stable investment in research and development is central to sustained economic growth and supports the Government’s objectives of creating high-skilled jobs, addressing societal challenges such as climate change, and delivering on the ambitions of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Curiosity driven research plays a vital role in generating transformative ideas and breakthroughs, often leading to applications and industries that could not have been foreseen at the outset. This form of research is essential to maintaining a healthy, resilient and adaptable research base.

At present, it is unclear how UK research will be managed and monitored following these changes, or how critical scientific capability will be safeguarded over the medium to long-term.

The Science Council recognises the fiscal and strategic pressures facing public investment decisions. However, abrupt or insufficiently consulted changes to science funding risk undermining confidence, disrupting research careers, and weakening the long term impact of public investment.

The Science Council and its member bodies stand ready to work constructively with UKRI and the Government to support a strong, sustainable and globally competitive UK science system.