U.K. Science Funding to Remain Flat, Despite Promised Increases for Specific Projects

The United Kingdom's science funding will stay roughly the same over the next few years, according to figures released in the government's latest spending review. This review outlines how departmental budgets will be allocated until 2029. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has pledged £86 billion for research and development (R&D) funding over the next four years, with £72 billion directed to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. The remaining funds will be distributed across other government departments involved in research-related activities. The annual R&D budget will increase from £20.4 billion this year to £22.6 billion by 2029-30. While the government describes this as an "above-inflation increase," critics argue that the funding will be "broadly flat" once inflation is factored in. Alicia Greated, executive director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, noted this point in a statement issued on Sunday, following the pre-announced spending commitments. However, she acknowledged that protecting the R&D budget is positive given the challenging fiscal environment. John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of the nonprofit Wellcome Trust, was more critical. The previous government had set a target of spending £22 billion annually on R&D by 2024, a goal now deferred to 2030. Røttingen stated, "This is a reduction in ambition at a time when the U.K. desperately needs the economic growth that investing in science can bring." Despite the mixed reactions, the spending review includes significant funding for specific projects. The government will allocate at least £1 billion to the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA), the U.K.'s counterpart to the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency. ARIA is tasked with funding high-risk, high-reward scientific ideas, and this commitment follows an initial £800 million grant. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another major beneficiary, receiving a boost of £2 billion. This investment aims to enhance AI infrastructure, support fellowships, and foster partnerships between AI companies and universities. Notably, the review reactivates a previously canceled project to build a new supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh, now set to receive £750 million. This decision has been welcomed by many in the scientific community who were disappointed by its initial cancellation. Nuclear energy also secures renewed investment. The review allocates £2.5 billion for the development of small modular reactors, compact nuclear power plants designed for flexible deployment. Additionally, £14.2 billion is earmarked for the construction of Sizewell C, the country's first new nuclear plant in decades. The government has also committed £2.5 billion to nuclear fusion research and £9.4 billion to carbon capture and storage projects, aimed at reducing emissions from industrial processes like cement production. Despite these investments, concerns persist about the U.K.'s competitiveness in global research. Adrian Smith, president of the Royal Society, highlighted that the U.K. still lags behind other G7 nations in R&D spending. He also pointed out the issue of "sky-high upfront visa costs," which pose barriers to recruiting international talent to U.K. institutions. The budget announcement does recognize the need to attract top talent, promising "new opportunities for leading scientists through fellowship schemes." In May, Science Minister Patrick Vallance addressed Parliament, stating that the government is developing programs to lure overseas researchers, particularly those facing funding cuts in countries like the United States. He indicated that further details would be forthcoming "very shortly." Overall, while the spending review maintains current levels of funding and allocates substantial sums to key technologies, experts warn that the delayed goals and ongoing challenges in international recruitment could hamper the U.K.'s progress in science and innovation.