UK scientists fear £1bn funding cut for new research

Scientists say cuts to research funding would lead to a ‘loss of momentum when the sector is needed to boost economic growth and productivity’. Photograph: Cultura Creative (RF)/Alamy

Scientists are braced for the prospect of major cuts in research funding in the budget this week. Some senior figures say they worry that as much as £1bn could be taken from the cash that is given to finance science projects in the UK.

The main focus of scientists’ concern has been the extra £1bn that will be needed to pay for UK membership of the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, which Britain rejoined last year. This money may have to be found from savings elsewhere, with the £8bn annual budget of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – the UK’s main backer of basic research – almost certain to be raided if no additional money is supplied by Reeves.