tech
February 6, 2026
UK ‘could lose generation of scientists’ with cuts to projects and research facilities
UK’s research funding body says best scientists are taking posts overseas due to lack of job stability at home
TL;DR
- Early career researchers warn of losing a generation of scientists due to UK funding cuts.
- Grants for particle physics, astronomy, and nuclear physics are facing nearly a third cut.
- UK has shelved four large infrastructure projects, saving over £250m.
- Projects affected include upgrades to the Large Hadron Collider and an electron-ion collider.
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) prioritizes applied research over fundamental science.
- Scientists are seeking overseas positions due to uncertainty and instability in the UK.
- The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) needs to make £162m in savings by 2030.
- Rising electricity costs and international project subscriptions contribute to STFC's financial strain.
- UK risks having no astronomers to work on international projects it has funded.
- UKRI defends the choices, stating that not making choices would underfund everyone.
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