Written question asked by Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 26 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Scientists: Recruitment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to support the retention and re-employment of UK scientists alongside plans to recruit scientists from overseas.

Answer: The government is committed to ensuring universities and research institutions remain internationally competitive, with long-term career sustainability. DSIT has allocated £38.6 billion to UKRI over four years, including £14 billion for curiosity-driven research. DSIT supports talent at all career stages to help researchers build and sustain careers here, with over £5 billion of investment to attract and retain talent over four years. This includes government funding to train doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and deliver globally prestigious fellowship and professorship schemes through UKRI and the National Academies. The UK’s new Global Talent Fund has already announced eight leading researchers as successful awardees.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 108570
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Recruitment Labour turnover Migrant workers Re-employment Scientists
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk