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Written question asked by James Naish (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 February 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Astronomy and Nuclear Physics: Research

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed cuts to funding for particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics research on levels of such research being carried out.

Answer

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed to £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years. Of this, UKRI will deliver £38.6 billion towards research and innovation with £14.5 billion allocated towards curiosity-driven research, in recognition of its fundamental importance for our future. This is an increase in funding.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) budget has not been cut and it increases across the spending review period. STFC within UKRI is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its portfolio in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN). No final spending decisions relating to STFC’s PPAN portfolio have been made. The impacts of different modelled scenarios will be considered alongside feedback from the sector when taking final decisions.

More generally, DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its allocation decisions are informed by meaningful consultation with the scientific research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability and international standing.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
115492
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finance Nuclear physics Research Astronomy
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk