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Written question asked by Yuan Yang (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Thursday, 26 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the decision by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to remove funding for the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM).

Answer

As part of a review of its infrastructure investments, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has concluded that the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) no longer represents good value for money due to rising operating and maintenance costs and limited planned usage.

Only two projects are scheduled to use the aircraft between 2027 and 2029, accounting for around 27% of available flying hours, and FAAM-related research represented a small proportion of overall investment in atmospheric science. NERC has engaged directly with affected programme leads to explore alternative ways to deliver the research, including deploying FAAM instrumentation on other platforms, or by exploring alternative approaches. NERC has already begun investing in new technologies offering lower emissions, greater responsiveness and improved cost effectiveness, including a Net Zero Aerial Capability scoping programme (in collaboration with Innovate UK) on UAV development and investments to explore further autonomous capabilities.

This decision reflects a strategic shift towards more sustainable, flexible and modern technologies. Ceasing FAAM operations will also release over £32 million for reinvestment within UK environmental science, supporting lower-emission, scalable capabilities that support broader range of researchers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
122902
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Finance Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk