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Written question asked by Ian Sollom (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 April 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Thursday, 16 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements: Closures

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the closure of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements on the specialist skills base in atmospheric science in the United Kingdom.

Answer

While the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recognise that the retirement of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) is a significant decision for the atmospheric science community, this is not reflective of any decrease in the value of atmospheric science, and reflects a strategic shift to sustain UK leadership in this domain within a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Government remains committed to maintaining world class capabilities in environmental science and ensuring that public investment is most effectively directed where it delivers the greatest long-term impact. UKRI is engaging closely with affected staff and institutions to manage the transition responsibly and to retain expertise within the wider atmospheric science system wherever possible.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
123983
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Closures Research Science Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk