Written question asked by Luke Evans (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Science and Technologies Facilities Council about the impact of [i] increasing energy costs and [ii] changing foreign exchange rates due to the STFC's subscriptions to international projects.

Answer: I met with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Executive Chair, Professor Michele Dougherty, in August to discuss the council’s strategic programmes and infrastructure investments. UK Research and Innovation undertook a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation exercise to address rising operational costs while maintaining a financially sustainable portfolio. The reprioritisation has come as a result of increased cost pressures from energy, inflation, foreign exchange, staffing costs and an expanded portfolio of activity. STFC has set out a plan to live within its budget while protecting the capabilities that matter most to the UK’s long-term scientific and international standing.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21833
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Costs Energy Exchange rates Science and Technology Facilities Council
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk