‘Broad but shallow’ support leaves public unsure of R&D benefits

Lion stalking buffalo in Botswana. To illustrate how the recent skills White Paper could mean breaking up the current university system, and possibly remove some universities from doing research.

UK research faces a radical overhaul

The recent skills White Paper foreshadows the shuttering of some or all research in certain UK universities. But what will the effects of that be on teaching – and on research itself? How could it be enacted? And will it even happen at all? Jack Grove reports

By Jack Grove

10 November

Researcher working with microscope wearing blue gloves

Real-terms fall in R&D spending ‘could hold back UK’s growth’

Warnings UK failing to keep up with international competitors as real-terms research expenditure declines

By Helen Packer

15 August

UKRI needs targets on start-ups and private R&D spending, say MPs

Setting UK’s main research funder clearly defined objectives can bolster the case for R&I investment, finds Public Accounts Committee

By Jack Grove

23 July

Woman calculating payment bill in kitchen

Financial pressures ‘erode public support for research spending’

Sector must show tangible benefits of funding or public will prioritise other things, poll finds

By Tom Williams

28 February

Reader's comments (1)

#1 Submitted by ... on November 11, 2025 - 9:26am

An interesting follow up to the piece on the White paper yesterday. It shows the public's sublime indifference to issues relating to research funding in the UK sector and how little purchase on public opinion the sector really has.

‘Broad but shallow’ support leaves public unsure of R&D benefits

Strong levels of ‘instinctive’ backing for UK research cannot be taken for granted given lack of personal connection, warns science campaign group

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UK research faces a radical overhaul

Real-terms fall in R&D spending ‘could hold back UK’s growth’

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Financial pressures ‘erode public support for research spending’

Reader's comments (1)

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‘Broad but shallow’ support leaves public unsure of R&D benefits

Strong levels of ‘instinctive’ backing for UK research cannot be taken for granted given lack of personal connection, warns science campaign group

Register to continue

Subscribe

Related articles

UK research faces a radical overhaul

Real-terms fall in R&D spending ‘could hold back UK’s growth’

UKRI needs targets on start-ups and private R&D spending, say MPs

Financial pressures ‘erode public support for research spending’

Reader's comments (1)

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