UK research faces an autumn of political reckoning

The spending review must confirm the substance beneath the government’s froth about becoming a science superpower, says James Wilsdon

Published on

October 14, 2021

Last updated

October 14, 2021

Twitter: @jameswilsdon

Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak in a school science lesson

Source: Getty

Read more about

Read more about:

Higher education policy

Research funding

POSTSCRIPT:

Print headline: UK research needs certainty after autumn of political reckoning

Register to continue

Why register?

Registration is free and only takes a moment
Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
Sign up for our newsletter

Subscribe

Or subscribe for unlimited access to:

Unlimited access to news, views, insights & reviews
Digital editions
Digital access to THE’s university and college rankings analysis

Please or to read this article.

Related articles

Wind farm

New science minister ‘has one month to save £22 billion pledge’

George Freeman must urgently strike alliances across Whitehall to preserve UK government’s ‘once in a generation’ research pledge, say experts

30 September

Tory conference: Rishi Sunak unveils £34 million for AI

Chancellor says investment in new technology could revolutionise economy in same way as steam engine or internet

4 October

Rows of coins with gradual shadows to look like the moon as a metaphor for Is there a catch to the UK’s promised £22bn for science

Is there a catch to the UK’s £22 billion science spending pledge?

Recent cuts and scares have cast doubt on ministers’ commitment to harnessing science in pursuit of a levelled-up, post-Brexit innovation economy. Questions also remain about how funding should be distributed and directed. Jack Grove examines the lessons from history and from overseas

10 June

Spending review consultation delay ‘may deny sector fair hearing’

Non-appearance of consultation first promised for spring suggests ‘no agreement yet’ between ministers on what they want from change

9 July

Sponsored