Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reductions to Science and Technology Facilities Council programmes on university physics departments.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years, including £38.6 billion for UKRI. STFC’s core budget is being maintained, at £835 million in 2025/26 and £842 million in 2029/30. Applicant-led research grants will increase from £83 million in 2026/27 to £90 million in 2029/30.
UKRI and STFC have undertaken a detailed prioritisation exercise to manage cost pressures from rising energy, inflation, foreign exchange and ambitious commitments from the previous Spending Review. On 9 July, STFC set out the outcomes of this exercise and its plan for living within its budget while seeking to protect the capabilities that matter most to the UK’s long-term scientific and international standing, and to the long-term health of UK physics. STFC will protect particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN) grant postdoctoral funding at 2025/26 levels, protecting around 400 postdoctoral researchers, as well as PhD studentships and fellowships. All major multidisciplinary facilities will remain operational and international subscriptions will be fully protected, safeguarding UK access to world-leading facilities and collaborations. STFC will also generate more external income through supporting a more entrepreneurial model. While some activities will be reduced or reprioritised, this plan protects the fundamentals on which university physics departments depend: a strong research talent pipeline, access to world-leading facilities and research infrastructure, and participation in leading international scientific collaborations. More broadly, UKRI is investing heavily in areas that benefit the wider physics community, including around £1.6 billion in AI, £1 billion in quantum, and £750 million toward a new national supercomputer.
UKRI and STFC engaged extensively with the research community to shape this plan, including through more than 10 engagement events, written input from 48 Project Leads, and more than 30 Science Board, Council and expert advisory panel meetings and advice, including assessment of impacts across STFC’s portfolio, including PPAN, facilities and laboratories. This engagement included discussions with the Institute of Physics and Royal Astronomical Society, and Minister Vallance has corresponded with both organisations in his capacity as Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear.
More broadly, DSIT continues to work across government to understand developments across the higher education sector and their implications for research and development in universities. Through the reforms set out in the Post‑16 White Paper, we are strengthening universities’ long‑term financial sustainability, to ensure the UK’s R&D base continues to be world‑leading and capable of delivering excellence, innovation and economic growth.
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Institute of Physics and the Royal Astronomical Society on reductions to Science and Technology Facilities Council programmes.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years, including £38.6 billion for UKRI. STFC’s core budget is being maintained, at £835 million in 2025/26 and £842 million in 2029/30. Applicant-led research grants will increase from £83 million in 2026/27 to £90 million in 2029/30.
UKRI and STFC have undertaken a detailed prioritisation exercise to manage cost pressures from rising energy, inflation, foreign exchange and ambitious commitments from the previous Spending Review. On 9 July, STFC set out the outcomes of this exercise and its plan for living within its budget while seeking to protect the capabilities that matter most to the UK’s long-term scientific and international standing, and to the long-term health of UK physics. STFC will protect particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN) grant postdoctoral funding at 2025/26 levels, protecting around 400 postdoctoral researchers, as well as PhD studentships and fellowships. All major multidisciplinary facilities will remain operational and international subscriptions will be fully protected, safeguarding UK access to world-leading facilities and collaborations. STFC will also generate more external income through supporting a more entrepreneurial model. While some activities will be reduced or reprioritised, this plan protects the fundamentals on which university physics departments depend: a strong research talent pipeline, access to world-leading facilities and research infrastructure, and participation in leading international scientific collaborations. More broadly, UKRI is investing heavily in areas that benefit the wider physics community, including around £1.6 billion in AI, £1 billion in quantum, and £750 million toward a new national supercomputer.
UKRI and STFC engaged extensively with the research community to shape this plan, including through more than 10 engagement events, written input from 48 Project Leads, and more than 30 Science Board, Council and expert advisory panel meetings and advice, including assessment of impacts across STFC’s portfolio, including PPAN, facilities and laboratories. This engagement included discussions with the Institute of Physics and Royal Astronomical Society, and Minister Vallance has corresponded with both organisations in his capacity as Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear.
More broadly, DSIT continues to work across government to understand developments across the higher education sector and their implications for research and development in universities. Through the reforms set out in the Post‑16 White Paper, we are strengthening universities’ long‑term financial sustainability, to ensure the UK’s R&D base continues to be world‑leading and capable of delivering excellence, innovation and economic growth.
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential merits to consumers of competition in fixed telecommunications infrastructure.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
The UK telecoms market is highly competitive. The Statement of Strategic Priorities designated on 27 April 2026 sets out the government’s view on the benefits of competition in the fixed telecoms market for investment in high quality networks, innovation and consumer choice. As a result, the UK benefits from relatively low consumer pricing, and prices have declined in recent years when adjusted for inflation.
Ofcom, as the independent regulator, plays a key role in supporting competition in the fixed telecoms market, including by imposing proportionate remedies on Openreach where necessary. The UK’s pro-competition regulatory approach has been a crucial driver of fibre roll-out, with more than a hundred alternative networks entering the market in recent years.
According to Ofcom as of January 2026, 77% of residential premises in the UK have access to more than one network, and 61% have access to more than one gigabit-capable network.
In addition, Ofcom reported in February 2026 that out of six comparable countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the US), the UK had the second-lowest standalone mobile prices and the third-lowest overall standalone fixed broadband prices in 2025.
The Government and Ofcom also ensure that strong consumer protections are in place so that the benefits of competition are delivered fairly. Earlier this year, the Government published the Telecoms Consumer Charter, a set of voluntary commitments agreed with major operators to strengthen transparency, empower consumers and improve support for those struggling to pay, building on Ofcom’s existing requirements to ensure people receive clear, fair and easily understandable information.
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the impact of increased competition in fixed telecommunications infrastructure on (a) household broadband bills, (b) service choice and (c) broadband speeds in the UK over the last five years.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
The UK telecoms market is highly competitive. The Statement of Strategic Priorities designated on 27 April 2026 sets out the government’s view on the benefits of competition in the fixed telecoms market for investment in high quality networks, innovation and consumer choice. As a result, the UK benefits from relatively low consumer pricing, and prices have declined in recent years when adjusted for inflation.
Ofcom, as the independent regulator, plays a key role in supporting competition in the fixed telecoms market, including by imposing proportionate remedies on Openreach where necessary. The UK’s pro-competition regulatory approach has been a crucial driver of fibre roll-out, with more than a hundred alternative networks entering the market in recent years.
According to Ofcom as of January 2026, 77% of residential premises in the UK have access to more than one network, and 61% have access to more than one gigabit-capable network.
In addition, Ofcom reported in February 2026 that out of six comparable countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the US), the UK had the second-lowest standalone mobile prices and the third-lowest overall standalone fixed broadband prices in 2025.
The Government and Ofcom also ensure that strong consumer protections are in place so that the benefits of competition are delivered fairly. Earlier this year, the Government published the Telecoms Consumer Charter, a set of voluntary commitments agreed with major operators to strengthen transparency, empower consumers and improve support for those struggling to pay, building on Ofcom’s existing requirements to ensure people receive clear, fair and easily understandable information.
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that competition in fixed telecommunications infrastructure is sustained and protects consumers’ long-term interests.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
The UK telecoms market is highly competitive. The Statement of Strategic Priorities designated on 27 April 2026 sets out the government’s view on the benefits of competition in the fixed telecoms market for investment in high quality networks, innovation and consumer choice. As a result, the UK benefits from relatively low consumer pricing, and prices have declined in recent years when adjusted for inflation.
Ofcom, as the independent regulator, plays a key role in supporting competition in the fixed telecoms market, including by imposing proportionate remedies on Openreach where necessary. The UK’s pro-competition regulatory approach has been a crucial driver of fibre roll-out, with more than a hundred alternative networks entering the market in recent years.
According to Ofcom as of January 2026, 77% of residential premises in the UK have access to more than one network, and 61% have access to more than one gigabit-capable network.
In addition, Ofcom reported in February 2026 that out of six comparable countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the US), the UK had the second-lowest standalone mobile prices and the third-lowest overall standalone fixed broadband prices in 2025.
The Government and Ofcom also ensure that strong consumer protections are in place so that the benefits of competition are delivered fairly. Earlier this year, the Government published the Telecoms Consumer Charter, a set of voluntary commitments agreed with major operators to strengthen transparency, empower consumers and improve support for those struggling to pay, building on Ofcom’s existing requirements to ensure people receive clear, fair and easily understandable information.
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the regulatory dashboard, published on 21 October 2025, if she will publish the letters sent to 19 regulators on enabling safe AI-powered innovation.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)
On 28th January 2026, DSIT SoS wrote to 19 regulators as part of the AI Action Plan anniversary. These letters asked regulators to work with DSIT and their sponsor department to publish a plan setting out how they will enable safe AI-powered innovation by May 2026, including clear, ambitious goals to enable safe AI adoption and responsible innovation; and to report annually on how their regulatory approach has enabled innovation and growth driven by AI in their sector. A copy of the letter sent to regulators has been published on gov.uk.
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Government provided for research into hidradenitis suppurativa in the 2023-24 financial year; and which public bodies provided that funding.
Answered by Feryal Clark
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) invests £1.5 billion per year on health research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The NIHR supports and delivers research in the following many aspects skin and dermatological conditions including linking genetic research and personalised medicine with common skin diseases such as acne, drug reactions, eczema, and psoriasis and skin cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. It also supports research into skin infections such as herpes simplex, fungal infections, impetigo and cellulitis along with children’s skin disorders and rare skin diseases.
UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects and strategic investments. Dermatology research supported by MRC covers the breadth of skin and skin associated diseases including inflammatory skin disease, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and skin cancer research. This includes basic biological mechanisms of disease to early-stage interventions such as diagnostics and treatment development.
In addition to the individual awards stated below, MRC supports other active research grants in the noted areas through strategic awards made to MRC Research Units.
- The Translational skin immunology programme at the MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit at the University of Oxford investigates the role of T-cells in Inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.
- The Translational Melanoma Research Group from the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh is investigating the mechanisms of melanoma development & drug resistance through their programme Targeting developmental cell states in melanoma
Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below:
| NIHR | UKRI |
Acne | NIHR allocated £2,148,574.06 for research concerning acne research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for acne research in 2023-24. |
Alopecia | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning alopecia research during 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £215,666 for alopecia research for a 3 year period commencing March 2024. |
Psoriasis | NIHR allocated £858,946.12 for research concerning psoriasis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £300, 266 for psoriasis research for a 3 year period commencing February 2024 . |
Pemphigus | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning pemphigus research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for pemphigus research in 2023-24. |
Atopic Dermatitis | NIHR allocated £2,045,996 for research concerning atopic dermatitis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £404,880 for atopic dermatitis research for a 3 year period commencing June 2023. |
Epidermolysis Bullosa | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning epidermolysis bullosa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for epidermolysis bullosa research in 2023-24. |
Hidradenitis Suppurativa | NIHR has not allocated any funds for research concerning hidradenitis suppurativa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for hidradenitis suppurativa research in 2023-24. |
Scleroderma | NIHR allocated £155,575 for research concerning scleroderma research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for scleroderma research in 2023-24. |
Rosacea | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning rosacea research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for rosacea research in 2023-24. |
Vitiligo | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning vitiligo research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for vitiligo research in 2023-24. |
Basal Cell Carcinoma | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning basal cell carcinoma research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for basal cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Squamous Cell Carcinoma | NIHR allocated £1,467,858 for research concerning squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Melanoma | NIHR allocated £1,167,536 for research concerning melanoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £176,114 for melanoma research between March 24 and August 25. |
Actinic Keratosis | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning actinic keratosis research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for actinic keratosis research in 2023-24. |
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Government provided for research into epidermolysis bullosa in the 2023-24 financial year; and which public bodies provided that funding.
Answered by Feryal Clark
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) invests £1.5 billion per year on health research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The NIHR supports and delivers research in the following many aspects skin and dermatological conditions including linking genetic research and personalised medicine with common skin diseases such as acne, drug reactions, eczema, and psoriasis and skin cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. It also supports research into skin infections such as herpes simplex, fungal infections, impetigo and cellulitis along with children’s skin disorders and rare skin diseases.
UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects and strategic investments. Dermatology research supported by MRC covers the breadth of skin and skin associated diseases including inflammatory skin disease, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and skin cancer research. This includes basic biological mechanisms of disease to early-stage interventions such as diagnostics and treatment development.
In addition to the individual awards stated below, MRC supports other active research grants in the noted areas through strategic awards made to MRC Research Units.
- The Translational skin immunology programme at the MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit at the University of Oxford investigates the role of T-cells in Inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.
- The Translational Melanoma Research Group from the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh is investigating the mechanisms of melanoma development & drug resistance through their programme Targeting developmental cell states in melanoma
Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below:
| NIHR | UKRI |
Acne | NIHR allocated £2,148,574.06 for research concerning acne research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for acne research in 2023-24. |
Alopecia | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning alopecia research during 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £215,666 for alopecia research for a 3 year period commencing March 2024. |
Psoriasis | NIHR allocated £858,946.12 for research concerning psoriasis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £300, 266 for psoriasis research for a 3 year period commencing February 2024 . |
Pemphigus | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning pemphigus research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for pemphigus research in 2023-24. |
Atopic Dermatitis | NIHR allocated £2,045,996 for research concerning atopic dermatitis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £404,880 for atopic dermatitis research for a 3 year period commencing June 2023. |
Epidermolysis Bullosa | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning epidermolysis bullosa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for epidermolysis bullosa research in 2023-24. |
Hidradenitis Suppurativa | NIHR has not allocated any funds for research concerning hidradenitis suppurativa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for hidradenitis suppurativa research in 2023-24. |
Scleroderma | NIHR allocated £155,575 for research concerning scleroderma research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for scleroderma research in 2023-24. |
Rosacea | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning rosacea research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for rosacea research in 2023-24. |
Vitiligo | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning vitiligo research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for vitiligo research in 2023-24. |
Basal Cell Carcinoma | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning basal cell carcinoma research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for basal cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Squamous Cell Carcinoma | NIHR allocated £1,467,858 for research concerning squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Melanoma | NIHR allocated £1,167,536 for research concerning melanoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £176,114 for melanoma research between March 24 and August 25. |
Actinic Keratosis | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning actinic keratosis research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for actinic keratosis research in 2023-24. |
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Government provided for research into rosacea in the 2023-24 financial year; and which public bodies provided that funding.
Answered by Feryal Clark
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) invests £1.5 billion per year on health research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The NIHR supports and delivers research in the following many aspects skin and dermatological conditions including linking genetic research and personalised medicine with common skin diseases such as acne, drug reactions, eczema, and psoriasis and skin cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. It also supports research into skin infections such as herpes simplex, fungal infections, impetigo and cellulitis along with children’s skin disorders and rare skin diseases.
UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects and strategic investments. Dermatology research supported by MRC covers the breadth of skin and skin associated diseases including inflammatory skin disease, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and skin cancer research. This includes basic biological mechanisms of disease to early-stage interventions such as diagnostics and treatment development.
In addition to the individual awards stated below, MRC supports other active research grants in the noted areas through strategic awards made to MRC Research Units.
- The Translational skin immunology programme at the MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit at the University of Oxford investigates the role of T-cells in Inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.
- The Translational Melanoma Research Group from the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh is investigating the mechanisms of melanoma development & drug resistance through their programme Targeting developmental cell states in melanoma
Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below:
| NIHR | UKRI |
Acne | NIHR allocated £2,148,574.06 for research concerning acne research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for acne research in 2023-24. |
Alopecia | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning alopecia research during 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £215,666 for alopecia research for a 3 year period commencing March 2024. |
Psoriasis | NIHR allocated £858,946.12 for research concerning psoriasis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £300, 266 for psoriasis research for a 3 year period commencing February 2024 . |
Pemphigus | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning pemphigus research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for pemphigus research in 2023-24. |
Atopic Dermatitis | NIHR allocated £2,045,996 for research concerning atopic dermatitis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £404,880 for atopic dermatitis research for a 3 year period commencing June 2023. |
Epidermolysis Bullosa | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning epidermolysis bullosa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for epidermolysis bullosa research in 2023-24. |
Hidradenitis Suppurativa | NIHR has not allocated any funds for research concerning hidradenitis suppurativa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for hidradenitis suppurativa research in 2023-24. |
Scleroderma | NIHR allocated £155,575 for research concerning scleroderma research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for scleroderma research in 2023-24. |
Rosacea | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning rosacea research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for rosacea research in 2023-24. |
Vitiligo | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning vitiligo research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for vitiligo research in 2023-24. |
Basal Cell Carcinoma | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning basal cell carcinoma research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for basal cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Squamous Cell Carcinoma | NIHR allocated £1,467,858 for research concerning squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Melanoma | NIHR allocated £1,167,536 for research concerning melanoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £176,114 for melanoma research between March 24 and August 25. |
Actinic Keratosis | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning actinic keratosis research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for actinic keratosis research in 2023-24. |
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Government provided for research into scleroderma in the 2023-24 financial year; and which public bodies provided that funding.
Answered by Feryal Clark
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) invests £1.5 billion per year on health research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The NIHR supports and delivers research in the following many aspects skin and dermatological conditions including linking genetic research and personalised medicine with common skin diseases such as acne, drug reactions, eczema, and psoriasis and skin cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. It also supports research into skin infections such as herpes simplex, fungal infections, impetigo and cellulitis along with children’s skin disorders and rare skin diseases.
UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects and strategic investments. Dermatology research supported by MRC covers the breadth of skin and skin associated diseases including inflammatory skin disease, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and skin cancer research. This includes basic biological mechanisms of disease to early-stage interventions such as diagnostics and treatment development.
In addition to the individual awards stated below, MRC supports other active research grants in the noted areas through strategic awards made to MRC Research Units.
- The Translational skin immunology programme at the MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit at the University of Oxford investigates the role of T-cells in Inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.
- The Translational Melanoma Research Group from the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh is investigating the mechanisms of melanoma development & drug resistance through their programme Targeting developmental cell states in melanoma
Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below:
| NIHR | UKRI |
Acne | NIHR allocated £2,148,574.06 for research concerning acne research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for acne research in 2023-24. |
Alopecia | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning alopecia research during 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £215,666 for alopecia research for a 3 year period commencing March 2024. |
Psoriasis | NIHR allocated £858,946.12 for research concerning psoriasis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £300, 266 for psoriasis research for a 3 year period commencing February 2024 . |
Pemphigus | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning pemphigus research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for pemphigus research in 2023-24. |
Atopic Dermatitis | NIHR allocated £2,045,996 for research concerning atopic dermatitis research in 2023-24. | UKRI have committed £404,880 for atopic dermatitis research for a 3 year period commencing June 2023. |
Epidermolysis Bullosa | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning epidermolysis bullosa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for epidermolysis bullosa research in 2023-24. |
Hidradenitis Suppurativa | NIHR has not allocated any funds for research concerning hidradenitis suppurativa research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for hidradenitis suppurativa research in 2023-24. |
Scleroderma | NIHR allocated £155,575 for research concerning scleroderma research in 2023-24. | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for scleroderma research in 2023-24. |
Rosacea | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning rosacea research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for rosacea research in 2023-24. |
Vitiligo | NIHR did not allocate any funds for research concerning vitiligo research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for vitiligo research in 2023-24. |
Basal Cell Carcinoma | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning basal cell carcinoma research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for basal cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Squamous Cell Carcinoma | NIHR allocated £1,467,858 for research concerning squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for squamous cell carcinoma research in 2023-24. |
Melanoma | NIHR allocated £1,167,536 for research concerning melanoma research in 2023-24 | UKRI have committed £176,114 for melanoma research between March 24 and August 25. |
Actinic Keratosis | NIHR did not allocate any funds concerning actinic keratosis research during 2023-24 | UKRI did not commit any specific funding for actinic keratosis research in 2023-24. |