Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure funding for physics research.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed to a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years. Of this, UKRI will deliver £38.6 billion towards research and innovation with £14.5 billion allocated towards curiosity-driven research, in recognition of its fundamental importance for our future. DSIT and UKRI are also significantly increasing investment in areas underpinned by physics such as AI, quantum, semiconductors, cybersecurity and advanced connectivity technologies. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) also provides funding for physics research, and has a £1.2 billion allocation for applicant led research over the SR.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) within UKRI is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its portfolio in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN). The impacts of different modelled scenarios will be considered alongside feedback from the sector when taking final decisions. No final spending decisions have been made.

The UK also remains committed to international physics collaboration, including at CERN, where we are the second-largest contributor.

More generally, DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its allocation decisions, including those on individual physics programmes, are informed by meaningful consultation with the scientific research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability and international standing.