Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what criteria, quantitative metrics, and scientific impact assessments were used in UK Research and Innovation's recent evidence-based prioritisation process; and if he will publish the risk assessments and scoring methodologies used to evaluate the impact of these decisions on university physics departments.

UK Research and Innovation and the Science and Technology Facilities Council undertook a structured assessment of funding options across STFC's portfolio. The process considered scientific excellence, long-term research impact, strategic importance to the UK, international leadership, value for money and the preservation of capabilities that would be difficult or impossible to recreate if lost. Decisions were informed by more than 10 engagement events, written input from 48 project leads and more than 30 Science Board, Council and expert advisory panel meetings. Recommendations were reviewed and endorsed by the UKRI Executive Committee and approved by the UKRI Board. Information on the prioritisation process and outcomes has been published by UKRI.