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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of operational budget reductions on particle physics and astronomy research, relative to other research disciplines across UKRI; and for what reason operational funding reductions were designated at a level of up to 30%.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), as part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), completed an evidence-based prioritisation exercise to ensure its portfolio remains financially sustainable and focused on the highest-priority scientific opportunities, major international commitments and multidisciplinary facilities. The exercise considered scientific excellence, long-term research impact, strategic importance, value for money and preservation of capability. Following community engagement and expert advice, the PPAN budget is expected to decrease by 2.7% over four years, while major multidisciplinary facilities remain operational and internationally important commitments are protected. STFC grant funding for Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics (PPAN) postdoctoral researchers has been maintained at 2025/26 levels, while PhD studentships and fellowships were also protected.