April 4, 2025

expert reaction to DSIT spending allocations for 2025/26

Scientists comment on DSIT research and development (R&D) spending allocations for 2025/2026.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:

“The announcement of a flat cash settlement for UKRI and others in the sector offers some stability at a time of significant economic uncertainty.

“Amid a challenging funding envelope, the increased allocation for the science budget in DSIT can be seen as an acknowledgment of research’s central role in the UK’s future.

“Investing in science and research will unlock new knowledge and innovations which drive productivity and economic growth and improve people’s lives.

“We now await the Spending Review for the crucial detail of the Government’s long-term vision for science.”

Tom Grinyer, Chief Executive, Institute of Physics, said:

“At a time of economic challenge and uncertainty the announcement of similar funding to last year for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for 25/26, is as positive an outcome as we could have expected.

“It’s good to see funding included for UK participation in Horizon Europe and our space programmes but there are challenges in some of the detail.

“A tight settlement like this means funding councils will be affected in different ways, and we know this will mean that difficult choices affecting key investment in research and infrastructure will need to be made.  

“However, it remains the case that R&D is the engine of a thriving modern economy and society – it boosts business productivity, creates high-value jobs, unlocks technological advancements and powers the journey towards a green economy.  

“We urge the Chancellor to now use the opportunity of June’s Spending Review to set out a bold, long-term plan for a world-class R&D system fuelled by increasing levels of investment and to start to develop and implement a decade long strategic plan for the physical sciences, to match the Government’s decade-long industrial strategy.”

Nicola Perrin, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities, said:

“Research brings benefits to patients across the UK and is vital to economic growth and productivity. Continued government backing for R&D is therefore welcome, especially given the tough economic climate. We look forward to seeing this support reflected in upcoming developments such as the life sciences sector plan and Spending Review.”

Dr Daniel Rathbone, Deputy Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), said:

“We are very pleased to see the full publication of DSIT’s 2025/26 spending allocations. They confirm that last year’s Autumn budget included a strong settlement for R&D, one which has seen an overall increase on R&D spend within DSIT and includes full support for Horizon Europe association, something CaSE has campaigned for.

“However, despite this broadly positive outlook, the allocations show us that the financial year will be tight for UKRI, which appears to be receiving a flat cash settlement. This means that there will be difficult decisions about where to focus these resources in the coming year.

“Our public opinion research tells us the public want to see the Government invest in R&D and that the public see R&D as a tool for solving society’s problems. It is vital that, as a sector, we continue to make the case for an ambitious settlement for R&D in the upcoming spending review. We must build on the good news in these allocations, and work constructively to address any areas of concern.”

Declared interests

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