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Scientists comment on science related elements of the Spring Statement delivered by the Chancellor.
Prof Sir Adrian Smith, President, the Royal Society, said:
“The Chancellor’s Spring Statement recognises the important role of R&D not just for growth and productivity but also health, energy resilience, national security and public service reform.
“The research and development budget in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology looks to be set for a real increase in the coming year. Investment in science is long-term thinking, which must be carried forward into the Spending Review. By spending on science and research today, we can unlock new knowledge, medical breakthroughs and technologies that transform lives across the country in the years ahead.”
Tom Grinyer, Chief Executive, Institute of Physics, said:
“It’s good to see the Chancellor again recognising the pivotal role science and innovation plays both in national security and driving economic growth.
“We welcome plans to streamline defence procurement for innovative physics start-ups, which are a positive response to the IOP’s calls for reform to boost innovation and growth for physics deeptech businesses.
“It is also good to see the increase in spending on novel defence technologies, and the establishment of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) with a ringfenced budget of £400 million to drive pioneering UK technology. This should be a boost to UK physics-based industries like quantum technologies, metamaterials and space.
“But none of this innovation, security and growth will be possible without a thriving research base, underpinned by infrastructure, and access to the diverse skills and talent it needs to deliver.
“What we now need is a decade-long strategic plan for science, including for the skilled workforce that will deliver this vision – starting with teachers, but addressing every educational stage – to underpin the Industrial Strategy.”
Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE):
“Today’s spring statement confirmed the difficult context for the upcoming spending review. The Chancellor emphasised the importance of economic growth – and we will continue, alongside the rest of the R&D sector, to make a strong case for R&D’s role in delivering it, and for an ambitious settlement for R&D and innovation in June. It is welcome that the chancellor recognises the importance of capital investment, which includes R&D.
“Defence R&D is an important part of the UK research system. It is critical that the breadth of UK R&D is supported by the UK Government if R&D is to drive economic growth and deliver wide ranging benefits to society.
“We look forward to seeing the detail behind the fiscal measures announced today and await the detail of departmental allocations following the autumn budget last October. Proper scrutiny of R&D funding allocations is of great importance ahead of the spending review this June.”
Dr Joe Marshall, CEO, National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said:
“It was reassuring that the Chancellor acknowledged a major UK strength is our position as a ‘hub for global innovation’. This shouldn’t be taken for granted and is the result of a strong and effective supporting ecosystem.
“While efficiency savings in government should always be sought, and the transformation fund is a welcome initiative, it will be important to ensure that these changes are carried forward without negative impact on the research and innovation ecosystem.
“The Chancellor has today stressed the increasing importance of defence spending in an uncertain world. It must be remembered that research and innovation is as crucial for defence supply chains as it is to other sectors of the economy.
“The £400m ringfenced for defence innovation, the defence growth board, and the alignment of defence spending with the industrial strategy are all positive signs that the Government recognises this – the vital role of the ecosystem that supports universities and businesses come together must be prioritised within these interventions.”
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/spring-statement-2025;
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The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.