Martin Smith
@martinrsmith.bsky.social
Head of Policy Lab, Wellcome. Science policy things, puns, cats
The emphasis today needs to be on getting maximum value out of the current programme, and using that as part of making the case for reassociation.
It was 'priced in' to the original decision that it would take time to build up Pillar II rates
The official govt FP10 position is actually quite clear
It was 'priced in' to the original decision that it would take time to build up Pillar II rates
The official govt FP10 position is actually quite clear
February 9, 2026 at 5:27 PM
The emphasis today needs to be on getting maximum value out of the current programme, and using that as part of making the case for reassociation.
It was 'priced in' to the original decision that it would take time to build up Pillar II rates
The official govt FP10 position is actually quite clear
It was 'priced in' to the original decision that it would take time to build up Pillar II rates
The official govt FP10 position is actually quite clear
Interesting! Thanks
February 5, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Interesting! Thanks
Thanks. Might include all kinds of things. Hopefully the follow up note for the sel cttee will shed some light.
The only (UKRI level) figures I’ve found are £0.8bn in 24/25 responsive mode, cf for £815m applicant led 26/27. But the former is spend and the latter is budget, so also not right 🤷
The only (UKRI level) figures I’ve found are £0.8bn in 24/25 responsive mode, cf for £815m applicant led 26/27. But the former is spend and the latter is budget, so also not right 🤷
February 5, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Thanks. Might include all kinds of things. Hopefully the follow up note for the sel cttee will shed some light.
The only (UKRI level) figures I’ve found are £0.8bn in 24/25 responsive mode, cf for £815m applicant led 26/27. But the former is spend and the latter is budget, so also not right 🤷
The only (UKRI level) figures I’ve found are £0.8bn in 24/25 responsive mode, cf for £815m applicant led 26/27. But the former is spend and the latter is budget, so also not right 🤷
What’s your source for the £200m figure for MRC applicant-led for previous years? I’ve only found UKRI-level numbers for responsive mode as a comparator
February 5, 2026 at 8:40 PM
What’s your source for the £200m figure for MRC applicant-led for previous years? I’ve only found UKRI-level numbers for responsive mode as a comparator
The first acknowledgement I've seen of the change - thanks for sharing!
February 3, 2026 at 11:05 AM
The first acknowledgement I've seen of the change - thanks for sharing!
Cabinet Committees:
Before and after Nov 2025, with closest equivalent now being Digital and Technology.
Previous Committee was set up to 'consider matters related to science and tech, to drive the UK's economic growth and national security', with wide x-govt attendance.
Before and after Nov 2025, with closest equivalent now being Digital and Technology.
Previous Committee was set up to 'consider matters related to science and tech, to drive the UK's economic growth and national security', with wide x-govt attendance.
February 3, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Cabinet Committees:
Before and after Nov 2025, with closest equivalent now being Digital and Technology.
Previous Committee was set up to 'consider matters related to science and tech, to drive the UK's economic growth and national security', with wide x-govt attendance.
Before and after Nov 2025, with closest equivalent now being Digital and Technology.
Previous Committee was set up to 'consider matters related to science and tech, to drive the UK's economic growth and national security', with wide x-govt attendance.
Reposted by Martin Smith
CaSE: “UKRI need to explain how the cuts detailed in this letter are consistent with the commitment to protect curiosity-led research […]
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
Significant cuts could damage the foundations of UK research - CaSE
CaSE’s response to a letter sent by Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Executive Chair Professor Michele Dougherty detailing major cuts to research funding.
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 10:44 PM
CaSE: “UKRI need to explain how the cuts detailed in this letter are consistent with the commitment to protect curiosity-led research […]
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
CaSE: “UKRI need to explain how the cuts detailed in this letter are consistent with the commitment to protect curiosity-led research […]
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
Significant cuts could damage the foundations of UK research - CaSE
CaSE’s response to a letter sent by Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Executive Chair Professor Michele Dougherty detailing major cuts to research funding.
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 10:44 PM
CaSE: “UKRI need to explain how the cuts detailed in this letter are consistent with the commitment to protect curiosity-led research […]
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
“The information we have had so far is a failure in communication and transparency”
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/press/detail...
Institute of Physics statement www.iop.org/about/news/v...
Vital science cut in "devastating blow"
Cutting edge science cut by up to 60% as Institute of Physics warns of “devastating blow” to physics.
www.iop.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:19 PM
Institute of Physics statement www.iop.org/about/news/v...
Hard to pick out the worst part, but the quote “I’m afraid there’s many bad people around, but they have made scientific advances” is extraordinarily depressing to read.
January 14, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Hard to pick out the worst part, but the quote “I’m afraid there’s many bad people around, but they have made scientific advances” is extraordinarily depressing to read.
I’m also not convinced that splitting UKRI up helps protect from being attacked by a future government - if anything it isolates fundamental research further
January 14, 2026 at 1:30 PM
I’m also not convinced that splitting UKRI up helps protect from being attacked by a future government - if anything it isolates fundamental research further