RCUK position on the announcement of the 2015/16 Science Budget

The Research Councils have today noted the announcement of the allocations to the Science and Research Budget for 2015/16 financial year. We appreciate the landscape of fiscal constraint that provides the context for these allocations and understand that the spending review has again seen significant cuts to public spending across the board.

In announcing the allocations the Chancellor, George Osborne, highlighted the vital contribution that science and research makes to UK growth. We welcome the commitment to government investment that he outlined, including the increase to £1.1bn in capital investment for science and research. Investment in the Science and Research budget ensures that the UK research base can continue to contribute positively to the future prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. The settlement for 2015/16 will nonetheless present continued challenges to the research community who have already seen very real reductions to research investment over the current spending review period.

The Research Councils will continue to work closely with BIS to develop their delivery plans for 2015/16. At this time, we can not speculate on the allocation that will be made to individual Councils or the impact upon specific disciplines.

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Further information

Contact:
Katie Clark
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark

Notes to editors

1. Details of spending plans are available on the HM Treasury website.

2. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.

   The seven UK Research Councils are:

   • Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
   • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
   • Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
   • Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
   • Medical Research Council (MRC);
   • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
   • Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).