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Science and Technology Facilities Council: Finance

Asked by Olly GloverLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 24980

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of funding cuts to the Science Technology and Facilities Council on the UK's leadership in research and development.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

UK Research and Innovation and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) have completed an evidence-based prioritisation exercise and published the resulting decisions. The process considered a range of funding scenarios across STFC's portfolio and was informed by extensive engagement with the research community, expert advisory bodies and facilities leadership teams. The recommendations were subsequently reviewed by the UKRI Executive Committee and approved by the UKRI Board. The Science and Technology Facilities Council's core budget has been maintained over the Spending Review period with £835 million in 2025/26 and £842 million in 2029/30, supporting continued investment in the capabilities, infrastructure and talent that underpin the UK's research and innovation strengths.

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