Campaigning pays off as science budget escapes major cuts

Months of campaigning by academics appeared to have paid off when it was revealed the science budget would be frozen over the next four years. Taking inflation into account, this amounts to a real-term reduction of less than 10 per cent.

The research community had been bracing itself for cuts of up to 20 per cent or more in Chancellor George Osborne’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

Leading scientists warned that the results of such action would be catastrophic for British science and the UK economy.

Yesterday they breathed a collective sigh of relief, while acknowledging that Britain still lagged behind its major competitors when it came to science funding.

In his speech, Mr Osborne announced that science cash funding would be protected at 4.6bn.

He said: “Britain is a world leader in scientific research, and that is vital to our economic success.”

The decision was warmly welcomed by leading members of the scientific community.

Leading neurobiologist Prof Colin Blakemore, from Oxford University, former head of the Medical Research Council, said: “It is wonderful to learn that Government has listened to the scientific community.

“Collectively we have made the case that funding science is not a cost but a way to invest in creating a stronger economy which is the best way to guarantee the recovery that will benefit everyone. It will now be important to maintain the dialogue with Government as it reviews budgetary commitments for the future”

Tough decisions remain to be taken on how the available funds will be allocated.

The Government distributes science money among the seven research councils, which in turn hand out grants to deserving scientists and institutions.

One casualty could be “Big Science” which is overseen by the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

It funds large facilities such as the Diamond Light Source synchrotron facility in Oxfordshire and astronomy programmes.