Royal Society President responds to spending review

“These are difficult times and it is understandable that much of the Chancellor’s focus is on the here and now. However, a long-term plan for investing in research will underpin ‘building back better’, building for the industries and jobs of the future and improving people’s lives. Today’s announcement of nearly £15b of investment in R&D next year and a multi-year settlement for basic science, reinforces the Government’s vision of a future built on research and innovation. It is a significant step towards the Government’s commitment to more than doubling public investment in research by 2025.

“This long-term commitment to research should send a message to businesses, at home and abroad, that the UK is and will remain a global leader in research and innovation. It will help ensure our global scientific competitiveness and attractiveness for global talent. That attractiveness for global talent will also be supported by the Chancellor’s commitment to continuing to attract the best and brightest researchers to the UK.”

Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society