Government must slow once-in-a-generation physics funding changes to protect UK scientific capability

27 May 2026

IOP calls on government to slow changes, consult fully with the research community and stabilise physics.

Britain has the chance to jumpstart the economy with this government’s strong investment in science and the UK remains committed to putting science at the heart of its growth agenda, with physics central to that ambition.

Physics is an engine of growth and innovation, powering areas like defence, the green economy, AI and quantum. Welcome new funding boosts for cutting-edge physics such as quantum and fusion can set Britain up for global success. The physics community and IOP stand ready to help deliver this ambition.

But the potential for science to deliver our national priorities is at risk from serious unintended consequences if cuts to physics which underpins our science infrastructure, future skills and university physics base continue as planned.

The IOP is calling on the government to slow these changes down and consult more fully before potential consequences for science, skills, higher education and our economy become a reality.

What changes are taking place and why?

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced a new approach to science funding in December 2025 where it set out an ambition to address national priorities, support innovative company growth, and invest in curiosity-driven research.

Earlier this year, it also confirmed a “significant programme of savings to put the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) finances on a sustainable footing”.

But key questions remain about both the wider changes and the savings needed, with cuts already made and significant future cuts to come.

Foundational areas of physics funded by STFC – particle physics, nuclear and astronomy (PPAN) – have already faced damaging cuts.

This comes on top of wider cuts to scientific infrastructure, with £280m for cutting-edge science facilities cancelled without warning earlier this year, tarnishing Britain’s international reputation.

Now, STFC is looking to make further cuts, which UKRI says are needed to meet financial pressures within STFC alongside a wider effort to focus funding on national priority areas. Critical decisions on these cuts are approaching at speed, with decisions about 20%, 40% and 60% cuts due to be made in summer 2026. The total amount of STFC savings required within the four-year Spending Review period is still unclear and we are seeking urgent clarification on this.

Both research and infrastructure are at risk, with flagship scientific facilities such as the Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source reportedly told to model cuts. These are vital experimental hubs not just for physics but for all of science, for business, medical research and more.

Why does this matter?

Physics powers the modern world we see around us, from transport to smartphones, medical research to green energy. PPAN are responsible for innovations that improve our lives and broaden our horizons, such as MRI scanners, X-rays, space travel and nuclear power.

We’re told cuts are needed to balance budgets and that difficult choices must be made to allow investment in growth priorities like quantum and fusion. But these priority technologies have their roots in the areas of physics most at risk and come from years of discovery research. Cut these areas of research today and we risk losing the big breakthroughs of the future.

The potential impacts go beyond the valuable research that could no longer happen. Jobs, future skills, and higher education could all be affected by serious unintended consequences.

Our asks of the government

The potential for Britain to unleash science-driven growth is huge. The physics community can see the enormous potential and stands ready to work with the government to make it a reality.

We recognise that financial pressures must be tackled and it is right to take a strategic approach. But if we get this wrong, the impact will be felt beyond the vital areas of physics facing cuts, with potentially irreparable damage to UK scientific capability.

The IOP is calling on the government to slow down these once-in-a-generation changes, properly consult the research community, including industry and higher education, carry out a full impact assessment, answer vital questions, and stabilise the physics ecosystem while this process is carried out.