BBC Inside Science What science is the UK government funding?
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Jul 10, 2025 Caroline Steel, a journalist known for her insightful coverage of scientific topics, joins the discussion about the UK government's ambitious £22 billion funding plan for research and development. Experts share insights on investments in AI and clean energy. There's an exploration of the ecological benefits of kelp in carbon sequestration at the UN Ocean Conference. Plus, paleontologists reveal a thrilling dinosaur discovery that reshapes our understanding of the T. rex's evolutionary lineage. It’s a captivating dive into the future of science!
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UK Science Funding Priorities
- The UK government plans to spend over £22 billion a year on R&D by 2030, targeting AI, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.
- However, this spending mainly matches inflation, and some areas like astronomy face cuts due to tight budgets and rising energy costs.
Importance of Discovery Research
- Discovery-led research underpins breakthroughs such as the COVID vaccines and must remain funded.
- The government aims for ambitious R&D breakthroughs through agencies like the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA).
UK Struggles to Retain Spinouts
- The UK has world-leading science but often loses spinout companies to the US due to funding.
- British companies struggle to remain in the UK unlike US firms, though some like Google DeepMind exist locally.