Autumn budget should send global sign of confidence in UK science

The UK government should send a clear signal at the autumn budget that it is serious about investing in R&D and building on the country’s strategic strength in science, Wellcome said today. Backing research will contribute to economic growth and lead to advances that improve health in the UK and globally, the global health foundation noted.

A show of confidence in UK science would crowd in further private and philanthropic investment, Wellcome said, adding that the government should set a long-term aim for the UK to become the most research-intensive country in the G7.

In its submission to the Treasury ahead of the autumn budget [PDF], Wellcome encouraged the government to follow through on existing plans to increase R&D investment to £22bn by 2026/27. Already delayed once under the previous government, any further delay to this plan would send ‘exactly the wrong message’, Wellcome cautioned.

Wellcome also said the government should:

Set a long-term target to make the UK the most research-intensive nation in the G7.

Create long-term funding cycles for publicly funded R&D, following through on manifesto commitments.

Address financial instability in universities.

Remove barriers to attracting talented researchers to the UK.

Wellcome said investment in addressing major health challenges could protect and enhance health in the UK and globally, urging the government to:

Create a new NHS mental health innovation fund, to draw on the latest evidence to bring about new interventions.

With heat-related health costs set to rise by billions, accelerate investment in climate adaptation to protect health and in measures to limit climate change.

Recommit to UK funding for the global Pandemic Fund to maintain UK leadership on responding to infectious disease threats as effectively as possible.

Beth Thompson, chief strategy officer at Wellcome, said:

‘Backing the UK’s strategic strength in research is one of the most effective ways to support growth and it will help scientists make breakthroughs to improve health in the UK and around the world.

‘The government should set a long-term ambition for the UK to be the most research-intensive nation in the G7. A clear signal of intent backed with growth in funding will crowd-in private and philanthropic investment. Creating a virtuous cycle of investment and growth in research will cement the UK’s global reputation as a leader in science.’

‘The government can also act to protect health, and save health costs, at home and around the world through making strategic investments in some of the most pressing health challenges. Investment in mental health innovation, protecting us from growing heat and guarding against infectious disease will all return economic benefits.’