Chancellor George Osborne declared in Parliament that the UK Science Budget, which is PS4.7 billion, will increase with inflation on 25thNovember. British scientists gave a collective sigh relief after their worst funding worries were finally put to rest. Most experts expected that the nation’s Science Budget would continue its downward spiral (in real terms) ahead of the much-anticipated Osborne government spending review. According to the Treasury, for the Science Budget’s inflation-proofing, funds must rise by PS millions each year until the end of the decade. In Parliament, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP announced an increase in funding for science up to the end of 2010. The Chancellor also pledged to increase the annual budget for science infrastructure by PS1.1 billion PS1.2 trillion, and that the increases will continue until the end. To ensure that British science is able to address the challenges faced by developing countries while enhancing our capability to provide cutting-edge scientific research, the Chancellor created a new PS1.5billion Global Challenges fund. Elizabeth Gibney wrote in Nature News that Professor Lee Cronin from the University of Glasgow’s School of Chemistry said, “If the science budget can be protected in real terms then that’s good news.” Naomi Weir (Campaign for Science and Engineering Acting Director) commented on the announcement: “I am delighted to see the Chancellor back science with real investments for the next five year.” This is great news for UK, and it provides a platform for us to continue our success.” This spending review has resulted in real investments in science. It also provides cash protection to Innovate UK and real protection for adult skill funding. The benefits will be far-reaching in terms of education, security, resilience and health. While there are many details that need to be clarified, it is encouraging to see the government listening to science and making an informed decision to support science and engineering today’s Spending Review. The launch of the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Innovation Fund in partnership with China. – PS 10 millions will be invested by the Government in expanding Healthcare Innovation Test Bed program. – PS250 million will be spent on the 100,000 Genomes Project to introduce the whole genome sequencing technology in the National Health Service (NHS), including funding for Genomics England. PS 400 millions to fund the Public Health England labs in Essex, which will help to combat Ebola/flu threats. There is much to catch up Scientists from across the UK agree that there are many things to be done in order to undo the five-year budget cuts. Professor Cronin stated that while infrastructure spending is great, it should not be used to fund new shiny projects but rather replace critical equipment. In his Autumn Statement 2015, and Spending Review speech, Mr. Osborne stated the following about science: “In today’s world, one of the most effective ways to back business is by supporting science. In the previous Parliament I secured the science budget in cash terms. This Parliament, I will protect it in real terms to increase it to PS4.7bn.” The capital budget also includes PS6.9bn. We are funding Manchester’s new Royce Institute and the establishment of new agritech centers in Shropshire. York. Bedfordshire. and Edinburgh. 25 November 2015. Part of:Spending Review & Autumn Statement 2015. UK Parliament Video: Autumn Statement 2015 and Spending Review
