Matthew Freeman

UKRI CEO updates the research community on areas of uncertainty Following an open letter of 1 February, Sir Ian Chapman responds to feedback and provides an update.

Another update from #UKRI CEO on #UKsciencefunding #UKRI
www.ukri.org/news/ukri-ce...

No new information and fails to address/explain the severe funding rate cuts taking place at MRC for the round currently under review (Sept2025). That's 2025/26 budget so should *not* be affected by SR.

What’s going on with Measles in England? An explanation of where we are, how we got here and what we can do

My latest post digging into the Measles situation in England

open.substack.com/pub/christin...

New paper from my group in @science.org : "A small polymerase ribozyme that can synthesise itself and its complementary strand" www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Outstanding work by @edogia.bsky.social

Fun, interesting, great for a dose of humility...

Raymond stands at the centre of the picture next to the entrance to the seminar room. He is surrounded by five family members including his wife.

Yesterday we came together to honour Professor Raymond Dwek through the naming of the Raymond Dwek Seminar Room. Raymond's family (pictured) joined the celebration and Raymond was visibly touched, saying: "Thank you for this amazing gesture. I'm humbled by it, but I will treasure it."

MRC funding update An update on MRC funding during UKRI’s transition, what’s changing, and the next steps for paused opportunities and reopening timelines.

www.ukri.org/blog/mrc-fun... - statement on the UKRI website, too

The Economist’s science and technology internship We invite applications for the 2026 Richard Casement internship

Would you like to write for The Economist? We are hiring for our science and technology internship. Find out more and apply here

UKRI boss - we're really good at curiosity-driven research, so let's spend less money on it.
The US has shot itself in the stomach scientifically. But the UK is needlessly shooting itself in the foot.

"but he said overall, the money available to researchers was set to increase with "more emphasis on commercialisation".

How many times... FUND CURIOSITY-DRIVEN SCIENCE...

Then impact and commercialisation will come...

🙄😬😱

This looks like a less than smart set of ideas and is in itself logically incoherent. Force basic funding towards more applied research (there is no substitute for such explorative research), and then also cut bridge funding for marketing early stage startups and innovation. 🤦‍♂️

Update from MRC re funding

Paywalled but visible to many uni-based people

Apparently...

Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline

Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research

But 'life sciences remain a priority'....

Lot of room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)

Paywalled, but uni-based folk can maybe see it

Apparently...

Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline

Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research

But 'life sciences remain a priority'....

To me, room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)

UK’s £8bn research fund faces “hard decisions” as it pauses new grants UKRI boss Ian Chapman said it had been told by the government to

Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social

But please more focus on 2 things...

1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)

2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Yuck

Advertising? In Keynote? Screenshot?

Was it in an automatic system update or a conscious one of Keynote itself?

This is bad

Agreed - it's a shame the committee didn't press on that point. What are the apparently specific issues at MRC? It will be almost a year without new responsive mode funds being allocated, on top of a massively cut in funded grants in Sept25 round - Why?...

Usually communications are this poor reflect bad thinking, not only bad expression.
In this case - I suspect
- consequences weren't completely thought out, esp. on careers of junior researchers;
- execs more concerned with secrecy than secondary effects;
- underlying drivers still a little murky.

This is for you – and a great opportunity – if you are establishing a group in Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Türkiye...

You put it eloquently with 🤷‍♂️

Hope these snippets help.

I am especially intrigued by MRC and BBSRC nuances.

I am sure there will be a fuller write-up by others.

5. He claimed that, overall, discovery research would not be reduced. Also, that overall, 'applicant-led' budgets will not be decreased.

4. MRC grant applications are paused until 'early summer'. Unlike BBSRC, no indication what the cause is of this pause. Notably vague.

3. New info I think:

BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.

2. He also 'owned' – ie admitted – the fact that recent comms have been poor. It's very clear to me why many are concerned.

1. He was put under significant pressure about whether it's true that the new 'bucket' terminology means that it's impossible to compare past and future investment in discovery research.

@chionwurah.bsky.social was impressive.

Not v clear conclusion but he offered to clarify.

I watched much of Ian Chapman's (Head of @ukri.org) appearance this morning at @ukparliament.parliament.uk Science, Innovation and Technology Committee..

A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...

A 🧵

Open letter from Ian Chapman to research and innovation community UKRI Chief Executive outlines changes to UKRI investment approach, addressing concerns about research funding and the financial position of STFC.

Hot off the press - a letter from the Exec Chair of @ukri.org explaining his plans and in particular the financial position of STFC. It notes curiosity driven research is protected and will make up around half of UKRI spend over the coming period
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...

We should party.

Work for us Working for us We’re always looking for talented and motivated people to work as part of our close-knit team. Roles range from editorial to production, marketing to event co-ordination, HR to accounts...

We're hiring! JCS is looking for a Reviews Editor to join the team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves cell biology and wants to stay connected with the field (and be part of an organisation that believes in supporting the community).
www.biologists.com/about-us/wor...