One in five UK universities have reduced their research activity, with world-leading work on cancer and heart disease under threat due to funding cuts from government and charities, according to a report by Universities UK.
The report, compiled with the Campaign for Science and Engineering and the Association of Research Managers and Administrators, found that cuts have hit life sciences, medicine and environmental sciences. Many institutions expect steeper cuts ahead as financial pressures mount.
Health charities, major funders of medical research, are seeing universities back away from charity-funded projects due to additional costs. Research staff in biological, mathematical and physical sciences fell 4% in three years, while medicine, dentistry and health staff dropped 2%.
Dan Hurley, Universities UK's deputy director of policy, said the findings are a warning that 'really difficult decisions are being taken on the ground'. He called for government action to address risks to the UK's international competitiveness in research.
The report noted that government quality-related research funding has been eroded by inflation, while falling international student numbers reduce universities' ability to cross-subsidise research. The estimated £54bn annual contribution of university research to the UK economy is at risk.
A government spokesperson said £86bn has been allocated for public research and development until 2030, and plans for higher education reform will be published soon.
