One in four UK university physics departments is at risk of closure within the next two years due to funding pressures, according to an anonymous survey by the Institute of Physics (IoP). The survey of department heads found that 26% feared their departments could close, while 60% expected course reductions and 80% were making staff cuts.
Prof Daniel Thomas, chair of the IoP's heads of physics forum, described the findings as a 'great concern' for the UK's leadership in key areas such as quantum, photonics, space, green technologies, and defence. He warned that losing physics skills would jeopardise the country's world-leading position.
The IoP is calling for immediate government action, including funding for labs and research facilities, an early warning system for at-risk departments, and reduced pressures on international student recruitment. Longer-term reforms to higher education funding are also needed to cover the full costs of teaching physics.
Sir Keith Burnett, IoP president, said: 'We are walking towards a cliff edge but there is still time to avert a crisis.' The government responded by highlighting its £86bn investment in public research and development until 2030, including a 3% real-terms increase in funding by 2029-30.
