GW4 joins call for the government to protect UK R&D investment
GW4, an alliance of four of the most research-intensive and innovative universities in the UK: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, has joined forces with over 40 organisations in calling for the government to commit to continued investment in UK research and development (R&D).
The cross-sector call, led by the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), has been signed by professional bodies, universities and charities.
A joint letter, written to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and published on Friday 18 October, outlines concerns around reports of a re-profiling of R&D investment leading to additional costs in DSIT’s 2025/26 budget, with no extra financing provided to cover a shortfall.
The letter argues that the proposed re-profiling of R&D investment “would mean deep cuts across other parts of R&D investment, with significant negative consequences for the UK’s world-leading R&D sector, putting the brakes on growth and undermining confidence. Cutting UK R&D now would be a false economy, the sector would lose stability, lose expertise, and lose momentum”.
Signatories are urging the government to “use the budget and spending review to commit to continued investment in R&D and signal, at home and abroad, that the UK is serious about R&D’s role about contributing to sustained economic growth”.
GW4 Alliance Director, Dr Joanna Jenkinson MBE, said: “GW4 joins with CaSE, and colleagues from across the higher education sector and beyond, in calling for the government to protect UK R&D investment.
“Our universities contribute substantially to the global knowledge economy, with a combined annual research income of over £465 million and a £2.4 billion annual turnover. By fostering innovation, we create high-quality jobs, boost productivity, and keep our industries globally competitive. Supporting R&D unlocks the potential of our brightest minds, and is essential for driving economic growth and securing the UK’s future as a global knowledge powerhouse.”
You can read the full letter, and view the full list of signatories, on the CaSE website.
GW4 joins with CaSE, and colleagues from across the higher education sector and beyond, in calling for the government to protect UK R&D investment.
Our universities contribute substantially to the global knowledge economy, with a combined annual research income of over £465 million and a £2.4 billion annual turnover. By fostering innovation, we create high-quality jobs, boost productivity, and keep our industries globally competitive. Supporting R&D unlocks the potential of our brightest minds, and is essential for driving economic growth and securing the UK’s future as a global knowledge powerhouse.
