Concerns Over Research Funding

At IPEM, we share the concerns expressed by the Science Council about recent changes to science research and development funding. Open letter from Ian Chapman to research and innovation community – UKRI. We recognise the funding pressures facing Government and UKRI, and the need to make clear choices about investment priorities. However, decisions of this scale must be informed by robust evidence, clear long-term objectives and meaningful engagement with the scientific community and its representative bodies.

Medical physics, clinical engineering and associated healthcare science disciplines rely on a stable research and innovation ecosystem to improve patient outcomes, support safer services and enable the adoption of new technologies across the NHS. Continuity of funding is particularly important for research infrastructure, foundational and curiosity-driven research, and the development of the highly skilled workforce needed to deliver future healthcare.

IPEM members work across the NHS, academia and industry in areas including radiotherapy, imaging, nuclear medicine, radiation protection, clinical engineering, AI, digital health and medical technology. Their expertise is central to advancing knowledge, improving lives and supporting growth through health innovation.

We are concerned that short-term funding decisions may have longer-term implications for the UK’s research capacity, skills pipeline, international competitiveness and the professional standing and influence of the scientific and healthcare science workforce.

IPEM would welcome continued dialogue with the Science Council, UKRI, Government and other professional bodies to help champion a strong, sustainable and globally competitive UK science system