Mosaic News

Buy Me A Coffee
News without borders
Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Mosaic News is free to read — but not free to run. Your (monthly) donation keeps it going. →
United Kingdom·Trade & Economy·Technology

UK science facilities face closure risk amid £162m funding shortfall

Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 06:25 · 1 min read

Britain's world-leading scientific research sites, including the Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (both in Oxfordshire), face potential closure or significant cuts as the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) seeks to save at least £162m by 2029–30. Managers at Diamond and ISIS have been asked to reduce annual spending by 10–20%, with costs driven up by soaring electricity bills, staff expenses, and currency fluctuations linked to international collaborations. Scientists and physics leaders warn the cuts could inflict lasting damage on the UK's research capability, with TV physicist Brian Cox calling reductions to research grants the "destruction of the future," while the STFC says no final decisions have been made and outcomes will be announced in the autumn.

Sources
The GuardianWorld-leading UK science facilities at risk amid £162m funding crisis ↗︎
This article was automatically compiled by AI from the sources above. It may contain inaccuracies. Always read the original sources for the full context.