Physics under threat
Devastating funding cuts being faced in fundamental areas of physics research.
Published: 9 February 2026
Cutting edge research in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics is facing funding cuts of up to 60 per cent, according to letters sent to physicists recently by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
It is disappointing to learn about these devastating cuts being faced in fundamental areas of physics research; research which underpins our understanding of the world and informs progress, development and economic growth. A failure to invest in fundamental physics, research facilities and early-career research paths will have far-reaching consequences, threatening the existence of university physics departments across the country.
The sector is already facing a critical funding gap in universities and persistent shortages in physics teachers, both of which compound a widespread skills shortage across the UK.
“Physics as a subject has a huge importance,” says Cameron Ogden, Chair of The Ogden Trust. “In an increasingly technical world, physics drives growth and skills – empowering people to contribute to changing, improving and advancing the world.
“In a difficult economic climate with global challenges and increasing costs, the reality of the UK Research and Innovation spending review will mean funding cuts for fundamental physics research – jeopardising future advances and growth,” adds Cameron.
The Ogden Trust echoes the Institute of Physics in urging the government to rethink these cuts and instead commit to a long-term strategy recognising the contribution of fundamental physics research and securing physics for the future.
“We recognise and value the huge importance of fundamental physics,” says Sir Peter Ogden, founder of The Ogden Trust. “We have made significant investments in the world-class physics facilities at Durham University – researchers at the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics are contributing to crucial global conversations and driving progress in our understanding of the universe.”
“All advanced countries support and invest heavily in research in fundamental physics,” adds Carlos Frenk, Ogden Professor of Fundamental Physics at the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham. “They do this not only because of the intrinsic human interest in learning about our world, but because technological advances and society’s wellbeing are dependent on fundamental scientific discoveries.
“These cuts in research grants in astronomy and particle physics – two disciplines in which the UK excels – are catastrophic,” stresses Carlos. “They will lead to a decline in the quality of research and teaching in physics, deter young students from studying physics, cause physics departments across the country to close and blunt the economic growth and innovation that the government claims is a top priority. These damaging cuts – amounting to less than one per cent of the UK’s research budget – make no sense.”
Call for support
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) is encouraging physics teachers in the UK to sign an open letter to Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, and voice their opposition to recent budget cuts proposed by the Government. If you want to add your name to the open letter from RAS you can find out more on their website.
References
https://www.iop.org/about/news/vital-science-cut-in-devastating-blow
https://www.iop.org/about/news/quarter-university-physics-departments-risk-closure
Open letter from Ian Chapman to research and innovation community – UKRI
Image: A Nebula in Space; Pexels; J Mueller