The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) cautiously welcomes the decision to largely protect UK astronomy from the catastrophic cuts previously under consideration.
Fears of a budget reduction of up to 30 per cent sparked profound concern across the sector when announced as a possibility earlier this year, leaving researchers, students and the UK's international partners facing an uncertain and potentially perilous future.
The RAS is therefore pleased that the high-level outcome appears to preserve much of the astronomy capability that the UK has built over decades. This will help safeguard internationally-recognised research programmes, protect opportunities for early-career researchers and preserve the UK's standing as a world-leading nation in astronomy.
However, it is clear that difficult decisions and significant sacrifices have been made elsewhere within the research and innovation system, affecting many colleagues in laboratories, national facilities and technical support functions. The Society is particularly concerned by the budget cuts to facilities such as the UK Astronomy Technology Centre and Boulby Underground Mine.
RAS President Professor Jim Wild said: "We are relieved that the severe cuts feared by the astronomy community have not materialised. Many people from across the scientific community and beyond worked extraordinarily hard to communicate the value of discovery research, and we thank everyone who played a part in achieving this outcome.
"However, the full impact of this announcement will only emerge in the coming months. It's clear that colleagues elsewhere in STFC, across UKRI and throughout the wider research system face a difficult and challenging road ahead. This is therefore not a moment for triumphalism, but one for reflection.
"The UK remains home to outstanding scientists, engineers, technicians and research professionals. Ensuring that all parts of this ecosystem can flourish must remain a national priority."
The Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Professor Catherine Heymans, said: "While the headline settlement appears to preserve much of the UK's astronomy capability, important questions remain about the impact on facilities, technical expertise and the broader research ecosystem. As the details become clearer, it will be important to ensure that the UK's long-term capacity for world-leading discovery is not eroded.
"Protecting investment in fundamental science means protecting our ability to train the next generation of researchers and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of exploring the Universe."
The RAS wishes to acknowledge the efforts of all those who have contributed to this outcome. This includes the many members of the scientific community who engaged constructively and tirelessly with policymakers and funders, as well as parliamentarians, learned societies, university leaders, industrial partners and others who made the case for the value of curiosity-driven research.
The Society also recognises the engagement of colleagues within the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and government, who listened to community concerns during a difficult period.
ENDS
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Sam Tonkin
Royal Astronomical Society
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Notes for editors
About the Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science.
The RAS organises scientific meetings, publishes international research journals, recognises outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 4,000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.
The RAS accepts papers for its journals based on the principle of successful peer review, following which experts on the Editorial Boards accept the papers for publication. The Society issues press releases based on a similar principle, but the organisations and scientists concerned have overall responsibility for their content.
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