Committee publication · Correspondence · 22 April 2026
Correspondence from Co-signatures, re: Impact of STFC funding delays and cuts on early-career researchers in Particle Physics, Astronomy, and Nuclear Physics, 18 March 2026
From: Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Inquiry: Scientific research funding
Summary
Early-career researchers across particle physics, astronomy, and nuclear physics write to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee disputing STFC leadership claims of no funding cuts. The signatories document 70% cuts to theoretical physics postdoc positions, 30% cumulative cuts to experimental particle physics, 30% cuts to astronomy postdocs, and de-prioritisation of major infrastructure projects including LHCb Upgrade II. They request an independent audit and National Audit Office investigation into STFC funding management.
Key findings
- STFC missed the consolidated grants deadline for October 2026 recruitment, forcing cancellation of new postdoctoral positions despite contradictory public statements by Lord Vallance
- Theoretical physics funding awards issued 23 March 2026 show approximately 70% cut to postdoctoral researcher positions over four years; some groups received zero positions
- Experimental particle physics experiencing 30% cumulative postdoc cuts (15% imposed unilaterally by STFC post-panel recommendation, another 15% mandated for Autumn 2027 round); awards shortened from four years to two years with 18-month contracts
- Astrophysics astronomy grants panel required to make 30% cut to postdocs in 2026/27 round with six-month funding gap at award transition
- Major infrastructure projects (LHCb Upgrade II, Electron-Ion Collider) de-prioritised; CERN and LHCb collaboration already informed UK funding for LHCb Upgrade II is no longer expected; Electron-Ion Collider de-prioritisation has already triggered redundancy notices
Tone
AdversarialTopics
Key actors
Lord Vallance, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Dame Chi Onwurah MP, CERN, LHCb collaboration, National Audit Office
Notable line
“The cuts set out above amount to a contraction across the entire PPAN community and are not possible to reconcile with assurances from UKRI that no cuts are being made.”
Key Quotes
“… there are no cuts currently taking place”
“… the picture presented significantly understates the severity of the situation facing early-career researchers across the particle physics, astronomy, and nuclear physics (PPAN) community”
“… on 23rd March 2026, the theoretical particle physics community received its funding award outlining an approximately 70% cut to the number of postdoctoral researcher positions over the next four-year funding period”
“After the scientific panel made its final recommendations, STFC imposed a further 15% reduction to the number of posts awarded, without consulting the panel.”
“CERN and the LHCb collaboration have already been informed that the remainder of planned funding for LHCb Upgrade II is no longer expected to be awarded”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗