Martin Smith
@martinrsmith.bsky.social
Head of Policy Lab, Wellcome. Science policy things, puns, cats
Pinned
Martin Smith
@martinrsmith.bsky.social
· Jul 14
The Global Partner of Choice for R&D | Report | Wellcome
This report outlines the importance of research and development (R&D) for the UK, emphasising its role in economic growth, global reputation and national security amidst changing geopolitical landscap...
wellcome.org
NEW WELLCOME REPORT
R&D is a driver of domestic economic growth, but there's so much more that strength in science can do for the UK and the world.
Our report sets out a wider narrative for UK R&D, and why the UK needs to move on from 'science superpower'
wellcome.org/reports/uk-g...
R&D is a driver of domestic economic growth, but there's so much more that strength in science can do for the UK and the world.
Our report sets out a wider narrative for UK R&D, and why the UK needs to move on from 'science superpower'
wellcome.org/reports/uk-g...
Reposted by Martin Smith
‘We know this funding works. Every £l spent on public R&D generates £8 in benefits for the country over the long term’ says Secretary of State for Science and Technology @lizforleicester.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/c9e4...
www.thetimes.com/article/c9e4...
Stronger growth will be led by science, technology and innovation
The UK has committed £38.6 billion to research and innovation projects. This investment aims to propel the nation’s economic growth
www.thetimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:15 PM
‘We know this funding works. Every £l spent on public R&D generates £8 in benefits for the country over the long term’ says Secretary of State for Science and Technology @lizforleicester.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/c9e4...
www.thetimes.com/article/c9e4...
Reposted by Martin Smith
UK health research is getting a £27 million boost.
We’re partnering with @acmedsci.bsky.social to support biomedical and health researchers across the UK.
From cross-sector collaboration to support for clinical academics, this funding will address some of UK health research’s biggest challenges.
We’re partnering with @acmedsci.bsky.social to support biomedical and health researchers across the UK.
From cross-sector collaboration to support for clinical academics, this funding will address some of UK health research’s biggest challenges.
November 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
UK health research is getting a £27 million boost.
We’re partnering with @acmedsci.bsky.social to support biomedical and health researchers across the UK.
From cross-sector collaboration to support for clinical academics, this funding will address some of UK health research’s biggest challenges.
We’re partnering with @acmedsci.bsky.social to support biomedical and health researchers across the UK.
From cross-sector collaboration to support for clinical academics, this funding will address some of UK health research’s biggest challenges.
Accurate AI summary of the entirety of Twitter
November 16, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Accurate AI summary of the entirety of Twitter
Reposted by Martin Smith
Is it 'online training course'?
June 17, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Is it 'online training course'?
Reposted by Martin Smith
The latest @rorinstitute.bsky.social/STEaPP seminar 'Science advice in a populist age' has a stellar line up to discuss this critical topic. Book now for 01 Dec to avoid disappointment. Free, but places are limited. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/science-ad...
Science advice in a populist age
How should science advice adapt to an age of populism? A UCL-STEaPP Seminar in partnership with RoRI and hosted by Wellcome
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The latest @rorinstitute.bsky.social/STEaPP seminar 'Science advice in a populist age' has a stellar line up to discuss this critical topic. Book now for 01 Dec to avoid disappointment. Free, but places are limited. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/science-ad...
Reposted by Martin Smith
Public support for R&D is ‘broad but shallow’, report warns.
Highlight personal connections and local links to protect investment from political shifts, Case advises.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-i...
Highlight personal connections and local links to protect investment from political shifts, Case advises.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-i...
November 11, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Public support for R&D is ‘broad but shallow’, report warns.
Highlight personal connections and local links to protect investment from political shifts, Case advises.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-i...
Highlight personal connections and local links to protect investment from political shifts, Case advises.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-i...
Reposted by Martin Smith
It’s official!
Switzerland joins #HorizonEU & #Euratom Research & Training, the EU’s programmes for R&I!
Swiss researchers & organisations can now fully collaborate on research, innovation & digital transformation, driving solutions across Europe.
🔗 link.europa.eu/G4Jfjw
Switzerland joins #HorizonEU & #Euratom Research & Training, the EU’s programmes for R&I!
Swiss researchers & organisations can now fully collaborate on research, innovation & digital transformation, driving solutions across Europe.
🔗 link.europa.eu/G4Jfjw
November 10, 2025 at 4:19 PM
It’s official!
Switzerland joins #HorizonEU & #Euratom Research & Training, the EU’s programmes for R&I!
Swiss researchers & organisations can now fully collaborate on research, innovation & digital transformation, driving solutions across Europe.
🔗 link.europa.eu/G4Jfjw
Switzerland joins #HorizonEU & #Euratom Research & Training, the EU’s programmes for R&I!
Swiss researchers & organisations can now fully collaborate on research, innovation & digital transformation, driving solutions across Europe.
🔗 link.europa.eu/G4Jfjw
Players from Patcham Silver Band supporting the Salvation Army today in Brighton for Remembrance Sunday.
Bram (in the SA hat) has played the Last Post here since 1967
Bram (in the SA hat) has played the Last Post here since 1967
November 9, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Players from Patcham Silver Band supporting the Salvation Army today in Brighton for Remembrance Sunday.
Bram (in the SA hat) has played the Last Post here since 1967
Bram (in the SA hat) has played the Last Post here since 1967
Reposted by Martin Smith
“Science has recently been the professed interest of just a handful of MPs… But this year, something has changed.”
Our Director Tracey Brown explores Parliament's growing interest among MPs in science and research, and how #EvidenceWeek helps bridge the gap between policymakers and researchers.
Our Director Tracey Brown explores Parliament's growing interest among MPs in science and research, and how #EvidenceWeek helps bridge the gap between policymakers and researchers.
Opinion: “This year something has changed. More than 100 MPs’ offices signed up to January’s Evidence Week 2024, many of them immediately...MPs asked a host of questions on topics such as health data, post-Covid school attendance, pollution and transport.”
🖊️ Tracey Brown https://ow.ly/SuUe50XnJ5W
🖊️ Tracey Brown https://ow.ly/SuUe50XnJ5W
November 7, 2025 at 10:40 AM
“Science has recently been the professed interest of just a handful of MPs… But this year, something has changed.”
Our Director Tracey Brown explores Parliament's growing interest among MPs in science and research, and how #EvidenceWeek helps bridge the gap between policymakers and researchers.
Our Director Tracey Brown explores Parliament's growing interest among MPs in science and research, and how #EvidenceWeek helps bridge the gap between policymakers and researchers.
Reposted by Martin Smith
'Music and modern foreign languages degrees are among courses being suspended at the University of Nottingham, with the institution saying it “cannot rely on additional income” from the coming tuition fee rises.' 1/3
Nottingham suspends music, language and nursing courses
University says financial uncertainties continue as government’s proposed student levy will ‘wipe out any benefits’ from rising tuition fees
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
'Music and modern foreign languages degrees are among courses being suspended at the University of Nottingham, with the institution saying it “cannot rely on additional income” from the coming tuition fee rises.' 1/3
Reposted by Martin Smith
'Nottingham put part of the blame for the continued financial uncertainty on the proposed international student fee levy, pointing out that it will “wipe out any benefits” that will come from the Westminster government’s recent decision to link fees to inflation.' 3/3
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
'Nottingham put part of the blame for the continued financial uncertainty on the proposed international student fee levy, pointing out that it will “wipe out any benefits” that will come from the Westminster government’s recent decision to link fees to inflation.' 3/3
Reposted by Martin Smith
With more and more countries pursuing policies aimed at attracting the most highly skilled workers, the UK and US need to realise that perceptions also matter, and — in the UK’s case — that this is just one more area where a bit of economic growth would help.
My column: www.ft.com/content/d70c...
My column: www.ft.com/content/d70c...
Are Britain and the US losing their allure for top talent?
Open hostility and high visa fees are a risky bet amid intensifying competition for the world’s brightest and best
www.ft.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
With more and more countries pursuing policies aimed at attracting the most highly skilled workers, the UK and US need to realise that perceptions also matter, and — in the UK’s case — that this is just one more area where a bit of economic growth would help.
My column: www.ft.com/content/d70c...
My column: www.ft.com/content/d70c...
Reposted by Martin Smith
NEW from me:
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
October 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
NEW from me:
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
Reposted by Martin Smith
"Dsit’s assessment is that every £1 of civil public R&D investment generates £8 in economic benefits. This rather raises the question of why we don’t just bosh it another £3bn and wipe out the budget deficit, but we’re probably oversimplifying things"
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
Silver linings - Research Professional News
Reports consider the economic value of research and problems with Global Talent visas
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:55 AM
"Dsit’s assessment is that every £1 of civil public R&D investment generates £8 in economic benefits. This rather raises the question of why we don’t just bosh it another £3bn and wipe out the budget deficit, but we’re probably oversimplifying things"
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-he-govern...
Reposted by Martin Smith
‘The CBI and Universities UK… said universities already subsidised research by £5.4 billion a year, largely through international student income. A levy would "accelerate contraction" in research and innovation, they warned.’
www.thetimes.com/article/95f2...
www.thetimes.com/article/95f2...
Tax on international students would be crippling, universities say
The Confederation of British Industry and Universities UK warn plans for a 6% levy will also affect the wider economy
www.thetimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:15 AM
‘The CBI and Universities UK… said universities already subsidised research by £5.4 billion a year, largely through international student income. A levy would "accelerate contraction" in research and innovation, they warned.’
www.thetimes.com/article/95f2...
www.thetimes.com/article/95f2...
Reposted by Martin Smith
But while Brits see research as a core role of universities, awareness is fairly low: less than half of non-graduates say they are “fully aware” of the research that universities do, while a fifth say they are “not at all” aware. In focus groups research was often an afterthought
October 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
But while Brits see research as a core role of universities, awareness is fairly low: less than half of non-graduates say they are “fully aware” of the research that universities do, while a fifth say they are “not at all” aware. In focus groups research was often an afterthought
Reposted by Martin Smith
Asked about the most important roles of universities, their wider national (and international) contributions are the top: training professionals and researching new medicines are main reasons, followed by the benefits they provide to students.
October 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Asked about the most important roles of universities, their wider national (and international) contributions are the top: training professionals and researching new medicines are main reasons, followed by the benefits they provide to students.
Reposted by Martin Smith
Whilst there has been much to criticise about policymaking in recent years, it should be noted that governments of both stripes have continued to invest in R&D at a time of tight budgets when it would have been easy to cut back on it. This has been a quiet area of consensus politics
October 30, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Whilst there has been much to criticise about policymaking in recent years, it should be noted that governments of both stripes have continued to invest in R&D at a time of tight budgets when it would have been easy to cut back on it. This has been a quiet area of consensus politics
More info on UKRI allocations published today (more, but not full - Council-by-Council to be published in Dec).
Also note that footnote 5 confirms that the 25/26 figure isn’t comparable with 26/27 - sigh
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Also note that footnote 5 confirms that the 25/26 figure isn’t comparable with 26/27 - sigh
www.gov.uk/government/p...
DSIT Research and Development (R&D) plans to 2029/2030
www.gov.uk
October 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM
More info on UKRI allocations published today (more, but not full - Council-by-Council to be published in Dec).
Also note that footnote 5 confirms that the 25/26 figure isn’t comparable with 26/27 - sigh
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Also note that footnote 5 confirms that the 25/26 figure isn’t comparable with 26/27 - sigh
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Martin Smith
🚨Breaking Dsit funding news🚨
UKRI allocated £39bn budget over next four years.
National funder will receive around £9.2 billion next year, as Dsit plans “more agile” R&D funding.
More details: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
UKRI allocated £39bn budget over next four years.
National funder will receive around £9.2 billion next year, as Dsit plans “more agile” R&D funding.
More details: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
UKRI allocated £39bn budget over next four years - Research Professional News
National funder will receive around £9.2 billion next year, as Dsit plans “more agile” R&D funding
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:08 AM
🚨Breaking Dsit funding news🚨
UKRI allocated £39bn budget over next four years.
National funder will receive around £9.2 billion next year, as Dsit plans “more agile” R&D funding.
More details: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
UKRI allocated £39bn budget over next four years.
National funder will receive around £9.2 billion next year, as Dsit plans “more agile” R&D funding.
More details: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Reposted by Martin Smith
'When the White Paper suggests that the government can “incentivise specialisation and collaboration through research funding reform”, it is worth asking what – if any – links there currently are between research funding and teaching provision.'
Well worth a read.
Well worth a read.
The white paper is wrong - changing research funding won't change teaching
Changing research funding isn't enough to bring about sector specialisation. James Coe has the politics and DK has the stats in a correlational look at the white paper.
wonkhe.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:20 AM
'When the White Paper suggests that the government can “incentivise specialisation and collaboration through research funding reform”, it is worth asking what – if any – links there currently are between research funding and teaching provision.'
Well worth a read.
Well worth a read.
Reposted by Martin Smith
Another report on how our high visa costs deter top R&D talent
on.ft.com/4oyDMnB
on.ft.com/4oyDMnB
Scientists charged too much to immigrate to UK, says Royal Society
Combined upfront cost of the five-year Global Talent Visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge stands at £5,941
on.ft.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Another report on how our high visa costs deter top R&D talent
on.ft.com/4oyDMnB
on.ft.com/4oyDMnB
Reposted by Martin Smith
NEW on Wonkhe: Ben Tatler and Neil Jacobs believe REF should be central to solving the collective action problems around openness, transparency, and accountability in research. buff.ly/F0zitRY
October 17, 2025 at 6:10 AM
NEW on Wonkhe: Ben Tatler and Neil Jacobs believe REF should be central to solving the collective action problems around openness, transparency, and accountability in research. buff.ly/F0zitRY
Reposted by Martin Smith
Genetics database hit by Trump cuts bailed out by Wellcome.
Stopgap funds support UK-based researchers, but future of FlyBase in jeopardy after terminated NIH grant.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Stopgap funds support UK-based researchers, but future of FlyBase in jeopardy after terminated NIH grant.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Genetics database hit by Trump cuts bailed out by Wellcome - Research Professional News
Stopgap funds support UK-based researchers, but future of FlyBase in jeopardy after terminated NIH grant
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Genetics database hit by Trump cuts bailed out by Wellcome.
Stopgap funds support UK-based researchers, but future of FlyBase in jeopardy after terminated NIH grant.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Stopgap funds support UK-based researchers, but future of FlyBase in jeopardy after terminated NIH grant.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...