Pandemic threatens future of research as early career scientists look to leave

Four in ten charity-funded early career scientists have considered leaving research due to funding concerns since the coronavirus hit the UK, according to a survey by the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). 

The survey of 523 scientists funded by 72 charities, including us, also shows that 28 per cent have considered leaving due to a lack of career prospects, and 19 per cent had considered an exit from research due to Brexit. 

The pandemic has had a devastating financial impact on medical research charities. At BHF, the amount we will be able to invest in life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases this year will be halved from £100m to £50m. We urgently need Government support. 

Alongside the AMRC and other member charities including Cancer Research UK and Versus Arthritis, we are urging the Government to protect the UK’s position as a global leader in science and avoid a science brain drain by introducing a Life Sciences-Charity Partnership Fund. The proposal would see the Government support charities’ investment in UK research for the next three years.  

Safeguard talent 

Aisling Burnand, Chief Executive of AMRC said: “Medical research charities are facing a catastrophic funding crisis and are having to decide where future research will need to be cut. Although Government has introduced a £750m support package for charities, no funding for charitable medical research has been given. 

“Funding uncertainties mean that without clarity from the Government and a commitment to support for three years, we risk losing a generation of talented young scientists who would otherwise have become the UK’s next research leaders. Ultimately this could have a severe impact on several decades of research crucial to finding new ways to diagnose, manage and treat diseases including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, rare diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.”

Medical research charities fund the salaries of around 17,000 UK scientists. Funding uncertainties mean many could be forced to leave the profession, with two thirds of those surveyed relying entirely on charity funding for their salary. 

According to the survey, thousands of charity-funded early career researchers could face a funding cliff edge. Half say their funding will expire by the end of 2021, and of these, two thirds have been unable to secure funding to take them to the next stage in their career.  

Government must honour commitment to UK science 

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive said: 

“Charity funded scientists have driven some of our most ground-breaking medical advances – discovering new treatments and transforming millions of lives.  

 “Losing a generation of dedicated young scientists would be a devastating blow to UK science – jeopardising research breakthroughs for decades to come. We cannot allow this to happen. 

“The Government must act now and honour its commitment to UK science. The case is indisputable - investment in science will protect a generation of young researchers, fuel the UK’s economic recovery and ensure patients have access to the new treatments that they desperately need.” 

Read our calls to Government