Original article published on 2 February. (Copied from a LinkedIn post)

Sir,

You report that UK Research and Innovation, the government science funder, is significantly cutting physics research (“Science hopes take a hit as Labour cuts physics funding”, Jan 30). It is also rumoured that similar cuts will be made throughout the scientific disciplines. The cuts appear to reduce fundamental discovery research, the bedrock of science, despite assurances that was not the intention.

There is an unfortunate lack of clarity, communication and sufficient consultation about what is being planned. This requires correction. A major issue may be that mission-orientated research is being confused with curiosity-driven discovery research. Both are needed but policymakers often underestimate the importance of discovery science. If it is not properly supported, we lose the seed-corn of discovery research, harming subsequent science translation, societal improvement and economic growth.

Sir Paul Nurse

President, the Royal Society, London SW1