UK life sciences R&D at risk as major investments paused

The UK’s position as a global hub for life sciences and research investment is under threat, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) warns. AstraZeneca’s decision to pause its £200 million Cambridge expansion, coupled with Merck’s withdrawal from a planned £1 billion London discovery centre, highlights growing risks to the country’s competitiveness in R&D.

Rosalind Gill, NCUB Director of Policy, Analysis and External Affairs, said: “These decisions send a warning signal about the UK’s ability to compete for global life sciences investment. While the UK has world-class science, business confidence is being eroded by policy uncertainty and fragmented support.”

Business R&D spend fell to £50 billion in 2023, 6% lower in real terms than in 2021. NCUB highlights that clearer national priorities, simpler access to support, and reforms to public bodies are essential to reverse this trend and keep investment in the UK.

Positive developments include BioNTech’s pledge of up to £1 billion over ten years to expand UK research, Unilever’s £80 million investment in fragrance R&D at Port Sunlight, and Vishay’s £250 million semiconductor investment in Newport.

NCUB calls on government and industry to ensure that the UK’s science strengths translate into sustainable R&D growth, securing jobs and innovation for the future.

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