Physics postdocs ‘losing faith in UK careers’ after STFC cuts

Fewer than one in 10 early career researchers in physics disciplines would recommend an academic career in the UK amid ongoing funding uncertainty, new polling suggests.

Drawing on a recent survey of some 457 PhD students, postdocs and other early career researchers based in the UK, the poll found only 8 per cent of those working in particle physics, astrophysics and nuclear science (PPAN) subjects would advise others to pursue a career in UK academia.

The study, carried out by King’s College London particle physicist Lucien Heurtier, also found 89 per cent of respondents had “low” or “very low” confidence in UK postdoc opportunities in PPAN subjects.

Of those 159 respondents who were current or recent postdocs in the UK, 74 per cent said they were considering moving abroad, with 26 per cent actively applying for overseas posts.

The results follow widespread concerns over cuts to postdoctoral research positions funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) which is looking to save £162 million over the next four years. Theoretical physics funding groups have been told funding for early career posts will be significantly cut, prompting criticism from leading UK scientists such as Brian Cox and MPs, including Chi Onwurah, chair of the House of Commons’ science and technology committee.

Asked if they felt reassured by announcements made by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) since the cuts were first publicised in January, 79 per cent of respondents said they felt less reassured compared with only 4 per cent who felt more reassured.

Speaking to Times Higher Education, Heurtier said the results showed confidence in pursuing a career in PPAN subjects in the UK had “collapsed” since news of the funding cuts had broken.

“These announcements have definitely scared a whole cohort of early career researchers and the government’s clarifications haven’t helped improve this situation,” said Heurtier, noting the confirmation that postdoc levels would “return to the baseline of 2025-26” did not protect jobs because that “represented a significant cut [in funding] compared to previous years”.

“Most of the PPAN postdocs based in the UK are now considering leaving, mostly for universities in other countries, because the funding situation is so unstable,” added Heurtier, a postdoctoral research associate originally from France.

“People like me ended up in the UK because its sector was quite successful in supporting those who wanted to pursue research careers. But if there are no postdoc positions funded by the government and there is no hope of a permanent position in a university, then researchers will go elsewhere,” he said.

“I’ve been keeping an eye out for postdoc opportunities that used to come up but these have totally gone,” he added.

The STFC has maintained that its “budget faces particular pressures due to its growing cost base – factors include inflation and higher operating and staffing costs” and is “working to make sure its budget is balanced and sustainable”.

“This is the responsible approach to take, and involves making savings across the entire portfolio, with the majority of savings coming from efficiencies within STFC rather than reducing funding for research,” the council has previously told THE, adding that “no decisions have been made by STFC yet while it continues to work through the prioritisation exercise to determine next steps”. The STFC was contacted for further comment. 

jack.grove@timeshighereducation.com