Imperfect storm

The collapse of Johnson’s government leaves big questions for R&D

The government has imploded, the prime minister has resigned, the sector is down one science minister and two education secretaries compared with a week ago. So where do the extraordinary events of the past few days leave research?

There are already big questions about the place R&D will occupy for the next government: whether spending promises will be maintained in the face of economic pressures, what political support there will be for international partnerships, and how those in power will view the potential of universities and research to address the UK’s myriad economic and social challenges.