UK science minister finally appointed, as universities face funding squeeze on budgets

After three months without a dedicated science minister, the UK government has handed the role to Conservative MP Nusrat Ghani. The appointment comes at a time of deep uncertainty for UK science, with the government having just scrapped its cabinet science committee and continuing doubts surrounding the country’s involvement in Horizon Europe.

In an update to the government’s website, Ghani has taken on the title ‘minister for science and investment security’. Her responsibilities include areas like Horizon Europe membership, innovation strategy and vaccine production, while also covering shipbuilding and critical mineral supply chains. Ghani has previously served on the business, energy and industrial strategy select committee, but has little other previous experience of the research sector.