Science and Technology Facilities Council’s £162 million cost-saving measures “will have catastrophic consequences”, government warnedSenior scientists have condemned steep cuts to UK science facilities and government research grants for physics and astronomy as a “catastrophe”, with a Nobel prize winner blaming government decisions. The revelation has prompted outcry from scientific leaders and the wider community, with many pointing the finger at the government. Government urged to rethinkDougherty’s letter informing the UK’s physics and astronomy community of the cuts, comes amid a major overhaul of UKRI funding. “The government insists that curiosity research will not be reduced but today’s cuts seem to tell a different story,” said Howarth. A government spokesperson said: “We are investing a record £38.6bn in UKRI until the end of this decade, recognising UK science and technology’s central role in growing our economy and improving lives.