Strong Public Backing for Boosting R&D in Scottish and Welsh Universities

A groundbreaking poll conducted in early 2026 reveals overwhelming support among voters in Scotland and Wales for increased investment in research and development (R&D), particularly through their universities. With devolved governments holding key powers over funding, this sentiment arrives at a critical juncture ahead of the May 2026 Holyrood and Senedd elections.

The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) survey, involving over 4,300 respondents aged 16 and above, found that 77% in Scotland and 72% in Wales consider it important for their respective governments to prioritize R&D spending. More strikingly, 55% of Scots and 50% of Welsh respondents advocated for either raising or sustaining current levels of investment. This cross-party consensus underscores a rare point of unity in polarized political landscapes.

Yet, this enthusiasm is tempered by low awareness: 87% in Scotland and 91% in Wales admit to knowing little or nothing about local R&D activities. Despite this, nearly two-thirds (65% Scotland, 62% Wales) want their elected representatives to champion universities as hubs of innovation, signaling potential for higher education institutions to bridge the knowledge gap.

Understanding R&D in the Higher Education Sector

Research and Development (R&D) encompasses systematic investigation aimed at creating new or improved knowledge, products, processes, or services. In the higher education context, it primarily involves basic research—fundamental inquiries without immediate commercial application—and applied research tailored to societal challenges. UK universities perform about 25% of the nation's total R&D, with higher education expenditure on R&D (HERD) reaching significant portions of gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD).

The dual support system funds this ecosystem: formula-based Quality-Related (QR) funding from bodies like the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) or Research England, and competitive grants from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). For devolved nations, this means Scottish and Welsh governments allocate block grants to universities, supplemented by UKRI awards. In 2023, UK GERD hit £72.6 billion, but real-terms declines highlight the need for uplift.

This structure enables universities to tackle pressing issues like climate change, health disparities, and economic productivity, often in collaboration with businesses and public sectors.

Scotland's University Research Powerhouse

Scotland's 19 universities are global leaders, with institutions like the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow consistently ranking in the world's top 100 for research impact. In 2023, Scotland's GERD stood firm despite national trends, driven heavily by higher education. Universities contribute over 30% of Scottish R&D, fostering innovations in renewables, life sciences, and AI.

Edinburgh's Roslin Institute, famed for Dolly the sheep, continues advancing regenerative medicine, while Glasgow's James Watt School pioneers sustainable engineering. Public support could translate to sustained SFC funding, crucial as universities face deficits amid stagnant per-student grants.

Stakeholders note that increased investment would amplify Scotland's just transition to net zero, with marine energy projects at Aberdeen and Strathclyde creating high-skilled jobs.

Welsh Universities Driving Innovation

In Wales, universities account for nearly 40% of R&D—a higher share than the UK average—positioning them as economic engines. Cardiff University leads in compound semiconductors via the CSA Catapult, attracting £100m+ investments, while Swansea's expertise in batteries supports the EV revolution.

The Higher Education Research Capital (HERC) Fund for 2025-26 provides £4.6m matched by Welsh Government, underscoring commitment. Yet, polls show voters eager for more, with 74% backing R&D to enhance NHS outcomes—a nod to projects like Bangor's coastal resilience research.

Challenges persist: Welsh universities grapple with funding shortfalls, prompting calls for manifesto pledges to protect research budgets.

Photo by Serge Taeymans on Unsplash

Election Timing: A Pivotal Moment for University Funding

As Holyrood and Senedd polls loom, CaSE's multi-level regression with poststratification (MRP) maps constituency-level support, arming candidates with data. Low opposition (under 15% even for defense R&D) suggests championing universities poses minimal risk.

• 75% support R&D for better NHS diagnostics
• Over 50% back new labs and inward investment
• 66% Scots, 60% Welsh proud of regional R&D hubs

Universities Scotland urges parties to commit to economic missions, warning that cuts could stifle growth. For Welsh institutions, fiscal analyses highlight needs-based funding reforms.

The 'Broad but Shallow' Challenge

While instinctive support is strong—88% UK-wide deem government R&D investment vital—depth is lacking. Only 11% in Scotland name multiple national benefits; personal relevance feels distant for many. Universities must amplify local stories: e.g., how St Andrews' quantum research bolsters cybersecurity or Aberystwyth's agri-tech aids farmers.

Solutions include public engagement via open days, citizen science, and media campaigns to deepen connections.

Case Studies: Real-World University Impacts

University of Edinburgh: Home to the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, its work has slashed preterm birth risks, directly tying to public health priorities.

Cardiff University: The Cardiff Hub for Compound Semiconductors generates 1,000+ jobs, exemplifying economic returns.

University of Glasgow: MVLS college advances cancer therapies, with spinouts like Exscientia raising £400m+.

These illustrate £10 return per £1 public investment, per Universities UK.

Job Creation and Economic Ripple Effects

R&D fuels high-value employment: Scotland's universities support 100,000+ jobs indirectly. In Wales, innovation districts like Menai could double output with funding boosts. Public polls align with desires for growth amid cost-of-living pressures.

UKRI's rising budgets to £10bn by 2030 offer hope, but devolved allocations must match voter will.

Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash

Links to NHS and Societal Priorities

Three-quarters link R&D to healthcare improvements, vital as NHS waiting lists soar. Welsh clinical trials at Swansea and Scottish AI diagnostics at Dundee exemplify this. Enhanced funding could accelerate solutions, resonating with 94% prioritizing health.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook

CaSE's Dr. Alicia Greated emphasizes granular advocacy; Universities Wales calls for sustainability. With £86bn UK public R&D pledged, devolved nations must capitalize.

Outlook: Elections could herald uplifts, but shallow support demands proactive outreach. Universities poised to leverage polls for resilient funding.