Crawford Barber
@crawfordbarberjnr.bsky.social
Research Policy. Sport. Food. Yapping. Not necessarily in that order.
Reposted by Crawford Barber
This is good on how fundamental research can lead to unanticipated applications. I especially like the study of root vegetables leading to flat screen TVs (through the discovery of liquid crystals)
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
7 basic science discoveries that changed the world
Ozempic, MRI machines and flat screen televisions all emerged out of fundamental research decades earlier — the very types of study being slashed by the US government.
www.nature.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:23 PM
This is good on how fundamental research can lead to unanticipated applications. I especially like the study of root vegetables leading to flat screen TVs (through the discovery of liquid crystals)
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
Wait, I thought we could save all the money we needed by cutting diversity hires and reducing unspecified "waste"?
I keep being told spending cuts are easy. Honest proposals such as those recently outlined by Policy Exchange show they are not
My column www.ft.com/content/f086...
My column www.ft.com/content/f086...
October 30, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Wait, I thought we could save all the money we needed by cutting diversity hires and reducing unspecified "waste"?
Reposted by Crawford Barber
Beth Thompson, Executive Director of Policy & Partnerships, commenting for Wellcome:
“This status-quo settlement will keep R&D in the UK on a steady footing. This is important and shouldn't be underestimated, and the recognition of the role of fundamental science is particularly encouraging” […]
“This status-quo settlement will keep R&D in the UK on a steady footing. This is important and shouldn't be underestimated, and the recognition of the role of fundamental science is particularly encouraging” […]
October 30, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Beth Thompson, Executive Director of Policy & Partnerships, commenting for Wellcome:
“This status-quo settlement will keep R&D in the UK on a steady footing. This is important and shouldn't be underestimated, and the recognition of the role of fundamental science is particularly encouraging” […]
“This status-quo settlement will keep R&D in the UK on a steady footing. This is important and shouldn't be underestimated, and the recognition of the role of fundamental science is particularly encouraging” […]
Reposted by Crawford Barber
‘Investment is a long game that does not transform the immediate growth outlook and spending cuts are difficult.’ The fact that this needs stating by @chrisgiles.ft.com is a bit nuts but there we are
www.ft.com/content/f086...
www.ft.com/content/f086...
The bridge that bursts Britain’s public spending myths
Investment is a long game that does not transform the immediate growth outlook, and cuts are difficult
www.ft.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:53 AM
‘Investment is a long game that does not transform the immediate growth outlook and spending cuts are difficult.’ The fact that this needs stating by @chrisgiles.ft.com is a bit nuts but there we are
www.ft.com/content/f086...
www.ft.com/content/f086...
Great article from Wellcome CEO @jarottingen.bsky.social in @politico.com on the need to reform global health and the great work @wellcometrust.bsky.social are doing to develop thinking in this area.
For sure a big role for R&D!
www.politico.eu/sponsored-co...
For sure a big role for R&D!
www.politico.eu/sponsored-co...
Why global health needs change – an interview with John-Arne Røttingen
Visit the post for more.
www.politico.eu
September 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Great article from Wellcome CEO @jarottingen.bsky.social in @politico.com on the need to reform global health and the great work @wellcometrust.bsky.social are doing to develop thinking in this area.
For sure a big role for R&D!
www.politico.eu/sponsored-co...
For sure a big role for R&D!
www.politico.eu/sponsored-co...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
Shocking news. 36% of UK children are living in poverty according to the latest Social Metrics Commission research (I am one of the Commissioners)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
November 18, 2024 at 6:19 PM
Shocking news. 36% of UK children are living in poverty according to the latest Social Metrics Commission research (I am one of the Commissioners)
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Interesting shift to talking about efficiencies across the sector, away from asks for more money. Impressive to see ManMets hefty surplus given sectors financial struggles. But given the diversity of unis, is this a one size fits all answer? And how do we protect & research?
New @universities-uk.bsky.social president Malcolm Press tells @helenpacker.bsky.social that HEIs need to 'take control of [their] evolution' and offer something in return if they want more support from government www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/we-can...
‘We can’t ask to turn the clock back. The resources just aren’t there’
As he begins his stint as Universities UK president, Malcolm Press tells Helen Packer that the sector’s demands of government need to be realistic about the constrained state of public finances and th...
www.timeshighereducation.com
August 4, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Interesting shift to talking about efficiencies across the sector, away from asks for more money. Impressive to see ManMets hefty surplus given sectors financial struggles. But given the diversity of unis, is this a one size fits all answer? And how do we protect & research?
science 🤝 policy
What can we learn following recent news of a pioneering IVF treatment reducing the risk of mitochondrial disease?
This remarkable achievement shows how policy keeping pace with scientific innovation can save lives, writes Wellcome's Beth Thompson (@drbeththompson.bsky.social) ⤵️
This remarkable achievement shows how policy keeping pace with scientific innovation can save lives, writes Wellcome's Beth Thompson (@drbeththompson.bsky.social) ⤵️
Mitochondrial donation: ‘Breakthroughs are possible when policy keeps pace with science’ | News | Wellcome
Eight healthy babies born following mitochondrial donation IVF shows how long-term support for science saves lives. It's critical that policy keeps pace.
wellcome.org
July 23, 2025 at 2:57 PM
science 🤝 policy
The UK is a stronger nation when it partners with other nations. A new narrative is needed that acknowledges that.
Wellcome want to see the UK become the Global Partner of Choice for R&D.
But if this isn’t the language, what is? Would love to hear people’s views
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Wellcome want to see the UK become the Global Partner of Choice for R&D.
But if this isn’t the language, what is? Would love to hear people’s views
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
British boasts of being a ‘science superpower’ are a bit cringe
Not since that other phrase, ‘follow the science’, has there been so much unease that words that sound like they are backing science might be a trap for it
www.thetimes.com
July 21, 2025 at 11:31 AM
The UK is a stronger nation when it partners with other nations. A new narrative is needed that acknowledges that.
Wellcome want to see the UK become the Global Partner of Choice for R&D.
But if this isn’t the language, what is? Would love to hear people’s views
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Wellcome want to see the UK become the Global Partner of Choice for R&D.
But if this isn’t the language, what is? Would love to hear people’s views
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
UK Life Sciences Sector Plan published
John-Arne Røttingen:
"The ambition set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan is hugely welcome. Life sciences are a historic strength of the UK, and this strategic vision is important to cement the country’s advantage in the future"
www.gov.uk/government/n...
John-Arne Røttingen:
"The ambition set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan is hugely welcome. Life sciences are a historic strength of the UK, and this strategic vision is important to cement the country’s advantage in the future"
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Life Sciences Sector Plan to grow economy and transform NHS
The government has today (Wednesday 16 July) launched a bold new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy.
www.gov.uk
July 16, 2025 at 10:42 AM
UK Life Sciences Sector Plan published
John-Arne Røttingen:
"The ambition set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan is hugely welcome. Life sciences are a historic strength of the UK, and this strategic vision is important to cement the country’s advantage in the future"
www.gov.uk/government/n...
John-Arne Røttingen:
"The ambition set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan is hugely welcome. Life sciences are a historic strength of the UK, and this strategic vision is important to cement the country’s advantage in the future"
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
Strength in science can help the UK find its place in a changing world.
Wellcome has published a new report on how the UK can be the global partner of choice for R&D, and why investing in science supports diplomacy and security as well as economic growth.
Wellcome has published a new report on how the UK can be the global partner of choice for R&D, and why investing in science supports diplomacy and security as well as economic growth.
July 15, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Strength in science can help the UK find its place in a changing world.
Wellcome has published a new report on how the UK can be the global partner of choice for R&D, and why investing in science supports diplomacy and security as well as economic growth.
Wellcome has published a new report on how the UK can be the global partner of choice for R&D, and why investing in science supports diplomacy and security as well as economic growth.
The tank picture gives a slightly more aggressive message than we were going for... but great to see all the big messages from our recent @wellcometrust.bsky.social report "The Global Partner for R&D" covered in THE.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/drop-sc...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/drop-sc...
Drop ‘science superpower’ slogan, Wellcome urges UK government
Boris Johnson-era messaging about ‘UK greatness’ in science annoys and alienates potential research partners, says report from major funder
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 16, 2025 at 10:05 AM
The tank picture gives a slightly more aggressive message than we were going for... but great to see all the big messages from our recent @wellcometrust.bsky.social report "The Global Partner for R&D" covered in THE.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/drop-sc...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/drop-sc...
My team wrote a report on the UK's role in global R&D. Take a look!
The world is changing fast, with new threats — and new opportunities.
The UK Government faces a choice.
Will it retreat from the global stage — or step up to help solve the world’s most pressing shared problems? [1/3] 🧵
The UK Government faces a choice.
Will it retreat from the global stage — or step up to help solve the world’s most pressing shared problems? [1/3] 🧵
July 14, 2025 at 12:07 PM
My team wrote a report on the UK's role in global R&D. Take a look!
Reposted by Crawford Barber
NEW WELLCOME REPORT
R&D is a driver of domestic economic growth, but there's so much more that strength in science can do for the UK and the world.
Our report sets out a wider narrative for UK R&D, and why the UK needs to move on from 'science superpower'
wellcome.org/reports/uk-g...
R&D is a driver of domestic economic growth, but there's so much more that strength in science can do for the UK and the world.
Our report sets out a wider narrative for UK R&D, and why the UK needs to move on from 'science superpower'
wellcome.org/reports/uk-g...
The Global Partner of Choice for R&D | Report | Wellcome
This report outlines the importance of research and development (R&D) for the UK, emphasising its role in economic growth, global reputation and national security amidst changing geopolitical landscap...
wellcome.org
July 14, 2025 at 11:16 AM
NEW WELLCOME REPORT
R&D is a driver of domestic economic growth, but there's so much more that strength in science can do for the UK and the world.
Our report sets out a wider narrative for UK R&D, and why the UK needs to move on from 'science superpower'
wellcome.org/reports/uk-g...
R&D is a driver of domestic economic growth, but there's so much more that strength in science can do for the UK and the world.
Our report sets out a wider narrative for UK R&D, and why the UK needs to move on from 'science superpower'
wellcome.org/reports/uk-g...
Great to see the Government ambition to reinvent the NHS through science and tech in the #NHS10yearplan. To realise these changes, investment and a focus on delivery now needed.
Science and technology are at the heart of the government’s 10-year plan for the NHS.
It's an important shift.
This recognition echoes the vision highlighted in our 'From Research to Reality' report. [1/5] 🧵⤵️
It's an important shift.
This recognition echoes the vision highlighted in our 'From Research to Reality' report. [1/5] 🧵⤵️
July 3, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Great to see the Government ambition to reinvent the NHS through science and tech in the #NHS10yearplan. To realise these changes, investment and a focus on delivery now needed.
Reposted by Crawford Barber
More commentary on the Spending Review from me here now wellcome.org/news/spendin...
Spending Review: Why headline ‘£86 billion for research’ figure isn’t as ambitious as it sounds | News | Wellcome
What does the UK government's Spending Review budgets mean for research? Martin Smith, Head of Policy Lab at Wellcome, analyses the reality behind the headlines.
wellcome.org
June 12, 2025 at 2:38 PM
More commentary on the Spending Review from me here now wellcome.org/news/spendin...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
Wellcome's reaction quote is now online - more analysis to follow shortly wellcome.org/news/wellcom...
Wellcome responds to government spending review | News | Wellcome
John-Arne Røttingen, chief executive of Wellcome, responds to the government's spending review
wellcome.org
June 11, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Wellcome's reaction quote is now online - more analysis to follow shortly wellcome.org/news/wellcom...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
It's Spending Review day!
The Chancellor has announced £86bn for research over the next four years
A big number, particularly in the economic context...
...but it also amounts to a reduction in ambition.
Here's why 🎞
The Chancellor has announced £86bn for research over the next four years
A big number, particularly in the economic context...
...but it also amounts to a reduction in ambition.
Here's why 🎞
June 11, 2025 at 4:44 PM
It's Spending Review day!
The Chancellor has announced £86bn for research over the next four years
A big number, particularly in the economic context...
...but it also amounts to a reduction in ambition.
Here's why 🎞
The Chancellor has announced £86bn for research over the next four years
A big number, particularly in the economic context...
...but it also amounts to a reduction in ambition.
Here's why 🎞
Reposted by Crawford Barber
R&D spending is in the headlines today on the back of a breathless press release.
Enthusiastic coverage is always welcome, but
- Pretty much flat in real terms
- No info on whether increases are backloaded
- Could still be tough for UKRI
Need the detail on Weds www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Enthusiastic coverage is always welcome, but
- Pretty much flat in real terms
- No info on whether increases are backloaded
- Could still be tough for UKRI
Need the detail on Weds www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Ministers commit to £86bn for ‘breakthrough’ UK science and tech R&D
Mayors welcome £500m set aside for regional authorities to target investment locally
www.theguardian.com
June 8, 2025 at 8:47 AM
R&D spending is in the headlines today on the back of a breathless press release.
Enthusiastic coverage is always welcome, but
- Pretty much flat in real terms
- No info on whether increases are backloaded
- Could still be tough for UKRI
Need the detail on Weds www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Enthusiastic coverage is always welcome, but
- Pretty much flat in real terms
- No info on whether increases are backloaded
- Could still be tough for UKRI
Need the detail on Weds www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
With funding from @wellcometrust.bsky.social, we commissioned PwC to compare R&D funding systems in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and South Korea.
The analysis revealed several key themes to help us better understand and evidence the strengths of the UK system.
👇🧵
The analysis revealed several key themes to help us better understand and evidence the strengths of the UK system.
👇🧵
April 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
With funding from @wellcometrust.bsky.social, we commissioned PwC to compare R&D funding systems in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and South Korea.
The analysis revealed several key themes to help us better understand and evidence the strengths of the UK system.
👇🧵
The analysis revealed several key themes to help us better understand and evidence the strengths of the UK system.
👇🧵
Reposted by Crawford Barber
Wellcome has recently expanded its interests in AI and data for science, so I’m keen to hear from candidate with experience of that as well as domestic and global policy for science.
Great team, ambitious CEO and senior team supporting this type of work, free lunch.
Great team, ambitious CEO and senior team supporting this type of work, free lunch.
April 25, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Wellcome has recently expanded its interests in AI and data for science, so I’m keen to hear from candidate with experience of that as well as domestic and global policy for science.
Great team, ambitious CEO and senior team supporting this type of work, free lunch.
Great team, ambitious CEO and senior team supporting this type of work, free lunch.
Reposted by Crawford Barber
🚨Hiring!
I’m recruiting two new Policy Advisers to join my team
💷 £61,400
⏰ 7 May
It’s an exciting time to join this growing and evolving team working on UK and global science policy
wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/Wellco...
I’m recruiting two new Policy Advisers to join my team
💷 £61,400
⏰ 7 May
It’s an exciting time to join this growing and evolving team working on UK and global science policy
wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/Wellco...
Policy Adviser
Salary: £ 61,400 Closing date: Wednesday, 7 May 2025 Contract type: Permanent The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy a...
wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
April 25, 2025 at 7:09 AM
🚨Hiring!
I’m recruiting two new Policy Advisers to join my team
💷 £61,400
⏰ 7 May
It’s an exciting time to join this growing and evolving team working on UK and global science policy
wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/Wellco...
I’m recruiting two new Policy Advisers to join my team
💷 £61,400
⏰ 7 May
It’s an exciting time to join this growing and evolving team working on UK and global science policy
wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/Wellco...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
The Government and @wellcometrust.bsky.social are partnering to establish a new Health Data Research Service.
This partnership is exactly what is needed to help to ensure a trustworthy approach, and to build confidence among public, patients and health professionals: bit.ly/3XNJG9w
This partnership is exactly what is needed to help to ensure a trustworthy approach, and to build confidence among public, patients and health professionals: bit.ly/3XNJG9w
April 7, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The Government and @wellcometrust.bsky.social are partnering to establish a new Health Data Research Service.
This partnership is exactly what is needed to help to ensure a trustworthy approach, and to build confidence among public, patients and health professionals: bit.ly/3XNJG9w
This partnership is exactly what is needed to help to ensure a trustworthy approach, and to build confidence among public, patients and health professionals: bit.ly/3XNJG9w
Great work out of Wellcome today in collab with the UK Gov. c.£600 million to simplify secure access to de-identified health data and speed up research. There’s so much we can learn from secure health data if we simplify how researchers access it 🧠 🤝 wellcome.org/news/nationa...
National data service will simplify access to health data for research | Wellcome
Wellcome is partnering with the UK Government to establish a £600 million health data research service. It will simplify secure access to health data for research.
wellcome.org
April 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Great work out of Wellcome today in collab with the UK Gov. c.£600 million to simplify secure access to de-identified health data and speed up research. There’s so much we can learn from secure health data if we simplify how researchers access it 🧠 🤝 wellcome.org/news/nationa...
Reposted by Crawford Barber
NEW - Wellcome and UK Government partnering on a new health data research service, contributing up £600m together.
This will simplify secure access to health data and speed up research to better understand ill health.
wellcome.org/news/nationa...
This will simplify secure access to health data and speed up research to better understand ill health.
wellcome.org/news/nationa...
National data service will simplify access to health data for research | Wellcome
Wellcome is partnering with the UK Government to establish a £600 million health data research service. It will simplify secure access to health data for research.
wellcome.org
April 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
NEW - Wellcome and UK Government partnering on a new health data research service, contributing up £600m together.
This will simplify secure access to health data and speed up research to better understand ill health.
wellcome.org/news/nationa...
This will simplify secure access to health data and speed up research to better understand ill health.
wellcome.org/news/nationa...