Recommendation 61

We note that the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), in common with other UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) research institutes, currently receives only 80% of its grant costs, compared to universities which receive full funding based on the Full Economic Cost model, covering 100% of their costs. This funding gap hinders BAS’s and other research institutes’ ability to fully support their research activities. We recommend the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and UKRI increase the overall funding envelope to cover this additional 20%, without reducing support for non BAS researchers. This would correct a long-standing structural inequity and ensure that the UK’s core Antarctic research institution remains fully resourced to support national and international scientific priorities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 262)