UK scientists are anticipating possible substantial cuts in research funding in the upcoming budget, with concerns that up to one billion pounds could be withdrawn from science project financing.

The extra one billion pounds needed for the UK's continued participation in the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program is believed to be the primary concern.

If additional money is not provided by government officials, the UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) eight billion pounds annual budget might face significant reductions.

Nobel laureate Prof. Andre Geim and former Manchester University president Prof. Nancy Rothwell have expressed deep concerns about these potential cuts in their online article for the _Observer_, stating that removing funding now will have lasting detrimental effects on the UK's research landscape.

Forty prominent UK scientists have voiced similar concerns in a _Times_ letter, warning of significant negative consequences including job losses and a potential halt to new research initiatives if funding is drastically reduced.

Prof. Ian Boyd from St Andrews University highlighted that such cuts could only target projects not yet launched, potentially stopping new research across numerous sectors.

Sir Paul Nurse, head of the Francis Crick Institute in London, and John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of the Wellcome Trust, emphasized that science is critical for the future industry and health sectors, warning against any reductions in investments.

Sir Paul Nurse pointed out that the UK ranks low in basic research and development spending according to OECD data, advocating for increased rather than decreased funding.