Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now, said,
"It’s deeply concerning that 40%1 of charity-funded early career scientists have considered leaving research because of funding concerns due to COVID-19, and that over a quarter (28%) have considered leaving due to a lack of career prospects.
"This is yet another devastating blow due to the COVID-pandemic, and one with implications both now and for future generations, as these researchers hold the hope that medical research brings for so many.
"We’ve experienced first-hand the impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer research, with our researchers having lost around 230,000 hours in the labs. And much of our research has been put on pause due to the pandemic.
"As medical research charities, we collectively invested £1.9 billion in UK research and development (R&D) last year, and make a contribution that we simply cannot afford to be lost.
"For this reason, we strongly back the call on the government to introduce a Charity Life Sciences Partnership Fund.
"As a co-investment scheme, that would provide a level of match-funding from government for future charity research over the next three years.
"This Fund would not only be a crucial lifeline for charities that press play on world-class research and save lives. But it would also boost the UK’s economy by protecting its position as a global leader delivering excellence in the life sciences sector."
Notes to editors