The forecast for the number of full-time equivalent researchers in the UK's higher education sector shows a steady increase from 166.43 in 2024 to 169.22 thousand by 2028. The growth trend from 2024 to 2028 indicates modest year-on-year percentage increases averaging around 0.5% annually, suggesting consistent but moderate growth. This reflects an ongoing investment in research capabilities within higher education institutions following a historical base that is not provided for 2023, making detailed comparison difficult.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Potential impacts of government funding changes on research staff numbers.
- The effects of Brexit on attracting and retaining international researchers.
- Technological advancements necessitating increased research personnel in specific domains.
- Shift in higher education priorities in response to socio-economic factors influencing research areas.
