As of 2023, the UK had 25.87 thousand full-time equivalent researchers engaged in scientific research and development. The forecast period from 2024 to 2028 shows a steady increase in the number of researchers, starting from 26.23 thousand in 2024 to 27.67 thousand by 2028. The year-on-year growth rate indicates a stable expansion of approximately 1.4% annually. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for this period is around 1.3%, reflecting a consistent upward trend.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of governmental policies on research funding, advancements in technology that may drive the demand for more researchers, and potential fluctuations in international collaborations due to geopolitical shifts.
