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UK Research Fund Faces Cuts as Global Issues Mount
The UK's £8 billion research fund, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is preparing for significant changes, including a pause on new grants, as it faces government pressure to "focus and do fewer things better," according to UKRI head Ian Chapman. This comes amid a backdrop of other global challenges, including potential airport delays in Europe, a US government investigation into Nike, stable UK interest rates with potential future cuts, and political tensions in Uganda.
Chapman warned in an open letter that the changes, which have angered many in the research community, "will result in negative outcomes for some." The reorganisation represents a major shift in how Britain's scientific research and innovation is prioritised and funded with public money. The changes are expected to be fully implemented by September.
Meanwhile, travelers in Europe are facing potential disruptions at airports due to the rollout of a new biometric border system. A group representing airports warned of possible five-to-six-hour queues over the summer. Passengers have already reported hours-long waits at some destinations during busy times. The European Commission indicated it might suspend the new system at peak times until September, according to BBC Business. This follows IT outages at several major European airports in September due to a cyber attack.
In the United States, Nike is under investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over claims of discrimination against white workers. The EEOC has demanded company records dating back to 2018, including data on race and ethnicity and its influence on executive pay. Court documents show the EEOC is examining claims that Nike engaged "in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against white employees, applicants, and training program participants," according to BBC Business. Nike stated it was "committed to fair and lawful employment practices" and called the inquiry "a surprising and unusual request."
Domestically, the Bank of England held UK interest rates steady at 3.75%, but signaled potential cuts later in the year. The decision followed a "knife-edge vote," according to BBC Business. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey stated that inflation was expected to fall close to the Bank's 2% target from April onwards. "That's good news," Bailey said. "We need to make sure that inflation stays there. All going well, there should be scope for some further reduction in the Bank Rate this year."
In Uganda, opposition leader Bobi Wine remains in hiding nearly three weeks after a disputed election, as a feud with the country's military chief escalates, according to The Guardian. Wine's whereabouts have been unknown since he fled what he said was a night raid on his home by police and military. Following the election, Wine alleged mass fraud and called on supporters to protest.
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