Nearly 200 senior UK academics have signed an open letter opposing proposed changes that would tie public research funding to diversity and inclusion (D&I) metrics. The signatories argue that such measures risk undermining academic freedom, weakening research quality, and politicising science.
The proposals, currently under consideration by major research councils and UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), would make the inclusion of D&I strategies and outcomes a formal requirement for funding eligibility. While some funders already include equality considerations as part of grant applications, the new framework would make such requirements mandatory and more robustly enforced.
Opponents argue this is a step too far.
“Academic excellence should be measured by ideas, rigour and evidence—not by the demographic profile of research teams,” the letter states.
They warn that linking funding decisions too closely with diversity metrics could lead to tokenism, box-ticking, or even a chilling effect on open inquiry in politically sensitive areas.
However, equality advocates counter that inclusion is integral to excellence. They argue that ignoring diversity in research teams and design can perpetuate systemic bias and limit the scope and impact of UK research—particularly in the social sciences, health, and education.
Professor Anita Rahman, a sociologist at the University of Manchester who supports the inclusion of D&I standards in funding, said:
“This isn’t about quotas or ideology—it’s about ensuring that knowledge production reflects and benefits the whole of society. Excluding perspectives through homogeneity limits both reach and relevance.”
The debate is revealing growing tensions between academic independence and accountability to the public good. While universities have made progress on equality and representation, critics of the proposed changes worry that rigid metrics may unintentionally sideline academic merit and drive researchers away from UK institutions.
UKRI has not yet formalised the changes but says it remains committed to fostering inclusive research environments. In a statement, the organisation said:
“We believe that diverse teams are more innovative, and inclusive research environments lead to better outcomes. We are consulting widely to ensure our funding practices are fair, evidence-based, and support the UK’s world-leading research reputation.”
As the consultation continues, universities, funders, and government departments are facing difficult questions: how to measure inclusion fairly, how to ensure quality remains high, and whether one goal must come at the cost of another.
What’s clear is that the future of British research will increasingly be shaped not just by ideas—but by values.