Ben’s thoughts on R&D

Introducing Science Works

Why I think a new organisation is needed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing British science and tech

Jun 19 • Ben Johnson

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March 2026

How not to waste an AI for Science mission

On the regrettable necessity of thinking carefully before spending public money

Mar 28 • Ben Johnson and Laura Ryan

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February 2026

The Bucket Stops Here

UKRI’s new funding framework takes a stab at classifying budgets – but doesn’t yet govern research

Feb 14 • Ben Johnson

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December 2025

Erasmus and the government’s opportunity mission

Is this £570m diplomatic concession dressed as social policy?

Dec 18, 2025 • Ben Johnson

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November 2025

The three-bucket problem

Ten tests for the UK’s new R&D funding framework

Nov 18, 2025 • Ben Johnson

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October 2025

UK Post-16 White Paper – implications for research

Some quick thoughts.

Oct 22, 2025 • Ben Johnson

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September 2025

We've made public science boring. It's time to make it magnificent.

An essay on the urgency of "demonstration statecraft" – a way of building that pairs theatrical ambition with democratic delivery.

Sep 1, 2025 • Ben Johnson

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July 2025

What Actually Counts as Interdisciplinary Research?

A data-driven look at which funders support knowledge integration

Jul 9, 2025 • Ben Johnson

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June 2025

The future of research belongs to those with clarity of purpose

Replacing US leadership means tackling fundamental questions about our research institutions’ role in society

Jun 6, 2025 • Ben Johnson

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May 2025

April 2025

Scroll the Future

How AI microsites reshape persuasion, urgency, and memory

Apr 28, 2025 • Ben Johnson

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