UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) supports around 22,000 students at any one time – up to a quarter of all doctoral students in the UK – with an annual budget of around £400m. Thousands have now been told they must find a way to finish their research on time, causing distress among students who spoke to the Guardian. But thousands will receive no extra support, instead being told to readjust their work to meet their original deadline. Alexander Joseph Currie, a PhD student investigating Aspergillus fumigatus immune responses in cystic fibrosis, has begun a petition urging UKRI to extend an extra six months of support to all PhD students. We know how hard this will be for students who are dedicated and passionate about their work,” he said.

Source: The Guardian November 15, 2020 12:00 UTC