Dear Mr Osborne,

Every year, I give a lecture to my students about forging a career in academic research. Every year, I find it harder to give that lecture.

Why? Because of the erosion of UK science investment, it is getting tougher for young scientists to gain a start in developing a sustainable research career. I can’t encourage our future research leaders into making those first steps if those jobs aren’t going to exist.

That can change, but only if you invest in UK science.

Pete Etchells