The University of Oxford's Pandemic Sciences Institute has not received the £150 million in funding pledged by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, according to its director.

The institute, established to learn from the Covid pandemic and address future pandemic threats, has yet to see any of the promised funds, as confirmed by Peter Horby during a session with the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee. Horby expressed concern over the lack of government funding, stating that the institute is currently operating out of a temporary portable building and relying on philanthropic donations.

Although the Pandemic Sciences Institute has secured some competitive grants, there has been no direct financial support from the government. Horby noted that Johnson likely made the funding commitment to the former Oxford vice-chancellor, Louise Richardson, due to the university's significant contribution to the development of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

During the committee session, Greg Clark, Chair of the Science and Technology Committee, urged the acting Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Chloe Smith, to facilitate the release of the committed funding. Clark highlighted the institute's vital work and emphasized that none of the pledged money had been received thus far. Smith agreed to meet with Clark to address the issue and explore ways to unblock the funding.

No comment has been provided by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology at this time. Photo by CTSU,