The government said that the proposals are intended to provide greater long-term certainty over research projects, in particular for those examining complex issues such as antimicrobial resistance or quantum computing.

The changes could also mean longer-term funding for infrastructure, such as large-scale research facilities and equipment.

The criteria which will be used by departments and public bodies to identify and prioritise relevant 10-year funding proposals are centred around four areas, one of which is developing or maintaining core national infrastructure or supporting more impactful use of such infrastructure that would not be possible under shorter funding cycles.

Other criteria include where skills development in a certain area are demonstrably vital to the UK growth agenda and where longer-term funding would enable development of a pipeline of skilled researchers, scientists or engineers that otherwise would be difficult.

The other two remaining criteria were opportunities for international collaboration and a demonstrable need for long term partnerships with industry – including charity and philanthropy – to tackle a significant challenges relevant to economic growth.

Science minister Lord Vallance said: “Research and innovation, from computing and AI to health breakthroughs, need stability of funding. 

“We are delivering on our manifesto commitment to support and encourage public bodies to deliver long-term 10-year funding streams where appropriate, while retaining the flexibility of shorter-term cycles to deal with emerging priorities.

“This change will provide certainty to certain types of research organisations and unlock vital business investment into our world-class research sector to drive the growth at the heart of our Plan for Change.”