Recent Press Releases
Institute to provide evidence on science budget to Parliamentary Committee
IOP
PR51(07)
Wed, 19 December 2007
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has been invited to provide oral evidence to the House of Common’s Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee which is undertaking an inquiry into the recently announced Science Budget Allocations. The IOP plans to use the opportunity to discuss the allocation of funds for the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the UK’s research council for particle physics, nuclear physics, astronomy, space science as well as large facilities that cover a broader range of science.
The IOP began consultation with the government when it came to light that the funding allocated in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills’ (DIUS) Science Budget for 2008-11 could result in the UK’s withdrawal from a number of prestigious international research programmes, including the International Linear Collider, and lead to a cut in the volume of academic research grants available to practicing physicists.
Dr. Robert Kirby-Harris, chief executive of IOP, said, “Once the funding decision had been announced, IOP, and partner organisations such as Universities UK, made representation to the government. We’re now working closely with members that are likely to be affected by the potential cuts to obtain a clear picture and present a strong case to the committee.”
IOP is scheduled to attend the committee session on 21 January 2008.
The proposed cuts have caused alarm in the community and a petition expressing the community’s concern is now live on 10 Downing Street’s website. If you would like to express your concern then please follow the following link, http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Physics-Funding/
Notes to editors:
1. If you would like further information please contact the IOP Press Officer by calling 020 7470 4815 or email joseph.winters@iop.org
2. The Institute of Physics is a scientific membership organisation devoted to increasing the understanding and application of physics. It has an extensive worldwide membership (around 34,000) and is a leading communicator of physics with all audiences from specialists through government to the general public. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in scientific publishing and the electronic dissemination of physics.
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