Community News Archive
Institute of Physics response to 2008-11 Science Budget
IOP
11 December 2007
Responding to today’s Ministerial launch of the DIUS science budget for 2008-2011, Dr. Robert Kirby-Harris, chief executive of the Institute of Physics (IOP), said:
“We recognise that the government has made a positive financial commitment to science over the past ten years, and that the overall science funding announced today continues that commitment. However, the proportion of funding assigned to physics research, particularly through the STFC, is below that required and could jeopardise the renaissance of physics that we have seen over the last few years.
“We understand that there is a significant shortfall in funding, which could reduce the number of grants available to key university departments by 25% and severely weaken their financial position. It could also restrict the operation of some major scientific facilities which provide vital services to the wider science community from material science to medical research, and are not just limited to the field of physics.
“Physics is a strategic science which underpins many technological developments, and the research in fundamental physics and astronomy sponsored by STFC provides the inspiration that attracts many young researchers to the field. It would be a great pity if funding decisions made today threaten their viability in the longer term and discourage the next generation of UK physicists.
“We welcome the RCUK review of physics funding which we trust will address the serious structural funding issues which have led to this shortfall.”
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