Astronomy and particle physics : report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence.
- Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Select Committee on Science and Technology
- Date:
- 2011
Licence: Open Government Licence
Credit: Astronomy and particle physics : report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![3 Other funding issues 51. Setting aside the impact on current and future astronomical facilities, a number of other issues related to the STFC’s budget settlement and planned funding for astronomy and particle physics over the next four years were raised during our inquiry. The following chapter outlines concerns that were raised to us related to capital funding and how and where it will be spent, particularly in relation to instrumentation research and development (R&D) and future particle accelerator technologies and the impact on the UK’s existing infrastructure. The impact of budget reductions on the UK’s international reputation and the diversity of the STFC’s programme are also discussed. STFC grants 52. First we will look at a problem encapsulated by Professor Stephen Hawking, Director of Research at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Theoretical Cosmology, when he noted in his submission to us: “It has been said that not all research and development comes from our Universities, but that all the researchers do”.” 53. In its delivery plan for the next four years, the STFC has stated that it “will maintain resource spending on grants and keep studentship numbers constant, and will transition all our grant support to a new consolidated grants mechanism”.” Appendix B to the plan indicates resource spending on research grants will be £69 million in 2011/12 rising to £75 million in 2014/15.”° 54. In the past, as we have noted, there have been financial tensions in having responsibility for international science projects, large scientific facilities, and domestic grants within a single research council. The problems were highlighted in our predecessor Committee’s 2009/10 report, The impact of spending cuts on science and research, and in paragraph 4 above.” Stability in funding for research grants has now been promised with the allocation of separate STFC budgets for its international subscriptions distinct from its core programme. This should put an end to past problems where the STFC grant provision was seen as a resource that could be raided to fund shortfalls in the STFC’s international commitments.”® 55. Nevertheless, there still remains a strategic tension between investing in individuals while, at the same time, ensuring those individuals have access to world-class facilities. The argument whether people or facilities should be prioritised in terms of investment is clearly a complex one that will be revisited if and when science funding increases. As Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Space Scientist at Astrium Ltd and Science Innovation Ltd, said to us, “I don’t think you can ignore facilities, but at the same time you do need the inspiration of 74 Ev w27, para 1 ” STFC, STFC Delivery Plan 2011/12-2014/15, December 2010, p 1 is Mo 2 at paragraph 13 above shows future STFC budgets for studentships and fellowships in astronomy and particle physics. 7” HC 335-1 (2009-10), paras 44-52 78 Q 95 [Professor Bode]](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b3222204x_0026.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
