Author: Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Science and Technology Committee

Publisher: The Stationery Office

Published: 2011-05-13

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 9780215559487

The Science and Technology Committee warns that the UK's prominence in astronomy and particle physics, and its ability to attract and inspire the next generation of scientists in these areas, could be at risk if reduced budgets hit the UK's growth prospects, reputation and expertise. Although science did relatively well in the recent Spending Review, funding for astronomy sees a total reduction of 21% over the next four years compared with 2010-11. More starkly, comparing 2014/15 with 2005, spending in astronomy and particle physics will be around 50% lower than its level six years ago. This is worrying, particularly when set against the planned increased investment in science and innovation by the UK's international peers as part of long-term strategies to ensure economic growth. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) - the research council which funds research and facility development in astronomy, particle physics and nuclear physics - is risking the UK's ability to stay at the forefront of future developments by focusing its astronomy and particle physics programmes into fewer areas. A case in point is the UK's planned withdrawal from all Northern Hemisphere optical and ground based astronomical facilities, which could see UK leadership and competitive advantage being handed over to international peers. The Committee is also highly critical of past STFC strategies, especially its failure to incorporate into policy documents details of the planned withdrawals. The report also addresses the future of the National Schools Observatory and outreach, which is essential to inspire the next generation of scientists.