The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) today expressed its deep disappointment at the level of cuts to UK astronomy research announced by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). These savings amount to at least BP80m over three years, with a further BP40m likely to be cut to create headroom for UK involvement in new projects.
The RAS does however welcome the announcement by the Secretary of State at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, that he is setting up an independent review into the health of physics. The Society will participate fully in the review, where it will express its belief that the vitality of physics in the UK depends on a vibrant programme of ‘blue skies’ research in areas such as astrophysics.
Cuts announced include UK participation in the Gemini South observatory in Chile, all UK research in ground-based solar-terrestrial physics and high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, UK involvement in the astronomical observatory on La Palma, and large cuts (~50%) at the Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh.
Astronomy projects likely to be cut in part, subject to the current Programmatic Review being carried out by STFC, include: the UK InfraRed Telescope (UKIRT), UK research in ground-based gravitational wave astronomy, UK involvement in the Dark Energy Survey, the Zepplin3 underground search for dark matter, the robotic Liverpool Telescope, the Merlin radio telescope centred on Jodrell Bank and the Astrogrid project, which was to form the UK contribution to a global virtual observatory. These will all have to compete against new project proposals for a contingency fund set aside by STFC.
The RAS welcomes the concession by STFC that they will seek to negotiate continuing access to the Gemini North observatory on Hawaii, as requested by the Society two weeks ago. Without Gemini North, UK astronomers will have no access to giant telescopes in the northern hemisphere and will find it increasingly difficult to compete with their peers overseas.
Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson, President of the RAS commented:
‘I welcome John Denham’s decision to review physics funding and the RAS will be keen to be involved, but this needs to be set against the immediate impact of these cuts on UK Physics Departments. The Government needs to recognise that astrophysics, space science and solar system science make a direct contribution to the UK economy through spin-off and knowledge transfer on time-scales which can be surprisingly short.
The students and postgraduates that we train are highly skilled and sought after by industry and the financial sector. Astrophysics and particle physics are major attractors of students, including international students, into university physics courses. For example, my Physics Department at Imperial College receives 40% of its research funding from astrophysics, space science and particle physics and 90% of our students said that these fields were the reason they chose to study physics. Astronomy and space also play an important role in attracting school-children towards science.’
CONTACT
Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson
President
Royal Astronomical Society
Tel: +44 (0)1502 725 223
Mob: +44 (0)781 793 9950
E-mail: m.rrobinson@imperial.ac.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 3000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.
