Ministers review physics funding

[Rick]

The government is to review its funding for physics after scientists warned of an £80m research shortfall.

Leading physicists criticised the threatened cutbacks which they said could "damage" physics research.

Science Minister Ian Pearson said funding arrangements would be reviewed, but did not promise extra money.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7137387.stm

This morning's report on "Today" suggested that astronomy would be particularly badly hit.

[Rick]

Unforeseen increases in the running costs of flagship science projects may result in hundreds of top UK physics brains losing their jobs, boffins have warned. The government has reportedly agreed to consider extra funding, but offers no guarantees.

The BBC reports today that the funding problems lie within the budget of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), one of the seven research councils through which the UK funds its boffinry.

More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/12/11/big_science_boffin_cutbacks_diamond_synchrotron_budget/

[Sue]

Adding this message from above here too. As well as signing the petition to downing street

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Physics-Funding/

please write to your MP through this web site,

www.writetothem.com

- makes it really easy. If enough people register their concern individuals can make a difference!

[mickw]

I think one of the other questions that should be asked should be directed to the science community.
Question being -  the wisdom of ditching Gemini rather than one of the duplicated hemisphere observatories.
Or am I missing something

Something from the Gemini website -
http://www.gemini.edu/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=260