Funding Crisis
In late 2007, it was revealed that there was a massive hole in the STFC budget. It is expected that there are likely to be ≈25% funding cuts in astronomy grants. In addition STFC is undertaking other cost-saving measures by cutting down on various facilities, for instance Gemini south. The effect of cuts on STFC-funded research fellowships is yet to be decided.
The UK astronomy, particle-physics and nuclear-physics communities are extremely concerned about the funding cuts. Roger Davies said "I don't think the PPARC Council would have gone along with the merger if it had realised this would be the outcome". On 23 March 2010, the ongoing STFC crisis was the topic of a 90 minute Private Members' Debate in Westminster Hall, on the "Future of Physics Research."
Read more about this topic: Science And Technology Facilities Council
Famous quotes containing the word crisis:
“The change from storm and winter to serene and mild weather, from dark and sluggish hours to bright and elastic ones, is a memorable crisis which all things proclaim. It is seemingly instantaneous at last.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)