The Government’s plans to change the way the physical sciences are publically funded and organised in the UK has been met with a mixed reaction form the scientific community
Could a change in physical science organisation hinder current research?
The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) and the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC) will be merged to create a new Large Facilities Council.
While being jointly welcomed by Professor John Wood, Chief Executive of CCLRC and Professor Keith Mason, Chief Executive of PPARC, unions have warned that the move could threaten existing research.
Sue Ferns, director of research for scientists’ union Prospect, said: “Experience shows that when research facilities are subsumed into larger bodies, such as the Horticulture Research International’s move to the University of Warwick, they lose their identity and the specialist work they undertake can fall by the wayside.”
She added: “Our members also have wider concerns that the new council will presage further cuts in funding for physical sciences and the early haemorrhage of key staff from the research councils concerned.”
Despite concerns many hope the merger will put physical science in the UK in a stronger position.
Professor Keith Mason of PPARC said: “The new Council presents an enormously exciting opportunity for the UK science and engineering base”.
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