This post is a bit unusual for me, perhaps, but recently there have been very disturbing reports in the media concerning the funding of physics in the UK: in particular, particle physics and astronomy. These are fields in which the UK is world-renowned. They include such prestige facilities as the Diamond Synchrotron Light Source (Oxfordshire) which, quite apart from its importance in relation to fundamental physics per se, has the potential to revolutionise research in other crucial areas like molecular biology and the quest to eradicate hereditary diseases.
It would seem that these research disciplines are facing financial cuts of around 25% - unprecedented in recent HE history; and certainly bizarre, coming at a time when the government has stated its commitment to education in the physical sciences, and claims to want to redress the shortfall in student applications to physics (and related) degrees.
For more details about the government's proposals, you might want to read this "New Scientist" article. Meanwhile, one of my friends (and an astrophyscist) from my old Leeds-University days has contacted me to let me know about this on-line petition: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Physics-Funding/
As I'm a Member of the Institute of Physics I have, naturally, signed it; but any of you who are sympathetic to the cause can add your voice by clicking on the above link - and I sincerely hope you will. (You must be resident in the UK, so unfortunately my international friends will not be able to sign. Sorry about that).
Let's keep physics alive in the UK!
Cheers,
Mike
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