November 2008 Issue 67
Keeping you in touch with opportunities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
www.epsrc.ac.uk
UK physics in ‘good health’ EPSRC is working with sister Research Councils, Government and other funding bodies to take forward the recommendations of the Review of UK Physics. The review, commissioned by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and led by Professor Bill Wakeham, found UK physics was in a healthy state and also highlighted areas to help further strengthen the discipline. Professor Wakeham, vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “UK physics is strong but faces important challenges. Physics in the UK has seen significant changes over the last 20 years, and the community must be confident that the current configuration serves the best interests of the UK. “UK physics enjoys excellent international standing and the role of physics and physicists is vital for other disciplines. A significant proportion of physics research takes place in non-physics departments. This provides evidence of both the pervasiveness of the discipline and the flexibility of physicists, but physics departments need to make sure that they maintain intellectual ownership of some parts of their discipline. “The value of physics to the UK is such that relative weaknesses in its structures and in the skills pipeline must be addressed. We have identified these areas, so it is now a case of strengthening them so that UK physics can continue to grow in stature.” The review panel examined the international status, funding arrangements, university provision, school education, careers and skill supply of physics.
Many positive aspects were identified including a modest increase in undergraduate numbers between 2002 to 2005, high average citation rates within academic publications, and high global standing in areas including astrophysics and solar system research. EPSRC chief executive Professor David Delpy thanked Professor Wakeham and the review panel for their work. He added: “Our job now is to work with colleagues at our sister Research Councils, the Department of Innovation Universities and Skills and the Higher Education Funding councils to carry forward the recommendations.” Professor Ian Diamond, Chair of the RCUK Executive Group, added: “We are extremely pleased that such an in-depth report has been produced, as it will be invaluable in assessing the future direction for UK physics. “The past few years have seen substantial investment in physics by the UK government, particularly in international scale facilities which provide a strong bridge to other disciplines and which are well placed to make a significant impact on the nation’s economy.” To read the full report and the Research Councils’ response log on to www.rcuk.ac.uk Further information: www.rcuk.ac.uk
A chance to influence EPSRC is seeking nominations for its three principal advisory bodies, the Technical Opportunities Panel (TOP), the User Panel (UP) and the Societal Issues Panel (SIP). Membership comprises experienced figures from the academic, industrial, and commercial communities, and the panels help to formulate policy by advising the EPSRC Executive and Council. The deadline for applications is 26 November 2008. Further information: www.epsrc.ac.uk/nominations
Professor Bill Wakeham who headed the Review of UK Physics
Inside 2 Cross-disciplinary questions and advice
2 Digital sandpit
3 Calls
Forthcoming EPSRC funding opportunities
collaboration 4 USopportunities