Following the recent publication of the UK government's Comprehensive Spending Review, Professor Marshall Stoneham, President of the Institute of Physics (IOP), has expressed relief that the science budget has been spared from deep cuts.
There is still much uncertainty, particularly surrounding the financial health of universities, he said. However, it is good news for UK science that the government recognises the value of a strong scientific research base to the economy, he added. This would be complemented by investment in an elite network of R&D intensive technology and innovation centres.
According to Stoneham, even with a flat cash settlement, the next few years will be challenging ones. The science community will need to work very hard to maintain the excellence of research, retain the best young researchers and avoid any damage to the country's international reputation in a world where many other countries are increasing their investment in research, he said.
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