News from Science Board - April 2010

STFC’s Science Board held its most recent meeting on 7th-8th April 2010 at Polaris House in Swindon. Science Board’s business included the PPAN (Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics) and PALS (Physical and Life Sciences) update reports, discussion on the future role of Science Board, update from the Director and the Science and Technology roadmaps.

Science Board’s main business was a discussion on the future role of Science Board within STFC in light of the proposals from the Drayson Review and the steps being taken to create a UK Space Agency. Science Board discussed its past achievements and debated its role and that of PPAN and PALS within the changing structure of STFC. There was general agreement that STFC needs a Science Board, and that its role is crucial during the coming months of change, but there is some sense that its future role may evolve within the STFC structure. Science Board agreed that there is a requirement for PPAN and PALS within the STFC advisory structure. Science Board will have an introspective meeting later this year to consider these issues in more detail whilst noting that any changes in funding arrangements will not come into effect until 2011.

Science Board received reports from the chair of PPAN and chair of PALS.

PPAN met on 24th – 25th March 2010 at Polaris House, Swindon. PPAN’s main business included a review of lessons learnt from the prioritisation exercise, a meeting with the Advisory Panel Chairs to discuss the science roadmap and providing advice to STFC on the impact of the LHC schedule delay. PPAN also considered one statement of interest: ISIS Hemispheric Imager on the NASA Solar Probe Plus Mission.

PALS met on 11th – 12th March 2010 at the Imperial College London. The first day of business included a Healthcare and Ageing review, which is the first of a series of reviews of different science areas to enable PALS to develop strategic advice for STFC. The second day included interviews with Facility Directors regarding the implementation of the prioritisation exercise. Other business included information for future prioritisation exercises and future roadmaps and long term work plan.

Science Board was presented with an update on STFC’s future plans for Science and Technology roadmaps. A workshop for the technology roadmap is planned for July 2010 to identify new technologies and identify technology that needs to be retained. The process plan for the science roadmap was presented to Science Board, the publication of this roadmap is expected to be in early 2011; the science roadmap will be aimed at the science community rather than government bodies.

Science Board noted that Council will be setting up a sub committee to develop comprehensive spending review scenarios for the expected spending review after the general election. STFC is internally evaluating scenarios to explore options. Science Board and its committees will be invited to input in these discussions where possible.

The next meeting of Science Board will take place on 2nd-3rd June 2010.