News from Science Board - January 2011

The STFC Delivery Plan (PDF - 749kB - link opens in a new window) was published on 20th December 2010. Between now and the start of the fiscal year on April 1, the STFC Executive will develop an implementation plan to translate the commitments in the Delivery Plan into an Operations Plan for 2011/12. To aid construction of this plan advice was requested from the STFC science committees (Science Board, PPAN and PALS) in a number of areas.

PALS and PPAN conducted their business on 10th January 2011 and 12th January 2011 respectively, at University College London. The majority of the meetings were devoted to the advice required for the implementation of the Delivery Plan. The STFC Executive provided several open questions for discussion by PPAN and PALS and the outcome of these discussions were provided to Science Board. Other business conducted by PALS included an update of the Healthcare and Ageing Review and future science reviews that PALS will undertake. PPAN also received the Astronomy Grants Panel’s report on the 2010-11 grants round, and provided advice on the proposed transfer of one of the three Advanced LIGO detectors from Hanford to Australia.

STFC’s Science Board then met on 13th January 2011 at University College London. Science Board also devoted the majority of its business to a discussion on the scientific advice required for the implementation of the Delivery Plan. Science Board noted the excellent work done by Council and the Executive in producing the STFC Delivery Plan. Science Board acknowledged the relatively good outcome from the spending review in the current economic climate and recognised Government’s support for science and technology. Science Board discussed the comments and recommendations given from PPAN and PALS and agreed with their views; from this Science Board synthesised advice to aid Council.

Science Board also received an update on a light touch review of STFC’s Scientific Advisory Structure and was invited to comment on proposed changes to the structure. Science Board was supportive of the need for change especially given the reductions in STFC’s administration budget and provided advice to ensure the most appropriate advisory structure will be created.

The next meeting of Science Board will take place on 29th and 30th March 2011.