News from Council - January 2011

STFC Council met on 25 January to review the outcome of the Government's research funding allocation announced in late December, and to discuss development of the Operating Plan for 2011-12.

Council recognised that the research allocation sent an extremely positive message for British science, especially in the current difficult economic climate facing the UK public sector. Council considered the 'lessons learnt' from the spending review process, including the importance of engaging with the science and innovation community, cooperation and coordination across the Research Councils, and regular feedback and interactions between Councils and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Council agreed STFC's allocation was a welcome recognition by government of the quality of STFC science, and was a credit to the organisation's preparations, particularly the strength of engagement with STFC's staff and science community.

Council noted that the major facilities - ISIS, Central Laser Facility and Diamond - received an allocation agreed by all Research Councils. This would provide a baseline operation for ISIS and CLF, and full operation for Diamond, to meet the requirements of users funded by the other Research Councils. Council agreed STFC should continue efforts to expand opportunities for other users of these facilities. Council also welcomed the full funding, in both resource and capital, the requirements of the international subscriptions STFC manages on behalf of the UK research base – CERN, ESO, ILL and ESRF.

Council was particularly pleased that the allocation was based on the three budgetary partitions announced in March 2010 by the government - international subscriptions, UK large facilities and the core programme. This approach would avoid the transfer of possible future financial pressures to other parts of the programme, especially grants.

Council examined implementation issues around the development of the Operating Plan, including plans to maintain extensive consultation with the science community and staff, and noted the proposed restructuring of STFC presented challenges for the organisation. Science Board presented its review of the funding allocation which identified a range of issues for further consideration by Council and the executive, particularly in relation to further engagement with the science community on specific aspects of STFC's forward plans such as development of campus centres, and the importance of maintaining a vigorous public engagement programme.

Council thanked Science Board for its advice, and asked for further consideration of specific issues. Council also provided advice to the executive on a range of issues for report back at future meetings.