Review of STFC Grant Funding mechanisms

STFC has decided to review how it delivers its support for the exploitation of facilities and experiments in the particle physics, astronomy, space and nuclear physics areas (including associated theoretical activity) in universities and other research groups. The review is a response to the need to ensure that our grant funding and delivery mechanisms are fit for purpose given the likely continued pressure on funding and the need to balance support for long term programmes with the need to retain funding flexibility.

The review Panel’s remit is to consider and recommend the most appropriate funding mechanisms to ensure that support aligns with STFC’s strategic goals, recognises and rewards science excellence, maintains critical mass and impact, meets the desire to exploit current and past investment in facilities and experiments, has the flexibility to respond to different needs and does not impose an undue administrative burden on the STFC or its community.

The Panel will be Chaired by Professor James Stirling of University of Cambridge, a member of STFC Council. As it works, the Panel will maintain close cooperation with the STFC Grants Panels on the developing options and resulting recommendations. There will also be an opportunity for the community to make an input at an appropriate point. The Panel is expected to deliver its report to the STFC Executive in the Autumn 2010.

Panel membership

• Chair – Professor James Stirling FRS, University of Cambridge
• Professor Mark Lancaster, University College London
• Professor Brian Fulton, University of York
• Professor Michael Bode, Liverpool John Moores University
• Professor Michael Merrifield, University of Nottingham
• Deborah Miller, STFC - Project Manager