Subscribe now

Editorial: UK physics cuts bite deep

30 January 2008

A MONTH after British physicists heard that £80 million had been wiped off their budgets, the full extent of the damage is starting to show. Hundreds of jobs will go and at least two university physics departments look likely to close. Furthermore, the UK will lose the ability to make the best of those international collaborations in which it is still taking part.

When the Science and Technology Facilities Council announced the cuts in December, it said it would withdraw from the international group that funds the two large Gemini telescopes. UK astronomers asked for a reprieve on the northernmost…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop