(2) what steps he has taken to ensure that the UK Astronomy Technology Centre remains operational prior to the publication of the Wakeham review.
[holding answer 29 February 2008]: I have received a number of representations from the general public about the funding of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC). UKATC, which is owned by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is a world leader in the design and construction of instruments to many of the world’s major telescopes. However, STFC’s demand for its services has declined since the UK joined the European Southern Observatory in 2002.
The STFC is looking at the future of the Astronomy Technology Centre in relation to the potential demand for its services and the council’s science budget allocation. STFC is exploring the possibility of a partnership that makes use of the unique skills in the ATC and applies them to a wider portfolio, and it will look to work with the local universities and local funding agencies in taking that forward. It is too early to say what the outcome of these discussions will be.
STFC issued a notice on 2 January calling for voluntary redundancies across all its activities. In line with previous announcements, the SRS (Synchrotron Radiation Source) at Daresbury will close on 31 December 2008 but STFC has not taken a decision on whether any compulsory redundancies (other than those relating to SRS) will be needed.
The cross-council review led by Bill Wakeham, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton university, and commissioned by Research Councils UK, will examine the health of physics research and I expect the review panel to report to RCUK over summer 2008.