Enquiring into UK Astronomy
Apparently I still have a few readers in the UK, so I thought I’d share a bit of news aimed at them.
It seems the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee of the House of Commons has initiated an inquiry into ” how well placed the UK astronomy sector is to showcase the UK as a science superpower and maximise its leadership in international programmes”. Apparently this will examine the status of the UK’s astronomical research base and assets, UK access to international astronomical facilities and contribution to international programmes. It will also explore astronomy’s potential contribution to the UK economy and what considerations should inform the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s next Strategic Delivery Plan, due in 2026.
I don’t know why STFC doesn’t just use ChatGPT to write its strategic plan like everyone else, but there you go.
Anyway, the Committee welcomes submissions addressing any or all of the following:
- The strengths and weaknesses of UK astronomy and how these compare to other nations
- The opportunities and challenges facing UK astronomy and whether it is receiving sufficient support
- What the aims and focus of UK astronomy should be
- The extent to which UK astronomy contributes to the UK’s status as a science superpower
- Whether the UK is maximising the contribution that astronomy can make to the wider UK economy
- What role astronomy is playing in encouraging greater diversity and inclusion in STEM and public interest in science
To find out more information and/or submit a submission go here. The deadline is 27th October.
Have fun!
In the Dark 
September 14, 2023 at 8:26 pm
Submitting informed, carefully-thought-out, written evidence to a parliamentary select committee can be an interesting experience, especially if the evidence is quoted in the final committee report, or the contributor is subsequently called as an oral witness before the committee.
My advice is be accurate and be precise. Be concise. Write only what you could back up with evidence if asked. Give examples from your own experience to illustrate your general points. Do not exaggerate. Do not understate. Do not try to settle scores. Remember that everything is public. Supporters and enemies of you and your colleagues will be watching, and some might try to abuse any clumsy comments you make. (Enemies, if there any, might include civil servants in the Treasury.)
September 14, 2023 at 8:27 pm
It seems like an excellent opportunity for all those worried about the culture in UK astronomy (bullying, sexual harassment, prejudice) to raise concerns.
The poor treatment of early career researchers and those on fixed term contracts might be another matter to discuss.
The more people raising these issues, the more likely we can get the Committee to listen.
September 14, 2023 at 8:43 pm
Yes, absolutely.
People concerned about these vital issues should see this as an opportunity to express their concerns. And such opportunities come only very rarely. The opportunity should not be lost.
September 19, 2023 at 5:11 pm
“The poor treatment of early career researchers and those on fixed term contracts might be another matter to discuss.”
Do you have a suggested solution to this? It’s tricky when such posts are always tied to specific grants.
In particle physics there is sort of a solution – for example experiments often have small armies of software and hardware experts funded via the Consolidated Grants (which renew and hence are de-facto open ended jobs) to focus on building/maintaining the experiments. But these people are often funnelled away from physics data analysis. So this might not be really a “physicist” in some peoples eyes.
“RSE” groups solved this by using open ended contracts and moving people to new projects when funding ends and new funding appears for something else. I know of medical statistics groups that do something similar too, because they know they always have new projects coming.
September 15, 2023 at 7:49 am
Superpower… maximise leadership in international programmes … it ain’t half hot mum ?