Russell Group response to Physics Review

02 October 2008

Responding to the recommendations of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) review of Physics, chaired by Professor Bill Wakeham, the Director General of the Russell Group, Dr Wendy Piatt, said

“We welcome this review, which highlights the international success of UK physics. World class physics is key to the overall strength of research in our universities and underpins much of their cutting-edge research in medicine, engineering and other disciplines (1). Likewise the economic impact of physics-based sectors should not be underestimated. (2)

“Interdisciplinary research is a focus and strength of Russell Group institutions. (3) It is important that the value of interdisciplinary research and work across a broad range of physics disciplines is fully recognised and supported; however, it is equally necessary that support for basic physics research remains steadfast.

“The Russell Group remains concerned by some of the significant challenges facing physics. These include an increasing gap between state and private schools in providing qualified physics teachers, a longer term decline in numbers of students taking the subject, and poor representation of women and ethnic minorities. Russell Group universities are committed to working with schools and colleges to make sure that more students, from all backgrounds, have the opportunity and aspiration to pursue subjects such as physics and natural sciences. (4)

“The controversy over recent funding decisions by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has clearly been a difficult period for the physics community, and we hope this report’s recommendations will help the Government and the STFC address issues relating to the structure and governance of the Council. We also support the call for a better explanation of how regional economic policies might affect decision-making around science-funding and facilities.”
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Notes:

1. In 2006/07, Russell Group Universities received 74% of total sector income from research grants and contracts in physics (HESA finance returns)

2. Impacts have been realised through the provision of highly skilled graduates and post-graduates to diverse economic sectors, and by underpinning some of the most successful examples of commercialised research outputs from our institutions. For example, fundamental physics research at the university of Cambridge led directly to the formation of Plastic Logic Ltd, which was recently described as “the university spin out company with perhaps the greatest chance of achieving a multi-billion pound valuation”  (Spinning out quality: University spin-out companies in the UK. A briefing by Library House to accompany the event ‘Meet the Spin-Outs’ March 8th 2007)

3. The University of Manchester has established a school of non-linear Dynamics in collaboration with the school of mathematics; at the University of Nottingham, the MRI centre has remained part of the school of Physics and Astronomy, allowing the school to benefit from a diverse range of funding, including charities.

4. Roughly 80% of physics teachers in independent schools had a degree in physics, compared to only 30% of those in state schools. Almost one in four secondary schools in England no longer has any specialist physics teacher. (Smithers, A and P. Robinson (2005). “Physics in Schools and Colleges: Teacher Deployment and Student Outcomes”. Centre for Education and Employment Research, University of Buckingham.)

Between 1996 and 2006, A-level entries in physics fell by 11%.