Projects

The International Review of UK Physics and Astronomy Research 2005

Background to the Review

In November 2005, a Panel of international physicists and astronomers undertook a second Review of UK Physics and Astronomy Research, under the sponsorship of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC), the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) and the Institute of Physics.

The Review, which followed on from an initial review of physics and astronomy research undertaken in April 2000, reported on the quality, distribution of effort and future potential of research in physics and astronomy in the UK. The Review aimed to indicate areas of strength, weakness, improvement, decline and growth with respect to the preceding review.

The Review was undertaken by an international Panel of eminent physicists and astronomers who visited the UK during the week beginning 31 October 2005. The Panel was chaired by Professor Jürgen Mlynek, President of the Helmholtz Association, Germany. The panel members visited several university physics and astronomy departments and the CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. The Panel also had the opportunity to take evidence from relevant individuals involved in research, higher education and science policy.

The Review was organised by a Steering Group comprising: Professor Sir John Enderby (Chair; President, the Institute of Physics), Professor John O'Reilly (Chief Executive, EPSRC), Professor Keith Mason (Chief Executive, PPARC) and Professor Kathryn Whaler (President, the Royal Astronomical Society).


Latest news

11 May 2005: Official press release on the Second International Review is released to the media.

31 October 2005: International Review week begins.

4 November 2005: International Review week ends.

26 January 2006: Official press release on the eve of the launch of the Second International Review report is released to the media.

27 January 2006: International Perceptions of UK Research in Physics and Astronomy 2005 - the report of the Second International Review has been officially launched at a meeting at the Institute of Physics. The presentations made by Professor Peter Main, the Institute of Physics and Professor Jürgen Mlynek, Chair of the Panel, are available for download.

The report  can be downloaded in PDF.

21 April 2006: The Institute of Physics' Science Board has officially responded to the Panel's report.

The response can be downloaded in PDF.

24 April 2006: The Royal Astronomical Society have submitted their response to the Panel's report to Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation.