Juxtaposition of these two stories in my timeline seems highly ironic. If the UK can’t afford (or doesn’t want to) properly operate big facilities like Diamond which clearly support our industrial strategy, how can we even contemplate a multi billion share of a new particle accelerator?

After particle physics and astronomy, STFC's large facilities are next at risk for cuts: www.theguardian.com/education/20...

There is absolutely no reason to transfer PPAN grants to EPSRC - especially right now, as the funding associated with any transfer would undoubtedly be at the planned reduced level and hence too low to sustain them properly. It would simply move the problem from one council to another within UKRI.

What is the "Drayson Partition", why was it created, and what was it guaranteeing? 👉@johnwomersley.bsky.social makes it clear to UKRI and STFC after they seem to have abandoned it. ⏪In case you missed it: particle physics, astronomy, and nuclear physics research are facing huge cuts in the UK...

I just sent this letter to the Science Minister and the CEO of UKRI concerning STFC's budgets

Back in your box, particle physicists and astronomers! Shut up and suck it up, because (a) STFC is a chronic financial basket case and needs to be sorted out and (b) UKRI is doing important work, and Ian Chapman needs support 🤷 open.substack.com/pub/profseri...

University physics heads warn Vallance of STFC cuts impact. Cuts “inconsistent” with government plan for growth, says open letter urging science minister to act. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...

Fears over STFC cost-savings plan aired since September 2025. Oversight body repeatedly raised concerns over “lack of transparency” with research community. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...

If you are a physics teacher in the uk, or know one, please consider signing this open letter on the impact of cuts to the funding for astronomy research: ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...

Yes. Interesting to see a VC say this.

UK soft power latest

I understand the angle here, but I wouldn't want people to think that all this furore is just about LHCb. STFC plans to cut particle physics and astronomy research in the UK by 30%. That means one in three researchers risk losing their jobs. One in three university groups may close. Serious shit.

STFC ‘has chosen facilities over saving grants’, claims ex-adviser. Cambridge astrophysicist says science board was told of “long-term cut” to external grants programme. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...

Full discussion of the ins and outs here: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg ⚛️🧪

Draconian cuts to physics by the UK government are unacceptable. They damage the UK's science base and threaten our reputation as a reliable international scientific partner. Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains how *you* can stand up for physics. Full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg ⚛️🧪

🔊 Calling UK early career researches in astro, particle & nuclear physics. Please sign this open response to the proposed cuts at STFC ⚛️🧪🔭 "Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people" ✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io

I think a lot of the physicists here had written popular books on fundamental physics. They enjoyed outreach and presenting science. I imagine the chance to share one's ideas and present them to people like Bill Gates was attractive in itself

The motivation for a new Future Circular Collider at @cern.bsky.social is scientific curiosity not creating a "universal basic income for physicists", as some might contend. Pooling resources is taxpayer friendly! Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains! Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/WtOuz... 🧪⚛️

Should @cern.bsky.social accept private donations to help fund its core scientific mission? There is clearly an economic incentive, but also challenges around perception, undue influence etc Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterwoth discuss! Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/zXimw... 🧪⚛️

@cern.bsky.social 's Future Circular Collider program is scientifically well motivated. However, concerns remain regarding financing, tech development and locking the community into a long term vision. Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains! Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/Uojh2... ⚛️🧪

Speaking of UKRI, this was a really interesting analysis by @johnwomersley.bsky.social of the political factors that have shaped the agency and its new direction. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...

Fantastic episode of the Nu's Night Podcast discussing the future of European particle physics and CERN with Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterworth. What might European particle physics look like in the coming decades and why? Full discussion: youtube.com/watch?v=4ipN... 🧪⚛️

What is UKRI for, and do the people in charge know? www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...

“The reality must be that this work stream had drifted really far off course for this kind of dramatic action to be felt necessary so late in the process,” says @johnwomersley.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/last-mi... via @jgro-the.bsky.social

My thoughts on how UKRI might use the REF (QR funding) and grants to drive universities to specialise more - via @timeshighered.bsky.social @jgro-the.bsky.social

Public backing for research is “broad but shallow”, with less than a third of Britons able to list how it helps the UK, their region or their family, suggests new polling https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/broad-shallow-support-leaves-public-unsure-rd-benefits

This is just another version of that blue or gold dress meme, isn't it?

John Womersley on what the future holds for UK R&D "In this new world, expect big shifts in funding towards research needed to underpin new defence capabilities, basic industrial capacity, food security, medicines manufacturing, data centres and national artificial intelligence capabilities"