The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is at noon today (19th December) launching a consultation on its strategy, which will be open until 20th March 2009. The emerging strategy outlines the overarching vision and strategic aims of the Council and details the Operational Strategy for Science, Technology & Facilities, along with the approach to Economic Impact and Education & Skills Training.
Today also sees the publication of the Organisational Review of STFC, commissioned by DIUS. The STFC self assessment, external panel report & recommendations and STFC's response can be found at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/review/stfcor/default.htm from noon.
The strategy consultation is open to all and seeks input on the future direction of the Research Council. The strategy will form the basis for future spending and prioritisation decisions made by the Council and a framework for its consultation and advisory system.
The UK Research Councils support a broad range of scientific research, which makes a core contribution to the advanced skills and knowledge base of the country. STFC enables a great deal of this research through the direct provision of large research facilities, or through international subscriptions, which contribute across the science base.
Working with the other Research Councils and the broader research base STFC will deliver maximum scientific, economic and societal benefits to the UK by:
- providing world-leading science facilities and associated technologies, and leveraging the UK position in the choice and location of international facilities as appropriate;
- taking the UK lead in supporting world-class research in astronomy, nuclear and particle physics, and space science;
- maximising the impact of our science and technology, including through the Science and Innovation Campuses and Gateway Centres, to generate skills and public engagement and to transfer knowledge and create economic impact.
The shape and direction of our overall science programme is based on decades of deliberate, evolutionary, targeted investment. The future challenges are large and will require us to make further strategic selections based on scientific, economic and societal drivers. The planned allocation of resources between the various areas that we support, for the period 2008-11 covered in the Comprehensive Spending Review of 2007, is shown in the strategy. The total planned expenditure for the three-year period is approximately £1.8 billion.