EPSRC PS SAT 170708

EPSRC Physical Science SAT meeting 17 July 2008

This contains some background to the new Programme and makes some observations about similarities and differences between its different components. EPSRC are interested in the community’s reactions to these and welcome further observations.

PS SAT 2-08 Future Plans For Physical Sciences 2009-2011

These outline plans formed the basis of discussion and have informed the draft Delivery Programme (below) which will go to TOP and UP in September.

Main discussion points:

- Concern about the substantial shift in funds (50%) within Responsive Mode towards Programme and Platform Grants – and in particular the danger of squeezing out the core in the middle between First Grants and Progammes.

- “Managing Expectations”. Low (~25%) success rates in Responsive Mode were discussed. The comment was made from EPSRC that following the RAE there are more researchers in the system which has had a negative impact on success rates. Even more marked has been the significant raise in value and number of First Grants which has resulted in similar success rates to those in “regular” responsive mode (albeit still protected from the open competition). Consideration is being given to replacing the cap or at least giving much clearer guidelines as to what is expected. EPSRC clearly feel that there is an unrealistic expectation within Departments when appointing staff as to what is likely to be funded from EPSRC.

- Discussion about themed areas etc. and the observation that EPSRC seem to expect a very rapid change of direction in research. More effort should be made to allow more gradual changes and in particular giving the community plenty of notice of new directions to enable it to respond.

- Clarity in the budgets vital – in part to “manage expectations”, but also to monitor statistics in Responsive Mode as new schemes are rolled out.

PS SAT 3-08 International Reviews

You will find here:

- EPSRC’s draft response to the International Review of Materials – the Community will be given an opportunity to comment on a later version of this in August/September.

- The action plan for the International Review of Chemistry to be conducted in 2009 for information.

- UK Review of Physics (Wakeham): copy of the EPSRC input to this review – comments welcome

Physical Sciences Programme Plans 2009-2011 v1.0

Draft Delivery Programme (22/7) – deadline for me to forward comments to EPSRC is Monday 28/7.

Additional points:

- Restructuring of Responsive Mode Panels within the new Programme: EPSRC are working on this in-house over the Summer and expect to consult the SATS (probably by e-mail) in the Autumn. It is hoped the new structure will be in place for the 2009 financial year.

- Theoretical Physics/Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellows: following the recent restructuring of the various fellowship Schemes, the SAT was asked to comment whether these should be extended in length to 5 years. The initial response of the SAT was that they should remain at 2 years as this provided a very useful springboard right at the very beginning of a Research Career. Any further comments welcome.