Physics Research Receives Strategic Funding

Nuclear physics research in the UK is to benefit from the formation a new nuclear physics theory group at the University of York. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is initially funding a nuclear physics theory chair and PhD studentship, while York will fund a nuclear physics theory lectureship. This strategic move in support of the UK’s national experimental programme, follows recognition of under-resourcing in this field, which was identified in a 2012 Institute of Physics report.

Professor Bob Wadsworth, from York’s Department of Physics, said: “The fact that there are only a handful of UK academics working on nuclear physics theory has been highlighted as a serious issue for the status of nuclear physics research in the UK.

“At the moment, experimental nuclear physicists working in the UK frequently need to seek support from theorists in Europe, Japan or the United States. Having more theorists in the UK will be invaluable to the UK nuclear physics community.

”Professor John Womersley, Chief Executive of STFC welcomed the announcement: “This initiative was identified as a priority, both in community consultation and by our advisory panels, which has led to STFC providing this additional funding to strengthen the UK programme in nuclear physics theory. This new collaboration between STFC and the University of York reinforces our commitment to help keep the UK at the forefront of nuclear physics research.”

Complementing the work already undertaken at York, the new theory group will also work closely with other groups at Manchester and Surrey Universities, as well as other groups across Europe and beyond.