UK to revamp physics funding

A report from BBC News reports that the United Kingdom is merging the two major bodies that oversee large-scale physics facilities: the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC) and the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PParc).

The hope is that the merger will result in a more integrated approach to major physics programs, utilizing the synergy among the resources of the two groups. Representatives from the two Councils have stated that this places the UK in "a much stronger position to help shape and exert greater leadership and leverage in the development of strategies" for major physics projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the world's largest particle physics laboratory.

Whether this results in more physics research, or more overall funding for current research, remains to be seen. The new integrated group is expected to be ready to assume its administration role by April 1, 2007.