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The UK Situation

The UK Situation. The UK Situation. Recent WSO activities UK political situation Relevance to WSO and prospects. Recent Activities. September 2005 – UK scientific delegation to China WSO core part of the programme February 2006 – Invited presentation to PPARC Astronomy Advisory Panel

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The UK Situation

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  1. The UK Situation

  2. The UK Situation • Recent WSO activities • UK political situation • Relevance to WSO and prospects

  3. Recent Activities • September 2005 – UK scientific delegation to China • WSO core part of the programme • February 2006 – Invited presentation to PPARC Astronomy Advisory Panel • Well received • April 2006 – WSO presentation at National Astronomy Meeting • Continued strong interest

  4. WSO in the UK Context • UK has a long-standing UV involvement • Still has active community & need for access • UK has specific relevant & unique expertise • High spatial resolution, large format UV detectors • Pipeline data processing

  5. WSO in the UK Context • Need to identify focus for UK proposal • Most likely some aspect of detector provision or data processing • Mismatch of UK science/instrument expertise • E.g. high resolution science vs. low dispersion or imaging contribution • Science case less mature for the latter • Need clearly defined time allocation rules • Need to bid against a well defined role in an approved instrument

  6. UK Political Situation • UK Government supporting science in a big way • E.g. 2nd largest contributor to ESA Aurora (optional) programme • PPARC finances still limited for new projects • However, future of PPARC under review • Could lead to new opportunities

  7. UK Political Situation • Creation of a new research council • May lever new money • Reorganise space responsibilities • Positive incentive in PPARC to “fully fund” existing programmes & approve new ones • To “grow” the volume of Astronomy etc. before changes • Strong desire of UK government to engage with emerging powers • E.g. China… good leverage for WSO

  8. The Way Forward • Define the possible UK role • In the context of the approved mission • Develop the relevant science cases • E.g. Low dispersion spectrograph? • Submit “Statement of Interest” • Standard procedure for new projects • If successful, invited to submit full proposal

  9. Time Allocation – A Personal View • Completely pro-rata division against financial contribution • Disincentive for small participants • Difficulties in gaining approval from funders • Competitive Guest Observer programme • Open to all: fulfill aims of WW and help leverage of small contributors • Scientifically very healthy • Guest/Mission Scientist programme • Provide early involvement in core programmes • Route for non-instrument providers

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