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date: 2 October 2008

embargo: For immediate release

TUC response to the Wakeham Review of UK physics

Responding to the publication of the Wakeham Review of UK physics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'The TUC welcomes the conclusion of Professor Wakeham that UK physics research is in a good state of health, with departments performing curiosity-driven research of the highest international quality.

'UK physics still faces major challenges. We need more students, at A-level and beyond, and we must address the low percentages of women and ethnic minority students in the discipline.

'In recent years, physics research expenditure has fallen behind compared with overall increases in the science budget. And given the current financial difficulties, the Government will come under severe pressure to further cut spending.

'But increasing the quality and quantity of UK science has to be a central part of the long-term response to the current economic situation. The best way the Government can achieve this is by putting future physics funding on a more secure footing.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The Wakeham Review of UK physics can be accessed from the Research Councils UK website at www.rcuk.ac.uk

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 2 Oct 2008