Why fund us at all? ‘Selling’ astronomy in the UK

Robert Massey

The Royal Astronomical Society

• ‘Learned Society’: began life as Astronomical Society of London in 1820; received royal charter in 1831

• “…encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science.”

• William Herschel was first president; current incumbent is Prof David Southwood (until 2014)

Membership

The Royal Astronomical Society

Officers and Council

Committees

(Astronomy Forum)

Points of contact

Secretariat

The good news… (!)

• UK astronomy and space science ranked global 1st in citation impact; 2nd in publications (Science and Technology Facilities Council - STFC)

• UK in E-ELT, SKA, increased role in ESA• ‘STEM attractor effect’ accepted by UK

government (see e.g. Osborne and Collins 2000, 2003)

• STFC retains public engagement commitment

The good news…

• 5215 places accepted on physics first degree courses in 2012 (up 53% since 2004; UCAS)

Good news

• 928 places accepted on ‘astronomy’ first degree courses in 2012 (up 60% since 2007; UCAS)

More astronomy in the media…

Stories from NAM in 2012...

But…

• UK Spending Review could see further cash cuts to resources (20% in real terms from 2010-15)

• 56% cut in capital from 2010-15• Postdoc numbers down 50% since 2007• EU and Scottish referenda → additional

uncertainty (and weak European engagement)• Still an overwhelmingly white male community

Education and outreach

Political engagement

Research (e.g. demographics, impact)

Consultation responses

New programmes

Curriculum proposals

Politics and publics

Political engagement

• Meetings with ministers, MPs, MEPs...• Science policy events in Westminster,

Holyrood, Cardiff and Stormont• Current inquiries into Scottish independence,

scientific infrastructure, EU / UK competences and Women in STEM careers

• Stepping up work on diversity

Using the media…

Publications• What has astronomy ever done for us?• First booklet cited in Hansard (to my surprise)• Second booklet out now… Targeting MPs who

represent labs, observatories

Policy: (small) successes

• Ministers talk about astronomy!!• Cuts exacerbated by difficult funding

structure, exchange rate shifts etc – partly solved after intensive lobbying

• Astronomy Forum → far better community relations

• Flat cash budget from 2010-15• UK Space Agency• Continued access to La Palma site

Can the community help?

• Invite local MPs, MSPs, MEPs to see work in situ

• Take part in pairing schemes

• Tell us what they think – and want!

Any Questions?