Clive Lewis MP hosted a drop in session about the funding crisis in the science and technology research council (STFC).

We had a busy two hours talking to MPs and Peers. I think and hope we had some impact.

There is so much going on in the world, and Westminster, these days that it sometimes feel like whistling in the wind trying to make the case for particle physics and astronomy, and for research in general. But research, and the universities where most of it is done, are one of the areas where the UK is genuinely excellent, to the huge benefit of all of us (not just those of us who get paid for doing it…).

It is really sad to see our international standing damaged, top physics departments suffering, and excellent early-career researchers leaving either the country or the field because the current crisis. It is these long-term assets – people, reputation, facilities – which give us the capacity to deliver on high priority new technologies as the government wishes. But killing off the basic science capability to fund new priorities is a one-way street. And it’s a dead end.

So. It was encouraging to many members wanted to listen. I suspect and hope that Lord Vallance, the science minister, understands and cares about this. I hope that yesterday lobbying (and the link day today) can help him make the case in government for the resources, or maybe even just the flexibility, to prevent disaster.