Clare Burrage
@clareburrage.bsky.social
Cosmologist at the University of Nottingham
Reposted by Clare Burrage
Today the astro-community discussed the devastating proposed 30% cuts to our research funding, cuts that will be offsetting (some of the) rising costs at UK facilities that we don't use. Hard not to feel victimised when those same facilities make a fanfare announcement about an expensive facelift. 🔭
The Harwell Campus has announced a 25-year expansion plan, with better connections to Didcot and Wantage, a “walking first” campus, greater public accessibility, and new research buildings – including a brand new postgraduate Harwell Institute of Technology.
February 16, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Today the astro-community discussed the devastating proposed 30% cuts to our research funding, cuts that will be offsetting (some of the) rising costs at UK facilities that we don't use. Hard not to feel victimised when those same facilities make a fanfare announcement about an expensive facelift. 🔭
Huge cuts to PPAN postdocs, but we can afford an adventure playground.
The first phase would see a new “accelerator quarter for start-ups and scale-ups”, plus upgraded National Facilities for cutting-edge research, such as the Diamond II upgrade and the Extreme Photonics Application Centre. A new hotel, community hub, and science adventure playground are planned.
February 16, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Huge cuts to PPAN postdocs, but we can afford an adventure playground.
The PPAN budget gets a 30% cut, and Harwell gets an expansion plan.
The Harwell Campus has announced a 25-year expansion plan, with better connections to Didcot and Wantage, a “walking first” campus, greater public accessibility, and new research buildings – including a brand new postgraduate Harwell Institute of Technology.
February 16, 2026 at 11:41 AM
The PPAN budget gets a 30% cut, and Harwell gets an expansion plan.
Reposted by Clare Burrage
STFC's science board was told of "long-term cut" to grants for physics and astronomy researchers, former member claims.
STFC, which funds both major facilities and grants, plans cuts of £162m by 29-20, as @resprofnews.bsky.social has revealed.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
STFC, which funds both major facilities and grants, plans cuts of £162m by 29-20, as @resprofnews.bsky.social has revealed.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
STFC ‘has chosen facilities over saving grants’, claims ex-adviser - Research Professional News
Cambridge astrophysicist says science board was told of “long-term cut” to external grants programme
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:32 PM
STFC's science board was told of "long-term cut" to grants for physics and astronomy researchers, former member claims.
STFC, which funds both major facilities and grants, plans cuts of £162m by 29-20, as @resprofnews.bsky.social has revealed.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
STFC, which funds both major facilities and grants, plans cuts of £162m by 29-20, as @resprofnews.bsky.social has revealed.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Reposted by Clare Burrage
Thanks to @iansample.bsky.social at the Guardian for covering the devastating funding cuts that are being proposed for UK (astro)physics, and the dire impact these would have on young researchers. Will UKRI/STFC reconsider? Will the UKGov step in?🤞👩🔬🧪⚛️🔭
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
February 7, 2026 at 8:08 AM
Thanks to @iansample.bsky.social at the Guardian for covering the devastating funding cuts that are being proposed for UK (astro)physics, and the dire impact these would have on young researchers. Will UKRI/STFC reconsider? Will the UKGov step in?🤞👩🔬🧪⚛️🔭
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Reposted by Clare Burrage
I, along with many other UKRI, STFC and RS fellows are signing this open letter on the STFC cuts. The proposed reductions will devastate UK astronomy and the researchers who make it possible. Please read, share, and, if a fellow, sign.
advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
#astro
advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
#astro
Advanced Fellows Response to UKRI Investment Approach
advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io
February 6, 2026 at 3:41 PM
I, along with many other UKRI, STFC and RS fellows are signing this open letter on the STFC cuts. The proposed reductions will devastate UK astronomy and the researchers who make it possible. Please read, share, and, if a fellow, sign.
advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
#astro
advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
#astro
Reposted by Clare Burrage
🎙️Our ECR open letter now has a sibling: an open letter from advanced fellows!👥📣
ECRs: ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Adv. Fellows: advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Together, we hope UKRI and the government will hear the many voices across the PPAN community. 🔭🧪📡⚗️
ECRs: ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Adv. Fellows: advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Together, we hope UKRI and the government will hear the many voices across the PPAN community. 🔭🧪📡⚗️
Advanced Fellows Response to UKRI Investment Approach
advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io
February 7, 2026 at 9:30 AM
🎙️Our ECR open letter now has a sibling: an open letter from advanced fellows!👥📣
ECRs: ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Adv. Fellows: advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Together, we hope UKRI and the government will hear the many voices across the PPAN community. 🔭🧪📡⚗️
ECRs: ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Adv. Fellows: advancedfellows-openletter-stfc.github.io/index.html
Together, we hope UKRI and the government will hear the many voices across the PPAN community. 🔭🧪📡⚗️
Reposted by Clare Burrage
The STFC Funding Crisis – Guest Post by George Efstathiou
The following guest post by George Efstathiou is a response to the current STFC funding crisis I blogged about here, and specifically to a letter by the Executive Chair of STFC, Professor Michele Dougherty. I include the letter here for…
The following guest post by George Efstathiou is a response to the current STFC funding crisis I blogged about here, and specifically to a letter by the Executive Chair of STFC, Professor Michele Dougherty. I include the letter here for…
The STFC Funding Crisis – Guest Post by George Efstathiou
The following guest post by George Efstathiou is a response to the current STFC funding crisis I blogged about here, and specifically to a letter by the Executive Chair of STFC, Professor Michele Dougherty. I include the letter here for completeness: George's post continues: --o-- I am glad that Michele Dougherty has finally communicated the position of STFC to the community.
telescoper.blog
February 6, 2026 at 10:15 AM
The STFC Funding Crisis – Guest Post by George Efstathiou
The following guest post by George Efstathiou is a response to the current STFC funding crisis I blogged about here, and specifically to a letter by the Executive Chair of STFC, Professor Michele Dougherty. I include the letter here for…
The following guest post by George Efstathiou is a response to the current STFC funding crisis I blogged about here, and specifically to a letter by the Executive Chair of STFC, Professor Michele Dougherty. I include the letter here for…
Reposted by Clare Burrage
Open letter from Early Career Researchers to the UKRI investment plan.
We can't let young people pay the price of "outcome-driven strategies". #stfc #ukri
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
If you are a postdoc or PhD, read and sign! 🧬🔭🔬⚗️🧪📡🛰️
We can't let young people pay the price of "outcome-driven strategies". #stfc #ukri
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
If you are a postdoc or PhD, read and sign! 🧬🔭🔬⚗️🧪📡🛰️
Early Career Researchers Response to UKRI Investment Approach
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
February 4, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Open letter from Early Career Researchers to the UKRI investment plan.
We can't let young people pay the price of "outcome-driven strategies". #stfc #ukri
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
If you are a postdoc or PhD, read and sign! 🧬🔭🔬⚗️🧪📡🛰️
We can't let young people pay the price of "outcome-driven strategies". #stfc #ukri
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
If you are a postdoc or PhD, read and sign! 🧬🔭🔬⚗️🧪📡🛰️
Reposted by Clare Burrage
‘Difficult’ two years ahead for physics, warns STFC boss.
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
‘Difficult’ two years ahead for physics, warns STFC boss - Research Professional News
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:08 PM
‘Difficult’ two years ahead for physics, warns STFC boss.
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Reposted by Clare Burrage
Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK’s £8bn research fund faces “hard decisions” as it pauses new grants
UKRI boss Ian Chapman said it had been told by the government to
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Clare Burrage
An excellent open-letter enumerating the dangers to early career researchers and then wider society of proposed changes to UK science funding
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
Early Career Researchers Response to UKRI Investment Approach
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
February 5, 2026 at 10:40 AM
An excellent open-letter enumerating the dangers to early career researchers and then wider society of proposed changes to UK science funding
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
Reposted by Clare Burrage
On the impact on jobs and projects of STFC cost-savings, Chapman said:
"We have not made decisions about exactly what we’re going to do about it, so we are beginning to ask grantholders: if [STFC] did reduce grants in the future, what implications would that have for the science that is achievable"
"We have not made decisions about exactly what we’re going to do about it, so we are beginning to ask grantholders: if [STFC] did reduce grants in the future, what implications would that have for the science that is achievable"
February 3, 2026 at 11:11 AM
On the impact on jobs and projects of STFC cost-savings, Chapman said:
"We have not made decisions about exactly what we’re going to do about it, so we are beginning to ask grantholders: if [STFC] did reduce grants in the future, what implications would that have for the science that is achievable"
"We have not made decisions about exactly what we’re going to do about it, so we are beginning to ask grantholders: if [STFC] did reduce grants in the future, what implications would that have for the science that is achievable"
Reposted by Clare Burrage
I've updated my post on the funding crisis heading for British astronomy: docs.google.com/document/d/1.... UKRI made clear that astro and particle physics are being subject to unique cuts due to rising costs elsewhere. This looks like a deliberate decision not to fund fundamental physics. 🔭 🧪
Funding piece
Modern astronomy is full of marvels. In recent years we have rejoiced in the success of the James Webb Space Telescope, and been puzzled by the surprisingly vibrant early Universe it is showing us. We...
docs.google.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:32 AM
I've updated my post on the funding crisis heading for British astronomy: docs.google.com/document/d/1.... UKRI made clear that astro and particle physics are being subject to unique cuts due to rising costs elsewhere. This looks like a deliberate decision not to fund fundamental physics. 🔭 🧪
Reposted by Clare Burrage
This letter more or less confirms that once again the need to fund the ‘fixed’ costs of STFC - essentially the labs - those of us who work in areas funded by the council can go swivel. So stupid and shortsighted.
I am sorry. We all knew the three buckets were coming. We are all prepared for a shift in priority. But this message does nothing for all the UK scientists dependent on project grant funding. It doesn’t actually give any information
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
Open letter from Ian Chapman to research and innovation community
UKRI Chief Executive outlines changes to UKRI investment approach, addressing concerns about research funding and the financial position of STFC.
www.ukri.org
February 1, 2026 at 7:29 PM
This letter more or less confirms that once again the need to fund the ‘fixed’ costs of STFC - essentially the labs - those of us who work in areas funded by the council can go swivel. So stupid and shortsighted.
Reposted by Clare Burrage
Hot off the press - a letter from the Exec Chair of @ukri.org explaining his plans and in particular the financial position of STFC. It notes curiosity driven research is protected and will make up around half of UKRI spend over the coming period
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
Open letter from Ian Chapman to research and innovation community
UKRI Chief Executive outlines changes to UKRI investment approach, addressing concerns about research funding and the financial position of STFC.
www.ukri.org
February 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Hot off the press - a letter from the Exec Chair of @ukri.org explaining his plans and in particular the financial position of STFC. It notes curiosity driven research is protected and will make up around half of UKRI spend over the coming period
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
Reposted by Clare Burrage
I am looking to recruit a PhD student for the October 26 entry. It will be funded by STFC. Project(s) will be some combination of early universe cosmology, numerical relativity and strong gravity, and dynamical compactification of extra dimensions!
Apply through this portal
apply.kcl.ac.uk
Apply through this portal
apply.kcl.ac.uk
Login - King's Apply
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience whilst this essential maintenance is underway.
apply.kcl.ac.uk
January 31, 2026 at 2:46 PM
I am looking to recruit a PhD student for the October 26 entry. It will be funded by STFC. Project(s) will be some combination of early universe cosmology, numerical relativity and strong gravity, and dynamical compactification of extra dimensions!
Apply through this portal
apply.kcl.ac.uk
Apply through this portal
apply.kcl.ac.uk
Reposted by Clare Burrage
BREAKING: UKRI shelves physics infrastructure projects worth £280m
Major international collaborations with Cern and US Department of Energy in jeopardy, as agency pulls back funds
Scoop by @francesjones.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Major international collaborations with Cern and US Department of Energy in jeopardy, as agency pulls back funds
Scoop by @francesjones.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
UKRI shelves physics infrastructure projects worth £280m - Research Professional News
Exclusive: Major international collaborations with Cern and US Department of Energy in jeopardy
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:57 PM
BREAKING: UKRI shelves physics infrastructure projects worth £280m
Major international collaborations with Cern and US Department of Energy in jeopardy, as agency pulls back funds
Scoop by @francesjones.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Major international collaborations with Cern and US Department of Energy in jeopardy, as agency pulls back funds
Scoop by @francesjones.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Reposted by Clare Burrage
🚨We have several postdoc positions at LeCosPA
this year as part of the new Max Planck-IAS-NTU Center. 🚨
Please apply or forward to interested candidates:
academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31049
this year as part of the new Max Planck-IAS-NTU Center. 🚨
Please apply or forward to interested candidates:
academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31049
November 30, 2025 at 7:12 AM
🚨We have several postdoc positions at LeCosPA
this year as part of the new Max Planck-IAS-NTU Center. 🚨
Please apply or forward to interested candidates:
academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31049
this year as part of the new Max Planck-IAS-NTU Center. 🚨
Please apply or forward to interested candidates:
academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31049
Reposted by Clare Burrage
🔊Announcing a new Physics/Astro PhD scholarship scheme in Edinburgh, for students from a Black heritage, inc mixed Black background. Please help me spread the word. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living costs & research travel. #blackinSTEM 🔭👩🔬⚛️
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...
October 20, 2025 at 3:52 PM
🔊Announcing a new Physics/Astro PhD scholarship scheme in Edinburgh, for students from a Black heritage, inc mixed Black background. Please help me spread the word. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living costs & research travel. #blackinSTEM 🔭👩🔬⚛️
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...
Reposted by Clare Burrage
Excited to announce that we are advertising the Professor Harry Messel Research Fellowship. A 3 year position open to women in any area of #Physics or #Astronomy at the University of Sydney @sydney.edu.au
Deadline: 16th November
⚛️ 🔭 ☄️
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/USYD_EXTERNA...
Deadline: 16th November
⚛️ 🔭 ☄️
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/USYD_EXTERNA...
Professor Harry Messel Research Fellow (Woman only) (PHYSICS)
Full time / Part-time 3 years fixed term, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Physics Exciting opportunity to undertake independent research and contribute to the advancement of physics ...
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Excited to announce that we are advertising the Professor Harry Messel Research Fellowship. A 3 year position open to women in any area of #Physics or #Astronomy at the University of Sydney @sydney.edu.au
Deadline: 16th November
⚛️ 🔭 ☄️
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/USYD_EXTERNA...
Deadline: 16th November
⚛️ 🔭 ☄️
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/USYD_EXTERNA...
Really honoured to have received the Rosalind Franklin Award from the Royal Society. I can't wait to get started on the project we have planned to show girls of all ages how fun and accessible Physics can be!
We are happy to announce the winners of the Royal Society's medals and awards for 2025. “[They] have all made outstanding contributions to science and its applications for the benefit of humanity." said Sir Adrian Smith PRS. Meet the winners: #RSMedals royalsociety.org/news/2025/08...
Invisibility cloak pioneer Sir John Pendry awarded Royal Society’s top prize | Royal Society
The Royal Society announces the medals and awards recipients 2025
royalsociety.org
August 27, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Really honoured to have received the Rosalind Franklin Award from the Royal Society. I can't wait to get started on the project we have planned to show girls of all ages how fun and accessible Physics can be!
Reposted by Clare Burrage
On 5 March this year, the second Postgraduate Women in Physics conference will take place in Nottingham, with great speakers and chances to network and showcase your research.
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...
January 14, 2025 at 2:58 PM
On 5 March this year, the second Postgraduate Women in Physics conference will take place in Nottingham, with great speakers and chances to network and showcase your research.
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...
On 5 March this year, the second Postgraduate Women in Physics conference will take place in Nottingham, with great speakers and chances to network and showcase your research.
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...
January 14, 2025 at 2:58 PM
On 5 March this year, the second Postgraduate Women in Physics conference will take place in Nottingham, with great speakers and chances to network and showcase your research.
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...
UK friends please help us advertise this event by sharing with PhD students you know!
www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/f...