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 Well received April 2006 – WSO presentation at National Astronomy Meeting Continued strong interest

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

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

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

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

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

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