1. The UK Situation

2. The UK Situation Recent WSO activities UK political situation
Relevance to WSO and prospects

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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