Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council
Introduction
PPARC's aim is to pursue a programme of high quality basic research in astronomy, planetary science and particle physics which furthers our understanding of fundamental questions, trains high quality scientists and engineers, increases UK industry's competitiveness, attracts future generations of scientists and engineers and stimulates the public's interest;
PPARC provides research facilities via the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) and the European Space Agency (ESA), and the provision of ground-based astronomy facilities. It also gives grants to university scientists and a range of training awards and fellowships. The Council comprises 13 members, including the Chairman and Chief Executive. It is advised by a series of specialist committees, and supported by the PPARC executive based in Swindon.
| | Number of Staff | | | Expenditure (£m) |
| 1995/96 | 423 | | 1995/96 | 202.62 |
| 1996/97 | 424.5 | | 1996/97 | 208.52 |
| 1997/98* | | | 1997/98 | 200.65 |
| *To be determined following the outcome of the Review of PPARC's Royal observatories. |
PPARC publishes an Annual Report, including Accounts, which is laid before Parliament, and available from the above address. The Corporate Plan is available from the same address.
Achievements in 1996/97
- in liaison with international partners, PPARC worked with Government to secure an agreement in CERN to complete the next major accelerator (LHC Large Hadron Collider), within a reduced annual budget, thereby releasing funds for the domestic particle physics programme;
- actively participated in a House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology Inquiry into PPARC, which resulted in a favourable Report;
- secured UK involvement in a major future ESA space mission ROSETTA;
- continued delivery of key components for the major international ground-based (8 metre) telescope Gemini project;
- implemented Government policies in the 1993 White Paper, related to industrial competitiveness, training and public understanding of science.
Plans for 1997/98
- PPARC will concentrate the work which it presently funds in the two UK Royal Observatories in a new UK Astronomy Technology Centre at Edinburgh;
- to negotiate international agreements on UK scientific participation in the detectors for LHC (CERN) which will maximise the benefits to UK and the overall value for money return on UK investment in CERN;
- to increase the number of PhD studentships awarded by 20% to 154 each year by 1998/99;
- to introduce an enhanced industry-related training scheme offering an initial 510 awards, and make available a database of industrially relevant technologies supported by PPARC;
- to review the terms of PPARC's Service Level Agreements with CCLRC with the aim of establishing a greater degree of competition, without weakening the latter's position as an important national resource.
Key Performance Targets
The PPARC business plan contains performance indicators based on those proposed in the National Audit Office report 'Performance Indicators for the PPARC a discussion document'. PPARC is continuing to develop these and new indicators to reflect PPARC's activities.
1994/95
The key target for PPARC in its first year was to establish a working organisation, including a new Council and advisory structure, a newly formed headquarters staff, and a new more 'arms-length' relationship with the Royal Observatories. These were achieved with only minimal disturbance to the scientific programme. In programme terms, the objective was set and achieved of securing Government and CERN approval for the construction of the LHC. Other targets included meeting the Government objectives set out in the White Paper, which were achieved by the launch of new programmes for industrial collaboration and PUST, and enhanced training provision.
1995/96
A key target was the reduction in the future cost of the ESA Science Programme through persuading ESA to adopt a more cost-conscious approach, planning and procurement of missions. This was achieved at the ESA Ministerial Council in Toulouse. Scientific targets met included the delivery and subsequent successful operation of UK instruments on key ESA missions (ISO and SOHO). In meeting White Paper objectives, the target was met of launching a new public understanding of science competitive awards scheme.
1996/97
The key target was a reduction in the annual cost of CERN. This was achieved by the decision of CERN Council, in December 1996, to reduce expenditure by an average of about 8% over the next three years. A second target was to implement the conclusions of the Prior Options review of the Royal Observatories. A major upgrade to the UK infra-red telescope on Hawaii was successfully commissioned.
1997/98
The key targets will be to determine, and then start to implement, a rationalised structure and management for the Royal Observatories; and to ensure that the funding released by the reduction to the cost of the CERN subscription is used to increase the UK's return on its membership of CERN by increasing the UK's scientific involvement in the design and construction of the LHC detectors.
Administrative Costs
Since its start in 1994 the administrative cost of running PPARC headquarters has fallen progressively by about 30% in real terms below previously planned levels.
Administrative costs
|
| 1994/95
| 1995/96
| 1996/97
| 1997/98
| 2000
|
Key measure
|
Baseline
|
Baseline
|
Baseline
|
TARGET
|
TARGET
|
Administrative expenditure as a proportion of gross spend (%)
|
2.9
|
2.4
|
2.3
|
2.3
|
2.2
|
|
