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University statement concerning the Department of Physics – University of Reading

Thursday September 28 2006: The University's Senior Management Board has proposed that the Department of Physics recruit no further students after the present year's intake in October 2006. It is recommended that the Department closes no later than July 2010. The interests of existing physics students and staff will be a priority during this period. The University regrets having to make this recommendation. It follows an extensive process of review, which concluded that in order to maintain and build on our academic strength in the Department of Physics, we would need to invest in a way which is not feasible in the present climate. In the current funding context, Reading, like many institutions, has to direct its limited resources to academic areas of comparative strength. Reading University supports a number of strategically important and vulnerable subjects. While it would be preferable that physics be part of the portfolio of disciplines at Reading, budgetary constraints mean that it is not practicable to strengthen the Department as much as would be necessary. Teaching and research in some aspects of physics will continue to be a significant presence at Reading, because of our extensive and high-quality activities in areas such as meteorology, environmental science, soil science, systems engineering, archaeology, nano-science and physical chemistry. These proposals will be discussed by the University of Reading Senate in October and the University Council in November, where the final decision will be taken. Ends For further information contact Lucy Ferguson, Senior Press Officer, on 0118 378 7388, or email L.Ferguson@reading.ac.uk