Does the UK quit when the going gets tough? That鈥檚 how it looks to scientists across the world.
Last week the UK (STFC) horrified scientists when it announced cuts in contributions to a range of major collaborations after an 拢80 million squeeze in its physics budget. Among the casualties is the 鈥� a $6.7 billion particle smasher intended to probe dark matter and search for extra dimensions. The UK was to be a major partner along with the US, Japan and Germany and has already invested 拢30 million. It will now withdraw its support.
鈥淲e know this is damaging to our international reputation,鈥� says Keith Mason, chief executive of STFC. The U-turn could stymie its ambitions to host major international physics facilities.
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