STFC’s Balance of Programme (Skills) review is inviting community responses to targeted questions. If you have ideas or opinions you wish to be included in the Solar System Advisory Panel’s response to the following questions, please email Huw Morgan before Monday 10th July.

1) In relation to the five skills areas in scope of the review (apprentices, graduates, studentships, fellowships and public engagement) please comment on the level of resources currently allocated to the facilities operated by STFC. For the purpose of this exercise ‘facilities’ refers to ISIS, Central Laser Facility, RAL Space & Hartree Centre.

2) What skills should be maintained or strengthened to enable your community to respond flexibly to new funding opportunities such as (but not exclusively) those offered by the Global Challenges Research Fund and Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund?

3) Under the following funding scenarios indicate a clear prioritisation (1-5, 1 is highest priority; no equal priorities to be given) of skills areas (including all five skills areas in scope of the review – apprentices, graduates, studentships, fellowships and public engagement): Flat cash +5% and Flat cash -5%

4) What opportunities exist for skills activities that would enhance your programme under an optimistic funding scenario in which significant funding becomes available to implement the “Building Our Industrial Strategy” Green Paper via e.g. the technologies allocated support by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund?

Please indicate if there are any parts of your response that you wish to remain confidential to STFC and the Review Panel.