Physical Sciences Strategic Advisory Team meeting September 2016
Agenda and meeting notes for the meeting of Physical Sciences Strategic Advisory Team, held on 22 September 2016.
Jury's Inn, Swindon
Time | Item | Paper |
---|---|---|
10.00-10.30 | General Theme Update from John | |
10.30-12.00 | SAT feedback on action categories and strategic focus. Minutes to form official record. | Rationales |
12.00-12.15 | Coffee | |
12.15-12.30 | SAT Feedback on LIPS Meeting Agenda and Objectives | Draft agenda |
12.30-13.00 | Balancing post-January engagement plans | No paper |
13.00-13.45 | Lunch | |
13.45-15.45 |
Open Fellowship Area Discussion
|
PS05-16 |
15.45-16.00 | Coffee | |
16.00-17.00 |
Student/post-doc balance at RA level
|
PS04-16 |
Strategic Advisory Team
Summary of Physical Sciences meeting notes and discussion items: 26 September 2016
EPSRC, Polaris House, Swindon
Attendees:
Members: | Prof Neil Alford (Chair) | Imperial College London |
---|---|---|
Prof Sonia Contera | University of Oxford | |
Prof Rasmita Raval | University of Liverpool | |
Dr Steven Harris | BAE Systems | |
Prof Chris Marrows | University of Leeds | |
Mr Martin O’Brien | Culham Centre for Fusion Energy | |
Prof Cameron Alexander | University of Nottingham | |
Prof Michael Hannon | University of Birmingham | |
Prof Graham Machin | National Physical Laboratory | |
Prof Adrian Mulholland | University of Bristol | |
Prof Richard Winpenny | University of Manchester | |
Representing Capital Equipment SAT: | Prof David Bird | University of Bath |
Representing E‑Infrastructure SAT: | Prof Roy Johnston | University of Bristol |
EPSRC Staff: | John Hand | Physical Sciences Theme Lead |
Christina Turner | Senior Portfolio Manager | |
David Bowkett | Portfolio Manager | |
James Dracott | Portfolio Manager | |
Eleanor Jaskowska | Portfolio Manager | |
Sally Birse | Portfolio Manager | |
Maggie Wilson | Building Leadership Theme Lead | |
Apologies: | Prof Miles Padgett | University of Glasgow |
Dr Alan Brown | Stratified Medical | |
Prof Geoff Rodgers | Brunel University | |
Ms Isabella Van Damme | Mars Chocolate UK | |
Dr William Whittingham | Syngenta Ltd. |
Introduction
The meeting was opened by John Hand on progress towards UKRI, opportunities related to the Global Challenges Research Fund, and the single panel. David Bird provided an update on issues discussed at the recent Capital Equipment SAT.
1. Balancing Capability
SAT members were provided with the current drafts of the Physical Sciences Balancing Capability rationales and a selection of rationales for research area managed by other themes in advance of the meeting. David Bird and Roy Johnston provided general comments on the how capital equipment e-infrastructure needs could be better addressed in the rationales, and the SAT provided feedback on how the rationales for non-Physical Sciences could better demonstrate links to Physical Science research areas.
The SAT expressed general satisfaction with the rationales for Physical Sciences research areas but raised a few specific concerns for a small number of research areas.
2. Feedback on Plans for Large Investments in Physical Sciences meeting
The SAT provided feedback on the draft plans for the Large Investments and Physical Sciences meeting. The SAT made suggestions about how the event was advertised, how to ensure that information presented on the day is made available to those not invited, and how to balance the schedule to ensure delegates find both days interesting and enjoyable.
3. Feedback on plans for Balancing Capability engagement strategy
The session began with a presentation on the planned engagement strategy for after the publication of the Balancing Capability strategies. The SAT noted that it was a very traditional communications strategy and missed out on opportunities afforded by new media. The SAT advices engaging with research offices as well as academics.
4. Open Fellowship Area
A discussion was held on how open fellowship areas should be chosen. It was decided that a sub-group should be formed to discuss this issue further.
5. Balance of Studentships and Post-Doctoral Researcher Positions
The SAT was asked to comment on the role of PhDs and PDRAS within the research landscape and the skills pipeline and how this differed across disciplines. Having examined the data presented to them the SAT did not have any concerns with the current ratio of PhDs to PDRAs within the physical sciences community.
6. AOB
John Hand thanked Neil Alford for his service as SAT chair and announced that Cameron Alexander would be taking over as chair at the next meeting.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for 21-22 February 2017.