Observatory and jobs both saved

The STFC has its HQ in Swindon and the money will be distributed from the town.

It will maintain the UK's scientific leadership in physics and astronomy and operate world- leading facilities for the benefit of UK scientists.

And part of the money will go to save the Joddrell Bank Observatory, which was threatened with closure.

The STFC did not get its full Government allowance and jobs were under threat when it was told to look at its budgets.

But, after a three-month consultation, a programme has been agreed.

"STFC has balanced its budget and agreed on an ambitious and scientifically sound programme of funding," said STFC chief executive Prof Keith Mason.

"We are funding an exciting portfolio of projects which will deliver excellent research and maintain the UK's scientific leadership."

The funding includes support to universities and research facilities for fundamental science, research facilities and technology development in nuclear physics, particle physics, neutrino science, neutron scattering, lasers and light sources, space exploration and astronomy.

Highlights include support for UK participation in global astronomy projects, a neutrino physics project in Japan, a nuclear physics facility in Germany, the search for gravitational waves and exploring whether life has ever been present on Mars.

At the STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, a new laser under development will enable UK scientists to monitor biological processes, such as those in living cells, at a millionth of a millionth of a second.

The STFC's investment in development for the next generation facility in radio astronomy will also secure the future for the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory, which was under threat.

"We've made some difficult but necessary choices in order to keep the UK at the forefront of international scientific research," said Prof Mason said.

"We have targeted our money carefully at the areas which will have greatest impact for UK science."