Controversial BAS merger plans dropped

The research council hoped 바카라사이트 merger would yield savings of around ?500,000 a year, as well as increase 바카라사이트 impact and "synergy" of 바카라사이트 centres' science. However, critics feared that 바카라사이트 move signalled a reduction of 바카라사이트 UK presence in 바카라사이트 politically sensitive South Atlantic, and lamented 바카라사이트 loss of 바카라사이트 iconic British Antarctic Survey name.

The concern prompted Nerc to bring forward its final decision on 바카라사이트 proposal, following a public consultation, to its council meeting yesterday.

In a written ministerial statement released this morning, 바카라사이트 universities and science minister David Willetts confirmed that Nerc had agreed it would not proceed with 바카라사이트 merger.

The statement reads: "The British Antarctic Survey is a national and international asset that delivers world-class environmental science, and this country's strategic presence in Antarctica and 바카라사이트 South Atlantic. The UK's commitment to continuing this dual mission in 바카라사이트 region is as strong as ever.

"Nerc has already committed to maintain 바카라사이트 funding of 바카라사이트 British Antarctic Survey at ?42m a year for 바카라사이트 rest of this spending review period.

"Looking to 바카라사이트 future - though without pre-empting 바카라사이트 timing and size of 바카라사이트 next spending review settlement - I consider that Nerc should have a discrete funding line for Antarctic infrastructure and logistics from within 바카라사이트 ring-fenced science budget to ensure a visible UK commitment to maintaining Antarctic science and presence."

Meanwhile, a separate statement released by Nerc says: "In light of 바카라사이트 minister's statement in respect of a discrete funding line for Antarctic infrastructure and logistics, Nerc will be considering ways forward."

paul.jump@tsleducation.com