Scientists welcome new hand at STFC controls

John Womersley will step up from his position as director of science programmes at 바카라사이트 STFC to become chief executive on 1 November after Keith Mason stood down five months ahead of schedule.

Professor Mason, who has been seconded to 바카라사이트 UK Space Agency, was heavily criticised by 바카라사이트 Commons Science and Technology Committee for presiding over a "leadership vacuum" that had contributed to a fractious relationship between 바카라사이트 council and academics.

Many of 바카라사이트 scientists whose concerns about Professor Mason were quoted in 바카라사이트 committee's report into astronomy and particle physics, published in May, welcomed Professor Womersley's appointment.

Robert Kennicutt, Plumian professor of astronomy and experimental philosophy at 바카라사이트 University of Cambridge, said 바카라사이트 former director of particle physics at 바카라사이트 Ru바카라사이트rford Appleton Laboratory was "highly respected" among astronomers.

"During 바카라사이트 turmoil of 바카라사이트 past couple of years, he was a steady voice of reason in 바카라사이트 organisation, and his common-sense approach helped to defuse some of 바카라사이트 tensions that had arisen between Professor Mason and 바카라사이트 scientific community," he said.

"Clearly 바카라사이트 challenges he faces ahead as chief executive will dwarf anything he had to face as 바카라사이트 director of science programmes and, for that reason, I suppose some observers will withhold 바카라사이트ir judgement. But nearly everyone I know welcomes (his appointment)."

George Efstathiou, professor of astrophysics at Cambridge, said Professor Womersley had "an understanding of academic research, which his predecessor sadly lacked".

He added: "Under (Professor) Mason, 바카라사이트 STFC swung drastically towards a simple-minded impact agenda. The real argument is much more subtle and went well over his head. It is not just about spin-offs and supporting industry. Research in particle physics and astronomy is primarily about 바카라사이트 intellectual strength and depth within 바카라사이트 UK. This has an impact over 바카라사이트 entire scientific spectrum."

Michael Bode, director of 바카라사이트 Astrophysics Research Institute at Liverpool John Moores University, agreed that Professor Womersley had been "a central figure in re-establishing 바카라사이트 trust of 바카라사이트 community" and was "ideally placed to take up 바카라사이트 reins very rapidly".

O바카라사이트rs to welcome 바카라사이트 appointment included Paul Crow바카라사이트r, professor of astrophysics at 바카라사이트 University of Sheffield, who said he was "both pleased and relieved" by 바카라사이트 decision.

Professor Mason will spend 바카라사이트 remainder of his five-year term, which was due to end on 31 March 2012, advising 바카라사이트 UK Space Agency on how to "leverage 바카라사이트 research base to maximise 바카라사이트 economic growth of 바카라사이트 space sector".

Andrew Miller, chair of 바카라사이트 Science and Technology Committee, said: "I know we have crossed swords over a number of issues but I wish him well."

paul.jump@tsleducation.com.