Particle & Astro-Particle Theory in the UK John March-Russell Oxford University R-ECFA, May 2007

An exciting time for UK theory Intellectual vitality of field -- lots of new ideas! Some Fundamental Questions likely to be answered in near future But also… UK theory community has been growing growth likely to continue evidence of reverse brain drain in progress, even from USA (60-70% of recent hires non-UK)

Significant developments I In many fields major university initiatives, eg, –Durham (IPPP) –Swansea –Imperial –Liverpool –Nottingham –Edinburgh/Glasgow (SUPA) –Southampton/RAL (NExT) –Manchester –Lancaster –Portsmouth –QML –Sheffield –& possibly Oxford (Dalitz) –….

Significant developments II Very noticeable strengthening of UK phenomenology and especially BSM physics - our future Strengthening of effort in astro-particle physics - our future II Switch to four-year funding of Ph.D. courses helps correct a previous major weakness Introduction of Full Economic Costing (FEC). In my opinion will increase attractiveness of theory for UK universities

Size of UK theory community A broadly defined measure 19 universities with theory groups 186  5 academic tenured and non-tenured staff (72 in 2000 but with different definition) 125  10 research associates and fellows (up from 84 in 2000) (above includes EPSRC funded String/QFT posts in Maths, and Astro-Particle theorists)

Size of UK theory groups

UK research strengths I Long history of excellence in string theory, gravity, & formal QFT. Now intellectually much more integrated with mainstream particle theory. Recent reinforcements important Continuing excellence in astro-particle physics & cosmology, again much more connected to PP (but possibly some issues with funding of astro-particle falling between PP and Astro)

UK research strengths II UK a major player in lattice QFT on both machine and theory fronts. Important that we don’t lose this Strong presence in perturbative QCD and collider physics. Vital for LHC effort BSM phenomenology & theory fast becoming a strong UK strand. Given UK/World experimental effort & intrinsic importance needs to be.

Funding The rolling grant round in 2008 will be entirely FEC Rolling grants will continue to be 5 years with review after 3yrs Advanced & Postdoctoral Fellowships cut by about 15% in number in past two years. Should be stable from now on Senior Fellowship awards discontinued Increase in number and value of Studentships

Future STFC funding Introduction of FEC will lead to large increase in STFC funds for theory Should lead to relative mix of theorists rising to international norms

Concluding questions We need to work to ensure that the best use is made of increased funding (and that we capture the benefits!). It is possible that funding will be more “focused” - is this good or bad? Our graduate education now has the chance of being fully competitive with the best in EU and USA. Can we achieve this goal?

Conclusion Trajectory of UK theoretical particle physics is very positive. Especially noteworthy are the many significant university investments in TPP. Where do we need to move from here?