UK woes could impact Euro physics (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Jonathan Amos
Science reporter, BBC News

The future development of one of Europe's scientific "crown jewels" may be affected by the current woes over the UK's physics budget.

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) is a world-leading centre for the study of the structure of materials using intense X-ray beams.

Opened in 1992, it now needs a £150m upgrade to stay competitive.

Britain is a major partner; but with its physics funds under pressure, it is unclear how much the UK can contribute.

Germany, also, is unsure it can find the financing - but for the different reason of having committed itself to build another big facility for European member states.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7207330.stm