STFC has announced a cut in the number of Advanced Fellowships awarded in the current year from 12 to 6. The Fellowships, awarded to researchers who do not have a permanent position but wish to pursue a career in research, are designed to further the careers of individuals with outstanding potential. They are also aimed at scientists wishing to resume a research career following a break due to maternity, caring or family commitments.

Professor Andy Fabian, President of the Royal Astronomical Society expressed his disappointment at the decision. “Advanced Fellowships are an important stepping stone in the career of the best young scientists. Reducing their number puts researchers in UK astronomy (and other STFC-funded science) at a disadvantage compared with their peers elsewhere.”