Dear Minister

While the results of the STFC Prioritisation contained some bad news for the Astronomy community, we view as a very positive step the simultaneous announcement that you are going to review the way in which international subscriptions are handled. In particular, we share your concern that having international projects, large scientific facilities and research grants within a single Research Council has led to an unintended negative impact on research output.
 
We strongly believe that national facilities and, above all, grants should be protected from the vagaries of currency and GDP fluctuations and will be happy to provide evidence and any other support we can to aid your urgent review.

Let me add that we are grateful for the RCUK contribution of 14 million which has provided vital help for the grants line at this difficult time.

Yours sincerely

 
Professor Andy Fabian
President
Royal Astronomical Society
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1J 0BQ