Sussex University drops chemistry

Here's a story that has been developing all week. Firstly, The Guardian published this story : -

Anger as top college drops chemistry

Sussex University shuts prestigious department in fresh blow for science

Robin McKie and Anushka Asthana
Sunday March 12, 2006
The Observer

Science education in Britain was dealt a fresh blow yesterday with news that one of the most prestigious centres in the country is set to close.
Scientists reacted angrily to the announcement by Sussex University to shut down its high-ranking chemistry department, which has produced three Nobel Laureates. The university plans to concentrate on other areas, including English, history, media and maths.

then on March 13, A follow-up story : -

The university's decision was strongly criticised by Sir Harry Kroto, a Nobel chemistry laureate, who last year quit Sussex for Florida State University.
A statement from the university said that if the plans were approved by the governing bodies, the current staff of 14 academics in chemistry would reduced to seven through voluntary severance.

Then on March 16, More news

The vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex is to be called before a Commons committee inquiry to justify his controversial decision to axe chemistry from the university

And on March 17, The plot thickens

The reasons given for shutting down the chemistry department at Sussex University are ludicrous, and the man who proposes them should resign immediately, says Calvin Davidson

This story is still developing, and I plan to watch it unfold over the next few weeks, or even months. All I can say is that it is alarming that some people in Sussex University want to close the Chemistry Department, and I gather that similar things are being mooted for Swansea University's Chemistry Department.