Dear Mr. Borisov
In 1997 a European-wide network of scientists working at CERN, the
European Laboratory for Particle Physics, was formed, whose aim was to
share information in order to demonstrate to the public, high schools
etc. the importance of fundamental research for the continued
development of mankind. Representatives from all CERN member states -
including of course Bulgaria - joined together and formed "EPPOG" -
the European Particle Physics Outreach Group. EPPOG has evolved from a
discussion forum to a leading player in fundamental science education
and outreach. One of its initiatives has been the organization, for
the past six years, of "International Particle Physics Masterclasses",
where high school students visit local Universities and experience
life a scientist for a day. The 6000 students who took part this year
all gained a better insight into science and are more keen to pursue
scientific careers. Unfortunately Bulgaria has never joined these
events due to a lack of funding - even though the funds required are
rather small. In contrast, many non-European countries, such as Brazil
and South Africa have joined this initiative, with others likely to
join in 2011. Young people appreciate the benefits science brings to
themselves and to mankind as a whole.
The reason for the existence of EPPOG and the associated initiatives
is that most countries appreciate fully that sustained economic growth
stems from a healthy education system at all levels - from primary
schools through to university and beyond. Fundamental research
provides the structure upon which the best minds can focus, mentor
students and provide a basis for applied research. This obviously
leads to technological innovations and industrial advances that
clearly benefit economies, particularly in the long term.
In these times of worldwide financial difficulty it is easy, but
ultimately short-sighted and flawed, to cut budgets associated to
science and, in particular, to research institutions. It is with
sadness that we learned of the Bulgarian government plans to cut the
budget drastically for the main national research institutions, likely
causing an irreversible degradation to Bulgarian scientific education
and culture, thus loosening one of the foundations of the economy.
As representatives of EPPOG, and thus by extension many European and
International states, we urge you to reconsider this initiative and
rather to continue to support Bulgarian science and research. The long
term future of your nation depends on this.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Barney, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland (EPPOG co-chair)
Prof. Michael Kobel, University of Dresden, Germany (EPPOG co-chair)
on behalf of the European Particle Physics Outreach Group