University leaders warn Sussex physics cuts threaten UK STEM recruitment and economy

An open letter and commentary regarding the proposed cuts to the Physics and Astronomy department at the University of Sussex, specifically targeting leading PPAN (Particle Physics, Astronomy, and Nuclear physics) academics. Chris Parkes, head of physics at the University of Manchester, warns that singling out PPAN academics will harm student recruitment and that the UK's reliance on international student fees risks creating regional gaps in physics and STEM education, damaging the broader economy.