Durham University's physics department has told the Government that its work in particle physics and astronomy is "at risk" due to an £80 million funding shortfall for the Science and Technology Facilities Council. The university fears a loss of funding in key projects, including outreach work. In a letter to John Denham, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, James Stirling, Durham's pro vice- chancellor for research, writes: "It is very difficult for our scientific community to understand the rationale behind the current de facto cuts to the STFC's operating budget. Such cuts will hit the university sector particularly hard, leading to the loss of highly trained staff and placing more physics departments at risk of closure."