Physics Focus and Fiscal Forces

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of rational funding allocation in high-energy physics, emphasizing the need for strategic decision-making to optimize scientific progress amidst limited financial resources.

Contribution

It presents an advocacy for rationalizing high-energy physics funding, combining perspectives from European and American communities and highlighting the importance of strategic resource allocation.

Findings

Calls for rational funding distribution in high-energy physics

Highlights the need for strategic decision-making in research funding

Addresses the importance of international cooperation in physics funding

Abstract

Two items are reproduced herein: my `Outlook' talk, an amended version of which was presented at the 1991 joint Lepton--Photon and EPS Conference in Geneva, and an Open Letter addressed to HEPAP. One is addressed primarily to the European high--energy physics community, the other to the American. A common theme of these presentations is a plea for the rational allocation of the limited funds society provides for high--energy physics research. If my `loose cannon' remarks may seem irresponsible to some of my colleagues, my silence would be more so.