Philip Moriarty is a Professor of Physics and Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Leadership Fellow at the University of Nottingham. His research interests lie in the general area of nanoscience but with a particular focus on single atom/molecule manipulation and spectroscopy. He also has a keen interest in science funding policy, has been a vocal critic of the RCUK/HEFCE schemes related to the use of impact as a criterion in the assessment of research proposals, and has particular concerns regarding the distortion of academic research via the imposition of near-term and near-market objectives.