9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 09:53 Page 1
UK in Space SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Influenza Risks Strategic Metals Fukushima Impacts
sip Summer 2011 The Leonardo Centre
Tribology: Energy savings for industry and everyday life
The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee www.scienceinparliament.org.uk 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 09:53 Page 2
Physics for All Science and engineering students are important for the future of the UK IOP wants to see more people studying physics www.iop.org 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 3
The Science and Technology (S&T) Select Committee, whose activities are SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT widely advertised and are open to the general public, is perhaps one of the most important, and generally interesting activities that takes place on the Parliamentary Estate, on a regular weekly basis, with a potentially very high “impact” factor right across the nation. The opportunity, thereby provided, to hold the Government to account, not just on the activities of a single Department, but right across the whole spectrum of STEM-related activities in Government, including the Treasury, is unique in the House of Commons. Since I am the first Chair to be elected to this post by Parliament and not sip appointed, the independence of the views expressed in the ensuing discussions is thereby guaranteed and untainted by political prejudice or The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific pressure from any external source whatsoever. Andrew Miller MP Committee. Chairman, Parliamentary The Committee is an Associate Parliamentary Following the General Election we have systematically tackled a broad but and Scientific Group of members of both Houses of relevant range of STEM-related topics that are very high, not only on the Committee Parliament and British members of the Government’s agenda, but which are also of concern and import to the European Parliament, representatives of wider science and engineering community in the UK and the public scientific and technical institutions, industrial generally, who will hopefully also benefit from our activities on their behalf. organisations and universities. Indeed, as Parliamentarians, we have a unique opportunity here, where science and politics meet, to help deliver the best possible solutions for all concerned. A current summary of topics reviewed by the Committee is very broad ranging. Our work commenced with an investigation and evaluation of criticisms made of the professional integrity of scientists at the University of East Anglia affected by the hacking of emails related to climate change. This was followed by an assessment of the UK’s need for Technology Innovation Science in Parliament has two main objectives: Centres (TICs) as an essential facility promoting industrial and economic 1. to inform the scientific and industrial regeneration. A review of science advice available to Government in communities of activities within Parliament emergencies considered swine flu, cybercrime, solar storms and volcanic of a scientific nature and of the progress of eruptions. This was followed by particle physics and astronomy. Strategic relevant legislation; 2. to keep Members of Parliament abreast of Metals went from nowhere to the top of the agenda very rapidly. The scientific affairs. reasons for and likely impact of a move by the MRC (Mill Hill) to a UCL site at St Pancras in order to create the UKCMRI, was examined. The Forensic Science Service, Peer Review of Scientific Publications and the perceived need for much more Practical Hands-On Science and Fieldwork in Schools generally completes the current picture.
CONTENTS INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE POOL 2 INFLUENZA 16 REACH AND THE METALS INDUSTRY 38 Professor Athene Donald DBE FRS Addresses to the P&SC by Professor Wendy Barclay, David Weight HOW HEFCE AND THE RESEARCH Dr Sarah Gilbert and Professor Maria Zambon STRATEGIC METALS 40 COUNCILS ARE UNDERMINING SPACE – HOW CAN WE USE IT? 22 Addresses to the P&SC by Andrew Bloodworth, SCIENCE AND THE NATIONAL National Science and Engineering Week Seminar Dr Hazel Prichard and Tony Hartwell INTEREST 3 held jointly with BIS; addresses to the P&SC by HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT Professor James Ladyman Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Professor John Zarnecki, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND RESEARCH IN UNIVERSITIES: Professor Paul Monks, Michael Lawrence, TECHNOLOGY 47 Philip Davies and Dr Bill Simpson INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE 6 HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY David Sweeney UK SPACE AGENCY CHALLENGES SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION SCIENCE AS A PUBLIC ENTERPRISE 8 STUDENTS TO TRAIN AS ASTRONAUTS 48 Heather MacRae 29 Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE FRS HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND THE LEONARDO CENTRE’S INDUSTRIAL BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 31 TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE 50 Annette Smith SAVINGS 10 PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE Professor Rob Dwyer-Joyce and EXTREME TECHNOLOGY EXPLORES AND TECHNOLOGY 52 Professor Alan Matthews THE WORLD’S HOT-SPOTS 32 SELECTED DEBATES 54 FIXING PHYSICS TEACHING 12 Professor Nick Wright and Dr Alton Horsfall Professor Peter Main SCIENCE AND EMERGENCIES IN JAPAN DEPUTY GOVERNMENT CHEMIST 54 WHY SUPPORTING AND PROMOTING Chris Pook 34 SCIENCE DIRECTORY 55 ENGINEERS IS VITAL FOR THE THE GLOBAL EXPERIMENT 36 SCIENCE DIARY 64 WORLD’S FUTURE 14 25 YEARS OF TRANSCRANIAL Stephen Tetlow MAGNETIC STIMULATION 37 Dr Mark Stokes
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 1 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 4
INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE POOL: Preparing for the transfer from school and college science and mathematics education to UK STEM higher education
In February 2011, the Royal Society recommended reform of the UK’s A-level system in order to allow more students to progress to higher education within the core sciences(1) and mathematics, to help produce more STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) specialists, including school and college teachers, and ensure that the UK remains a world leader in science.(2)
The Royal Society’s fourth in England, Wales and Northern the report is that there should ‘state of the nation’ report, Ireland do not enter any be a review of the A-level Preparing for the transfer from candidates for A-level physics or system. A Baccalaureate-type Professor Athene Donald DBE FRS Chair of the Royal Society Education school and college science and mathematics. In 2009, 18%, approach to post-16 education Committee, and Professor of mathematics education to UK 12% and 43%, respectively, of is currently being taken forward Experimental Physics at the STEM higher education, all relevant institutions in these in Wales and Scotland. The University of Cambridge. assessed participation in science nations failed to present a single Society suggests that an A-level- and mathematics in post-16 physics A-level candidate. based Baccalaureate or similar school leaving examinations. system is also needed in The higher proportions of Detailed analysis of the pupil- England. The precise nature of students taking core sciences level data revealed, for the first what this Baccalaureate should and mathematics in Scotland are time, the combinations of look like requires careful likely to be due to the fact that science and mathematics investigation and input from a most of these students take at subjects taken by students. variety of interested parties, least five Highers. Elsewhere in most notably Government, The report’s main finding is the UK students typically employers, professional bodies, the worryingly low level of complete three A-levels. the teaching profession and participation in science and Increasing the number of students. mathematics by 16-19 year olds subjects studied post-16 widens in all parts of the UK except the options at degree level, Changing the structure of the Scotland. This means that the including access to STEM qualifications system alone will ‘pool’ of students able to undergraduate courses. not be effective, however, unless proceed to study STEM subjects it is supported by improvements Higher education institutions at first degree level is too small in other areas. There is powerful tend to want STEM to fulfil the needs of UK evidence in the Society’s ‘state undergraduates to have taken employers, as identified in the of the nation’ reports to show more than one science subject, CBI/EDI education and skills that there is a need to improve and many degrees require two survey in 2010. In England, significantly the recruitment and core sciences plus mathematics. Wales and Northern Ireland in retention of physics and However, the entry requirements 2009, only 28/27/37% of all A- chemistry teachers. Inspiring and needed are often unclear to level students respectively effective teachers, with subject- potential applicants, and there is achieved at least one specific knowledge, are widely a need for improved mainstream science qualification acknowledged to be a major information, advice and (with or without mathematics), influence on students’ choice of guidance (IAG) for young compared with 50% of students subjects, and their performance. people. in Scotland. Furthermore, a However, with only some significant number of institutions A key recommendation from 12,000 UK-domiciled graduates
2 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 5
in core science subjects(3) the 4. The number of qualified 9. Understanding of how contact the education team at Government will struggle to laboratory technicians in children learn should inform [email protected]. recruit its target of around 5,000 secondary schools must teaching practices. new teachers in these subjects increase. ‘The UK has great scientific for 2011/12 in England. (1) Core sciences includes biological 5. Physical resources strengths, which underpin our sciences, chemistry and physics.
A national rise in the (laboratories, lab equipment and society, culture and economy: (2) Preparing for the transfer from school numbers of young people computing hardware) need to we must build on these and and college science and opting to specialise in science be available and of sufficient continue to aspire to be the best mathematics education to UK STEM higher education. A ‘state of the and mathematics post-16 will quality to fully support science country in the world in which to nation’ report. Royal Society, February (4) only occur if the following are and mathematics teaching. do science.’ Our future 2011. http://royalsociety.org/ taken into consideration: success in science depends on education/policy/state-of-nation/ 6. The revised 5–16 National the current generation of higher-education/ 1. The numbers of specialist Curriculum must provide a solid, students. (3) Based on the total numbers of first science and mathematics inspirational and progressive degree graduates in biology (biology, teachers in both the primary and grounding in science and The Royal Society’s four ‘state botany, zoology, genetics and secondary workforce must mathematics for students. of the nation’ reports have microbiology), chemistry and physics increase. produced extensive data on and astronomy in 2009/10. 7. The assessment regime science and mathematics (4) The Scientific Century: securing our 2. Information, advice and must not focus on narrowly education from 5-19 and the future prosperity. Royal Society, March guidance for young people must constructed measures of school teaching profession, across all 2010. http://royalsociety.org/ improve in quality. performance. education/policy/reports/ four nations of the UK; the full 3. Teachers should undertake 8. Qualifications must be reports are available on our To access all the Royal Society’s education policy reports, visit: appropriate, available to all subject-specific continuing website. If you have any views http://royalsociety.org/Education- professional development students and support on the Royal Society’s Policy/reports/ (CPD) as part of their overall progression in post-16 science educational work, or would like CPD entitlement. and mathematics. further information, please
HOW HEFCE AND THE RESEARCH COUNCILS ARE UNDERMINING SCIENCE AND THE NATIONAL INTEREST
Until recently the system of capacity to undertake research universities expected researchers dual support for scientific commissioned by the private to teach and carry out research was predicated on the sector, government departments, administrative duties, and so principle that researchers should charities, the European Union extended amounts of research be free to follow the scholarly and other international bodies. leave still required funding. Dual agenda set by themselves and Individual academics could rely support has a clear rationale that their international peers. Dual on the fact that they could carry is rarely mentioned these days, support is based on the division out a certain amount of their namely that research council of labour; the research councils own research without having to funding is based on a Professor James Ladyman provide grants for specific apply for funding from a prospective assessment of a Department of Philosophy, University of Bristol projects and programmes, while research council. This makes plan for future work, while the HEFCE and the other funding sense because some work is so funding councils award councils provide block grant exploratory in nature that no resources based on a funding to support the research detailed research proposal is retrospective assessment of the infrastructure, and to provide the available. On the other hand, work done in the years prior to
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 3 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 6
not a dead body of work stored are encouraged to think about in books and journals, but a applications of their research culture that is only kept alive by they will almost always only be . . . Pure intellectual inquiry has the individuals capable of fully able to envisage them in the grasping and communicating short-term. It is salutary to note borne fruit that could never have that knowledge. Often profound that the great mathematician been imagined in advance. . . advances eventually follow G H Hardy in his when individual scientists seek Mathematician’s Apology to clarify and properly to explicitly claimed never to have understand fundamentals, and done anything useful in his life. one of the ways they used to Little did he know that advanced routinely do that was by number theory would become the assessment exercise (the science of which more below). It teaching undergraduate or essential to cryptography in the RAE, now replaced by the REF). is now widely acknowledged graduate courses. In the computing age, nor that the law This has been incredibly that the Research Assessment contemporary academy there is of population genetics to which successful; the UK has around Exercise had unintended so much pressure to publish, his name is given would twenty of the best one hundred consequences. There is no and to win grants, that there is a become a centrepiece of universities in the world by any question that in the immediate positive disincentive for biology. More telling still is that reckoning and the latter have aftermath of the introduction of academics to devote much time this great Cambridge academic the status of national treasures, the RAE the top research and intellectual energy to cited quantum mechanics as albeit ones that are taken for universities had a very strong teaching. another area of study that was granted. interest in prioritising research at obviously completely useless, the expense of teaching. This The impact agenda is now Despite their different roles whereas it in fact is central to all was directly or indirectly changing the incentive structure both the funding councils and of electronics and the communicated to staff who again by making all researchers the research councils have aforementioned laser. realised that their own careers think about the applications of embraced the impact agenda. In would not be enhanced, and hitherto unknown science. The Those who introduced and so doing they are distorting the might even be threatened, by absurdity of this is obvious to advocated the impact agenda incentives of researchers and allowing their research anyone with a passing have never produced any universities. Pure intellectual productivity to be compromised knowledge of the history of evidence that researchers who inquiry has borne fruit that could by extensive preparations for science and technology. The identify applications at the outset never have been imagined in teaching new courses, or by laser, once successfully produce more valuable research. advance. When Bertrand Russell time spent working on textbooks developed after much effort, In fact, many studies have began his logical investigations or pedagogy. was described as a solution in shown the opposite, namely that into the meaning of sentences search of a problem. Lasers so-called ‘blue skies’ research with empty names, such as When people are given very were built only because it was produces a better return on famously ‘the present King of clear incentives they often over- realised that they could exist, investment. Public critics of the France is bald’, he was pursuing respond to them. This certainly and the idea that its inventors impact agenda led by Don an intellectual agenda that had happened with the RAE. While should have contemplated the Braben include a good number been set by the great Austrian only four items per academic now ubiquitous use of lasers in of Nobel prize winners. Their philosopher of mathematics per seven years were required, supermarket checkouts, eye- public and private campaigning Gottlob Frege some years earlier, universities and academics surgery and information has been met with sophistry who had in turn wished to themselves reacted by making technology is preposterous. New and spin and their evidence and properly understand the publication in top journals an science in one field (say lasers) arguments have never been meaning of simple arithmetical overwhelming priority. One often leads to technology by intellectually addressed. Are we statements such as ‘7+5=12’. consequence of this has been interacting with new science in a to believe that Treasury civil No research could seem more the marginalisation and gradual completely different one (say servants and research council idle from a practical point of elimination of academics who the digitisation of music, hence bureaucrats know more about view, yet Russell’s work gave us devoted themselves at least as cd players). It is ridiculous to how science works than our the artificial languages of much to understanding their expect a researcher interested elite scientists thousands of mathematical logic without subjects broadly and deeply, as in, say optics, to anticipate whom have signed petitions which contemporary computing they did to innovation. While of possible applications of research against the impact agenda? would be impossible. course we would like to have they have not yet carried out, new results in science, there is a It may be objected that there The American sociologist that will only be possible lot to be said for the importance is no harm in encouraging Robert Merton is credited with because of the results of other and the difficulty of the researchers to think about the phrase ‘unintended research in completely different rediscovery and transmission of applications even if they may consequences’ (he also founded fields that has also not yet been what is known already. It is not be able to foresee them all, the study of the sociology of carried out. When researchers easily forgotten that science is however, the research councils
4 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 7
are now asking all researchers achieving them is not the best Researchers are spending huge which they carry out the highest even in the most pure and way actually to achieve them. amounts of time writing grant rated research. Indeed, the theoretical fields to do so at the For example, the best way of proposals and completing the research councils seem to be earliest stages of research and to impressing people is usually not baroque forms and processes of brazenly admitting that basic include an impact statement to try to impress them. the research councils. They are scientific research will not be with their funding applications. Shareholders may only value being paid to compete with found in every region. Doctoral The problem with this is that it footballers in so far as they bring each other to have time to think, training centres will promote a fundamentally distorts scientific them a return on their and since most grant monoculture, whereas a certain thought and creativity in so far investment, but encouraging applications are unsuccessful amount of diversity is necessary as it is at least sometimes based individual footballers to aim at huge amounts of time is being for a critical culture and for on pure intellectual curiosity. The making money for the club wasted. Universities employ innovation. The alleged need for impact agenda incentivises would distract them from the teams of people needed to help interdisciplinarity will be used to scientists to neglect puzzling but goal of playing football well with these applications, and to promote spurious compulsory seemingly irrelevant problems, which is how they actually make sift research council websites training modules and taught and instead to work directly money. Some scientists are and announcements for lists of units at the expense of the kind towards practical goals. This directly motivated by practical funding opportunities to compile of advanced doctoral research weakens our scientific and problems, and nobody is arguing and send around the academic from which we have benefited intellectual culture and that the Government cannot set staff who are then encouraged so much as a nation. It is undermines the values essential strategic priorities and goals for to think of ways to exploit them. completely erroneous to suggest to education. As Merton pointed scientific research such as The research councils are the nation cannot afford its out, one of the key features of renewable energy or reducing increasingly abandoning science base. Our existing science is disinterestedness and heart disease. However, there is responsive-mode funding in university system had produced a culture in which apparently a great deal of science, even in favour of launching fashionable world-beating results from a selfless behaviour is rewarded. relatively applied domains, that strategies despite the lack of lower proportion of national is driven by puzzlement and the evidence that they are effective. income than our rivals. The The universities have desire to know for its own sake. They attempt top-down control radical changes in the way immediately responded to the The policies of the funding and of science, and employ people science is funded and organised impact agenda by creating research councils are to travel around promoting their that we are now witnessing are impact infrastructures and undermining scientific culture by schemes and to court links with not a response to identified bureaucracies. In the REF two emphasising the pursuit of researchers and the growing problems or inadequacies of the impact case studies will be foreseeable and short-term infrastructures of research current system. No evidence has worth as much as all the application over the quest for directors, research development been produced to show that research of about two whole knowledge and understanding. teams and so on. There are ever they are necessary. They all members of staff. One of the They are creating wasteful growing numbers of people involve increasing the amount of most obvious ways of having bureaucracies and encouraging involved with research bureaucracy, administration, and impact is to enjoy media scientists to engage in hype and management and administration management associated with attention. Universities are falling to court media attention. The who do no research themselves scientific research, and they all over themselves to publicise best predictor of impact is whatsoever. involve larger and more their research and to encourage academic excellence. important roles for the research their academics to court The research councils’ councils and their service relationships with media The situation in UK academic enthusiasm for managerialism organisations in our universities. professionals. Given the media’s research is dangerously close to and wasteful bureaucracy has Unless this trend is reversed, it tendency to distort the truth in disastrous for the future of found its latest expression in will combine with budget cuts to order to make it seem more education, the science base and their insistence that doctoral create a perfect storm for UK interesting, it is astonishing how ultimately for the economy. research be concentrated in a science. little critical thought is being Academics are now increasingly small number of doctoral applied to the consideration of only regarded as research active training centres. This will lead to the likely negative effects of this if they bring in grant income no many universities having no forced marriage. matter how good their work. doctoral students in subjects in
It may be that tax-payers and policy makers only value science . . . The situation in UK academic research is in so far as it produces tangible material benefits for society. dangerously close to disastrous for the future of However, it does not follow that all scientists should be education, the science base and ultimately for the encouraged to aim to produce economy. . . those benefits. There are many goals such that aiming directly at
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 5 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 8
RESEARCH IN UNIVERSITIES: INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE
national economy, to healthcare, organisations in which they work achieved in practice. Examples and to national wellbeing and building on their substantial of HEFCE-funded projects are quality of life. In 2008 the UK, engagement with research given in this article. with some 1% of the world users. By providing parallel Our grant also gives population, produced 8% of the streams of funding with differing universities the freedom to start published research papers in the purposes this system ensures enquiry into new fields. The world and accounted for 12% of that support is available where it most important discoveries all citations including over 14% of is needed throughout the grow from the moment when a the most highly cited papers in research cycle. researcher (or a group of the top 1% globally. David Sweeney HEFCE research grant, which researchers) think of an entirely Director of Research and Research-related income into totals around £1.5 billion per new question, or a new way of Innovation, Higher Education Funding Council for England universities from business and year, is not tied to stipulated approaching an existing public services, which is a proxy purposes or activity. It is question, and devote time and for impact on the economy, was allocated selectively, in a way effort to devising ways to answer £1.7bn in 2009-10, and in that provides a powerful it. Typically it is only at the stage UK universities have addition 232 new businesses challenge to achieve excellence: when a question or field has built up a world- derived from university following assessments every few been defined, and there is some intellectual property were years, funding is allocated to agreement that a particular line leading research base, created. those universities and of enquiry may help to take it with an exceptional departments that have further, that project funding can In England, universities and demonstrated the capacity to be obtained from other sources. record for the range other HE institutions generate produce research of In this way core research and volume of research income totalling around internationally excellent and funding complements Research significant new £4.5 billion each year. Around a world-leading quality. Our future Council, Charity and Business third of this is provided by the discoveries. This is due allocations will depend on the funding, ensuring that the latter higher education funding council in equal measure to next assessment (the 2014 can be directed to the strongest (HEFCE). A further third is Research Excellence performers with the highest the efforts of our large government funding for projects Framework), which will place probability of a successful group of excellent and and programmes through the increased emphasis on evidence outcome. highly committed UK Research Councils and the that research outcomes have National Health Service. The rest Excellent research is researchers, and to the delivered benefits in the world comes from other sources, produced by excellent support given by our outside. Universities are able to notably research charities and researchers, and requires apply this funding wherever they unique system for industry. continuing efforts to maintain a see a need, and which is not managing public steady stream of new talent. For This mixed portfolio of public met from other sources. Chief research funding, in even the most gifted aspiring funding has played a crucial role among these needs are researchers, it is a major which HEFCE, the in underpinning the past maintaining a research challenge to make the transition biggest single research achievements of the national environment and infrastructure from completing their research research base and in building conducive to excellence; making funder, plays a key training at postdoctoral level the capacity for excellence in the room for early stage, speculative role. through to becoming future. The system emphasises enquiry into wholly new fields recognised, years later, as a Sustained public investment excellence, by focusing funding and lines of research; helping to research leader taking forward in research in universities and where the capacity exists to support the training of young their own programme of work. other higher education (HE) produce world-leading research. researchers and of PhD Support is available from a institutions has given the UK a At the same time it cherishes students; and more generally number of sources (for instance, national research system which the principle that detailed supporting and encouraging a funding for research fellowships is among the strongest and decisions on what new fields of culture in which researchers and from the Wellcome Trust), but most productive in the world enquiry should be opened up, universities take responsibility for for many the best immediate across a broad range of subjects, and how, are best taken by ensuring that the full potential prospect is that their university generating benefits to the researchers and to the benefits of research are
6 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 9
will provide them with a salary component designed explicitly to contribution of the research national systems. At the same for a period while they find their give credit where universities charities and business and time, much of the most exciting feet. Universities are allowed have contributed to ensuring industry. The announcement in research is undertaken as a and encouraged to fund such that their research has made a December of funding allocations group activity and running across activities from HEFCE allocations. difference in any of these for science and research established disciplinary spheres. Our funding also covering a four year period has boundaries, and much cutting An excellent and sustainable supports a number of initiatives provided a welcome and helpful edge science requires the research base will make strong to help universities to harness element of stability, giving provision and regular updating provision for the early stage of the potential of the internet, universities the ability to plan of increasingly complex and research training too. Students such as supporting innovative ahead with some confidence. expensive equipment. HEFCE training for a PhD are important provision for sharing and Nevertheless, a number of remains committed to working both as the first stage in growing preserving research outputs and significant challenges are with other funders of research, new research talent: whether to their underlying datasets. emerging to which the research and with our partners within work in universities or base must respond. Research at higher education, to ensure that elsewhere; or as a significant WHAT NEXT? the highest level is increasingly a the UK research base is able to contribution to a skilled, flexible highly competitive globalised meet these challenges and to and creative national workforce. The national research base is business with a limited available retain its position as a major Only a minority of those currently in very good shape, workforce, and a number of source of world-leading and life- obtaining doctorates will go on following sustained government other countries are now enhancing discoveries. to work in academic research, investment through HEFCE and investing heavily in building their but all will have acquired other bodies as well as the valuable and transferrable skills and experience that they can CASE STUDIES apply to positive effect throughout their working life. Lancaster University - Targeting treatment for patient treatment and care. The initiative creates PhD students draw financial tropical disease a new interface between three research support from a range of sources; communities at the University of Birmingham: River blindness (onchocerciasis) is a major but the HEFCE grant contributes ‘omics’ research (metabolomics in particular); health problem in wet tropical regions. To tackle to the cost of supervising all bioinformatics & modelling; and biomedical & it, the African Programme for Onchocerciasis students, including those who clinical research. Control (APOC), co-ordinated by the World have no other funding, and Health Organisation across 19 nations, has Omics technologies allow rapid analyses of gives universities the flexibility to treated more than 30 million people with the thousands of biomolecules to discover reduce or waive fees for drug Ivermectin. Ivermectin, however, can cause diagnostic markers for disease or to measure promising students who have adverse reactions when given to people who the therapeutic responses of drugs on the not been fortunate to secure also have the infection ‘eye worm’. APOC body’s tissues. Consequently the amount of significant support from an therefore takes precautions before mass data generated is vast, and high performance inevitably limited range of other treatment with Ivermectin, and spatial statistical computers with mathematical modelling are sources. modelling at Lancaster University is helping required for the data analysis. Even world-leading research treatment to be better targeted. Development is of limited value if it is not of international partnerships such as this can shared, whether with other take several years and therefore will depend on University of Sheffield - Magnomatics researchers or with those stable funding. The real-world impacts are clear: For more than a decade the University of outside the academic sphere Lancaster’s collaboration advances knowledge Sheffield has been exploring the possibilities of who could apply it to positive in tropical diseases and saves lives. using high-energy permanent magnets for novel effect. Our funding and non-contact magnetic gearboxes. Following assessment arrangements initial research, funding was awarded to drive University of Birmingham - Systems Science support this sharing process in the technology forward, and it can now be for Health several ways. A major focus of applied in sectors such as aerospace, hybrid- our recent activity has been on Systems Science for Health (SSFH) is a new vehicles and the renewable energy sectors. A identifying and celebrating the research initiative at the University of spin-out company, Magnomatics was very broad range of ways in Birmingham. Launched in 2010, and established in 2006 to commercialise the which the outputs of research underpinned by investment from HEFCE. It research findings. This has gone from strength can make a difference – to exploits state of the art technologies and high to strength, including contracts by the MOD and economic activity, to healthcare performance computing to unravel projects with European vehicle manufacturers. and quality of life, and to social mechanisms of complex diseases, discover new This commercial success has its genesis in the wellbeing. The Research diagnostic markers, and ultimately improve speculative research undertaken in 2000. Excellence Framework now incorporates a significant
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 7 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 10
SCIENCE AS A PUBLIC ENTERPRISE
SCIENCE AND THE Notwithstanding this roll-call A further impact of digital MODERN WORLD of achievement, the context technologies has been in the within which science is done is use of computers to investigate The increased pace of changing, and the scientific complex coupled systems in application of scientific discovery enterprise needs to adapt to it. ways that were hitherto over the last half-century has impossible. It has added a third been breathtaking. We have put THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL basic tool to the armoury of satellites into orbit around the TECHNOLOGIES science, that of computer Earth and probed deep into the 30 years ago, in most areas simulation, to the classical tools solar system; we have of science, it was possible to of observation and theory. Professor Geoffrey Boulton discovered the chemical FRS FRSE OBE publish a complete description processes that animate living But this compounds the Chair of the Royal Society’s study of a piece of scientific work, ‘Science as a public enterprise: things and learned to problem of reproducibility. The including all experimental details, opening up scientific information’ manipulate them; we have computer code of researchers the resultant data, an developed computers that are relatively inaccessible, even assessment of uncertainties, and complete calculations in to experts in the same field. The the details of analysis, that fractions of a second that would computational manipulation is would permit anyone to validate previously have taken months or contained in a black box, so that the data and repeat the been impossible; we can it is often extremely difficult to experiment. New digital manipulate individual atoms, state with clarity and rigour why methods of data collection and and are beginning to understand the results are as they are. In a storage are now able to create how they are assembled into world where we are now able, such vast datasets that no complex living organisms; and for the first time, to analyse truly journal could conceivably accept we have found ways of storing, complex problems, and where a full description of an manipulating and transmitting the policies derived from such experiment analogous to that of information that far surpass analyses can impinge so strongly 30 years before. Unless a great anything previously dreamed of. on society, finding ways to amount of time is devoted to unlock model construction and Such discoveries have describing an experiment in operation to inspection is a high removed geographic barriers; immense detail (crafting the priority. put immense power to access, “meta-data”) and in archiving manipulate and communicate the full dataset, it has become A CHANGED SOCIAL information into the hands of very difficult to replicate it ENVIRONMENT ordinary citizens; and created faithfully. The published paper The pressure for change the potential to address hitherto merely becomes an comes not only from powerful intractable diseases. At the same advertisement for the science: digital technologies, but also time they have alerted us to the the real science lies in the from society. As old habits of magnitude of the human assault underlying data. deference fade, growing on the natural systems of the We have reached a point numbers of citizens are averse planet, and with the where replication and re-use of to accepting ex cathedra computational power that data, that have been statements from scientists, and science has put into our hands, fundamental to the progress of ubiquitous digital media offer a we have the capacity to assess science, are being undermined powerful means for the public how they might evolve. unless we can make the to interrogate, question and re- Wherever we look, science has underlying data quickly available analyse scientific priorities, changed, is changing and will and useable by other scientists. evidence and conclusions. continue to change the way we There is a strong imperative for Though it has its difficulties, the live, and fundamentally a regime of open data, to developing vigorous influence the way we prepare ensure that scientific data are engagement by many citizens is for the future. It is now woven made available to others. something to which the scientific into the fabric of human culture. enterprise must adapt. Arguably
8 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 11
it is a realisation, though in a public enterprise: opening up where the activities of private professional advancement, and more democratic and boisterous scientific information(2). Its companies involve a public institutional assessment of form, of the hopes of the Royal purpose is not to cover the hazard, as in the recent science be evolved to properly Society's report on The Public whole domain of scientific examples of Fukushima and recognise contributions other Understanding of Science(1) in governance and public Deep Water Horizon, that the than the traditional peer- 1985, which is widely held to engagement, but to recognise scientific safety cases should be reviewed paper? One way mark the birth of a movement that opening up scientific publicly available. If there is forward might be to recognise towards public engagement with information is a vital first step in shared hazard, should there not the provision and archiving of science in Britain. ensuring that scientific results also be shared information? data and computer code in and analysis are more accessible assessment of research, for Given the impact that science A powerful example of the both to other scientists and to example the Research increasingly has on the lives of benefit of transgressing the members of the public who Excellence Framework for citizens, and the fact that much public/private divide comes have developed specialist university research. is paid for from the public purse, from clinical trials, to which the knowledge. it is important that science is public freely contribute, and WHAT DOES THE PUBLIC not, and is not seen to be, a LIMITS TO OPENNESS where great potential for benefit WANT? private enterprise, conducted is unrealised. Persistent failures behind the closed doors of For science funded from to place even summary results While the issues above laboratories, but a public public sources, exceptions of such trials in the public should concern policymakers, enterprise to understand better should clearly apply to scientific domain have led to a bias that scientists and interested citizens, the world we live in and our work that has implications for seriously undermines their what does the wider public want place in it. national security. The degree to immense potential for public from the science that it indirectly which personalised information, benefit. The way that sharing funds? A recent survey indicated Some of the debate involving gathered for example through data can lead to healthcare that many do not feel informed citizen scientists is excessively medical or social science improvements has been shown about science, but it seems that polarised, characterised by a investigations, is exempted, can by the meta-analysis of the raw the vast majority have no desire stand-off across a gulf that is also be problematic. To what data from clinical trials on the to become involved in scientific rarely bridged by reasoned (5) extent, for example, should the effects of aspirin in the processes . They want discourse. Each side portrays public health benefits that might prevention of cardiovascular reassurance that there are itself as the standard bearer of accrue from the use of disease which was able to use efficient processes that will reason, and accuses the other of population health records, data from 95,000 patients. The progressively eliminate error and an irrational, quasi-religious (6) outweigh an individual’s desire extension of such processes reduce uncertainty . But these belief, often underlain by self- for privacy? Is too high a price offers an opportunity to use data results are only indicative, which interested motives, or even by being paid by people collectively from routine clinical use of drugs is why the Royal Society inquiry global conspiracy. But many in order to protect the privacy of to provide high quality is considering further public interventions generate tough people individually through pharmacovigilance on a hitherto dialogue processes, asking the and illuminating questions and inappropriate data protection unprecedented scale(4). public what it wants of its expose important errors and legislation, including the EU data science. elisions. At the same time, novel protection directive? MOTIVATING CHANGE 1 The full report can be downloaded: initiatives are being created that Should scientific data held by Making scientific results http://royalsociety.org/Public- bridge between citizen and Understanding-of-Science/ government and its agencies be available in a useable form both professional scientists in areas 2 More information: such as astrophysics, climate freely available? The to professional scientists and the http://royalsociety.org/policy/sape/ prediction and malaria control, Government’s National public would be expensive, and 3 HM Treasury, National Infrastructure and many individuals create Infrastructure Plan launched last would demand either additional 2010: http://www.hm- treasury.gov.uk/ppp_national_infrastructu incisive and often highly creative October focuses on physical funding or a shift in the balance (3) re_plan.htm blogs on specific issues. The infrastructure . Why not also a of the scientific effort. strategy for national information 4 The Lancet, Volume 377, Issue 9778, 14 purpose must be to ensure that Achieving change requires a May 2011-20 May 2011, pp1633-1635 infrastructure, including scientific the public can see, grasp, and change in the priorities of 5 51% of the public think they hear and information? take part in scientific research to funders of science, and of see too little or far too little about a much greater extent than has At first sight, there might scientists themselves and their science, but only 32% would trust research more if they saw the original been possible hitherto. seem to be a clear limit to the institutions. Scientists have paper. Ipsos MORI / Department for opening up of scientific tended to regard their data as Business, Innovation and Skills, 2011, A NEW ROYAL SOCIETY Public Attitudes to Science Survey, INQUIRY information according to personal property. After all, it is whether the science is funded they who worked hard to p32&39: http://www.ipsos- mori.com/researchpublications/research It is in this context that the from public or private sources. In generate it, and ownership has archive/2764/Public-attitudes-to- Royal Society is undertaking an practice, there are many areas never been seriously challenged. science-2011.aspx inquiry, due to be completed by that are more complex. There is How can the systems of 6 Ibid, p39. Spring 2012, Science as a a strong argument, for example, acknowledgement, reward,
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 12
THE LEONARDO CENTRE’S INDUSTRIAL SAVINGS
Tribology is the study of friction, lubrication and wear and is at the heart of modern machines, everyday life, and saving energy. The Leonardo Centre for Tribology and Surface Technology collaborates with industry leaders across a range of sectors to make energy savings through the science of tribology. With dozens of partners, working with over 30 researchers, the Leonardo Centre’s mission is at the core of the Department of Business Innovation and Skill’s knowledge transfer initiative, “ensuring good research becomes good business”. Recent projects have included optimising airplane engine manufacture with Rolls-Royce and working with Tecvac and NMB-Minebea to produce lightweight yet durable landing gear – which resulted in Airbus placing a £19m order. Professor Rob Dwyer-Joyce, The Leonardo Centre for Tribology But what is tribology? Why is Lubrication was set up. This led afford to overlook the economic and Surface Technology, University of Sheffield. it important? And what does any in 1966 to a report which and commercial advantages to of it have to do with Leonardo estimated potential savings of be gained by the study of da Vinci? £515 million per annum (in tribology. In order to link 1966 terms) for industry if education and research with TRIBOLOGY existing tribological principles and industrial efficiency, it In the early 1960s, after a practices were better applied. recommended the steep increase in reported The report also suggested that as establishment of Centres or failures of machinery due to the United Kingdom’s livelihood Institutes of Tribology. was tied to the success of its friction and wear, a conference After considering the report, industrial efficiency, it could not on Iron and Steel Works the then Minister of Technology
Professor Allan Matthews, The Leonardo Centre for Tribology and Surface Technology, University of Sheffield.
Figure 1. Depending on the vehicle and the operating conditions somewhere between 4 and 15% of the energy from the fuel is lost in overcoming friction in engine and transmission. The piston rings alone account for 3.6p in every litre of fuel. Understanding, predicting, and reducing the lost energy is at the heart of Tribology.
10 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 13
announced to the House of process of rubbing surfaces. It Commons, in September 1966, was Leonardo da Vinci who the establishment of the conducted some of the first Committee on Tribology to experiments in this field. advise on the implementation of Leonardo kept illustrated note the report. books in which he detailed his From its beginnings in UK experiments. Sketches showing Government, tribology has blocks being pulled along attained global significance, surfaces appear in the Codex tribology centres being Atlanticus, while in the Codex established from Nigeria to the Forester he expressed for the Netherlands and a total of 36 first time the laws of friction, “the countries are currently friction made by the same Figure 2. Leonardo’s designs for a rolling bearing from the Codex Madrid represented in the International weight will be of equal 1490. Leonardo understood the importance of reducing friction, including Tribology Council. resistance at the beginning of its a spacer to separate the balls and how lubricants could be used. A modern bearing, in 2011, retains many of these features. movement, although the contact The savings predicted by the may be of different breadths Iron and Steel Work Committee and heights”. real economic imperative of losses. Professor Rob Dwyer- are no less pertinent today. The building on the work of this 15th Joyce, of the Leonardo Centre, report of a two year investigation Leonardo also investigated Century pioneer to meet this has developed new sensors to in China estimated the savings methods to reduce friction. One century’s needs. tune piston ring performance obtainable by the application of particular experiment, described and potentially halve these tribological principles to be in the Codex Madrid, illustrates THE LEONARDO CENTRE, losses. Dr Matt Marshall recently equivalent to 1.5% GNP, this for perfectly the link between this SHEFFIELD worked on a project investigating an average R&D expenditure of pioneering work and its Located in the former steel abradable linings in aero-engines US$200,000 for US$1 million continuation at the Leonardo producing heartland, the and how their efficiency directly savings. Professor H Peter Jost, Centre for Tribology and Surface Leonardo Centre is building on a corresponds to fuel President of the International Technology at the University of rich heritage to provide cutting consumption. It is estimated that Tribology Council, has said, Sheffield. edge solutions for manufacturing saving 1% of fuel consumed “adjusted for UK conditions, it Instead of the sliding motion and innovation. It is ideally could save the airline industry could be estimated that savings that had typically been used, placed to help businesses, taking $160m a year. Dr Marshall’s through tribology in the UK can Leonardo designed many advantage of Sheffield’s newly project investigated how to make be in the region of £8-£10 bearings which used a rolling announced enterprise zone, one this adjustment safely in a billion for an applied R&D action. Of these he wrote: of 21 in England, achieve mechanism that must operate at expenditure of approximately maximum efficiency in both their temperatures of up to 1800°C. £60-£100 thousand.” “Their movement will be manufacturing processes and facilitated by interposing GROWTH With Chancellor George products. between them balls and rollers. Osborne’s recent incentives to After the announcement of But if the balls or rollers touch While the knowledge and encourage business in the UK, March’s budget, there is a clear each other in their motion, they expertise is developed in the including the lifting of tax relief need to promote business and will make movement more University, it is the Leonardo on the enterprise schemes from innovation in order to stimulate difficult than if there were not Centre’s links with industry which 20 to 30% and that on research the economy. Research and contact between them, because drives its research. Current and development activities from development being undertaken their touching is by contrary national and international 140 to 200%, the extra savings at the Leonardo Centre is a key motions and this friction causes projects work with wind, rail, provided through tribology could to this process by offering contrariwise movements.” automotive and aerospace allow businesses to flourish, businesses the opportunity to industries, while a new Sheffield’s Leonardo Centre While Leonardo discovered make savings through the toothbrush designed last year having an important role to play. how to make ball bearings science of tribology – the study with Unilever took 20% of the operate, the Centre’s work is of friction, lubrication and wear. European market on release. LEONARDO DA VINCI being used to make them more By using the Centre’s expertise It may seem surprising that a efficient. A recent project, Tribology is concerned with in these areas as well as its tribology research centre should directed by Professor Allan tiny distances, gaps, and knowledge of surfaces and be named after a person who to Mathews and Dr Adrian Leyland, tolerances. Millions of pounds coatings, the Centre is able to the public is generally known for discovered a surface coating can be saved by micrometre help stimulate growth in a wide his paintings; however, he was a which could increase a bearing’s scale adjustment. The piston range of industries including genius in Engineering Design. life span by 84.1%. Considering rings in a car engine operate automotive, aerospace and The fundamental principles of it can cost up to £400,000 to with a micrometre size oil film energy: a unique and productive tribology – friction and wear – replace the bearing in one off- and yet consume 3.6p out of legacy for the enquiring mind of are innately connected to the shore wind turbine, there is a every litre of fuel in friction Leonardo da Vinci.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 11 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 14
FIXING PHYSICS TEACHING For many people, their school years pass without them having much of an idea of where they want to go or what they want to do. But for others their educational and career paths are subject to many influences along the way. Often the strongest influence is exerted by a teacher. A good teacher can bring a subject alive, inspire students and instill a deep and lasting understanding of the topics they teach.
Professor Peter Main There are many factors that largest cohort for 30 years, with repayments met by Government Director, Education and Science, make an effective teacher. 650 new physics teachers ready is reassuring. But such incentives Institute of Physics Personal skills and pedagogical to take up their places in are required not only to attract ability are important, as is a instructing the next generation in the best graduates into teaching strong knowledge of the subject. the most fundamental of the generally, but also to ensure that While that last point may seem sciences. As encouraging as this they are using their specialist obvious, particularly in the later news is, the figure is still short of knowledge most appropriately – stages of education, there is the new Government target of a quarter of the physics actually no formal requirement 925 physics teachers recruited graduates who do enter for this to be the case. Many annually – a target that the teaching end up teaching maths shortage subjects, such as Institute sees as a crucial step instead of physics. It has been physics, are taught by non- towards rectifying the drastic suggested that they are put off specialists even to GCSE level. shortfall, in England, of becoming science teachers as it specialists, which we estimate to will mean offering chemistry and A SHORTFALL IN be between 4000 and 4500 biology as well as their own TEACHERS teachers. It is even further subject. behind the more ambitious In the case of physics, there If the requirement to teach target identified by the Institute, has been a drastic shortfall in other sciences besides physics of 1000 new teachers per year the number of specialist deters physics graduates from – the level at which 15 years of teachers for many years, which teaching physics, it may be steady recruitment would finally inevitably has a major impact on more useful for the subject to put the number of physics young people’s education in the be decoupled from the other teachers back on a par with subject. There are 500 sciences and, if anything, be those of chemistry and biology. maintained schools in England taught together with maths – with no specialist physics The desired target of physics this would also encourage teacher. It is not necessarily that specialists making up one third greater recruitment of non-specialists cannot be good of all teachers of science engineering graduates into physics teachers, but on average subjects begins from a starting physics teaching, providing a specialists have been shown to point of around 19%. Until greater pool of talent from teach better-quality lessons, and recently, only around 400 new which to draw teachers. secondary-school departments teachers began teacher-training The Institute has without any specialist physics courses each year, and 15% of recommended that in addition teachers tend to have fewer those who start PGCE courses to schools making every students who go on to study the drop out before completing their reasonable effort to employ subject at A-level. training. To make matters worse, enough physics teachers to half left the teaching profession The Institute of Physics is ensure that all of their students within four and a half years. pleased to see that the latest can be taught by a specialist at batch of newly qualifying POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS GCSE level and above, they teachers – whose new-teacher should also deploy those conference took place on 14 The prospect of graduates teachers appropriately. One way July, followed by a celebratory with good degrees in physics this requirement could be event in Parliament – is the having their student loan introduced is by making it
12 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 15
impossible for a school to get a misunderstandings that they universities. These are in comparable to the finance or top grade at their Ofsted might have, or explanations of partnership with university construction industries. inspection without having a phenomena that are often used physics departments, and the Similarly, the UK’s science specialist physics teacher. by non-specialists but which are Institute is working with the base depends on actually having incorrect. Royal Academy of Engineering Curiously, given the dramatic the scientists to do the work, and others to include shortage, many physics And the programme works, and they all need someone to engineering departments. graduates are rejected from too: the pilot project from teach them. With fewer of them teacher-training. The way in 2006–09, which ran in 30 Students who express an around to make the subject which the admissions system is English schools, saw an increase interest in becoming teachers seem intuitive and logical, fewer set up makes it difficult to of 30% in the number of can sign up to receive frequent students go on to study physics understand why this happens, secondary-school children going updates of news relevant to at 16-19 level or at university. As but it is clearly something that on to study A-level physics. teacher-training. At the time of well as affecting the number of needs urgent attention. Participation in A-level physics writing, this year’s events have physics graduates coming among children from those identified more than 300 through the pipeline and into IOP’S ROLE schools went from 4% below prospective teachers. research and academia, the national average to 14% potentially harming the UK’s Given that for the Although we believe that above it. There was also a standing in the international foreseeable future much physics IOP’s activities have helped to dramatic increase in the number science community, it also teaching up to GCSE will be reverse the decline in the of students studying triple exacerbates the very problem carried out by non-specialists, number of physics teachers and science. that caused it by reducing the Institute is also working to ensure better teaching from further the number of potential improve those teachers’ subject- Further work relates to the non-specialists, further support physics teachers. knowledge, confidence and Institute’s recommendation of will be required from ‘pedagogical content knowledge’ more, and better, mentoring for Government to remove the So while the largest batch of – the specific ability to teach the new teachers. Since 2004, the shortfall completely. It’s new physics teachers for 30 subject of physics. The Institute has offered mentoring important that it is. years is certainly an occasion Stimulating Physics Network, to those taking six-month, pre- worth celebrating, there is still managed by IOP in partnership PGCE, subject-knowledge WHY PHYSICS work to be done. with the Science Learning courses, continuing into their TEACHING MATTERS Naturally, the shortage of Centres and funded by the first two years working as a Benjamin Franklin described physics teachers has strong local Department for Education, works teacher. The assignment of a education as “the investment variations. In Blackpool in 2008, with non-specialist teachers to mentor, along with phone and with the greatest returns”. This is for example, the constituency’s deepen their knowledge of email support and attendance at particularly applicable to physics, eight schools only sent five physics and skill at physics conferences, are intended to which underpins so much of students on to do physics A- teaching and restoring the enhance the teacher’s science, engineering and level – all of them boys. With culture of physics. The initiative professional network. Surveys of medicine. It is crucial for the the greater autonomy of schools provides teachers with a those that have taken part in the future of UK science, and in the future, it is important that programme of workshops, scheme have shown that they therefore the country’s those schools recognise the activities and continuing believe it to be beneficial to economy, that this shortage of importance of having a specialist professional development that is both the teacher and the school, physics teachers be resolved. physics teacher. By keeping intended to be inspiring, which can help address the high Physics punches well above its aware of who is teaching coherent and sustainable. drop-out rate that has weight in the economy, with physics in their constituencies, aggravated the shortage of The Network operates by physics-based businesses MPs can play a key role in recruited teachers. offering every secondary school accounting for almost half of all ensuring that the next in England support from a team To try to attract more manufacturing jobs in 2008 as generation of physicists receive of physics network coordinators. physicists into the teaching well as supporting more than the best possible education. Meanwhile, in more than 250 profession, the Institute has £50bn of gross value added in targeted schools, a network of developed a marketing model, the UK as a whole and £8bn in teaching-and-learning coaches based around specific events at Scotland alone – figures provides support to whole departments, working in schools to help their non-specialist teachers be more effective. . . . At the time of writing, this year’s events have Support will include discussions of, for example, common identified more than 300 prospective teachers. . . difficulties that children have with tasks such as wiring up an electrical circuit, typical
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 13 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 16
WHY SUPPORTING AND PROMOTING ENGINEERS IS VITAL FOR THE WORLD’S FUTURE
engineering and technology subjects, compared with 20% in India and 40% in China and Singapore. Either we choose to become a second rate nation, or we act now to ensure our future place in the world. WHY ARE WE IN THIS SITUATION? Stephen Tetlow Unlike the past when the Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers likes of George Stephenson and Isambard Kingdom Brunel meant engineering was hailed as a profession for heroic Engineers solve pioneers, engineering in 2011 is aeroplane flights, which could we don’t solve the impending problems. As the UK rarely fêted, and not enough cut travel times by more than skills shortage we will have no youngsters dream of pursuing a half, and ever more chance of creating a low carbon grapples with its career in engineering. sophisticated surgical robots to economy or finding solutions to complete medical procedures man’s greatest challenges. deficit, and the This is despite the fact that more accurately than a human world tackles there are currently thousands of The Big Bang Fair, the UK’s surgeon can. Engineers are engineers around the world biggest single celebration of climate change, a developing air-capture machines doing work just as critical and science and engineering for which capture gases which population unable to just as exciting as the work of young people, is a project which cause global warming from the the early pioneers. is helping to inspire the next feed itself and atmosphere for storage in used generation of engineers and oil and gas fields, as well as dwindling fossil fuel Engineers drive vital scientists. Led by EngineeringUK designing the cities of the future supplies, we need technological change. They are and involving over 150 – where buildings will be built to in the front-line in moving the organisations, including the them more than cope with the inevitable and UK from a society dependent on Institution of Mechanical severe consequences of the ever. high carbon, low security energy Engineers, and from across the change in weather behaviour to the vital mix of wind, wave, private, public and voluntary In the UK we have a serious caused by climate change. nuclear, solar and carbon sectors, it reaches out to schools challenge. We need to recruit capture energy sources we We want engineering to be and over 30,000 students 13,000 mechanical, automotive desperately need. celebrated, not just by engineers across the country. The Big Bang and aerospace engineers every but by society as a whole, for is an example of the UK’s year just for our engineering Engineers are working on the exciting and vital role it plays science and engineering industries to stand still. Add programmes to improve the UK in all our lives and those of communities working together. 20% to ensure a balanced, transport infrastructure, including future generations. growing economy means we projects on the UK High Speed Activities such as these are Rail network, charging need at least 15,600 every year. The need to stimulate important in stimulating infrastructure for electric cars Figures for 2009/2010 show enthusiasm about engineering in children’s interest in engineering and the development of low that just 2,395 UK students young people is urgent. We and in showing the key carbon vehicles. completed courses in need to ensure we motivate relationship between science, mechanical, automotive and Engineers are also working schoolchildren and students to engineering and design. aerospace engineering. The UK pursue careers in engineering, on technologies which will But we have a problem. The is falling behind: currently just so that they can become revolutionise the way we live. school curriculum hardly even 6% of UK students are studying problem solvers for tomorrow. If Technologies like sub-orbital recognises engineering.
14 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 17
Schoolchildren wanting to First, the Government needs professional careers advice. Interestingly, in a recent pursue careers in design and to ensure that the planned all- survey by the Institution carried The Government’s engineering often have to make age careers service provides out by ICM, 80% of the 1,000 announcement of support for a choice of either pursuing art informed, industry-led careers members of the public surveyed 250,000 apprenticeships is an and humanities subjects or advice in schools. This would showed strong support for important step but will be science and maths. benefit not just pupils, and Government subsidies for costly meaningless if there are not Schoolchildren should be given engineering, but also other university courses like enough young school-leavers the opportunity of linking professions currently facing a engineering. The Government qualified and willing to take interests in subjects like art, skills shortage like nursing, needs to consider whether it is them on. design, physics and science, medicine and dentistry. necessary to provide subsidies mathematics – which together For those wishing to pursue a for courses in subjects vital to According to a YouGov poll are the ideal building blocks for degree in engineering, there is society and the economy like earlier this year just 13% of careers in design engineering. also the huge stumbling block of engineering and medicine. students thought that their tuition fees. We already know The proportion of females careers advice was of any use It is clear that the UK and the that in response to cuts in entering engineering in the UK and there is the real danger that world need engineers – it’s so university tuition funds, many is also the lowest in the western the problem will get worse. The obvious as to be almost a cliché. universities plan to charge the world. Education Bill now going It is the responsibility of full £9,000 tuition fee for their through Parliament places a duty Government in partnership with Despite the considerable courses. At the moment on schools to provide access to employers to help ensure we work done by the engineering universities appear likely to levy impartial and independent have enough people wanting to community, more needs to be those fees uniformly across all careers advice, yet it has pursue engineering careers. It is done by Government to subjects – including subjects removed careers education from only with this support that we encourage schoolchildren and deemed strategically important the curriculum. Thousands of will find the George students to pursue engineering and vulnerable, such as pupils could start school next Stephensons and Isambard careers. engineering. year with little or no access to Brunels vital to our future.
KEY ACTIVITIES BY Bloodhound Super Sonic Car Primary Engineer established manufacturing THE INSTITUTION OF The Institution is one of the The Institution also partners awards programme in the UK, MECHANICAL sponsors of the Bloodhound Primary Engineer, which helps and the only one that ENGINEERS Super Sonic Car (SSC), which primary teachers with design provides such a detailed aims to inspire the next and technology by benchmarking and Formula Student generation of scientists and demonstrating the practical assessment process to help Run by the Institution of engineers, by building a jet and application of science, improve your business. Mechanical Engineers, rocket powered car capable of mathematics, literacy and Manufacturing Excellence Formula Student challenges travelling at over 1,000 miles information and communication works with all manufacturing universities from across the per hour and breaking the world technology. businesses, whatever their world to design, build and land speed record. size, age, sector or area of race a single-seater racing car Manufacturing Excellence expertise to help improve in one year. The teams are The Bloodhound SSC project Developed in conjunction their processes and showcase tested on their design, is unique as it has a philosophy with the Warwick Manufacturing their excellence. It is also costing and business of open access to all aspects of Group, Manufacturing Excellence completely free to enter. presentation skills before the research, design build and is the most successful and long their cars compete in terms test of the car. So far more than of acceleration, braking, 4,300 schools, colleges and speed and endurance. universities have signed up to Formula Student builds in an Bloodhound, gaining access to a exciting practical and range of learning materials, as business element to well as regular updates on the University courses and project. Many of these schools courses that have and colleges want enthusiastic involvement in Formula engineers, many of which are Student are always members of the Institution, to oversubscribed. Formula go into the classroom and use Student 2011 will feature a Bloodhound to reach out to and record 125 teams from 34 inspire these young scientists different countries. and engineers.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 15 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 18
INFLUENZA: WHAT ARE THE LIKELY THREATS OF FLU FOR THE UK AND HOW CAN SCIENCE HELP AMELIORATE THE CONSEQUENCES? Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 26th April The meeting was organised with financial support from the Society for General Microbiology, and in collaboration with Dr Ron Fraser, SGM Chief Executive. Although the threatened H1N1 ‘swine flu’ pandemic was less severe than feared, the influenza virus nevertheless poses a continuing and evolving long-term threat to human health. Preparedness for control of outbreaks is essential. This involves many types of research and development, to inform and facilitate good public health practices. THE EMERGENCE OF INFLUENZA PANDEMICS
We have just lived through the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. In early 2009 a novel influenza virus emerged from pigs in Mexico that had the capacity to infect and readily transmit between humans. The virus showed the hallmarks of a pandemic in that it spread rapidly across the world, had recently emerged from an animal source, and took its toll mainly in the young.
Professor Wendy Barclay Across the world WHO pandemic whereas other evolutionary pathway from wild Chair in Influenza Virology, Imperial College London reported an excess of 20,000 influenza viruses that circulate in birds to humans. laboratory confirmed deaths in swine or in the natural wild bird The avian influenza H5N1 the first wave of the pandemic hosts do not, is key to being known as ‘bird ‘flu’ became although this is certainly an able to predict and ultimately notorious in the first decade of underestimate of the true control pandemic emergence at the 21st century when a new numbers. In the UK 474 deaths the source. This knowledge will variant evolved that spread were attributed to the virus as it allow us to focus surveillance, through birds across 3 spread through the summer and prioritise vaccine strategies, and continents. Although the virus autumn of 2009. Even more modify any practices that might remains largely an avian people died the following winter increase the likelihood of a influenza strain that has killed as the virus re-emerged in 2010 pandemic emerging. millions upon millions of and at Christmas time 2010 Influenza viruses of many chickens, it has also infected a more than 200 intensive care different antigenic subtypes wider range of hosts than any beds were occupied with swine circulate in wild birds. other influenza virus before. flu patients. Thankfully, for most Fortunately, avian influenza Around 500 people have been people infection with the swine viruses replicate so poorly in infected with this virus after flu virus led to mild self limiting human hosts that they usually exposure to high doses such as disease and in many ways we do not spread. However avian during plucking feathers from are fortunate to have had a viruses can become adapted for contaminated poultry, and two chance to rehearse our better replication and thirds of them have died. Thus pandemic response under transmission in humans by this virus has been the focus of circumstances that are forgiving mutations in their genomes. It our pandemic plans since the of a few glitches. It is certain that has been proposed that this consequences of a pandemic there will be future influenza may occur when the virus finds caused by an H5N1 virus would pandemics but predicting when its way into alternative hosts be severe. However, despite the and the extent of their severity is such as pigs or chickens, which widespread geographical spread difficult. Understanding why this might act as intermediates in its of the virus and the huge particular virus sparked a
16 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 19
number of infected hosts, no H5N1 bird ‘flu pandemic has happened. It is clear that unlike typical avian influenza viruses, H5N1 is not deficient in its capacity to replicate in human . . . Influenza viruses of many different antigenic cells. The people who have died subtypes circulate in wild birds. . . from H5N1 carry huge viral burdens during their disease. Rather, the reason there is as yet no pandemic is that the virus does not spread from one infected person to another. In In order to assess the real We know that avian influenza are unlikely to be able to cope the laboratory setting we can risk from H5N1 and other avian viruses have mutated before to with the human mucus barrier. study influenza transmission influenza viruses to the human accommodate the human In other words chicken viruses using animal models such as population we need to receptors. However if we study may pose much less of a the ferret. If one animal is understand how likely it is that the genetic code for H5 we can pandemic threat than viruses directly inoculated with this deadly virus can learn to see that it would require more that have remained in wild birds infectious virus and then a day spread between us. To consider extensive mutation to achieve or viruses that have adapted to later another animal is exposed, where the block to H5N1 this switch, an event that is other species such as the pig. the second animal can be human transmission might lie, 10,000 times less likely than for Indeed there are many other tested to see if it has acquired we need to consider the site the creation of the H3N2 avian influenza viruses circulating infection from the first. Exposure where transmission takes place. influenza virus that caused the in wild birds that might have can be by placing the animals in Viruses are inert unless they find Hong Kong pandemic in 1968. pandemic potential and we the same cage perhaps access to a host cell. On the Moreover this receptor switch should be careful not to focus modelling direct contact outside in the environment they might not be the only change all our efforts on protecting transmission in a household are rapidly inactivated by the virus has to make before it ourselves from viruses like situation, or by placing the cages ultraviolet light and other can survive in the human H5N1, rather we should remain side by side so that they share environmental factors. Avian respiratory tract long enough to prepared for other eventualities. the same air, perhaps more like influenza viruses have evolved mediate transmission. The It was from the pig that the standing next to someone on to infect the intestinal tract of brackish water in which avian 2009 pandemic emerged. The the tube where respiratory their natural hosts whereas influenza viruses are exchanged H1N1 pandemic virus itself was droplet transmission would spread between people occurs between ducks is above pH7.5, a complex mixture of genetic occur. Whereas the 2009 through the air. The mammalian whereas the mucus that lines material derived from viruses pandemic H1N1 swine flu virus respiratory tract is a very the human nose is below that previously circulated in transmits readily in these different environment than the pH6.0. Since proteins of the swine on two different animals, H5N1 does not; even avian gut. The receptors that the virus are inherently acid labile, continents. The manner in which though the first directly virus can bind to in order to especially the HA, mutations such viruses met and mixed is inoculated animals become mediate cell entry are of a may be required that enhance not clear and whether the robustly infected with the H5N1 different biochemical linkage in the acid stability of the virus mixing event itself was sufficient virus. humans than they are in birds. particle before human to spawn the pandemic or transmission can occur. Human whether other mutations were influenza viruses cope with the also required before the pig to respiratory mucus barrier by human transformation was using a specialised complete is a matter of intense neuraminidase enzyme to chew . . . it seems likely that tiny changes research at the moment. it up. However the activity of the in this highly mutable virus can equivalent enzyme in a virus like However like the butterfly in H5N1 is compromised. We Edward Lorenz’s chaos theory lead to the emergence of novel don’t know why, but in passing that flapped its wings on one microbial agents with gargantuan from ducks into the chicken side of the world and caused a host, the virus loses a chunk of tornado of public health consequence. . . the genetic code for a part of sequelae on the other, it seems the enzyme. This must have an likely that tiny changes in this advantage for replication in highly mutable virus can lead to poultry but it may mean that the emergence of novel viruses like H5N1, that have microbial agents with gargantuan become adapted for chickens, consequence.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 17 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 20
INFLUENZA: WHAT ARE THE LIKELY THREATS OF FLU FOR THE UK AND HOW CAN SCIENCE HELP AMELIORATE THE CONSEQUENCES? UNIVERSAL INFLUENZA VACCINES
At the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries, influenza immunology had become an unfashionable research area. The procedures for monitoring influenza viruses, defining the composition of the trivalent vaccine (against H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B viruses) producing vaccine seed stocks, manufacturing and annual immunisations of specified groups within the population were well established. The newer, more urgent threat posed to human health by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Dr Sarah C Gilbert Jenner Institute, University of Oxford (HIV) virus drew many viral immunologists away from their research on influenza. Now the tide has turned, drugs to treat HIV infections have been developed, and the potential and actual harm caused by an influenza pandemic frequently makes news headlines.
Seasonal influenza vaccines the vaccine. Influenza infection deaths following hospitalisation have served us well, but are far in the elderly accounts for a for these conditions. from perfect. The efficacy of large number of deaths, but also A further difficulty in these vaccines varies between high rates of hospitalisation, loss producing influenza vaccines is 50 and 90% in young adults, of physical function, loss of that it is necessary to know the depending on the match ability to live independently and exact genetic sequence of the between the vaccine and the exacerbation of cardiovascular virus causing disease in humans circulating virus, but drops to 30 and pulmonary symptoms. before a vaccine can be to 40% in older adults. In the Although the annual vaccination produced, resulting in a six 1997/1998 influenza season campaign targets those aged month lag between virus when the H3N2 vaccine over 65, and represents a identification and widespread component did not match the considerable health care cost, in vaccine availability. Even after six circulating H3N2 virus, 84% of the best case scenario where months, there will not be the vaccinees over 75 years of there is a good match between enough vaccine for the whole age who were tested failed to the influenza strains in the world. Some biotech companies develop a protective immune vaccine and those in circulation, have therefore set out to response. Testing of the new vaccination is estimated to produce recombinant protein vaccine formulation each year prevent one in five cases of vaccines that use newer takes place in healthy young influenza-like illness, one in four technologies for influenza adults, whereas the elderly are hospitalisations for pneumonia haemagglutinin (HA) production, one of the main groups offered and influenza and one in four shaving weeks off the
. . . Influenza infection in the elderly accounts for a large number of deaths, but also high rates of hospitalisation. . .
18 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 21
production time. However any vaccine based on a specific HA sequence can only be produced after a new pandemic virus has been identified, and the requirements for testing prior to . . . requirements for testing prior to widespread widespread use mean that there use mean that there will always be a significant will always be a significant delay before people can begin to be delay before people can begin to be vaccinated. . . vaccinated.
A more innovative approach is to target a different part of the virus surface. HA is the major highly polymorphic coat protein second arm of the immune influenza proteins, nucleoprotein they see as high risk. Companies of the virus but a small part of system, the T cell response. Any (NP) and matrix protein 1 (M1). wish to see sufficient evidence cell in the body contains that a new type of vaccine will the M2 protein, known as M2e, Clinical trials of this new specialised molecules on the be highly effective before is well conserved, and is also on approach have demonstrated surface that display a sample of committing funds to late stage the surface of the virus and that it is possible to boost the cell’s contents to passing T development and licensing, but therefore susceptible to circulating T cell responses to cells that move through the it is not yet clear exactly what antibodies that can recognise it. these two proteins to a high body on ‘surveillance’. This the new type of vaccine should Although antibodies to M2e do level following a single display enables the immune be. There is a global public not appear to be part of the immunisation. Importantly, when system to recognise any virally health need for improved natural immune response to tested in older adults, there infected cells, as portions of viral influenza vaccines, and influenza, they can be induced does not appear to be any proteins will be displayed, and if consideration should be given to by vaccination, and this has decline in the immunogenicity detected by a T cell that committing public funds to been achieved in clinical trials. It of this new vaccine, known as recognises influenza proteins, advance research in this area. is not known whether antibodies MVA-NP+M1. In addition, the the infected cell will be killed, Once we understand how to against M2e can provide useful first efficacy testing in humans along with the virus that is achieve broadly protective immunity to influenza in indicated that this approach to hiding inside it. Whereas the immunity by vaccination in all humans, and the pandemic vaccination does indeed protect external proteins of the flu virus sections of the population, H1N1 virus contains four against the influenza A virus. are highly diverse, the internal vaccine companies will be differences in the amino acid More clinical development is proteins, which are protected willing to develop their own sequence, (out of a total of 22) now indicated. from seasonal viruses on which from attack by antibodies, are versions, which will have the The ultimate influenza the vaccine is based. This highly conserved. Thus once we potential to achieve major vaccine will produce a broadly unexpectedly large difference have recovered from infection improvements in public health. with one influenza A virus, we cross-reactive immune response has halted efforts to develop an I think it is unlikely that we have a T cell response that is employing both T cells and exclusively M2e-based vaccine, will ever have an influenza capable of protecting us against antibodies, and provide high although it may be possible to vaccine that gives protection for other influenza viruses even efficacy in all sections of the include M2e as a component of life, but it will be possible to when the two viruses are not population. This will take time, a more complex vaccine. make a vaccine that is given closely related. However, as a money and a willingness to try perhaps every five years to An alternative method to few years pass, the quantity of T and then refine new maintain immunity. This would induce cross-reactive immunity cells patrolling the respiratory approaches. Several new result in a complete change to is to induce antibodies against tract on the look-out for vaccines have entered early vaccine deployment and would only the conserved portion of influenza virus-infected cells stage clinical trials, but many make it possible to protect the HA, rather than the whole gradually decreases, and we years of increasingly large and whole population against all molecule. It is known that these become susceptible to influenza expensive trials will be required subtypes of influenza A, antibodies form a small part of disease again. At the Jenner before any of these will be removing both the threat of a the natural immune response to Institute in Oxford, new methods ready to be licensed. Obtaining new influenza pandemic and flu, but the challenge will be to of vaccination originally funding for this stage of vaccine the major economic losses work out how to produce a developed to provide a strong T development is particularly currently caused by seasonal vaccine that results in only the cell response against malaria are difficult, as charitable funders do influenza. cross-reactive responses. now being deployed to make a not have deep enough pockets The other approach that is cross-reactive influenza vaccine and large vaccine companies are being taken is to harness the using two highly conserved reluctant to fund research that
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 19 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 22
INFLUENZA: WHAT ARE THE LIKELY THREATS OF FLU FOR THE UK AND HOW CAN SCIENCE HELP AMELIORATE THE CONSEQUENCES? GOOD SCIENCE TO SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY
Translation of scientific attack profile, rate of growth of required in order to achieve the knowledge and experience epidemic, risk factors associated most explosive launch. underlies the application of with severe disease. As an epidemic unfolds, the specific control measures, public • The development of specific application of laboratory health practice and accurate diagnostics to confirm cases diagnostics switches from communication. Detailed analysis identified by clinical diagnosis. confirming cases in the of the epidemiology of infectious community to confirming cases diseases provides a framework • Estimates of the total being admitted to hospital, a key for understanding which burden of infection in the measure of disease severity. interventions will control community, cumulated from all Understanding the extent and particular epidemics. Two cases of infection, mild, duration of virus shedding in an Professor Maria Zambon parameters, the basic moderate and severe, so as to Director of the HPA Centre for individual is also important. If the transmissibility of infection and provide an estimate of severity Infections, Health Protection new virus has similar shedding Agency, Colindale the ability to transmit when an of pandemic using case fatality patterns to seasonal influenza, individual is asymptomatic, do index or hospitalisation ratios. normal infection control advice “In this world, nothing can be affect the way in which Estimations of case numbers can be applied, enabling health said to be certain, except death interventions are applied. In of a widespread infection, which care resources to be directed in and taxes” (Benjamin Franklin pandemic influenza, transmission is transmitted easily, derived the most effective way. 1789). To this we could predominantly occurs when through surveillance, can be reasonably add the emergence individuals are beginning to be In a newly emerging fraught with uncertainty. Indeed, of infectious disease threats. The symptomatic and early in illness. pandemic of influenza, where surveillance indicators are only uncertainty and unpredictability Children have the lowest the countermeasures may be in usually used during seasonal of influenza, and the devastating immunity to influenza and short supply, it is important to influenza to provide a picture of impact that a pandemic can therefore have the highest viral delay epidemic progression if trends in illness in the cause, underlies the description replication and viral load. They possible. For our first pandemic community rather than absolute of influenza as the “last great are therefore particularly of the 21st century, we had numbers of cases. Accurate plague of man”, and ensures that important in transmitting antivirals to treat and prevent confirmation of a new viral it remains close to the top of the infection. This indicates that (prophylax) infection, a infection requires that, within a threat list for United Kingdom in quarantine and travel restrictions significant development over all national laboratory infrastructure, 2011. will not be effective in preventing previous pandemics. A new class there is scientific expertise to the spread of an epidemic. Key of specific influenza antivirals, We now recognise that develop, validate and control measures for influenza neuraminidase inhibitors (NI), interventions can be applied to disseminate appropriate involve the use of vaccines to were first licensed in control epidemics of infectious diagnostics within a matter of induce development of 1999/2000. The use of antivirals disease, and that planning and weeks, as part of an operational protective antibodies, intended can now be planned for, with maintaining a response capability response. In 2009, from the to reduce the impact of infection recognition that efficient targeting will reduce the toll of human identification of first case on in the individual rather than of antivirals is operationally misery. Interventions include 27th April, it was six weeks eliminate transmission altogether, extremely complex. Antivirals can hygiene and use of protective before regional NHS laboratories and the use of antiviral drugs. be used in a variety of different equipment, quarantine, social had a diagnostic capability on 1st ways. They can be used to distancing and more specific Having a detailed June. During this period, prevent the acquisition of measures involving vaccination, understanding of the intensive work at the HPA Centre infection following contact with and antiviral therapy. Intelligent characteristics of individual for Infections in Colindale an infected person (prophylaxis) and timely use of accurate infectious diseases provides produced specifications for or to treat individuals who are communications about the much better information for robust diagnostic tests for the unwell. Antivirals are most nature of risk and the type of operational decision support, NHS. This is a significant effective when taken early, within precautions that can be used during nationally coordinated undertaking, which can be 48 hours of illness onset. supports operational responses response. This is provided by likened to the 100 metres sprint, Arrangements for antiviral and ensures that policy decisions an event for which extensive • Intelligence about clinical treatment need to focus on are understood. training and preparation are illness case numbers and age rapid, efficient delivery, when
20 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 23
they are likely to be most time to apply vaccine comes severe outcome and all pregnant We are left with a scientific effective. This requires that we closer, the key questions arise as women were advised agenda where key development can accurately identify clinical to the major risk groups for vaccination. The over 65 in requirements include the cases, treat them and then vaccination and the greatest clinical risk groups were the next improvement of prophylax household and susceptibility in the population. target group. This vaccination seroepidemiology, application of community contacts. Mass These questions are answered policy is in reverse to the normal more user friendly alternative prophylaxis (containment) is a by analysis of confirmed cases. seasonal influenza vaccine policy laboratory tests which tell us mammoth undertaking within The analysis of susceptibility of where over 65s are usually about exposure rather than any health system and does lead remaining population needs to targeted first, but was immunity and better ways of to the use of drugs in exposed be approached in a different appropriate given the observed assessing overall disease severity. but apparently healthy way, requiring that we have patterns of greatest clinical risk. Alternative vaccines and households and communities. In measurable immune correlates increasing the repertoire of Whilst much excellent the United Kingdom in the 2009 of protection or suitable antiviral drugs and their delivery communication was undertaken epidemic a containment phase surrogate. This will help estimate mechanisms are long-term during the pandemic, there are lasted for approximately eight the residual population scientific aspirations which the still opportunities to improve this. weeks until there was sustained susceptibility, which in turn will 2009 operational response Terminology to describe community transmission. influence whether vaccination confirms continue to be worthy modelling estimates of severity Analysis of the outcome of should be applied selectively or goals. described within bounds of antiviral prophylaxis in the first universally. statistical uncertainty gave rise to The 2009 pandemic few hundred cases in the United Work in the last ten years had misleading communications, influenza demonstrated the Kingdom clearly indicated that established the type of such as “UK prepares for 65,000 dearth of systematic prospective prophylaxis slowed household comparative data necessary to deaths from swine flu”. It is now patient orientated clinical transmission, reducing the support decisions about how to recognised that this is an area research. The ability to undertake likelihood of cases arising when deploy different vaccines in a where more attention needs to high quality R&D at the same index cases were treated within pandemic. Head to head be given to find better time as responding to the 48 hours. This confirmed the vaccine trials were conducted in descriptions of results of early pandemic should be more scientific advice underlying the children and adults using the statistical and modelling analyses explicitly embedded in policy decision to try to slow the available licensed vaccine in the as epidemic unfolds. operational response. Emergency epidemic growth and buy time United Kingdom. This use of new drugs and novel for vaccine development. We can conclude a few things demonstrated that the stockpiled therapeutic options, where there about our use of scientific Vaccines are clearly the key vaccines generated good is not time to go through lengthy information to guide the measure to be used against immune responses. Further protracted RCT study design, response to 2009 pandemic. pandemic influenza. Much work monitoring demonstrated that may be an important The independent Hine review has been done in the last the vaccine which was most countermeasure for treatment of praised the overall public health decade, as a result of the H5 extensively used had an efficacy severe cases in a more virulent response “I heard nothing but bird flu threats in South East comparable to or better than infection. This requires thoughtful praise for the public health Asia, to improve the licensure seasonal influenza vaccines. Key planning in light of the increasing officials”. The areas which had process for pandemic vaccines. data used by the Joint regulatory burden for clinical benefited from most planning The time to develop pandemic Committee on Vaccination and research, where guidelines and preparation: diagnostics and strain vaccines is anywhere Immunisation (JCVI) to intended to help regulate drug vaccine seed development, between four and six months recommend which groups trials have spilled over into antiviral distribution, design of and is critically dependent on the receive vaccination and in which observational, clinical studies, head to head vaccine studies generation of candidate vaccine order, an important operating acting as barrier to the conduct and estimation of vaccine strains. These are normally constraint when vaccines are in of high quality observational efficacy, were well executed. The prepared in expert public sector very short supply, were research during unforeseen linkage between case counting institutes, and given to dependent on knowledge of the natural events. and estimates of severity manufacturers for preparation of susceptible and risk groups in requires further attention, a In completing this article, I bulk vaccines. The first vaccines the population, the attack rates problem recognised at global as would like to acknowledge the were available in the UK mid- by age and measures of vaccine well as national level. Providing contribution, help, October 2009, and effectiveness. Stocks of available better estimates of case companionship, support and approximately 80% of all the vaccine then determined the numbers through sheer professionalism of my candidate vaccine strains rate at which mass vaccination seroepidemiology needs further Health Protection Agency supplied to manufacturers could proceed. development, and may be best colleagues during the response globally were from HPA National Individuals aged six months accomplished by developing this to the 2009 influenza pandemic, Institute for Biological Standards to 65 years were targeted for activity as part of the overall the first, but probably not the last and Controls, another vaccination as a result of the seasonal influenza response, so pandemic of the 21st century. demonstration of the value of data cumulated during the first as to improve our ability to use rehearsal and planning of few months of the pandemic, different data sources to make response capability undertaken which showed most infection in predictions about population in the last few years. younger age groups. Pregnant susceptibility. As a pandemic unfolds and women were at particular risk of
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 21 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 24
SPACE – HOW CAN WE USE IT? National Science and Engineering Week Seminar on Thursday 17th March 2011 THE UK IN SPACE
by the UK Space Agency through sharing data for understanding novel space vehicles that offer the European Space Agency’s tectonic processes. The UK will low cost access to space. ARTES programme. That initial also chair this initiative from May On 1 April the UK Space investment was then commercial- this year. Agency became an executive ised by Avanti Communications, The UK has excellent earth agency of the Department for raising more than £525 million in observation capabilities. The Business, Innovation and Skills, capital for their first satellite, and radar instrument aboard the taking over responsibility for the creating jobs and revenue for the European Space Agency satellite majority of the UK’s country. ENVISAT was designed and built commitment to space This is an excellent example in the UK. ENVISAT itself, exploration and science. Its The Rt Hon David Willetts MP Minister for Science and Universities of how strategic investment in launched in 2002, was delivered efforts will be targeted at areas space technology can yield by Astrium UK and remains the that have the greatest potential benefits for the wider economy. largest and most complex earth for delivering economic benefits, I was delighted to As a technical application, observation satellite ever built. scientific excellence and national HYLAS-1 can provide the same security. Priority areas include introduce this year’s The UK is also building high-speed broadband to a developing scientific partnerships around the world. annual National Science farmer in the Highlands that it advancements in space In the past year, we have signed & Engineering Week can provide to a banker in the technologies, gaining a better agreements with Russia and the seminar for the City. As a growing UK industry, understanding of our planet United States. In February I Parliamentary and the space sector as a whole through earth observation opened the UK-Russia Year of already provides an estimated spacecraft, and nurturing our Scientific Committee. The Space 2011 to commemorate £7.5 billion a year to our next generation of space theme ‘Space – How the 50th anniversary of Yuri economy. scientists and researchers. The Can We Use It?’ and the Gagarin’s space flight, one of the organisation’s strategy for 2011- subjects covered by the But the value of UK iconic moments of the 20th 2015 has been published for other contributors, were involvement in space became century. consultation and we invited apparent in other ways with the a reminder of how we comments on the Agency’s draft tragic events in Japan on 11 POSITIVE POST-SCRIPT are using space in more strategy before 8 July 2011. March. Less than two hours after ways than ever before In the Budget on 23 March, the Tohoku earthquake and the Government ear-marked http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspac and how the UK is at the tsunami struck Japan, the £10 million to start a national eagency/who-we-are/strategy forefront of innovation. International Charter on Space space technology programme COMING UP…. and major disasters was with industry aimed at activated. This international promoting economic growth The economy and education UK EXCELLENCE IN SPACE network of satellites provided and self sustainability. Funding continue to be major areas of In my introductory remarks, I free images of the affected area will be channelled through the focus for the Government’s highlighted the UK’s areas of to assist disaster response UK Space Agency. involvement in space over the expertise in telecommunications, efforts and the Charter coming months and will be at We have committed to particularly satellite navigation members’ earth observation the core of the inaugural UK reforming the Outer Space Act – and broadband. I highlighted the satellites continue to provide Space Conference which takes which will introduce an upper launch last November of essential imagery to assist place in July. limit on the third-party liability of Europe’s first dedicated Ka-band Japan’s recovery. UK satellite operators, making Recently, Jodrell Bank broadband satellite – HYLAS-1 – The response to this disaster the industry more internationally Observatory was selected to as an example of our highlights the international competitive. host the project office for the technological prowess and of nature of space and marks the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) the strength of the public-private We are also committed to first time that multiple space radio telescope project, a global partnership business model. We working with the international agencies – European Space initiative to develop one of the invested some £40 million of regulatory authorities to enable Agency, the German Aerospace largest science facilities in the funding into advanced space tourism operations in the Centre and the Japan Aerospace world by the early 2020s. telecommuni-cations technology Exploration Agency – are freely UK and to define regulations for
22 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 25
SPACE – HOW CAN WE USE IT? SPACE FOR SCIENCE
the drivers for space science: Examples of “going there” 2014. Europe has a very strong Where do we come from? Who include Mars Express, a purely tradition in cometary research. are we? Where are we going? Or European Mission, which has This mission will attempt to put a to translate these into Space been in orbit around Mars very lander, the first ever on a comet Science terms – “How did our successfully for several years. It surface, on 10 November, 2014. Earth, our Solar System, our provides wonderful resolution Comets are important as they Universe originate and evolve?”; images of the surface of Mars. represent the most pristine “Where are we in the Universe?”; Data like these are an absolute material within our Solar System, “Where are we going?”; “Where goldmine for interpreting Martian so put the date in your diaries! did life come from, and are we processes in great detail. A fly-by Turning now to the other type John Zarnecki alone?”. Mars Express photo of Phobos, Professor of Space Science, of space science that we do. one of the two Moons of Mars, The Open University Methods for “doing” Space Galileo Galilei, in August 1609, shows the best detail yet of this Science either involve “going was the first to turn his telescope small body and in particular of there” for example, to Mars, to the heavens. Well now we do potential landing sites for a Saturn, or the Sun, or it simply something similar, but we put Russian mission which is due to requires putting our telescopes our telescopes above the be launched later this year. above the Earth’s atmosphere. atmosphere, escaping its The atmosphere is like a dirty The Cassini-Huygens mission absorbing and blurring effects. window and obscures radiation is one of the most sophisticated, The most famous is the Hubble coming to us from our universe. and has been operating since Space Telescope, which started 2004 and will operate until 2017. work in 1990. One of the most 80% of our space science is The Huygens Probe landed on interesting results is the Hubble done through the European Titan, the largest Moon of Saturn, Deep Field, the result of staring Space Agency (ESA), though Yesterday we had a in 2005, while Cassini performed for ten days at an apparently there are also important wonderful day at the Royal fly-bys of the moons of Saturn blank piece of sky. This missions done with other Aeronautical Society cele- and of Titan, thereby providing a produced an array of previously agencies. Some ESA Missions go brating the 50th anniversary of wealth of data that will be unseen objects, almost all of to places, such as Cluster for Gagarin’s flight. Twenty-five analysed for decades to come them being very distant galaxies. example, which placed years ago the Giotto space- with UK involvement in many of By looking into space we are spacecraft in the Earth’s craft flew 594 kilometres past the instruments on board. effectively looking back in time to magnetosphere; Mars Express Halley’s comet and this typifies early epochs, see Figure 1. Many which is a spacecraft in orbit Rosetta is a purely European the sort of thing I wish to talk of the galaxies visible from around Mars; on the other hand, Mission, launched in 2004, and about. These comments are Hubble are extremely young in the Hubble Space Telescope is due to arrive at a comet in very much my own and the remains in low Earth orbit and is first may be a form of political sometimes closer to London suicide! I’d like to start by than is Edinburgh! Some are saying that we don’t primarily purely European Missions with do Space Science because of a the UK playing a large part such desire to generate either as XMM Newton. Hubble is money or economic activity. 20% European with a NASA We do Space Science because lead. Double Star is a Chinese it is “Blue Skies” research and Mission with British and it might even lead to Nobel European involvement, Akari is a Prizes for some! Japanese led Mission, together Paul Gauguin’s 1898 illustrating that there are many painting, entitled ”D’où venons- different modes for doing space nous? Que sommes-nous? Où science in terms of international allons-nous?” encapsulates all collaboration. Figure 1 Look out in Space – Look back in time
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 23 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 26
cosmological terms. probably lethal for us if they infrared and microwave part of throughout the world, but mainly were not absorbed by the the spectrum which are based in European countries, The electromagnetic atmosphere! The space age has essentially inaccessible from the who contributed towards the spectrum can be represented by however enabled satellites to ground. Herschel is the largest construction of that wonderful a rainbow of which visible light is carry telescopes sensitive to telescope ever put into space. probe. The main UK only a tiny part. This includes these different radiations. A Planck looks at microwaves and contributions included flight Gamma Rays, X-Rays, Ultraviolet, couple of these are worth therefore measures the cosmic software, descent subsystems, Infrared, and Sub-mm rays which mentioning here, namely microwave background. If we parts procurement and are mostly absorbed in our Herschel and Planck, both want to go back more than the parachutes. atmosphere. That is not very European Space Agency first 400 million years, we helpful for astronomers, but Some recent examples of missions and covering the cannot see any light, and the “spin out” from the technology microwave spectrum thus of Space Science include enables us to go back even medical imaging detectors, further than the galaxies we can security applications, air quality see with visible light and probe monitoring in submarines and in- even earlier epochs in a scientific situ disease detection. Apart manner, see Figure 2. from the specialised technology Those are a few of the developed through Space examples of space science. The Science missions such as these, spacecraft we use carry we produce a cohort of highly technological wonders usually skilled graduates and technicians, built in universities and research many of whom go on to use institutes, whereas the spacecraft their skills in the wider world. are built by industry. An analysis of contractors for the Huygens probe shows companies Figure 2. Herschel/Planck (ESA, 2008)
SPACE – HOW CAN WE USE IT? EARTH OBSERVATION FOR SCIENCE, SOCIETY AND SERVICES
What is Earth Observation earth system from the independent. These properties from space and how can it cryosphere to the tropical make satellites a very important make a difference? Satellites regions, from the ocean to the part of our global observing impinge on many people’s daily atmosphere. The challenge of system. existence but without them monitoring change in the earth The second S is society. realising, from the use of your system should not be Society faces a number of “Sat” Nav to the weather underestimated from the rate of challenges moving forward such forecast. Earth Observation is deforestation of rainforests, as food security, natural resource essentially looking at the earth hazardous weather, flooding to security, climate change, public from space using instruments dynamic changes in the ice- health and environmental Professor Paul S Monks on satellites; the application and caps. In a way earth observation Professor Earth Observation security. In many natural exploitation of data from such science allows us to give the Science, University of Leicester disasters Earth Observation acts instruments drives the three S’s earth a “health check”. as a first responder delivering – science, society and service. You can observe earth in maps and detailed impact The first S is Science. Earth many different ways but assessments of the devastation Observation Science is important satellites give us a unique view to allow aid teams to target their as satellite data can tell us all because they are accurate, they efforts. Earth observation is about the different parts of the are global and they are integral to monitoring climate
24 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 27
change be it by measurements of sea-surface temperature, a thermometer of change, or the emissions and concentrations of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
The third S is service. With all this data coming from satellites are there commercial benefits to be had? The pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place. In a European programme called GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) science will be put into service for the benefit of society by flying essentially uninterrupted fertilisers, the insurance industry Earth observation – ‘What commercial service. In the future missions to give us a continuous assess risk, local government can we do with it?’ The answer we face the challenge of making high quality data stream. This is control air quality in their towns is really only limited by our this seamless. The UK is a world important as it gives us the or cities. As satellites can provide imagination. Earth observation leader in all areas of Earth backbone on which to build data in near real time decision does change our life and make observation. Science, society and services. Future services can makers will have access to an a difference, from observations services in a seamless way is help, for example, farmers to be unheralded view of the earth over the scientific bridge to going to be the clarion call for more efficient in use of from the local to the global. societal impact and finally earth observation moving forward.
SPACE – HOW CAN WE USE IT? DRIVING INNOVATION IN SPACE
The Technology Strategy new strategy, ‘Concept to companies take risks, build new Board is working with the Commercialisation’, was collaborations and open new space industry, academia and published in May 2011 and markets. the UK Space Agency to defines how the organisation will Space is clearly a growth enable the development, move forward in the next three area, the Space Innovation and commercialisation and years. Growth Strategy published last exploitation of space Most of the Technology year takes a twenty year view of technologies and applications. Strategy Board’s activity supports how the industry could develop companies who have moved in the UK and defines how the The Technology Strategy beyond the blue sky research UK can take a 10% share of a Michael Lawrence Board is the UK’s innovation Head of Special Projects, and have technology that needs global market forecast to be Technology Strategy Board agency and is based in Swindon. to be developed and worth £400 billion by 2030. The It is a national body supporting demonstrated prior to being creation of the UK Space innovation to support business, launched into the commercial Agency in April 2011 confirms to drive economic growth and to market. Resources are focused the importance of Space and improve quality of life. The title on areas where innovative UK the Technology Strategy Board of the Technology Stratgey businesses can thrive and supports the Space Agency in Board’s original strategy, exploit large global markets. five areas. ‘Connect and Catalyse’, Support through public funding describes how the organisation 1. Managing the UK involve- for research and development has worked since it was ment in telecommunications makes a difference, it helps established three years ago. A and navigation programmes run
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 25 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 28
by the European Space Agency. projects were successful and is that business focused The Technology Strategy received small grants of around research centres can fill a critical Board (www.innovateuk.org) is 2. Promoting business £25,000 towards projects which gap between excellent research a business-led government opportunities for UK space will run from May to July 2011. and commercial exploitation. body which works to create companies across all the growth Some of these projects will take Space is one of ten potential economic growth by ensuring areas that the Technology advantage of the facilities areas for the next three TICs and that the UK is a global leader in Strategy Board works in such as available at the newly opened the Space industry is building a innovation. Sponsored by the energy, transport, digital and International Space Innovation case for a technology innovation Department for Business, healthcare. Centre at Harwell. The idea of centre in Space that can help Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board 3. Providing technology these feasibility studies is to deliver the ambitious growth brings together business, demonstration opportunities for allow early work to assess the objectives it has set itself. research and the public sector, UK organisations to prove their technical or business feasibility The Space sector in the UK is supporting and accelerating the technology in orbit and remove of innovative ideas for Space changing with the UK Space development of innovative a barrier to market. technology or applications of Agency providing a single focal products and services to meet data from Space. The 4. Encouraging knowledge point for Space policy and the market needs, tackle major Technology Strategy Board put transfer between the academic Technology Strategy Board societal challenges and help £1.2 million into this base and industry as a driver of providing its innovation expertise build the future economy. competition, with SEEDA economic growth. to the sector. This approach to contributing a further £0.6 innovation and growth bodes 5. Promoting open innovation million, and industry contributing well for the future and makes to accelerate the commer- £0.6m cialisation of R&D activity. the UK target of 10% share of The Technology Strategy the market by 2030 look The Technology Strategy Board is currently establishing a achievable. Board ran its first Space R&D small number of elite competition this year. Over 200 Technology and Innovation applications were received, 76 Centres across the UK. The idea
SPACE – HOW CAN WE USE IT? GALILEO, THE EUROPEAN GLOBAL SATELLITE NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Galileo is a joint initiative of launch of these satellites, a better accuracy and service the European Commission global network of 30-40 sensor guarantees, (EC) and the European Space stations, 9 navigation command • A safety-of-life signal for high Agency (ESA). Galileo will be stations, 5 satellite control integrity services capable of Europe’s own global stations and 2 European control being certified for use in safety navigation satellite system, centres plus the network to related applications, providing a highly accurate, interconnect these facilities. The • A search & rescue service guaranteed global positioning system also includes the allowing emergency services to service under civilian control. equipment used by the system’s locate users “in distress”, It will be inter-operable with end users to receive Galileo’s • A public regulated signal for Philip Davies GPS and GLONASS, the two signals. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd other global satellite use by government approved Galileo offers 5 services to its navigation systems. users. users: The Galileo system is a major Compared with the situation • An open signal, broadcast at undertaking consisting of a today Galileo will improve two frequencies for mass space segment of 30 satellites navigation for anyone who market use, in the Medium Earth Orbit makes use of one or more of (23,000 km altitude), the • A commercial signal with the services offered. Galileo is
26 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:17 Page 29
Image: Galileo FOC Satellite Credit: OHB Image: GIOVE-A Credit: ESA
easily interoperable with GPS developing the system. Surrey was launched in 2005 and which is due for opening in May and the combination of Galileo Satellite Technology Limited continues to operate after more 2011. with one of the existing systems (SSTL) built the first test satellite than 5 years. In 2008 ESA In conclusion, the such as GPS will double the called GIOVE-A and is now declared this mission a “100% development of the Galileo number of satellites being under contract to supply 14 success”. GIOVE-B was launched System is well advanced. The received giving much improved navigation payloads for the next in 2008 and continues to complete ground segment is availability in areas with marginal batch of “fully operational” operate after more than 3 years. under development and there view of the sky such as city (FOC) satellites being procured The next 4 IOV satellites will be are 18 satellites under contract centres and valleys in by the EC through ESA. Astrium launched starting in the second – the initial 4 IOV satellites and mountainous regions. Galileo built the navigation payload for half of 2011 and the next batch the first batch of 14 FOC brings technical innovation such the second test satellite GIOVE-B of 14 satellites will be available satellites. The 4 IOV and the first as better atomic clocks and and for the earlier batch of 4 “In for launch in 2013 and 2014. 10 FOC satellites also have broadcast on multiple Orbit Validation” (IOV) satellites The batch of 14 satellites will be launches booked – using Soyuz frequencies which will improve being procured by ESA. UK very efficiently produced and will from French Guyana. The 14 the accuracy of satellite space segment companies such roll off a production line at the navigation and Galileo will be as COM DEV and ABSL are FOC satellites are currently being rate of one satellite every 6 more resilient to effects such as supplying equipment for the designed and the production weeks. Given that the full multipath interference and satellites. UK ground segment line will soon be up and running system is 30 satellites and that jamming. Finally, an additional companies such as Astrium, delivering a pair of satellites only 18 are currently contracted global system brings better Qinetiq, Scisys, Logica, Vega, every 3 months. there are still 12 satellites yet to residence to systematic NSL and NPL are involved in the be procured before the system Legal disclaimer: SSTL’s work (common mode) failures which building of the ground system. can be fully operational. on Galileo FOC is funded under could, in theory, make all of the The system development is a programme of the European satellites from one system The production line for the now well advanced. The system Union and executed under a inoperable due to a common building of the payloads for the has been validated by the two contract with the European cause. batch of 14 satellites will be GIOVE test satellites and the Space Agency. The views of the based at SSTL’s new technical Industrially, the UK has ground systems built to support author expressed herein can in facility, the Kepler building, played a major role in those missions. SSTL’s GIOVE-A no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and/or ESA. The OHB project is funded by, and part of, the Galileo programme which is an initiative by the European Union (EU), and where the European Space Agency (ESA) acts in the name of, and on behalf of, the EU. "Galileo" is a trademark subject to OHIM application number 002742237 by EU and ESA.
Image: SSTL’s Kepler Building Credit: SSTL
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 27 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 30
SPACE – HOW CAN WE USE IT? THE FUTURE OF SPACE – PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS?
need to build, launch and constellation of 66 satellites obvious beneficiary but so are operate satellites and between 2015 and 2017, and regions prone to flooding due to constellations and this means hosted payload space has been storm surges or rising sea level. that governments can benefit designed into the satellites. Many There are precedents for private from rides into space at a fraction of these slots have been companies operating profitable of the cost of conventional reserved – ADS-B tracking of Earth observation operations agency practices. In return, the aircraft outside of land based (GeoEye, RapidEye and Astrium companies can offset high capital radar range, GPS radio GEO Information Services), and costs by charging fees for occultation, defence and other often a public partner had the payload hosting, sensor payloads. Earth observation foresight to invest. integration and data delivery in missions are being encouraged We can expect the private Bill Simpson real-time to anywhere in the by the Group on Earth Trident Sensors Ltd sector to play a greater role in all world. Between now and 2030 Observations and these include space activities. Entrepreneur there will be well over 300 ocean and land imaging, Elon Musk serves as inspiration communications satellites altimetry, cloud motion wind to youth during NSEW in that he launched – that’s potentially 300 vector and Earth’s radiation founded SpaceX in 2002 and hosted payloads. So first, PPP’s budget, the last two led by UK already has achieved great things, can drive down costs for both consortia. The total cost of including the first commercial parties; second, heritage sensors integration, launch and 10 years company in history to recover a can be flown with short time operation is approximately $1M spacecraft from orbit (see the scales, ie 2 years rather than 7 to to $2M per year per Iridium video on www.spacex.com). 15 years typical of Agency satellite. SpaceX has won several $B projects; third, many of the This low cost opens up the contracts, including the support commercial satellites have long possibility for both research and of the International Space Station design lives (10 to 15 years) business investment in single and the launch of Iridium NEXT. In 2010 Eric Lindstrom of thus mission continuity is less of sensor constellations. Professor The aim is to “ultimately reduce NASA and his co-authors from an issue; fourth, duplication of [1] Monks (this issue) suggests that the cost and increase the many other agencies sensors in constellations means missions should fulfil the reliability of space access by a summarised the problem of that launch or satellite failures are requirements of science, society factor of ten”. research satellite missions. not catastrophic. and security. Altimetry, to monitor “Satellites are expensive to Lastly, on March 16, 2011, An essential requirement from sea surface height and wind design, build, and launch, Charles Baker of NOAA gave a the private sector is that the speed, fits these requirements. hence the time from mission presentation at Satellite 2011 in company is commercially viable. The research community has concept to launch is measured Washington entitled “Hosted The communication sector is very asked again for consideration to in years. This characteristic can Payloads, Thinking Outside the buoyant with the total Mobile be given to such a constellation leave data gaps in time with Box” which acknowledges the Satellite Services market turnover to resolve meso-scales eddies(2) negative consequences for the maturity of commercial increasing from $0.6B in 2001 to and there are good business essential inter-calibration enterprises in space and the new $1.8B in 2010. Constellations reasons for mariners to pay for a between successive satellites opportunities offered. The UK is operate both in geosynchronous reliable service relating to real- that is critical to producing well placed to play its part in the (eg Inmarsat) and low earth time sea state. $3B of shipping consistent time series suitable exploitation of PPP’s for climate research (especially orbits (eg Iridium). Both losses per annum can be companies are in PPP’s, Inmarsat attributed to bad weather, often [1] Lindstrom, E., et al. (2010), ‘Research decadal variability).” Satellite Mission’, Proceedings of with ESA on the Inmarsat inadequately predicted by OceanObs 2009, Venice Public Private Partnerships XL/Alphasat project where standard Met practices. Other (PPP) are joint projects that are Inmarsat gets an extended L- factors make a polar orbiting [2] Bonekamp, H., et al. (2010), to the Partners’ mutual benefit, in ‘Transitions towards operational space- band payload to augment its altimeter constellation timely, based ocean observations: from single this instance where government BGAN service and ESA flies the such as the risks of oil and gas research missions into series and agencies wish to fly sensors and Alphabus, an experimental exploration in the Arctic and the constellations’, Proceedings of OceanObs 2009, Venice companies are willing to host the communications payload. The opening of the North East and payloads. In order to maintain launch is scheduled for 2012. North West passages to shipping their businesses, satellite Likewise Iridium Communications in the summer months. With communications companies Inc needs to replace its LEO respect to security, the Navy is an
28 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 31
UK SPACE AGENCY CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO TRAIN AS ASTRONAUTS
Four Astronauts were on hand at the House of Commons in December 2010 to launch a new space mission – a challenge to young people aged 9-11 to improve their health by training as astronauts. Three of the astronauts are well-known and regular visitors to Parliament: Dr Piers Sellers OBE, Dr Helen Sharman OBE, and Richard Garriott, British born private space participant and son of Dr Owen Garriott. The fourth visitor would have been spotted by eagle eyed observers as the diminutive mascot of Mission X – Flat Charlie (inspired by NASA Administrator, Major General Charles Bolden), Heather MacRae pictured here with Piers Sellers before his adventure to the Director, Venture Thinking International Space Station as part of the space doctor Michael Barratt’s payload for STS 133 Discovery. Dr Michael Barratt and the STS 133 Discovery Crew visited Parliament on June 29 2011 as guests of the Parliamentary Space Committee. Dr Piers Sellers with Flat Charlie outside Big Ben
270 students, from 7 Essex schools(1), responded to the challenge and embarked on a unique mission to train like an astronaut and boost their health and fitness. The international educational outreach pilot led by NASA involved 9 different countries including the USA, Columbia, and European nations. Mission X challenges students to be more physically active; increases awareness of the importance of lifelong health and conditioning; teaches students how fitness plays a vital role in human performance for exploration; and inspires and motivates students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Supported by the UK Space Agency and Venture Thinking The Train Like an Astronaut Competition challenge ‘blasted off’ in December with a visit from Astronaut Richard Garriott to the lead school Mountfitchet
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 29 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 32
Mathematics and Computing curricular tasks including food topics. All the students have A planning meeting is taking College. Students took part in a diaries, hydration logs, and been excited by the space place at ESTEC in The launch day held at the secondary physical fitness challenges. All the context and the excellent Netherlands in July 2011 to school on January 14th 2011. activities were aimed at showing teaching activities. We are hoping identify the next phases in the Input from rocket scientist, Jon the importance of an active to build this into our curriculum mission. All being well a new set London, Astronaut Instructor, Dr lifestyle, healthy nutrition and also over the coming year and extend of young astronauts will be Iya Whiteley, and nutritionist the fun of conducting hands-on to other schools within our local training and getting excited about Caroline Harper gave students science enquiries. community.” the world’s future in space in the expert insights into health off- UK from January 2012. Team challenges in the UK Dr Glenys Jones, from the world and back on earth. Jeremy include 19 different physical Medical Research Council Further information on the Curtis from the UK Space Agency missions. Examples include: Human Nutrition Division, one of project is available from: provided insight into the growth the experts who took part in the [email protected] and innovation within the UK • Energy of an Astronaut Astronaut Graduation event www.trainlikeanastronaut.org Space Industry and the exciting • Base Station Walkback noted: “Childhood obesity is a http://www.ukspaceagency.bis. range of jobs available for future • Let's Climb a Martian Mountain growing problem. This project gov.uk scientists and engineers. • Crew Assembly has been great because it has • Do a Spacewalk Heather MacRae as Director In a message to the UK allowed children to have fun • Hydration station of Venture Thinking has been students embarking on Mission whilst exercising, and has given • Space Rock N Roll working closely with the UK X, British Astronaut Dr Piers them an insight into what makes • Zero gravity/Low Fat Space Agency, Queen Mary Sellers OBE, said, “Being an a good diet in an interesting and • Astro-agility University of London and Astrium astronaut is one of the coolest engaging way.” • Speed of Light Ltd on a range of education jobs ever. Keeping fit has been • Get on Your Space Bicycle Heather MacRae, Venture curriculum projects to inspire key to me being able to go into Thinking and the UK Co-ordinator students in STEM areas. Current space three times … and walk in Students gained skills in for Mission X explained: “We only projects include Mission X - Train space.” scientific reasoning and had a month to get Mission X off Like an Astronaut, Bridget teamwork while participating in Major Tim Peake, the first the ground after we were given Surfaces – outreach programme hands-on training missions British ESA astronaut, added, the ‘good to go’ by the UK Space for the Mars Rover, and Media targeting strength, endurance, “Exercise and eating right while Agency. The fact that the schools Space – a science coordination, balance, spatial you are young is so important. were so enthusiastic about communication project with The awareness, biology, chemistry Getting fit and staying fit helps getting involved, took on the Metro newspaper. Heather has and physics. you do what you want with your project and extended it is a sign worked closely with the life, even reaching for the stars!” Students enjoyed the hands- that the project has a really Parliamentary Space Committee on activities – especially activities inspirational and aspirational on the education themed Richard Garriott, the sixth that involved simulated urine, quality. All the schools involved Christmas receptions. private citizen to fly in Earth's testing bone strength using took the materials, adapted them orbit, and one of the Mission X 1 Essex Schools Involved are Mountfichet chocolate bars. to their students, and extended ambassadors, said, “I had to Maths and Computing College, Bentfield and enriched the science content Primary School, Elsenham Primary overcome major medical issues The pilot ended with an with art and music activities. It School, St. Mary’s Primary School, before I could get to space. astronaut graduation event – Birchanger Primary School, Henham and was great for the students to Being healthy and fit is important with students skyping with Major Ugley Primary School, Grove Primary speak live to Houston, and say School (Redbridge) to get into space and to enjoy Tim Peake and NASA Houston Houston, we have a success!” your time off-world.” and with parents learning more about nutrition, exercise and Jeremy Curtis from the UK The Mission X UK team took space alongside industry experts Space Agency is optimistic that part in a range of physical including Jeremy Curtis, Head of the UK will be able to take part activities and science activities Education and Outreach at the in the three year multi-year during the 6-week mission. Each UK Space Agency. programme proposed by NASA school organised their own as the next stages Jeremy said: training camps using the high The Mission has been a highly “Mission X has had a huge quality resources available on successful one – for students, impact. The UK Space Agency www.trainlikeanastronaut.org. parents, and teachers. Catherine showcased Mission X activities at Teachers and students were Anderson, Headteacher of the Big Bang Fair in March 2011. invited to submit team points, Mountfitchet Mathematics and We could see how exciting the post blog updates, pictures and Computing College commented: mission challenges were to the videos of their training and “It’s been a fabulous project general public and how they led download quizes, games and on many levels. It has enabled into some really exciting songs! our secondary school to work discussions about life in space. Much of the activity was closely with our feeder primary We were delighted when the completed in teams within a schools on a great hands-on Red Arrows team joined in on classroom setting but students project that pulls together some of the reaction and were set some interesting extra- science, PE, and healthy living teambuilding activities.”
30 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 33
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM – Outdoor learning and science education
“When on board HMS Beagle, as naturalist, I was much struck with certain facts in the distribution of the inhabitants of South America, and in the geological relations of the present to the past inhabitants of that continent. These facts seemed to me to throw some light on the origin of species -- that mystery of mysteries, as it has been called by one of our greatest philosophers.” to the classroom, we lose the experiences beyond the are suggestions which would connection with the real world classroom and it requires just a help teachers at the beginning and the opportunity for young little imagination and a willing of their careers to become Annette Smith people to emulate Darwin in teacher to bring science alive in confident in using the outdoors Chief Executive, Association for Science Education observing in nature what can be this way. The full residential field for teaching science. described by scientific theory trip is at one end of the Mainstreaming outdoor science and explanation. spectrum of outdoor science in this way, so that it becomes This quote from the experiences and this has part of a science teacher’s introduction of Charles Darwin’s Another example of outdoor additional social benefits as well repertoire, alongside practical “Origin of Species” is perhaps science in action is my own as the opportunity to carry out experiments in the laboratory, the ultimate argument for observation of the solar eclipse longer experiments, but outdoor will help students to relate the outdoor science. If we examine that was total in Cornwall in science can also be much more science they learn about in the the process by which Darwin August 1999. I was actually on informally organised to very lab or the lesson to science in came by the theory of evolution holiday in Italy, and unlike the good effect. the real world. This will help by natural selection, there is a weather in Cornwall on that day them to be excited and engaged fascinating process in action. it was bright and sunny. At the There are barriers, however, with science and make them During his employment as a time of the eclipse, which was to using the outdoors even in a more likely to continue their naturalist on the “Beagle”, partial in that country, it could be low key way. These are less studies. Darwin made numerous clearly observed by looking at marked in primary schools detailed observations which he the image of dappled sunlight where it is relatively easy to use The pressures on initial recorded diligently, collecting through the leaves on the trees the school grounds (whether teacher education and specimens to help him to as it fell on the paving rural or urban) effectively to do professional development, not continue the work when back in surrounding the pool. Each science compared to secondary to mention school budgets and England. Using the results from image had an eclipse shaped schools. Primary schools can be technical support could, in these his “outdoor science” Darwin “bite” out of the circle of the more flexible about their straitened times, put pressure developed the elegant theory of sun’s image, thus demonstrating curriculum as the exit of one on teachers and schools such evolution by natural selection that normally dappled sunlight is class for an hour doesn’t disrupt that the use of the outdoors in which is the central plank of made up of many images of the the entire school timetable. science for regular observations modern biology. The nature of sun, and that when there is an Secondary school teachers may and experiments or in the science is precisely that process eclipse, this image changes. I consider that outdoor science context of a longer field trip, – of making observations of the found that observation incredibly involves onerous arrangements reduces. This would be very real world and developing exciting as it brought the for a residential field trip but a unfortunate for the development theories which fit the scientific explanation of the scientific principle can be of young people’s learning in observations and allow eclipse to life as well as investigated or demonstrated science. predictions to be made and the demonstrating the principle of with minimal disruption to the References theories further tested. the camera obscura. school day with some creative Association for Science Education thinking and forward planning. If we look at the So, if we deny young people Outdoor Science Working Group development of scientific the opportunity of developing an The recent report on Outdoor (ASEOSWG) (2011). Outdoor Science. Shrewsbury Field Studies Council and theories in this way it is easy to interest in science through Science produced by the King’s College London make the argument for teaching relating their classroom based Association for Science science using the outdoors. In studies to the real world, we do Education’s Outdoor Science Darwin, Charles Robert. The Origin of Species. Vol. XI. The Harvard Classics. New teaching young people to them a great disservice. As Working Group makes a number York: P.F. Collier & Son, 1909–14; understand and enjoy science, illustrated above with an of recommendations which Bartleby.com, 2001. the world beyond the classroom example from physics, many highlight the benefits of using www.bartleby.com/11/. Accessed is essential. If we limit a aspects of science can be the outdoors to complement 21.06.2011 student’s experience of science usefully demonstrated by classroom science. Among these
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 31 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 34
EXTREME TECHNOLOGY EXPLORES THE WORLD’S HOT-SPOTS
Eyjafjallajökull (2010) and Grimsvotn Currently, the gas is evaluated using (2011) in Iceland and Puyehue (2011) optical means, which requires in Chile described the chaos caused to equipment to be installed at the air travel, with over 500 flights volcano site, or through the use of cancelled in Europe within the last year. remote earth sensing. These Between 1995 and 2010, the Soufriere techniques measure the content of Hills volcano on Monserrat destroyed the plume whilst in the sky, the half the island (including the capital, readings are therefore diluted by the Plymouth, and the airport), killing 19 air and so highly sensitive equipment people and resulting in some 8,000 is required. Of course, once a volcano refugees being relocated in the UK. shows signs of activity, people are Prof Nick Wright Dr Alton Horsfall evacuated to a safe distance, limiting Newcastle University Newcastle University Fortunately the prediction of the possibility of further scientific volcano eruption has progressed since study. There is therefore a requirement the Romans used the shape and for a system which can be installed in Interesting things very rarely happen texture of goat’s entrails. A key the volcano and relay information in safe and secure circumstances – a breakthrough was the understanding relating to the concentration of key maxim that is just as true for scientists as (developed by David Johnston in the gas species to a remote location. The it is for explorers. Unfortunately, scientists 1970s) that prior to eruption the primary challenge is the conditions have struggled for generations with the components of the gas emitted from inside the volcano where the emitted limitations of fragile equipment to take the volcano crater changes (Fig 1). This gas is typically around 400°C and data outside a relatively limited was demonstrated at the 1991 contains a high concentration of environmental range. Recent explosion of Mount Pinatubo in the corrosive acids. These conditions are developments in technologies that can Phillipines, where the flux of sulphur so extreme, that conventional silicon withstand hostile environments may at based gas changed by an order of based electronics cannot function. long last allow scientists to explore fully magnitude in the days before the the 90% of the Universe that lies outside eruption. the -55C to 125C range of conventional electronics whilst operating technologies under high pressure is of crucial importance for our understanding and safe exploitation of the oceans. Such interesting environments are of course of great importance not just for scientists but also for UK industrial sectors such as space, defence, energy and health. The Extreme Technology program at Newcastle University has led the way in bringing together both academic and industrial expertise to extend the range of crucial technologies that can operate in such interesting places. An approach that is critical for society as well. For example, more than 600 million people worldwide live in the shadow of a volcano and many more can feel the effect of a major eruption. Recent Fig 1 - a gas mixture of steam and acidic gases (typcially CO , SO , headlines following the eruptions of 2 2 H2S, H2O and HF) venting from Mt Etna (photo courtesy of Dr A McGonigle, Sheffield University).
32 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 35
Within the Extreme team at Newcastle in the ability to operate at higher at last be able finally to measure in real- University and supported by the temperatures (operation beyond 600°C time what is going on inside a volcano Engineering and Physical Sciences has been demonstrated – Fig 2) and and realise the millennia-long hope of Research Council (EPSRC), we have results in a material which is not affected accurate eruption prediction. demonstrated the key components of a by any known acid. Due to the relatively In terms of UK research policy a key system to monitor the concentration of mature wafer and process technology, question is: how did we get to this gas in a volcanic fumaroles using an coupled with the excellent electrical and exciting position? Firstly, we did not set exciting new electronic material, an alloy mechanical properties, silicon carbide is out to study volcanoes – in the early days of silicon and carbon – silicon carbide. now the material of choice for the of our 10 year journey we were driven by The chemical and thermal stability of the realisation of electronic sensor and simple curiosity and interest in the carbon-silicon bond is greater than that control systems for deployment in properties of new materials and their of a silicon-silicon bond and this results aggressive environments. application to electronics. We felt that Over the last 10 years we have this would be useful (in fact we have established at Newcastle University one advised dozens of prominent UK of the world’s leading academic groups companies on such electronics over that in this field – collaborating with a whole period) but we were not quite sure raft of UK and international companies. where and how – our experience is This technology includes gas sensing inconsistent with the new requirements arrays (capable for example of measuring of research councils that academics must gases such as hydrogen sulphide in the draw up so-called “impact plans” in parts per million range), energy advance of performing the actual harvesting and power management research. We would contend that the systems, amplitude and frequency most interesting applications of modulation transmission systems and technology are rarely envisaged at the Fig 2 - Silicon carbide electronics under a instrumentation amplifiers, all capable of beginning – in fact not many people flame test in the Newcastle Laboratory (the insert at the bottom shows the construction operation in such extreme conditions were even aware of volcanoes in Europe of the sensor and associated electronics). (Figs 2 and 3). The Extreme team thus until the Icelandic eruptions of 2010. The stands at a unique threshold – we might work that we do is also highly multi- disciplinary and we could not have achieved the success that we have without close involvement with industry. In our direct experience, there is a lot of truly astonishing science and technology in UK companies – it has been very much a two-way knowledge exchange facilitated by fantastic schemes such as the Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Secondments and consistent support from the EPSRC supplemented in recent years by our regional RDA, OneNorthEast. And what of the future? Our Fig 3 - Graph showing the comparative colleagues in the Extreme Technologies temperature stability of a silicon carbide electronic module. program are also working on highly innovative technologies such as “through-metal communications”, deep- water autonomous vehicles, and radiation-tolerant electronics. Driven by curiosity but inspired to apply our knowledge to lots of interesting places – check out our science and technology at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/eece/industry/extre me/or contact us at nick.wright@ncl. ac.uk
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 33 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 36
SCIENCE AND EMERGENCIES IN JAPAN
recognised needs greater reactors) suffered a partial in the disaster. There was a attention and which was thrown meltdown due to loss of water huge demand for information in into sharp relief by the crisis at from the reactor vessels and the first few days of the crisis the Fukushima nuclear power exposure of the fuel rods to air. driven by the need to provide plant. Between 12 and 15 March the an accurate assessment of the world watched as a series of threat from Fukushima as well It is only now, 3 months after explosions and fires destroyed as the status of power supplies, the event, that details of what the outer containment buildings food, water and transport links. actually happened over the first of units 1,2 and 4. A total of In the first week of the crisis the few days of the crisis are starting 770 terabequerels of radiation Embassy provided over 40 Chris Pook to emerge. At 14.46 on 11 Counsellor, Science and Innovation appears to have been released situation reports to the FCO British Embassy, Tokyo March a magnitude 9.0 from the reactors, roughly the crisis response team in London, earthquake struck off the coast same order of magnitude as working 24 hour shifts around of North Eastern Japan Before 11 March 2011 an was released from Chernobyl the clock to report on the latest unleashing a 14m tsunami that article on science and and justifying the highest rating situation on the ground. By the swept away coastal towns and innovation in Japan would of 7 on the international nuclear end of the first month we had villages and hit the Fukushima have focused on the country’s emergency scale. provided over 60 reports. Dai-ichi and Dai-ni nuclear unwavering and longstanding power plants, 110 miles from The impact of this triple The nuclear situation at commitment to investment in the epicentre. A total of seven disaster – earthquake, tsunami Fukushima and the threat from science and technology, a reactor units at the two sites and nuclear crisis – has been radiation soon came to commitment which propelled were operating at full power devastating. Nearly 25,000 dominate the information being it to the position of the when the earthquake struck. people are dead or missing as a provided to London, and world’s second largest result of the earthquake and became one of the key issues producer of advanced science Fukushima Dai-ichi lost all tsunami. None have died as a with respect to the travel advice and technology over a period power and all back up capacity. direct result of the Fukushima being issued by the UK and of 30-40 years. During this Fukushima Dai-ni retained a nuclear crisis, but over 10,000 other foreign governments. The time Japan has created some single power supply to one unit households have been Civil Contingencies Committee of the world’s most and engineers, working without displaced from the 20km in the UK, meeting in Cabinet recognisable and successful break for three days, were able evacuation zone surrounding the Office Briefing Room A (COBRA) advanced engineering and IT to use this to restore power and plant. Supply chains have been commissioned the Scientific companies – including Toyota, cooling functions to each of the disrupted and many businesses Advisory Group in Emergencies Panasonic, Nissan and Sony – reactors. 9km of power cable have taken a big hit. However (SAGE), chaired by the Chief as well as securing 15 Nobel were laid by hand in a single 16 many commentators also talk Scientist, Sir John Beddington, to prizes in science and hour period and by 14/15 about a fourth disaster – the provide advice on the risk from countless patents and March all four reactors at loss of public confidence in the Fukushima – particularly to publications. Fukushima Dai-ni were on track ability of science, of business residents in Tokyo. for cold shutdown. However, after 11 March and of government to maintain Working closely with expert 2011, when Japan was hit by a But at Dai-ichi the story was proper checks and controls on agencies from across the UK multiple disaster of a kind that different. Although only 10km nuclear technology, and to and independent advisors, the had never been seen before, it away, the site had been hit by a provide robust and independent group developed reasonable became apparent that one of larger and more devastating advice to the general public. worst case and enhanced worst the biggest challenges facing tsunami. With no power supply, The FCO and British Embassy case scenarios which were to S&T in Japan lies in the softer no instrumentation and no in Tokyo were in the frontline of provide a robust and enduring side of science and innovation – cooling capability engineers this, with a responsibility to basis for the British the systems, processes and were powerless to stop the provide accurate and up-to-date government’s advice. In addition, relationships which underpin deterioration of conditions in advice to British nationals on the the group established a science and which influence the reactor units 1-3 and the spent situation in Japan and to provide modelling capability which relationship between science fuel pond at unit 4. It is now support and assistance to those would produce predicted and society. This is an area accepted that at least one who may have been caught up radiation dose maps every four which Japan has long reactor (and probably all three
34 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 37
hours, should the situation at and reliable. But we would be, international business from this crisis stronger than Fukushima deteriorate. A wouldn’t we? It helped that as community, with major law before. Fukushima has shown response system was Science Counsellor I had firms, banks and key that there is a pressing need to established which would enable previously visited some of the multinationals using the advice reform the cosy relationship the Embassy in Tokyo to receive UK’s own nuclear legacy sites extensively” and that “it had between business, government advice within 30 minutes of an and had a good grounding in been a source or reassurance and the regulators, and to take a event at Fukushima. science. We had access to the and informed decision-making fundamental look at the safety best advice available and to to an extent that perhaps we in culture within the nuclear One of the most frequently experts in radiation health and the Embassy hadn’t realised”. industry. The government must asked questions in Tokyo and safety and we were confident The importance of providing take steps to rebuild public elsewhere was what information that the approach adopted by transparent, independent and confidence in science and was available, where could it be SAGE – advice based on the accountable advice had technology and develop robust found, and was it reliable. With worst case scenario – meant emerged as one of the key sources of independent and the exception of the first few that we did not need to know issues of this crisis. transparent advice. days, when very little data could the detail of attempts to stabilise be obtained from the plants, it At the end of May, we This will take a long time but the reactors. Our advice was soon became apparent that the explored this issue further at a has huge implications. Thirty of based on the worst that could Japanese government was doing symposium hosted jointly by the Japan’s 54 nuclear reactors are possibly happen, and the all that it could to make as Embassy and the Graduate currently shut down for calculations had been confirmed much information available as Institute of Policy Studies maintenance or safety reasons by experts in other countries. possible, as quickly as possible. (GRIPS) in Tokyo. Sir John and plans to build an additional But this was not enough. There The government made clear to Beddington spoke about the 14 reactors by 2030 are being was a maelstrom of conflicting TEPCO (the power company challenge of providing science reviewed. Japan needs to advice from foreign responsible for the Fukushima advice in emergencies and the rebuild confidence in the governments, media reports, site) and other agencies that British government response to industry if nuclear is to remain a expert opinion, speculation and there should be full Fukushima. There was a strong long term source of clean and just plain suspicion of anything transparency, insisting for desire to learn more from the secure energy. More broadly, the said by the government and example that results of the UK system and to find ways to country’s overall relationship TEPCO. Japanese radiation dose increase the transparency, with science and technology modelling system (SPEEDI) As a result, it was just as accountability and needs to be refocused. The should be made available to the important to find a way to independence of science advice fourth basic plan for science and public. A wealth of data became communicate the British in Japan. Japanese advisers have technology, which sets out available on government and government’s advice to the since visited the UK to learn government priorities for S&T industry websites and the British community in Japan, as it more about SAGE and the investment from FY2011-2016, Japanese Foreign Ministry held was to get the advice right. To Cabinet Office Civil is being reviewed in order to daily briefing sessions for the do this, between 15 March and Contingencies Secretariat. The give greater priority to disaster diplomatic community. It was 7 April, Sir John Beddington and Embassy will continue to work recovery and safety and an even not uncommon to see experts from the Health with Japan to develop this greater emphasis on green government spokesmen giving Protection Agency and DOH, exchange further, as well as to innovation and energy R&D. It press briefings in the small joined four telephone look for ways to promote UK will also look more closely at hours of the morning. conferences with British expertise gained from managing how communication on risk and nationals and British businesses our own nuclear legacy. emergencies can be improved Key pieces of data, such as in Japan to explain the basis of within Japan and with other reactor temperature, pressure Cold shutdown is not the science advice and answer countries and the role of the and water levels, were absent expected to be achieved at questions on the risk from Cabinet Office Council for due to lack of instrumentation Fukushima Dai-ichi until the end radiation. Science and Technology Policy. and in some quarters became of the year, but this will only something of an obsession. The transcripts of the mark the end of the beginning. This is to be welcomed. However the issue was not so telephone conferences were Work lasting many years will be Japan spends 3.6% of GDP on much the volume of data, but posted on the website within 24 needed to clean up and science and technology, with the expert interpretation of the data hours and broadcast on Twitter decommission the site and government consistently and what it meant for the and Facebook. It quickly became monitor the extent of spending about £25 billion (Yen general population. There was a apparent that the advice and contamination in the 3.6 trillion) annually. The fourth sense that what was needed transcripts were being tweeted surrounding area. It will be basic plans sets a goal to was an authoritative, indepen- and retweeted throughout difficult and challenging, but increase expenditure to 4% of dent, consensus view of the risk. Japan, with feedback from an there is no doubt that Japan will GDP and to "cultivate science international law firm noting that eventually succeed. and technology as a culture". At the Embassy, we were the Beddington transcripts had Fukushima has shown that confident that the advice and However, the bigger question “had a huge impact in the public acceptance of technology monitoring system were robust is whether Japan will emerge
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 35 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 38
cannot be taken for granted, and many ways. During the crisis the available additional time on UK Japan Joint Committee on that scientists, engineers, Nuclear Decommissioning research facilities – the Science and Technology next industrialists and politicians must Agency and UK industry supercomputer HECTOR and the meets in London this Autumn, pay greater attention to the provided protective radiation ISIS neutron scattering facility for one of the most important areas needs of society and the equipment and monitoring example – and British scientists for discussion will be the importance of building public equipment, while others offered are participating in research provision of science advice in trust and acceptance. to provide technical support and programmes to look at the emergencies and what we can expertise. The UK science base impact of radiation releases into do jointly to help the world learn The UK has a strong and offered practical support to the marine environment, from the terrible crisis mature relationship with Japan Japanese researchers affected drawing on experience from experienced by Japan. and many links at expert level. by the disaster by making Sellafield. But when the UK- We have been able to help in
The Global Experiment, the world’s largest-ever chemistry experiment
On Wednesday 22nd June children from Oasis Academy and Trinity School, both in Croydon, went to Portcullis House to test the water quality there.
The Global Experiment will be the largest single collection of data on water quality ever undertaken at one time and will be achieved by hundreds Anthony Upton/PA Anthony Upton © Anthony Upton/PA of thousands of school Desree (13) from Oasis Academy, and Khizr (13) from Trinity children from around the School are seen here with Professor David Phillips, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and Gavin Barwell, MP for world becoming scientists for Croydon central, at Portcullis House in Westminster, checking
a day. Anthony Upton © Anthony Upton/PA the pH level as part of The Global Experiment. Anthony Upton/PA Anthony Upton © Anthony Upton/PA Children from Oasis Academy and Trinity School, both in Croydon, meet Gavin Barwell, MP for Croydon central, Professor David Phillips, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and Stephen Benn from the Royal Society of Chemistry, taking part in The Global Experiment at Portcullis House.
36 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 39
25 YEARS OF TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION – where are we now? Where are we going?
the barrier of the cranium. So- explored. Early enthusiasm for Recently, researchers have called transcranial stimulation the therapeutic use of TMS provided proof-of-principle was first achieved with currents focused on psychiatric evidence that high-frequency applied directly to the scalp(1). conditions, particularly sound waves emitted outside However, because of the depression. Although modest the head can generate focal relatively high electrical improvements have been activity in deep brain structures resistance of the skull, a large observed, there remain without damaging neural current must be applied to the methodological issues tissue(4). Nevertheless, it may be scalp in order to deliver enough associated with identifying the many years before ultrasound current to activate underlying therapeutic mechanism. stimulation will be approved for brain cells. Therefore, although Therapeutic applications have human use. strictly non-invasive, transcranial also been explored for a range Dr Mark Stokes Since Barker’s landmark Head of Brain Stimulation, Oxford electric stimulation (TES) is in of other psychiatric conditions, demonstration of painless, non- Centre for Human Brain Activity, practice too painful for general with some promising results; invasive brain stimulation, TMS Department of Psychiatry, use. however, more research is University of Oxford has become a standard tool for needed to establish the clinical The breakthrough in non- neuroscientific research, clinical relevance of TMS in invasive brain stimulation came diagnoses, and increasingly, Electricity is the language of psychiatry(3). the brain: neurons in 1985, when Barker and therapy. Local industry has also communicate with one colleagues at Sheffield University As a research tool, the capitalised on this UK another via electric impulses published a seminal paper in success of TMS is unqualified. innovation. For example, The known as action potentials, the Lancet describing a painless Even today, 25 years on, TMS is Magstim Company Limited, which constitute the basic unit procedure for human the only available method to based in Whitland, is now a (2) of information processing in transcranial stimulation . In this activate specific brain areas. world-leading manufacturer, and the central nervous system. A brief, but landmark scientific Most commonly, TMS is used to distributor of TMS, and was key goal in neuroscience report, they described how they probe the functional role of a recently awarded the Queen’s research and clinical could use magnetic fields to given brain area by introducing a Award for Enterprise, in application is to manipulate generate local electric currents in sudden burst of activity that recognition of their expanding this electrical brain activity. the brain. This novel approach, effectively disrupts normal worldwide operations. This now known as transcranial function. As a tool for brain company continues to work Early pioneers in magnetic stimulation (TMS), disruption, TMS complements closely with the development neurosurgery applied exploits the principles of measurement techniques such team at Sheffield, as well as microelectrodes to the surface electromagnetic induction. as functional magnetic other UK research centres, of brain to determine the During TMS, an insulated coil is resonance imaging. Where demonstrating how fundamental functional role of specific areas. placed against the scalp surface brain imaging can identify which research and innovation can By constructing a functional map overlying the targeted brain area. brain areas are more or less directly benefit UK industry, and on the brain surface, surgeons When discharged, the coil active under specific conditions, economic competitiveness. can then minimise, as much as generates a brief magnetic pulse TMS can be used to test possible, post-operative loss of 1 Merton PA, Hill DK, Morton HB, & that passes unimpeded through whether the observed activity function. Patients, who remain Marsden CD (1982) Scope of a the skull and into the brain. This directly contributes to the technique for electrical stimulation of conscious during this type of time-varying magnetic field in function of interest. human brain, spinal cord, and muscle. surgery, describe the effect of (Translated from eng) Lancet turn generates a secondary stimulation, including the What does the future hold for 2(8298):597-600 (in eng). current within the underlying evocation of old memories, brain stimulation? One of the 2 Barker AT, Jalinous R, & Freeston IL brain region. (1985) Non-invasive magnetic smells or associations. These most important limitations for stimulation of human motor cortex. vivid first-hand accounts provide Barker and colleagues TMS is depth. Currently, TMS (Translated from eng) Lancet fascinating insights into the originally developed TMS as a can only be used to stimulate 1(8437):1106-1107 (in eng). workings of this remarkable clinical diagnostic tool for relatively superficial brain areas. 3 Ridding MC & Rothwell JC (2007) Is mass of grey matter; however, there a future for therapeutic use of assessing the integrity of nerve A non-invasive method for transcranial magnetic stimulation? by necessity, such invasive pathways following damage stimulating deep brain structures (Translated from eng) Nat Rev Neurosci procedures are limited in scope. caused by disease, stroke or would have a profound impact 8(7):559-567 (in eng). spinal cord injuries. In in both research and clinical 4 Tufail Y, et al. (2010) Transcranial Ultimately, the goal is to subsequent years, applications settings. One potentially exciting pulsed ultrasound stimulates intact stimulate the brain non- brain circuits. (Translated from eng) for treatment have also been lead comes from ultrasound. invasively, by somehow crossing Neuron 66(5):681-694 (in eng).
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 37 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 40
REACH and the Metals Industry – Unintended Consequences Causing Concern for Cobalt
The EU’s chemical management policy for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (or REACH) has many ambitions and compelling aims to protect EU citizens and workers from exposure to chemicals, and these are supported by Industry. However, we are also seeing that there are many unintended consequences of the application of the Regulation, in particular it is becoming evident that REACH is creating a barrier David Weight General Manager, The Cobalt to trade for cobalt and it is also inhibiting the innovation Development Institute Director, Cobalt REACH platform so prized by UK industry. Consortium Ltd
The metals industry has spent naturally occurring they exist in engineering industry is under several years organising for the environment, and therefore particular threat. Also, the participation in REACH, by should not be categorically linked application of the REACH forming Consortia and planning with the PBT substances. In fact Regulation is ‘hazard’ focused extensive work programmes. certain metals such as cobalt, even though Industry has Significant funds have been which is an oligo element, are explained the difficulties with committed towards fulfilling their required by humans and animals such an approach. In short REACH obligations, and there are for vitality and growth (vitamin Industry strongly supports expected to be substantial B12 has cobalt as a co-factor). chemicals management based further costs for Industry. on Risk not Hazard. Where Industry experiences REACH was not designed the problems is in the The UK is an important user initially to encompass metals, the application of the regulation of cobalt and there are a broad focus being on organic which is far too complex, base of industries that are Persistent, Bioacumulative and inflexible and in some cases dependent on cobalt and cobalt Toxic substances (PBT) and very disproportionate, inadequately compounds, from superalloys Persistent and very defined and applied heavy- (eg aerospace and land based Bioaccumulative (vPvB) handedly. The goalposts are gas turbines; hard wearing substances, however metals constantly moving – for example castings in renewable energy were included and here the the issue of intermediates under applications), catalysts (clean fuel problems began. First of all the strictly controlled conditions is a technology and removal of metal industry is essentially data point in question where the harmful gases such as NOx), rich as it is already controlled European Chemical Agency digital storage (essential in through existing legislation. (ECHA) amended the guidance computer processing), industrial Secondly, the methodologies mid-term when the whole of cutting tools (eg high speed used to measure human and industry had already embarked steels and hard metals), driers in environmental effects are not on Registration of their paints and pigments, easily adapted to metals and the substances. This important rechargeable batteries (mainly Li- industry has devoted matter is still not adequately ion systems), high strength considerable resources to resolved and some of the permanent magnets (eg for developing new methodologies. implications for the metals wind turbines) and many other Thirdly, because metals are industry are dire – the surface applications. Cobalt is very much
38 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 41
a technology enabling metal and cobalt salts in the REACH in other technology enabling all the substances that could be is important to achieving the Authorisation process. processes. For some critical proposed to the Candidate list stated ambitions of the UK applications for example there for Authorisation, five cobalt salts The criticality of supply of Government’s ‘Green’ agenda. are no substitutes that could were selected, even though strategic metals (and minerals) provide the advantages offered there are many compelling Cobalt is a minor metal and is is another issue. The UK by use of cobalt substances. For reasons why they should not go essentially a by-product of Department of Environment, example in the catalyst industry, forward, such as, being covered copper and nickel mining. Cobalt along with the USA Department 1 kg cobalt contributes to a SOx by existing legislation, largely also has a broad range of highly of Energy and the EU with the emission reduction of 25,000 intermediate and no consumer specialised and important uses. Raw Materials Initiative, seem to tonnes and a NOx emission exposure. Consequently we However, cobalt is not an have suddenly discovered that reduction of 750 tonnes per believe this illustrates a obvious metal like copper as it is cobalt is actually critical to their annum. If substitution provided disproportionate application of only ever used in small amounts base industry, and so they wish enhanced characteristics or the REACH Regulation to the to alloy with other metals to to work with industry to protect better economy then industry cobalt sector. The cost of this considerably improve operating the position. DG Enterprise is would automatically do this. process will be levied on part of characteristics and attain greater also tasked to look at improving With cobalt it is not appropriate an industry with a global refined operating efficiencies, or it is the competitiveness of EU just to talk about substitution as production of 76,000(3) tonnes, used in a chemical form for industry. Most regrettably there a means to an end as this could not the 20 million tonnes of many critical applications ranging appears little joined up cause serious economic copper or 40 million tonnes from safety in radial tyres to Governance here as the damage to the sector and at the aluminium or the 1.4 Billion energy storage in rechargeable application of REACH could same time cause a reduction in tonnes of crude steel(4). batteries. Out of sight often inhibit or even prevent the efficiency of some important means out of mind and this utilisation of some cobalt These are the practical processes and applications. The seems to be an area that the substances in the EU because of problems associated with a well substitution approach of REACH Regulators failed to consider fully the cost of compliance, and meaning Regulation that has pre-supposes that this hasn’t when including the metals other unintended consequences become too complex and been considered before. There industry in the REACH of the Regulation, and cobalt is overbearing for the metals is little credit given to the fact Regulation. not alone. industry. REACH should be part that industry has already spent of a regulatory Agenda which Of course such considerations All the issues that the REACH many years and significant seeks to improve the real health are outside the ECHA remit but Authorities believe they had with investment to identify their and safety of its citizens as well when embarking on such an the import and manufacture of substances of choice. The cobalt as the competiveness of industry ambitious Regulation it would substances will doubtless move substances used today in many by working in conjunction with have been advisable to have towards other (non-EU) specialised applications have other important initiatives. It undertaken an impact countries where regulations and resulted from earlier should be applied assessment as, without such controls are nowhere near as programmes, and now the proportionately, fairly and in a analysis, the risk of unintended effective as those in the EU future technology developments non-discriminatory manner. For damaging consequences for (even before REACH!). In simple are being cast into jeopardy! cobalt, with its unique industry, employment, and the terms, this amounts to an off- The costs of REACH are a technology-enabling properties, environment is high. In REACH loading of the responsibility for major factor affecting the current there is a risk of seriously of course each substance, if safer chemicals management, and future plans of industry, and damaging the innovation called to be Authorised, has to without any guarantee that this we will undoubtedly see some platform which is essential for provide this information in can be accomplished in practice. chemical compounds dropped, the Research and Development evidence to justify usage – Substitution is the end game without any appreciation of what initiatives and vital for the however the cost of preparing of REACH for substances damage this could ultimately do wellbeing of UK industry and for such a defence for any cobalt prioritised for Authorisation, and to the overall UK (or EU) the environment. substance which might be this could be the case for several industry. The Cobalt Industry subject to Authorisation is very (1) CDI/CoRC Consortia Costing Estimate; cobalt salts. However, it is under the REACH Consortia will high. Given the small tonnage (2) Cobalt Reach Consortium Extract of notoriously difficult to substitute have expended some 7 million Exposure Scenarios from Registration and broad range of uses cobalt substances without Euro(1) (and counting!) in Dossiers; involved, this will probably not (3) CDI Cobalt News April 2011; suffering serious reductions in preparation of the registration be sustainable for the economic (4) World Bureau Metal Statistics for 2010 efficiency and/or performance. dossiers. Evaluation of these survival of some chemical In the catalyst sector this is dossiers demonstrates that there compounds. A case in point is particularly apparent as well as is negligible Exposure(2). It is the disproportionate treatment of for high performance alloys and therefore most surprising that of
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 39 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 42
STRATEGIC METALS - HOW CAN GEOSCIENCE HELP INCREASE RESOURCES? HOW WILL A SUPPLY SHORTAGE IMPACT ON THE UK? Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 17th May 2011 IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGIC METALS TO THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
'green' economy (renewable production of rare earth situation, combined with energy, energy efficiency, low elements was only 123 concerns related to supply carbon transport). thousand tonnes. Global security, appears to be leading production of platinum group towards an alternative approach We produce metals and metals in 2009 was only 429 to maintaining supply by close minerals in very large amounts. tonnes(1). collaboration between producers In 2009, global mines produced and consumers or even vertical 18 million tonnes of copper, 2.2 Although production is integration of mining companies billion tonnes of iron ore and 7 modest compared to industrial and industrial consumers. This billion tonnes of coal(1). metals, consumption rates of provides certainty for the metal Andrew Bloodworth critical metals are rising quickly Aside from the major producers and security of supply British Geological Survey from a very low base (see industrial metals such as iron, for manufacturers and is a graph). Drastic changes in Global concerns are growing copper, lead and zinc, we also similar business model to that production rates over time are over the long term availability utilise a group of ‘critical' or used by a number of industries illustrated by the fact that, for of secure and adequate 'strategic' metals, so called including, for example, example, of all the platinum supplies of the minerals and because of their growing fluorochemicals. group metals and niobium- metals needed by society. economic importance and high tantalum we have ever utilised, Another consequence of this Consumption of most metals risk of supply shortage. They 75 per cent has been extracted lack of economic interest until has increased steadily since include metals such as since 1980. recently is the fact that their life- World War II and demand is antimony, beryllium, cobalt, cycle in both the natural and expected to continue to grow gallium, germanium, indium, Compared to industrial anthropogenic environments is in response to the burgeoning lithium, niobium, platinum group metals, and precious metals poorly understood in global population, economic metals, rare earths, rhenium, such as gold and platinum, the comparison to metals such as growth (especially in the tantalum and tungsten. In order size of the global markets for iron, copper, lead and zinc emerging economies of Asia to assess concerns regarding most critical metals is relatively which we have been using for and Latin America) and the supply security for the global small. With some exceptions, thousands of years. We know requirements of new and/or economy, it is necessary to this is currently a disincentive to relatively little about the environmental technologies. understand some of their key investment by many of the (2) processes by which these Minerals and metals are characteristics and how they major mining companies . This metals form, are transported probably the most important differ from other metals and pillar of the global economy - 'if minerals. Global production of selected critical metals 1950-2010 you can't grow it, you have to KEY CHARACTERISTICS mine it'. We need minerals for OF CRITICAL METALS food production (fertilisers, drinking water, food preparation Critical metals have some and packaging); energy (fossil economic characteristics which fuels, power generation, distinguish them from the major transmission); construction industrial metals. The volumes (houses, schools, hospitals, of critical metals produced are shops, offices); transport (roads, currently much smaller than for railways, airports, cars, buses, the industrial metals. In 2009, trains, ships and aircraft); the world produced over 1.2 technology and communications billion tonnes of steel and (computers, telecommuni- almost 40 million tonnes of cations, electronic applications); aluminium, whereas total
40 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 43
and concentrated in the Earth's autocatalysts are extremely large. from primary production. For scientific understanding crust – vital information if we most critical metals the ceiling improves, we can replenish Delivery of other are to find enough to satisfy on availability will be much reserves from previously environmental technologies, and demand. We also have a good lower because consumption in undiscovered resources. Most particularly those needed to deal to learn about efficient and the past has been very small. metals occur in graded deposits: move toward a low carbon environmentally-friendly ways of if prices rise, reserves will extend economy will require critical For most other metals extracting and processing these to include lower grade ore; if metals in some quantities. Major recycling provides only 10-20% metals, as well as in using them prices fall, reserves will contract consumers are likely to be of demand, although work by efficiently and recycling them to include only higher grade renewable energies, such as UNEP(3) and in research carried effectively when products reach material. The reality is that wind and solar photovoltaics, as out as part of the recent end of life. Compared to metals despite increasing metal well as low-carbon transport European Raw Materials which have been in long term production over the past 50 modes powered by electricity or Initiative(4) suggests that use, we have a poor years, reserve levels have fuel cells. recycling rates for elements such understanding of the ultimate remained largely unchanged(4). as gallium, indium, tantalum and fate of many of these more rare earths are currently less In the longer term, advances exotic metals when they are than 1%. Even if recycling rates in science and technology have released into the natural for these materials were much improved our ability to find and environment. higher, we must recognise that extract metals. Current reserve Many critical metals are not the critical metal 'resource' and consumption data are not mined in their own right, but are currently residing in the reliable indicators of metal derived as by-products (or anthropogenic environment is depletion as these figures are coupled products) from the very small compared to that closely related to the current extraction of 'carrier metals' from needed to meet predicted state of the global economy and
ores in which they present in Most wind turbines require demand from manufacturers of scientific/technological low concentrations. Examples considerable quantities of critical electric vehicles, wind knowledge. include gallium (found in metals (principally rare earth generators, solar panels and elements) in their manufacture. MEETING THE SUPPLY aluminium ore) and germanium Photo copyright BGS/ NERC. digital devices. (found in zinc ore). Production CHALLENGE FOR from these ore types is Recycling, substitution and WILL WE RUN OUT OF CRITICAL METALS CRITICAL METALS? predominantly driven by resource efficiency will be Although physical exhaustion demand for the carrier metal. hugely important in meeting the The total stock of metal in of primary metal supply is thus This factor may constrain any challenge of burgeoning the crust is finite, but it is also very unlikely, there are no possible increase in production demand for critical metals. extremely large. Metals for which grounds for complacency. Since of the coupled product should However, because demand is we know the precise location, the beginning of the Industrial demand increase independently rising rapidly we must accept tonnage and which we can Revolution, science has been of the carrier metal. that for the foreseeable future, extract economically with key to extending our resource the vast bulk of our Although many of these existing technology (known as base. The classic 'Malthusian' requirements for these metals metals are used in small 'reserves') are tiny in approach failed to appreciate will have to be sourced from quantities per unit, they perform comparison to the total amount. the impact of science on primary resources within the vital tasks in significantly Concerns that surface agricultural productivity and Earth's crust. Most metals enhancing the way many periodically regarding physical access to earth resources. To normally remain in use by industrial products function. For exhaustion of metals are illustrate this argument in a society for 40 to 60 years and example, the average family car generally based on a flawed and modern context; mineral deposit the upper limit on what is contains just 2-3g of platinum over-simplistic view of the types which were largely available for recycling is group metals (PGM) in its relationship between reserves unknown 50 years ago (such as determined by what comes back exhaust system. These metals and consumption (number of porphyry deposits which are from society. By way of enable the catalytic conversion years supply remaining equals now the principal sources of illustration, global consumption of petrol and diesel engine reserves divided by annual copper, molybdenum and of copper in 1970 was emissions, such that over 90 per consumption). This approach rhenium) contribute significantly approximately 8 million tonnes cent of hydrocarbons, carbon ignores the fact that to global reserves. These were per annum. Five million tonnes monoxide and oxides of consumption and reserves discovered and developed was from mining, with 3 million nitrogen to less harmful carbon change continually in response largely as a result of scientific tonnes from recycling. In 2008 dioxide, nitrogen and water to markets and scientific understanding of their global copper consumption was Given that 51 million cars were advances. Reserve levels metallogenesis derived from about 24 million tonnes, of built worldwide in 2009, the depend on current scientific research. which 8 million tonnes were environmental and economic knowledge of mineral deposits derived from recycling, with the However, our knowledge of benefits of PGM use in and target mineral price. As our remaining 16 million tonnes transport and concentration
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 41 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 44
processes of many critical concerns in western countries greenhouse gas emissions. Similar endeavour will be metals is very poor. Put simply, regarding China's near Current examples of where low needed to break the link collaborative science is vital in monopoly of production of rare carbon technology may be between metal extraction and predicting and finding deposits earth elements clearly illustrate heading include in-situ leach human-induced climate change. of these critical metals which to this. mining of metals such as This article is published by date have been of limited uranium and microbial bio- The likelihood is that tensions permission of the Executive economic interest, but are now leaching of metals such as over resources will increase over Director, British Geological being used in rapidly increasing copper and nickel from extracted the next few years. It is therefore Survey. amounts. ores. Such approaches have the essential that the UK retains its potential to significantly extend (1) British Geological Survey (2010) The more pressing threats to world class capability to monitor Mineral Statistics home page the resource base by allowing supply are uneven resource and analyse global mineral http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/stati working of previously distribution, geopolitics and production, consumption, trade stics/home.html uneconomic ore types and looming environmental limits. and reserves(1). This should be (2) Ernst and Young (2010) Material risk: grades. Metal deposits are unevenly done in conjunction with other Access to technology minerals. http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLU distributed across the globe and EU member states, the US and Critical metals are vital to the Assets/Material_risk:_access_to_tecnol patterns of supply and demand Japan in order to develop an global economy and their ogy_minerals,_Sept_2010/$FILE/Mate shift continually. Rapidly early warning system to better importance will grow in the rial%20risk_final.pdf
increasing demand from predict future supply problems. coming decades as we strive to (3) UN Environment Programme (2009) emerging economies such as meet the twin challenges of Critical Metals for Future Sustainable Extraction and processing of Brazil, Russia, India and China population growth and climate Technologies and their Recycling metal is energy intensive and Potential. has led to a scramble for access change. In order to mitigate carbon emitted as a http://www.unep.fr/scp/publications/ to resources, particularly in the current and future geopolitical consequence represents a details.asp?id=DTI/1202/PA developing world. Economic and market constraints on significant environmental limit to (4) European Commission (2010) Critical and diplomatic tensions supply, we urgently need to our resource use. Major research Raw Materials for the EU. Report of between those who have carry out research to identify and the ad-hoc working group on defining and innovation is required in mineral resources and/or means utilise new resources from the critical raw materials. order to break the current link of production, and those who Earth's crust and by recycling http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policie between metal extraction and s/raw-materials/critical/index_en.htm have not, are common. Current material already in our society.
STRATEGIC METALS - HOW CAN GEOSCIENCE HELP INCREASE RESOURCES? HOW WILL A SUPPLY SHORTAGE IMPACT ON THE UK? GEOSCIENTISTS – the scientists who locate Geological Resources of Strategic Metals
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF extraction industry with the world leader in research in metal GEOSCIENTISTS production of aggregates and deposits globally. We still have a coal and new ventures such as great concentration of Geoscientists play the vital gold quarrying in Northern researchers who, with role in the discovery of new Ireland and a world class nourishment and support, have metal deposits. A strong resource of tungsten to be the skills to produce high quality presence in the Geosciences is extracted at Hemerdon in science to improve security of possible in the UK as it has an Devon. However inevitably the supply of metals and make UK unusually great variety of UK is small and has to source manufacturing more geology for its land area and we the majority of its metals from competitive. have a long history of mining. Dr Hazel Prichard overseas. So to secure supplies, Mineral Deposits Studies Group Today there is an active and Geological Society of London traditionally, we have been a
42 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 45
METAL SUPPLY and many still have their PLATINUM: An Example uses a great variety of headquarters in the city of Of Exploration Using techniques that range in scale Sourcing metals is essential London making up about 15% Geoscience Skills from satellite imagery to sub- both to maintain our standard of of the FTSE 100. Institutes micron microscopic studies. living and to provide the rare Many aspects of the provide a focus for applied Modelling can predict additional metals necessary to develop a Geosciences can be employed research in this field and include conventional and new types of low-carbon global economy. This to explore for and secure more the Minerals Section at the ore. The Geoscientist uses has been highlighted recently by supplies of all metals and the British Geological Survey and the geology, geochemistry, metal shortage scares such as approach to explore for more Mineralogy Department at the geophysics and mineralogy and the REEs. There is now much platinum resources can be used Natural History Museum. needs to adapt and search for interest in metal scarcity with as an illustration. The major Universities also pursue applied new opportunities as for publications being produced, for platinum deposits are located in research on understanding ore example new rock exposure example the recent House of giant magmatic bodies where forming processes and in revealed by deforestation of the Commons Science and there has been extensive deep training students. The UK has Amazon or retreating ice sheets. Technology Committee report on melting in the Earth producing exported many exploration It is likely that in the future we Strategically Important Metals magma that concentrates geology graduates into this will need to extract metals from (5th report Session 2010-2012). platinum as it crystallises into global business of metal lower grade ores using new There are sufficient geological mineable surface deposits. Also sourcing. The MDSG runs extraction and processing resources of metals in the Earth there are many marginally meetings that bring together techniques. to supply our future needs but economic occurrences of those whose task it is to this will only be assured if platinum in other rock types. understand the geology of GEOSCIENCES IN Geoscientists continue to explore Future exploration will focus on mineral deposits and so discover UNIVERSITIES for and discover new metal both geology similar to the new metal supplies. At these There are several UK sources worldwide. Indeed their economic ores and on the many meetings students are universities with a great tradition efforts need to increase as the different currently non-economic encouraged to meet industry and considerable expertise in the demand for metals is increasing occurrences. For example a new personnel and build valuable Geosciences specifically teaching exponentially as world source is anthropogenic contacts. applied geology for metal population increases. Giant platinum, now accumulating in exploration. The training is both developing economies such as GEOLOGY road dust, due to emission from theoretical and practical China and India now desire the vehicle catalytic converters. Metal supply depends on emphasising field skills, mapping, metal hungry goods that we, in Platinum in road dust is now many political and sociological making measurements, the western world, take for present at extremely elevated factors as well as the understanding ore forming granted as essential. Unless we values compared with natural Geosciences. Increasingly also processes. Some university plan to secure metal supplies we background values. Research has metals are being recycled as, Geoscience departments run will be increasingly exposed to shown platinum is rapidly unlike oil, gas and coal, they are Society of Economic Geology shortages as there is a dispersed as it is washed down not destroyed during use. chapters that keep the students substantial time lag, typically of at drains but it is reconcentrated in However natural metal supplies in touch with the international least 10 years, between a acid mine drainage and in still dominate and these are exploration community. Lecturers shortage and the time taken for incinerated sewage ash. controlled by the geology. Close in universities, who run these a new geological source to be Anthropogenic platinum is in a to the Earth’s surface different applied courses, also carry out developed and brought to different mineral form to that of metals vary in abundance and research on exploration using market. natural ores and attempts to concentrate by different high tech equipment currently recycle this platinum will require geological processes. For held in universities allowing in- GEOSCIENCE new mineral processing example, although rare, gold is depth studies that provide ORGANISATIONS techniques. Therefore concentrated by a multitude of valuable insights for metal Within the UK we have a very investigation of just this one complex geological processes exploration. active group of Societies that metal requires a whole set of and is widely distributed in focus on the Geosciences. The Geoscience skills ranging from different types of geology. Other GEOSCIENCE STUDENTS principal Society is the Geological understanding magma metals are restricted by their There is a great demand for Society of London that hosts generation deep in the Earth to geology as for example platinum exploration geology degrees, within it the Mineral Deposit the sedimentary processes of with the major deposits located often from students who have Studies Group (MDSG). Other collection of waste in the urban only in RSA and northern had some contact with the Societies include the Institute of environment. Siberia. industry, and/or have often Materials, Minerals and Mining GEOSCIENCE TECHNIQUES travelled extensively and seen (IOM3) and the Mineralogical mining operations. They Society. Exploration for metals by So the Geoscientist needs to therefore also have some of the Geoscientists is carried out by decide how and where to search many non-science related skills companies targeting new ores for more sources of metals. This that are necessary for a
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 43 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 46
successful career in the NERC has just removed funding fence some research funds for which metals will become scarce exploration industry, including for MSc courses which affects ore deposit research. first because experts tend to self confidence, a foreign the Geosciences. Our great specialise in one metal and language, team work skills, British tradition of teaching THE DEBATE companies plan exploration for including the ability to survive in exploration for new metal Does the UK want to take an 15-20 years ahead for hostile environments, working in sources in universities is being active interest in the supply chain commercial reasons and neither foreign communities where no threatened. Research funding for of metals for UK industry, to give an overview of future tourist would venture. The UK metal exploration is also difficult predict which metals will be supplies. We (Government, has many talented young people in universities because of scarce in the future and so institutes, universities and who wish to study the competition for blue sky research smooth out metal shortage companies) should establish a Geosciences and go into the funds, the time lost from crises to maintain its competitive network of stakeholders metal exploration industry. research due to enormous edge? (perhaps through the Societies Graduates return to the UK from amounts of time writing and Knowledge Transfer all over the world and feed back unsuccessful research proposals WHAT CAN BE DONE? Networks KTNs) to bring information on the current state disguised to attract funds from • We need to expand together individual Geoscience of the exploration industry and other areas and the funding of Geoscience research to discover experts for different metals, metal exploration. short term research. Much new metal sources and along with experts in the research is too applied for processing techniques to secure extraction, processing and SUPPORT FOR TEACHING Research Councils and not manufacture for each metal so AND RESEARCH supply. Government can make applied enough for companies. subtle changes in policy to that we will be able to identify better specific needs and predict Although numbers of This non-applied research strengthen teaching and research shortages. Such a body would students have recently increased culture is beginning to change. in the Geosciences and further give an overview and would substantially the appointment of There are indications that the encourage scientists to carry out promote collaboration. metallogenesis lecturers has situation is easing as there is a applied research. This is declined. Universities are set realisation about the potential necessary to attract, inspire and There will be increasing goals by Government that tend threat of metal shortages. The educate young geoscientists who competition for metals to exclude the appointment of next Government inspired can search for metals for our worldwide and the UK needs to metallogenesis lecturers because university research assessment future. be prepared for this. The UK research assessment exercises exercise (REF) contains a section • We need to co-ordinate the Geoscience community stands tend to favour blue sky research. (if relatively small) on the impact monitoring of metal supply to ready to engage and play its Although Government is of research. We welcome the keep a presence on the world part. encouraging vocational training recent initiative by NERC to ring stage. It is difficult to predict
STRATEGIC METALS - HOW CAN GEOSCIENCE HELP INCREASE RESOURCES? HOW WILL A SUPPLY SHORTAGE IMPACT ON THE UK? How will the UK Manufacturing Industry respond to a shortage of Strategic Metals?
BACKGROUND productive capacities. Product and equipment manufacturers The development of can source their inputs of raw extractive industries and materials and/or components manufacturing facilities Tony Hartwell from wherever they can worldwide and the Knowledge Transfer Manager negotiate the most favourable The Environmental improvements in transport and Sustainability Knowledge terms. This has resulted in a communication systems has Transfer Network tendency for businesses to resulted in globalisation of locate basic manufacturing business operations and
44 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 47
facilities in countries that have a supply risks through long term material utilisation (kg/person/ fossil fuels. Based on current low cost base. Economies with a relationships with reliable year) to increase as an economy trends it has been projected higher cost base strive to partners and by securing several becomes more affluent. When that, since industrialisation, compete through higher sources of supply. A recent EU the growing world population is human consumption of fossil productivity and by investing in study(2) on materials that are also taken into account the fuels will have released one innovations which often rely on critical to the European demand for materials can be trillion tonnes of carbon advanced materials and economy has suggested that the projected to grow in the (1,000,000,000,000) into the technologies. Manufacturers risks associated with 14 foreseeable future unless there atmosphere by 2045(3). The must now aim for continuous materials should be carefully are fundamental changes in scientific evidence suggests that improvements in their considered. consumption patterns. increasing levels of GHGs in the productivity, resource efficiency atmosphere pose a significant In addition to the growing and product performance to WHY MIGHT risk to the ecosystems that demand for ‘traditional metals’ remain competitive in the global SHORTAGES OCCUR? provide the resources necessary the special properties of a wider marketplace. With a complex to support the human Concerns about access to range of elements are now global supply chain how can UK population. Hence the global resources are not new although being exploited to create the based industry manage supply efforts to promote more over the years the materials advanced materials and systems risks? According to Kirchain et sustainable development by classified as ‘strategic’ have required for modern ICT and al(1) “a resource becomes developing low carbon changed. Following the industrial low carbon technology ‘scarce’ when the effort needed economies. revolution the demand for, and applications (PV systems, to access the marginal amount ability to extract, metals grew batteries, motors, magnets, etc). The attempts to make of material is greater than the and nations sought greater parallels between oil and amount of effort one would be Due to geological and other access to raw materials through minerals – such as the ‘Peak’ capable of or willing to exert”. factors such as low production colonisation and/or international concept for oil can be costs and the development of Globalisation has resulted in trade. Many advances in military misleading. When oil is used as specialist knowledge and extended supply chains that rely technologies have been based a fuel it is consumed and technologies, there has been a on highly efficient logistical on developments in the use of cannot be recovered or recycled. tendency for the production of management which has been systems and technologies that Metals are, to a greater or lesser some of these strategic metals facilitated by modern require specific metals to deliver extent, consumed or dissipated to be dominated by a few information and communication superior military capability. in some applications (eg organisations or regions (eg technologies. At present there Therefore access to these magnesium in flares, metals Rare Earth Elements and are concerns about the security metals, and the ability to used in sacrificial anodes and Magnesium in China, tantalum of supply of some of the process them into suitable metallothermic reduction, zinc in in the DRC, Niobium in Brazil, strategic metals that are required forms, has been considered to galvanised coatings) but in etc). for the delivery of the advanced be strategically important. many others a significant technologies (eg aerospace, ICT Indeed access to strategic Some analysts have proportion is available in forms and renewable energy systems). metals has been a significant combined the demand for a that could be recovered easily. The ‘Just in Time’ concept has factor in many military metal with a published figure for In developed economies there driven tighter production confrontations. The trend reserves and projected when is a significant volume of schedules along the complex towards multinational resources will be exhausted. This anthropogenic material that is in supply chain networks of corporations and globalised is really a misunderstanding of what has been called the products based on advanced supply chains and the end of the situation. It is far more likely ‘Technosphere’(4) – these have technologies. Companies aim to the ‘Cold War’ meant that that the cost of extracting been extracted from the Earth simplify and streamline their concerns about the military materials – in monetary and/or and are in use – such as processes, whilst collaborating need for strategic metals environmental terms – will be bridges, rails, motor cars, more effectively with a range of became less intense. exceeded rather than the electronic devices, etc, or are partners, suppliers and clients In the past some analyses ultimate depletion of the Earth’s available for reclamation. The around the world. In these considered that the markets for resources. The total costs of the useful life of metal varies with complex systems it is important the major metals were mature energy required to recover a the application but in effect the to analyse and manage risk. and saw little prospects for specific metal from primary material in the ‘Technosphere’ is Advanced manufacturers may growth in global demand. sources may rise to exceed the an inventory of resources that is not be direct purchasers of However these overlooked the value derived from its use or it available for recovery and re-use. strategic metals but they must discrepancy between the may become more viable to be aware of the value that they recover more metal from WHAT CAN specific consumption rates for MANUFACTURERS DO? deliver to their products and materials in economies at secondary sources. The must examine the supply chain different stages of development. development of modern There are many stages in the risks for their resources. societies has been based on the supply chain between extraction Since industrialisation there output of industrialised systems Manufacturers can reduce of metal from primary resources has been a tendency for specific powered by relatively low cost
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 45 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 48
and the deployment of the but they do not necessarily have facilities to process materials European programmes and material in a finished product operations within the EU. according to global standards of ensure that it has the world and so manufacturers will need Nevertheless some EU based best practice should not be class research and industrial to co-operate with, and rely on, businesses have retained strong allowed. production capability to good partners and suppliers. connections with primary participate in important sectors. Some manufacturers have extraction operations both local These should include the Perhaps there will always be recognised the value that can be and in other parts of the world development of primary a degree of tension or balance gained from a broader (Copper, Boliden, Sweden; resources, the development of to be struck between local engagement in the life cycle of Nickel & Manganese, Eramet, substitute materials/technologies versus global sourcing, self- their products. By engaging with France-Gabon-New Caledonia). and the development of sufficiency versus mutually the end-of-life management Efforts to develop an EU strategy recovery and reprocessing beneficial trade and between they can ensure that they can on raw materials are currently systems. If all of the short term and long term have access to the resources under way. stakeholders in the supply chain requirements. All organisations, that they need by promoting collaborate to address these be they national governments, The UK no longer produces recovery and recycling. In times issues the potential for price trading blocks, multinational primary copper, zinc, or tin and of crisis one way of ensuring spikes will be reduced. It would agencies or small/medium sized but has retained primary some access to critical materials also be prudent for each enterprises, need to manage capacity in steel and aluminium has been from those present in organisation to conduct risk risks. Different approaches have albeit at lower output levels. the ‘Technosphere’ – but better assessments to determine the been adopted at the national Specialist capacity exists for management of materials nature of their exposure to short, level. The USA has maintained processing special metals and should be developed without medium or long term stockpiles of strategic materials recovering alloys from some waiting for a crisis. This would disruptions in the supplies of but they also aim to ensure that secondary materials (such as be a logical approach from the strategic metals. the US economy has the nickel and nickel based alloys, point of resource efficiency and downstream capability to titanium, magnesium, climate change because efficient The legend of King Midas convert these into forms suitable aluminium, Rare Earth & recovery of secondary materials illustrates how access to even a for their strategic (military) Platinum Group Metals, etc). If is usually less energy intensive precious metal is of little value requirements. Primary the UK is to retain a share of the and has a lower impact on the without the knowledge or Magnesium producers in development of high value biosphere than primary recovery capacity to convert it into a Canada, Norway, France and added manufacturing it must from low grade ores (this should useful form. Measures to Italy have shut down because build on and expand the skill be verified by LCA studies for encourage UK manufacturers to they couldn’t compete with base in materials science. It each situation). engage in sustainable materials imports from China. However a must invest in the infrastructural management systems If a specific metal becomes primary magnesium producer developments that recognise the throughout the supply chain very expensive there are strong has survived in the USA because value and benefits obtained would make a significant drivers to investigate ways of import duties have been applied from the knowledge gained contribution towards establishing substituting alternates. This could on material from China. Recent from producing and converting a ‘green economy’ in the UK be achieved by developing concern about the Rare Earth metals into forms suitable for and across the globe. materials that can deliver the Metal supply chain has resource efficient applications same or better cost effective (1) http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/ stimulated the re-development (eg through the application of performance (direct substitution) 1721.1/35728 of domestic operations in the special casting and working or through the development of (2) http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ USA. Japan has retained the facilities, or the production of a new technology that makes policies/raw-materials/critical/ capacity to produce significant powders and nano-materials). To index_en.htm that specific functional need volumes of primary metals and do this effectively the UK must obsolete (indirect substitution). (3) http://trillionthtonne.org/ has a co-ordinated programme enable research groups to (4) www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/5/ to ensure that the materials develop the critical mass to Commercial and military 1408/pdf required for its value added contribute on a global scale in organisations will have different industries is available (through niche areas associated with perspectives on strategic metals. stockpiling, careful monitoring of primary production (in the UK If the UK Manufacturing Industry global trends, investment in and globally), the development is to be competitive in the global global prospecting and extraction of substitutes for critical market all stakeholders opportunities, implementation of applications and in recovery and (Government, OEMs, Tier 1-n their 3R policy and R&D on new recycling. The UK is a net suppliers, raw material suppliers, development/substitutions). To exporter of metallic scrap and recyclers and end-users) must date there has been no effective whilst this is a source of export participate and collaborate in risk co-ordination of resource policy revenue it is important that the management programmes. in the EU. Some of the major optimum value is recovered These can reduce the risk of resource companies are listed from these resources. Exports of shortages of critical materials. on European stock exchanges scrap to areas without the The UK should align with
46 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 49
HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Science and Technology CURRENT INQUIRIES On 4 May the Committee took evidence from: Committee is established under Dr Nicola Gulley, Editorial Director, Institute of Standing Order No. 152, and Forensic Science Service charged with the scrutiny of the Physics Publishing Ltd, Professor Ronald Laskey expenditure, administration and On 19 January 2011 the Committee CBE FRS FMedSci, Vice-President, Academy of policy of the Government Office for announced an inquiry into the Government’s Medical Sciences, Dr Robert Parker, Interim Chief Science, a semi-autonomous decision to wind down the Forensic Science organisation based within the Executive, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Department for Business, Service. The Committee invited written Professor John Pethica FRS, Physical Secretary and Innovation and Skills. submissions by 14 February. Vice-President, Royal Society. The current members of the The Committee held two oral evidence On 11 May the Committee took evidence Science and Technology Committee sessions in March taking evidence from the from: Tracey Brown, Managing Director, Sense are: Forensic Science Service, Prospect Union, About Science, and Dr Elizabeth Wager, Chair of Gavin Barwell (Conservative, academics, private sector providers, the National the Committee on Publication Ethics and Board Croydon Central), Gregg McClymont Policing Improvement Agency, the Crown Member of the UK Research Integrity Office; (Labour, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Prosecution Service, the Metropolitan Police Kirkintilloch East), Stephen Mayur Amin, Senior Vice President, Research & McPartland (Conservative, Service and Association of Chief Police Officers (full Academic Relations, Elsevier, Dr Philip Campbell, Stevenage), Stephen Metcalfe details in Journal 68/2). Editor-in-Chief, Nature Publishing Group, Robert (Conservative, South Basildon and Campbell, Senior Publisher, Wiley-Blackwell, Dr East Thurrock), Andrew Miller On 27 April the Committee took evidence (Labour, Ellesmere Port and from: Andrew Rennison, Forensic Science Fiona Godlee, Editor-in-Chief, BMJ Group, and Dr Neston), David Morris Regulator, Professor Bernard Silverman, Chief Andrew Sugden, Deputy Editor & International (Conservative, Morecambe and Managing Editor, Science. Lunesdale), Stephen Mosley Scientific Adviser, Home Office; and James (Conservative, City of Chester), Brokenshire MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of On 23 May the Committee took evidence Pamela Nash (Labour, Airdrie and State for Crime Prevention, and Stephen Webb, Shotts), Jonathan Reynolds from: Dr Rebecca Lawrence, Director, New Product (Labour/Co-operative, Stalybridge Director of Finance and Strategy, Crime and Development, Faculty of 1000 Ltd, Dr Mark and Hyde), Graham Stringer Policing Group, Home Office. Patterson, Director of Publishing, Public Library of (Labour, Blackley and Broughton) Science, Dr Malcolm Read OBE, Executive and Roger Williams (Liberal The written evidence received in this inquiry is Democrat, Brecon and on the Committee’s website. A Report is expected Secretary, JISC, and Dr Michaela Torkar, Editorial Radnorshire). to be published in the summer. Director, Biomed Central; Dr Janet Metcalfe, Chair, Vitae, Professor Teresa Rees CBE, Professor of Andrew Miller was elected by the House of Commons to be the Chair Forest research Social Science and former Pro Vice Chancellor of the Committee on 9 June 2010. On 11 May 2011 the Committee announced (Research), Cardiff University, and Professor Ian The remaining Members were an inquiry into forest research. The Committee Walmsley, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Oxford. formally appointed to the invited written submissions on the following issues Committee on 12 July 2010. A further evidence session is planned for June. Stephen McPartland was formally by 9 June: appointed to the Committee on 14 The written evidence received in this inquiry is February 2011 in the place of Alok 1. The effect of the Spending Review on forest on the Committee’s website. A report is in Sharma. research; preparation. 2. How priorities in forest research are set and Practical experiments in school science lessons resources allocated; and science field trips 3. How the UK’s capability in forest research On 5 April 2011 the Committee announced an compares with other countries; inquiry into the practical experiments in school 4. Are there threats to forest research in the UK. science lessons and science field trips. The Committee invited written submissions by 11 May The Committee expects to hold an oral 2011. evidence session in July. The written evidence received in this inquiry is on the Committee’s The Committee launched an e-consultation on website. 9 June 2011 to hear views from students on their school science practicals experiences. There is Peer review currently a link to it on the Committee’s website. In On 26 January 2011 the Committee addition, in June the Committee plans to visit a announced an inquiry examining the peer review secondary school and to meet informally with a process. The Committee invited written group of school children in the House of submissions by 10 March 2011. Commons.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 47 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 50
The Committee expects to hold further oral evidence sessions in GOVERNMENT RESPONSES June and July. The written evidence received in this inquiry is on the Committee’s website. Government Response to the Science and Technology Committee report 'The Reviews into the University of East Spending Review 2010 Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit’s E-mails’ On 24 November 2010 the Committee took evidence from Rt On 6 May 2011, the Committee published the Government’s Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, and Response to the Committee’s Report on The Reviews into the Professor Adrian Smith, Director General, Science and Research, University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit’s E-mails, HC 496. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. On 19 January 2011 the Committee took evidence from a number of Research Councils Government Response to the Science and Technology and from Research Councils UK. On 26 January the Committee Committee report 'Technology and Innovation Centres’ invited written submissions on the science and research budget On 16 May 2011, the Committee published the Government’s allocations for 2011/12 to 2014/15 by 27 April 2011. The written Response to the Committee’s Report on Technology and Innovation evidence received is on the Committee’s website. Centres, HC 1041. ORAL EVIDENCE Government Response to the Science and Technology Committee report 'Scientific advice and evidence in The transcripts of the evidence sessions described above and emergencies’ below are available on the Science and Technology Committee’s On 17 May 2011, the Committee published the Government’s website [www.parliament.uk/science]. Response to the Committee’s Report on Scientific advice and Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies: follow-up evidence in emergencies, HC 1042. On 8 June 2011 the Committee announced that it would take FURTHER INFORMATION oral evidence following up its report on Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies. Further information about the work of the Science and Technology Committee or its current inquiries can be obtained from the Clerk of The Committee has also received two Government Responses to the Committee, Glenn McKee, the Second Clerk, Stephen its Report (see below). McGinness, or from the Senior Committee Assistant, Andy Boyd, on REPORTS 020 7219 8367/2792/2793 respectively; or by writing to: The Clerk of the Committee, Science and Technology Committee, House of Astronomy and Particle Physics Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Enquiries can also be e- On 13 May 2011 the Committee published its Fourth Report of mailed to [email protected]. Anyone wishing to be included Session 2010-12, Astronomy and Particle Physics, HC 806. on the Committee’s mailing list should contact the staff of the Committee. Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee is Strategically important metals strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the guidance note first. On 17 May 2011 the Committee published its Fifth Report of Guidance on the submission of evidence can be found at Session 2010-12, Strategically important metals, HC 726. www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm. The Committee UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation has a website, www.parliament.uk/science, where all recent publications, terms of reference for all inquiries and press notices are On 25 May 2011 the Committee published its Sixth Report of available. Session 2010-12, UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, HC 727. HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION
The Section produces a series of UK Broadband – Policy and Coverage Faster broadband speeds allow the use of a frequently updated notes on a wide range of “next generation” applications which range of topics. Opposite are SN/SC/5970 summaries of some recently The UK has one of the highest levels of benefit both business efficiency and effectiveness updated notes. broadband penetration in the world and one of and an individual’s access to Government The notes can be accessed online the highest take-up rates of mobile broadband. services, online retailing and social networking. at http://www.parliament.uk/ However, a third of the country is not Coalition Government policy is therefore, like the topics/Topical-Issues.htm commercially attractive for the roll-out of superfast previous Government’s policy, currently geared For further information contact broadband. This tends to be more rural areas towards ensuring that a digital divide based on Christopher Barclay Head of Section broadband speed does not emerge between Tel: 020 7219 3624 with lower population densities and greater email: [email protected] distances from local exchanges.
48 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 51
urban and rural areas. The Government has allocated £530 million accelerate decommissioning and can make new investment to do this with a multi-faceted broadband strategy, Britain’s economically viable. superfast broadband future (December 2010), which seeks to Why isn’t my waste collected weekly? SN/SC/5988 incentivise the deployment of broadband through a variety of technologies with the removal of potential economic and policy Waste collection can be a contentious issue, particularly when barriers. local authorities decide to move away from weekly bin collection to alternate weekly collection (AWC). Over 59% of local authorities This note sets out the current situation with regard to broadband now use AWC of household waste – recycling is collected on one access and coverage in the UK and provides an overview of the week and non-recyclable the next. AWC has been adopted as it can Government’s broadband policy. increase recycling rates while reducing the costs associated with Green Investment Bank SN/SC/5977 managing residual waste. AWC may also lead to a reduction in overall waste generation as residents seek to change shopping This note covers the Government Proposals for a Green habits to reduce waste disposal. Investment Bank which will support renewable and green technologies. There has been debate between departments on the The principal concern raised about AWC is the potential health form the Bank will take and the level of finance provided to it. risk associated with food waste remaining in bins for up to two weeks. However, there is no evidence of increased health risk with The Bank will have an initial investment of £3bn and will not be AWC, provided common sense precautions are taken. allowed to raise its own capital until at least 2015. The Government has said that while it is for local authorities to Biofuels SN/SC/3691 decide what waste collection system works best for their area, it Biofuels can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels to reduce wants to work with them to collect waste more frequently. If local greenhouse gas emissions from transport, to support the rural authorities with AWC revert to weekly bin collections it could cost economy and promote energy security. However, depending on £530 million. how they are made, some biofuels can lead to greater greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels and they can have serious Private sewers SN/SC/1514 environmental and social impacts. A recent report published by the After a number of consultations the Labour Government Nuffield Council on Bioethics indicated that current biofuels policy announced that approximately 200,000 kilometres of privately can be considered “unethical”. owned sewers and lateral drains in England would be transferred to water and sewerage companies from 2011. It also announced the Biofuels are supported by both European and UK legislation. introduction of a mandatory build standard for new sewers, and Support for biofuels in the UK is mainly through the Renewable that new sewers would automatically become the responsibility of Fuel Transport Obligation (RTFO). The EU Renewable Energy water and sewer companies. Directive requires 10% of transport fuel by 2020 to come from renewable sources – this is expected to be met predominantly with The Coalition Government decided to continue with the transfer. biofuels. On 26 August 2010 a consultation on the plans was published. Draft regulations were laid before the House on 26 April 2011. Given concerns about the sustainability of biofuels the Private sewers will therefore be transferred from October 2011, Government does not plan to increase biofuel targets in the short subject to parliamentary approval. term, and it is reviewing biofuel policy. However, “renewable fuel” targets will increase from 2014 to 2020 to meet European targets. Wild Animals In Circuses SN/SC/5992 The European Commission is considering whether to introduce This note sets out the Government’s decision not to ban wild additional environmental safeguards, and will report in Summer animals in circuses, but introduce a licensing scheme instead. It also 2011. covers debates that followed the announcement, including details Offshore oil and gas industry SN/SC/5985 of the Austrian case referred to by the Government. The UK offshore oil and gas industry directly supports around Religious Slaughter SN/SC/1314 350,000 jobs and also provides around £8 billion annually to the This note deals with the methods of slaughter used by the Treasury in taxation. Production levels are in decline. The remaining Jewish and Muslim religions. EU law, like UK law before it, requires potential is dependent on the future levels of investment. Industry farm animals to be stunned before slaughter. However, there is an body Oil & Gas UK estimates that while 39.5 billion boe (barrels of exception for religious slaughter. The Jewish method of slaughter, oil equivalent) of oil and gas have so far been recovered from the Shechita, requires animals not to be stunned before slaughter. UKCS, between 15 billion and 24 billion boe still remain. Islamic food rules, for Halal meat, can be satisfied with animals If offshore oil and gas production is to continue, the industry stunned before slaughter, but there is no definitive ruling and faces a number of challenges, including making sure that oil and slaughter without pre-stunning does also take place. Most Halal gas companies have access to sufficient finance to invest in the meat in the UK comes from animals that were stunned before infrastructure needed and the skills needed to support it; giving slaughter. small companies economically viable access to third party Much of the meat on an animal killed by religious slaughter may infrastructure, so that smaller and under-developed fields can be not qualify as Kosher or Halal meat. There is no requirement that it further exploited; and making sure that the fiscal regime does not should be labelled as meat from an animal killed without pre-
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 49 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 52
stunning. The European Parliament voted in June 2010 to require better expertise and responsiveness on public health issues, compulsory labelling for all meat from animals killed without pre- including obesity. stunning. The Council of Ministers would have to approve that Regulation of herbal medicines SN/SC/6002 legislation. The Coalition Government does not support it. The Coalition Government has no intention of making Halal or Shechita Herbal remedies for human use have been regarded as slaughter illegal, but it is considering welfare labelling of meat. medicines under UK legislation, in principle subject to the same extensive licensing procedures as pharmaceuticals. In recognition of Obesity SN/SC/3724 a long history of safe use they have historically been exempted Obesity is defined generally as when a person is carrying too from licensing. much body fat for their height and sex. The most commonly used The EU Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products measurement of obesity is the body mass index (BMI). In England (Directive 2004/24/EC) replaces most existing member state in 2009, 22% of men and 24% of women were classified as regulations and creates a harmonised licensing system for obese (including morbidly obese). Obesity prevalence among boys traditional herbal medicine products (in use for at least 30 years, of aged 2-15 in 2009 is estimated to be16%; among girls, it is15%. which 15 must have been in the EU). The Directive came into full After a period of rapid increase, obesity levels among children are effect on 1 May 2011. now at similar levels to those observed in 2001. The new Directive applies most directly to manufactured herbal It is too simplistic to say that obesity is caused simply by energy medicines sold over the counter, prohibiting the continued sale of intake exceeding expenditure. A range of factors that could be unlicensed products. In the UK, specific exemptions continue to causes of obesity include: metabolic and genetic factors; food apply to preparations made up by herbal practitioners specifically intake and activity behaviours; habits, beliefs and morals; the living for individual patients. environment; technology; and opportunities for physical activity. The Directive has met with considerable opposition from The Coalition Government has set out ways to adapt the suppliers and users of herbal medicines. Objections include previous Labour Government’s Change4Life programme, designed disproportionate costs of regulatory compliance and unfair to cut levels of obesity, to take a more holistic approach to cover treatment of non-European herbal traditions, with a resulting threat additional factors such as behaviour and mental well-being. The to the viability of small and medium-sized businesses and a Government has also set out plans for a new integrated public reduction in consumer choice. health service – Public Health England – to be created to provide
HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE
Nuclear research and development A call for evidence for the inquiry was released The members of the Committee capabilities on 17 March 2011 with a deadline for (appointed 22 June 2010) are Lord Broers, Lord Crickhowell, Lord In March 2011, the Science and Technology submission of 28 April 2011. The Committee Cunningham of Felling, Baroness Committee, under the chairmanship of Lord held a workshop with Government officials and Hilton of Eggardon, Lord Krebs key stakeholders on 5 April to start off the inquiry. (Chairman), Baroness Neuberger, Krebs, launched a short inquiry to investigate Lord Patel, Baroness Perry of whether the UK’s nuclear research and The Committee will hold public meetings from Southwark, Lord Rees of Ludlow, the development (R&D) capabilities are sufficient to 10 May 2011 and the report will be published Earl of Selborne, Lord Wade of later in 2011. Chorley, Lord Warner, Lord Willis of meet its future nuclear energy requirements to Knaresborough and Lord Winston. 2050. Behaviour change policy interventions Lord Jenkin of Roding and Lord Oxburgh have been co-opted to the The inquiry will examine, amongst other In June 2010, the Select Committee Committee for the purposes of its inquiry into nuclear research and things, the R&D implications of future scenarios appointed a sub-committee under the development capabilities. Lord up to 2050 and whether the UK has adequate Chairmanship of Baroness Neuberger to conduct Alderdice, Lord May of Oxford, R&D capabilities, including infrastructure, to meet an inquiry into the effectiveness of behaviour Baroness O’Neill of Bengarve and Lord Sutherland of Houndwood have its current and future needs for a safe and secure change interventions in achieving government been co-opted to Sub-Committee I supply of nuclear energy. policy goals and helping to meet societal for the purposes of its inquiry into challenges. behaviour change policy Whilst the Committee decided to undertake interventions. the inquiry before the recent events in Japan at As governments across the world attempt to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, health and meet challenges such as reducing carbon safety R&D capability is inherent within the scope emissions and alleviating the burden on health of the inquiry and the Committee is inviting services caused by smoking, drinking and the rise evidence on these matters. in obesity, more and more attention is being
50 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 53
focused on how behaviour can be influenced using a range of Commission asking for information about disease surveillance and behaviour change interventions that rely on measures other than research. The response of the Forestry Commission will assist the prohibition or the elimination of choice. The Committee has been Committee when considering the findings of the independent considering the current state of knowledge about which behaviour panel, the report from which is due to be published in Spring 2012. change interventions are effective, whether the Government’s current behaviour change interventions are evidence-based and OUTSTANDING ACTIVITIES FROM THE PREVIOUS subject to robust evaluation, and how such interventions are PARLIAMENT coordinated across departments. The Committee has also looked at Setting Priorities for Publicly Funded Research the role of industry and the voluntary sector in shaping behaviour An inquiry into the setting of science and technology research patterns and the social and ethical issues surrounding behaviour funding priorities was launched in July 2009. The inquiry was change interventions by government. undertaken by the Select Committee under the chairmanship of As part of its inquiry, the sub-committee has also conducted two Lord Sutherland. case studies. The first has involved looking at behaviour change Cuts in overall public spending due to the current economic interventions designed to reduce obesity. The second has focused climate will lead to some difficult decisions about how to allocate on travel-mode interventions to reduce car use in towns and cities. public funds for science and technology research. Effective A call for evidence was published on 28 July 2010 with a mechanisms for allocating funds are vital if the United Kingdom deadline for submission of 8 October 2010. A second call for science base is to remain healthy, both now and in the future, and evidence on the travel-mode interventions case study was is able to continue to meet societal needs. The Committee published on 10 December 2010 with a deadline for submission of investigated a range of issues including how decisions about 21 January 2011. The Committee held a seminar as part of the funding research are made across Government and within obesity case study on 19 October 2010 and a second seminar on Government departments and other public bodies, whether the travel-mode interventions on 26 January 2011. The Committee balance between funding for targeted research and unsolicited began taking oral evidence in November 2010 and finished in response-mode curiosity-driven research is appropriate, and how March 2011. The Committee is due to report in the summer. research is commissioned.
Public procurement as a tool to stimulate innovation The Committee published its report on 1 April 2010. The At the end of 2010, the Select Committee, under the Government response to the report was published on 30 July chairmanship of Lord Krebs, launched a short inquiry into public 2010. The report was debated in the House on 8 June 2011. procurement as a tool to stimulate innovation within industry. The FURTHER INFORMATION inquiry focused, in particular, on the Department for Transport and related public bodies, as a working example of the current The written and oral evidence to the Committee’s inquiries procurement practices within departments. The inquiry sought to mentioned above, as well as the Calls for Evidence and other investigate the extent to which the current procurement practices documents can be found on the Committee’s website and processes were effective in encouraging innovation within www.parliament.uk/hlscience. Further information about the work of industry and supporting the development and diffusion of the Committee can be obtained from Christine Salmon Percival, innovations. The Committee published its report at the end of May Committee Clerk, [email protected] or 020 7219 6072. The 2011. A Government response is due at the end of August, after Committee’s email address is [email protected]. which it is anticipated that the report will be debated in the House by the end of the year.
Disease surveillance and the Forestry Commission Following the Government’s announcement in February 2011 that they were setting up an independent panel to consider forestry policy in England, the Committee wrote to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and to the Forestry
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 51 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 54
PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST)
RECENT POST PUBLICATIONS energy, tourism and recreation. The UK faces major challenges addressing projected population increases, climate change and Natural Capital Accounting economic growth with limited land and natural resources. This May 2011 POSTnote 376 POSTnote examines how policy structures, including planning Renewable natural resources are being affected by a range of reforms, might deliver land use systems that meet these challenges. pressures, such as biodiversity loss and climate change. A minimum Mental Capacity and Healthcare level of natural resources is required to maintain the capacity of June 2011 POSTnote 381 ecosystems to sustain human well-being at acceptable levels. If governments do not monitor effectively the use and degradation of Adults with learning disabilities or suffering from dementia, brain natural resource systems in national account frameworks injuries or mental illness may be unable to make health decisions (‘environmental accounting’), the risks of imposing costs on future for themselves. At such times, others will need to decide in their economic productivity may be overlooked, with adverse place. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) provides a surrogate consequences for human wellbeing. decision-making framework. It exists alongside another framework – the Mental Health Act. While the Mental Health Act is restricted to The Ecosystem Approach compulsory treatment for mental disorders, the Mental Capacity Act May 2011 POSTnote 377 has a broader scope. It applies to welfare, finances, property and The ecosystem approach makes explicit the link between the research participation as well as to physical and mental health. This status of natural resource systems and ecosystem services that POSTnote outlines how the Mental Capacity Act is being interpreted support human wellbeing. It seeks to maintain the integrity and in healthcare and how it works alongside the Mental Health Act. functioning of ecosystems as a whole to avoid rapid undesirable Informal STEM Education ecological change. It also recognises that the impacts of human June 2011 POSTnote 382 activities are a matter of social choice, and are as integral to ecosystem interactions as ecosystems are to human activities. The UK has a diverse informal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education sector. The 2004 STEM Ecosystem Service Valuation Mapping Review, commissioned by the then Department for May 2011 POSTnote 378 Education and Skills (DfES), reported over 470 STEM initiatives run Ecosystems in the UK are managed to provide desired levels of by government and external agencies. Further reports have specific benefits, such as the provision of food and fibre, to meet highlighted the importance of informal STEM education, but human needs. However, other benefits from ecosystems important identified various issues such as the need to improve access, to to human wellbeing do not have a market value. The UK National increase coordination and to measure impact. This POSTnote Ecosystem Assessment has refined methods for placing monetary describes the UK’s informal STEM sector, its progress in recent years values on many services provided by the natural environment. It will and debate over its future. also demonstrate convincingly that relying on how present markets handle such services will not deliver the best outcomes for society. CURRENT WORK This POSTnote summarises methodologies for determining reliable Biological Sciences – Animal Health and Biosecurity, Personal values for changes in natural resources and ecosystem services and Genomics, Improving Livestock, Clinical Trials, Review of Stem Cell the policy implications of such valuations. Research, An Ageing Workforce.
Evidence Based Conservation Environment and Energy – Update to Carbon Footprint of June 2011 POSTnote 379 Electricity Generation (POSTnote 268), Energy Security, Invasive Tree Pests and Pathogens, Genetically Modified Crops, Algal Biofuels, Conservation of the natural environment is necessary to protect Anaerobic Digestion, Marine Spatial Planning, Embedded Water in and enhance the UK’s valuable natural resources. The use of Products. scientific evidence to support conservation decisions can increase potential impacts and ensure cost-effectiveness. This POSTnote Physical sciences and IT – Solar Technologies, Clean Water and summarises the benefits of, and issues surrounding, an evidence- the Millennium Development Goals, Cybersecurity, Radio Spectrum based approach to conservation management. Update.
Landscapes of the Future Science Policy – Science, Technology, Mathematics and June 2011 POSTnote 380 Engineering (STEM) Education: 14-19 Year Olds, Science and the Internet Land underpins the whole economy, through provision of food and other goods and its use for housing, business, transport,
52 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 55
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS Head of Landscape and Geodiversity, Natural England, Howard Davies, Chief Executive of the National Association for Areas of Energy Futures: The Research Councils UK Energy Research Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Simon Marsh, Acting Head of Programme Sustainable Development, RSPB. On 11th May, POST and Research Councils UK (RCUK) hosted Staff, Fellows and Interns at POST an interactive exhibition on some of the latest developments in UK energy research. The RCUK Energy Programme is currently Conventional Fellows (name, institution and sponsoring investing over £530m in research to help develop secure, low- organisation) carbon and affordable energy systems for the future. Leading Emma Ransome, Plymouth University, Natural Environment research groups supported by the Energy Programme were on Research Council hand to discuss their work and role in supporting policy Martina Di Fonzo, Imperial College London, Natural Environment development and economic growth. Exhibits included research on Research Council renewable energy technologies, nuclear energy, energy efficiency, Joanna Hepworth, York University, Biotechnology and Biological fuel cells, low-carbon transport and carbon capture and storage. Sciences Research Council Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Member of the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee and Chair of the Associate Jennifer Dodson, York University, Royal Society of Chemistry Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group, introduced Heather Riley, Birmingham University, Biotechnology and Biological a series of keynote speeches by Professor David McKay, DECC Sciences Research Council Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Nigel Brandon, Director of the Clare Dyer-Smith, Imperial College London, Royal Society of Energy Futures Laboratory at Imperial College London, and Chemistry Professor David Delpy, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Matthew Mottram, University College London, Science and Physical Sciences Research Council, followed by a question and Technology Facilities Council answer session. Zoe Freeman, Edinburgh University, Biotechnology and Biological British Science Association, Science Communication Sciences Research Council Conference Natalie Banner, Kings College London, Wellcome Trust Medical On 25th May, POST organised a panel debate at this History and Humanities division conference. This brought together representatives from the scientific Special Fellow community, policy makers and the media to discuss a number of key issues. The role of scientific advice in policy-making has been in Dr Mara Almeida, Medical Research Council, Functional Genomics the spotlight in recent years. Events such as the BSE crisis, foot and Unit, Oxford University, on a special Portuguese government one mouth outbreaks and more recently the dismissal of David Nutt year scholarship to study the functioning of parliamentary science from his position within the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of offices. Drugs have illustrated the sometimes uneasy relationship between INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES government and scientific expert. The result has been a governmental review of the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory European Parliamentary Technology Assessment Network, Committees, CoPSAC, due to be finalised in the coming months. annual Directors’ Meeting, Karlsruhe, Germany In early May, the Director represented POST at the annual Landscapes of the Future meeting of directors from the parliamentary science and technology On 8th June, POST organised a seminar to discuss the major offices of parliaments across Europe. Attendance by directors of all factors driving landscape change and policy and management offices, except Italy, with the additional presence of the Chief options for the future. Many pressures, such as population increase Scientist of the US Congress’ Government Accountability Office, was and climate change, will exacerbate competition for land in the next augmented by the participation of Ms Isabel Millan from the few decades. The UK National Ecosystem Assessment, published in Chilean Parliament. She announced its intention to set up a futures- June 2011, is the first assessment of the benefits UK society gains oriented unit, which will become the first parliamentary horizon- from the natural environment, as well as options to secure delivery scanning function in a parliament outside Europe or North America. into the future. Additionally, the Government published ambitious plans to protect the natural environment at the start of June in the POST African Parliaments Programme Natural Environment White Paper. Multifunctional landscapes, which POST’s programme of work focused on capacity building for balance competing demands for space, can help adaptation and handling science and technology issues in parliaments in Africa increase resilience to environmental change. This crosses many continues and will run until at least July 2012. The Ugandan sectors and policy areas, but in particular land use planning. Barry Parliament has just reconvened after the elections of February 2011 Gardiner MP, Member of the House of Commons Environment, and most of POST’s activities will continue to be focused there. Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee and Chair of the GLOBE Activities in planning include a third round of MP-scientist pairing, International Commission on Land Use Change & Ecosystems, the setting up of a “remote mentoring” scheme for Ugandan chaired the seminar at which invited guests heard presentations parliamentary staff working on scientific issues, and a parliamentary from Joe Morris, Professor Emeritus, Resource Economics and internship scheme for Ugandan scientists. A report, produced with Management, Cranfield University; Dr Peter Costigan, Science Co- POST’s support, on the use of scientific evidence by the Parliament ordinator for the Natural Environment Group in Defra, Val Kirby, of Uganda, will also be published.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 53 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 56
SELECTED DEBATES
Listed opposite is a selection of HOUSE OF COMMONS AND 18 May Power Line Technology Devices Debates on matters of scientific WESTMINSTER HALL HoC 467 interest which took place in the 26 April Submarines and Frigates (Plymouth) 18 May Waste Reduction HoC 108WH House of Commons, the House of HoC 1WH Lords or Westminster Hall between 26 April UK Oil Refining Industry HoC 23WH HOUSE OF LORDS 26 April and 25 May 27 April Higher Education Policy HoC 238 12 May Agriculture: Global Food Security 28 April Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease HoL 987 HoC 419 ______3 May Larch Disease HoC 243WH PROGRESS OF LEGISLATION BEFORE 3 May Medical Students HoC 251WH PARLIAMENT 4 May NHS Prescribed Medicines HoC 282WH A comprehensive list of Public Bills before 10 May Ultra Low-Carbon Emission Vehicles Parliament, giving up-to-date information on their HoC 370WH progress, is published regularly when Parliament 12 May Fisheries HoC 1405 is sitting in the Weekly Information Bulletin, which 12 May Education Performance HoC 493WH can be found at: 17 May Public Health Observatories HoC 314 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cm 17 May Forensic Science Service HoC 51WH wib.htm FIRST FEMALE SCIENTIST APPOINTED DEPUTY GOVERNMENT CHEMIST Selvarani Elahi takes over the role of Deputy Government Chemist
On 7th June LGC, the international provides advice to Government and the wider community on market leader in analytical, forensic policy, standards and regulation. and diagnostic services and reference LGC and the Government Chemist standards, announced the appointment of Selvarani Elahi as (www.governmentchemist.org.uk) role date back to the Deputy Government Chemist. She becomes the first female establishment of the Laboratory of the Board of Excise in 1842. The scientist to hold this title in the UK and takes over the role UK National Measurement Office now underpins the role by from Ian Lumley, on his retirement. She will now act as deputy funding a programme of work at LGC, and, with the help of an for Dr Derek Craston, who has been the UK’s Government external working group, ensures that the Government Chemist Chemist since 1 June 2008. continues to provide an independent voice for sound analytical In addition to her new role, Elahi retains her current position as measurement science. In recent years, laboratory casework has Head of Consumer Protection Services at LGC. Elahi has over 20 focused on samples of food and animal feed. The Government years’ experience of the analysis of food and agriculture samples to Chemist also develops advice on the wide range of science-based establish their composition, particularly for contaminants, additives, policy, standards and regulations affecting the UK. nutrients and to assess their authenticity for both the private and public sectors. Under terms agreed when LGC was privatised, the Government Chemist is appointed in open competition by BIS and is required to Discharged on behalf of the UK department for Business, be a director of LGC, which is contracted to carry out the necessary Innovation and Skills, the role of the Government Chemist is a State scientific work in support of the Government Chemist function. appointment, agreed under the devolved authorities of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Government Chemist title has A group of members of the House of Commons Science and been in place since 1911, with a remit to discharge the statutory Technology Select Committee and the Parliamentary and Scientific function of referee analyst to resolve disputes over analytical Committee, led by Andrew Miller MP, visited LGC on Tuesday 14th measurements, particularly in relation to food regulatory June. A report on their visit will be published in the next issue of enforcement. The Government Chemist also takes an active Science in Parliament. involvement in promoting analytical science and technology, and
54 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 57
SCIENCE DIRECTORY DIRECTORY INDEX Aerospace and Aviation Chemistry British Society for Antimicrobial Food and Food Technology C-Tech Innovation C-Tech Innovation Chemotherapy British Nutrition Foundation EPSRC EPSRC CABI CABI Institution of Engineering Designers Institution of Chemical Engineers Clifton Scientific Trust C-Tech Innovation National Physical Laboratory LGC C-Tech Innovation The Food and Environment Research Semta London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Economic and Social Research Agency Plymouth Marine Sciences Council Institute of Food Science & Agriculture Partnership EPSRC Technology BBSRC Royal Institution EngineeringUK Institution of Chemical Engineers CABI Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Measurement and Control LGC The Food and Environment Research STFC Institute of Physics The Nutrition Society Agency Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Engineering Designers Colloid Science Institution of Civil Engineers Society for Applied Microbiology LGC London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Institution of Engineering and Society for General Microbiology PHARMAQ Ltd Royal Society of Chemistry Technology Society of Biology Society for Applied Microbiology Institution of Mechanical Engineers Society for General Microbiology Construction and Building LGC Forensics Society of Biology The Geological Society London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Institute of Measurement and Control UFAW Institution of Civil Engineers NESTA LGC Institution of Engineering Designers National Physical Laboratory Royal Society of Chemistry Animal Health and Welfare, Institution of Engineering and Natural History Museum Veterinary Research Technology The Physiological Society Genetics ABPI London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Plymouth Marine Sciences ABPI Academy of Medical Sciences National Physical Laboratory Partnership BBSRC The Nutrition Society Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew LGC PHARMAQ Ltd Cosmetic Science Royal Institution Natural History Museum Society for Applied Microbiology Society of Cosmetic Scientists The Royal Society The Physiological Society Society for General Microbiology Royal Society of Chemistry Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Society of Biology Earth Sciences Royal Statistical Society Society of Biology UFAW The Geological Society Semta The Linnean Society of London Society of Biology Geology and Geoscience Astronomy and Space Science Natural Environment Research The Geological Society Institute of Physics Council Energy Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Engineering Designers Natural History Museum CABI Natural Environment Research Council Natural History Museum Society of Biology C-Tech Innovation Society of Maritime Industries STFC EPSRC Ecology, Environment and GAMBICA Association Ltd Hazard and Risk Mitigation Atmospheric Sciences, Climate and Biodiversity Institute of Measurement and Control The Geological Society Weather The British Ecological Society Institute of Physics Institute of Measurement and Control The Geological Society CABI Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Chemical Engineers Natural Environment Research C-Tech Innovation Institution of Civil Engineers Council Economic and Social Research Institution of Engineering Designers Health STFC Council Institution of Engineering and ABPI The Food and Environment Research Technology Academy of Medical Sciences Biotechnology Agency Institution of Mechanical Engineers Biochemical Society BBSRC Institution of Chemical Engineers Plymouth Marine Sciences British Nutrition Foundation Biochemical Society Institution of Civil Engineers Partnership British Pharmacological Society CABI Institution of Mechanical Engineers Royal Society of Chemistry British Society for Antimicrobial C-Tech Innovation LGC Society of Maritime Industries Chemotherapy Eli Lilly and Company Ltd The Linnean Society of London STFC Economic and Social Research Institution of Chemical Engineers National Physical Laboratory Council LGC Natural Environment Research Engineering Eli Lilly and Company Ltd National Physical Laboratory Council C-Tech Innovation EPSRC Plymouth Marine Sciences Natural History Museum EPSRC The Food and Environment Research Partnership Plymouth Marine Sciences EngineeringUK Agency Royal Society of Chemistry Partnership GAMBICA Association Ltd GAMBICA Association Ltd Semta Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Institute of Measurement and Control Institute of Physics and Engineering in Society for Applied Microbiology Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Chemical Engineers Medicine Society for General Microbiology Society for Applied Microbiology Institution of Civil Engineers LGC Society of Biology Society for General Microbiology Institution of Engineering Designers Medical Research Council Society of Biology Institution of Engineering and National Physical Laboratory Brain Research Society of Maritime Industries Technology The Nutrition Society ABPI Institution of Mechanical Engineers The Physiological Society Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Economic and Social Research London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Royal Institution MSD Economic and Social Research National Physical Laboratory Royal Society of Chemistry The Physiological Society Council Plymouth Marine Sciences Society for Applied Microbiology Partnership Society for General Microbiology Cancer Research Education, Training and Skills The Royal Academy of Engineering Society of Biology ABPI ABPI Semta Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Academy of Medical Sciences Society of Maritime Industries Heart Research National Physical Laboratory AIRTO STFC ABPI Biochemical Society Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Catalysis British Science Association Fisheries Research The Physiological Society C-Tech Innovation The British Ecological Society Plymouth Marine Sciences Institution of Chemical Engineers British Nutrition Foundation Partnership Hydrocarbons and Petroleum Royal Society of Chemistry British Pharmacological Society Society of Biology The Geological Society
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 55 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:18 Page 58
Institution of Chemical Engineers Eli Lilly and Company Ltd British Society for Antimicrobial EngineeringUK Natural History Museum Medical Research Council Chemotherapy Royal Statistical Society Royal Society of Chemistry MSD Economic and Social Research The Physiological Society Council Surface Science Industrial Policy and Research Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership EngineeringUK C-Tech Innovation AIRTO Royal Institution The Food and Environment Research STFC C-Tech Innovation Society of Biology Agency Economic and Social Research UFAW Institution of Civil Engineers Sustainability Council Institution of Chemical Engineers The British Ecological Society GAMBICA Association Ltd Motor Vehicles Institution of Engineering and CABI Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Engineering Designers Technology C-Tech Innovation Institution of Engineering and London Metropolitan Polymer Centre NESTA EPSRC Technology Prospect The Food and Environment Research The Royal Academy of Engineering Oceanography Royal Society of Chemistry Agency Semta The Geological Society Society of Biology The Geological Society STFC National Physical Laboratory Institution of Chemical Engineers Natural Environment Research Council Quality Management Institution of Civil Engineers Information Services Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership GAMBICA Association Ltd The Linnean Society of London AIRTO Society of Maritime Industries LGC London Metropolitan Polymer Centre CABI National Physical Laboratory Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Oil Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew IT, Internet, Telecommunications, The Geological Society Radiation Hazards Royal Society of Chemistry Computing and Electronics Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Engineering and Society of Biology EPSRC LGC Technology Institution of Civil Engineers LGC Technology Transfer Institution of Engineering and Particle Physics AIRTO Technology Institute of Physics Science Policy CABI National Physical Laboratory STFC ABPI C-Tech Innovation STFC Academy of Medical Sciences The Food and Environment Research Patents Biochemical Society Agency Intellectual Property The Chartered Institute of Patent The British Ecological Society Institute of Measurement and Control ABPI Attorneys British Nutrition Foundation Institution of Engineering and The Chartered Institute of Patent NESTA British Pharmacological Society Technology Attorneys British Science Association LGC C-Tech Innovation Pharmaceuticals CABI London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Eli Lilly and Company Ltd ABPI Clifton Scientific Trust NESTA NESTA British Pharmacological Society C-Tech Innovation National Physical Laboratory British Society for Antimicrobial Economic and Social Research Research Councils UK Large-Scale Research Facilities Chemotherapy Council Royal Society of Chemistry C-Tech Innovation C-Tech Innovation Eli Lilly and Company Ltd STFC The Food and Environment Research Eli Lilly and Company Ltd EPSRC Agency Institution of Chemical Engineers EngineeringUK Tropical Medicine London Metropolitan Polymer Centre LGC The Food and Environment Research Natural History Museum National Physical Laboratory MSD Agency Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Natural History Museum PHARMAQ Ltd GAMBICA Association Ltd Society for Applied Microbiology STFC Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Institute of Physics Society for General Microbiology Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Chemical Engineers Lasers Society of Biology Institution of Civil Engineers Viruses Institute of Physics Institution of Engineering and ABPI National Physical Laboratory Physical Sciences Technology Society for Applied Microbiology STFC Cavendish Laboratory LGC Society for General Microbiology C-Tech Innovation Medical Research Council Manufacturing EPSRC NESTA Water ABPI The Geological Society National Physical Laboratory C-Tech Innovation EPSRC London Metropolitan Polymer Centre The Physiological Society The Geological Society GAMBICA Association Ltd National Physical Laboratory Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Institute of Measurement and Control Institution of Chemical Engineers Prospect Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Engineering Designers Physics Research Councils UK Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Engineering and Cavendish Laboratory The Royal Academy of Engineering LGC Technology C-Tech Innovation Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Institution of Mechanical Engineers Institute of Physics Royal Institution Royal Society of Chemistry London Metropolitan Polymer Centre National Physical Laboratory The Royal Society Society for Applied Microbiology National Physical Laboratory STFC Royal Society of Chemistry Society for General Microbiology Semta STFC Society of Biology Society of Maritime Industries Pollution and Waste Society of Biology Society of Maritime Industries ABPI UFAW Materials C-Tech Innovation Wildlife C-Tech Innovation The Geological Society Sensors and Transducers The British Ecological Society Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Chemical Engineers C-Tech Innovation The Food and Environment Research Institution of Engineering Designers Institution of Civil Engineers GAMBICA Association Ltd Agency London Metropolitan Polymer Centre London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Institute of Measurement and Control The Linnean Society of London National Physical Laboratory National Physical Laboratory Institution of Engineering and Natural History Museum Royal Society of Chemistry Natural Environment Research Council Technology Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Semta Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership STFC Society of Biology STFC Society of Maritime Industries Society of Maritime Industries UFAW
Medical and Biomedical Research Psychology SSSIs ABPI The British Psychological Society The Geological Society Academy of Medical Sciences Economic and Social Research Council Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Biochemical Society British Pharmacological Society Public Policy Statistics British Society for Antimicrobial Biochemical Society Economic and Social Research Council Chemotherapy The British Ecological Society EPSRC CABI British Nutrition Foundation
56 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 59
Research Councils UK Contact: Alexandra Saxon Head of Communications Research Councils UK Polaris House North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1ET
Tel: 01793 444592 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcuk.ac.uk
Each year the Research Councils invest around £3 billion in research covering the full spectrum of academic disciplines from the medical and biological sciences to astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering, social sciences, economics, environmental sciences and the arts and humanities. Research Councils UK is the strategic partnerships of the seven Research Councils. It aims to: • increase the collective visibility, leadership and influence of the Research Councils for the benefit of the UK; • lead in shaping the overall portfolio of research funded by the Research Councils to maximise the excellence and impact of UK research, and help to ensure that the UK gets the best value for money from its investment; • ensure joined-up operations between the Research Councils to achieve its goals and improve services to the communities it sponsors and works with.
Biotechnology Economic and and Biological Social Research Sciences Research Council Council (BBSRC) Contact: Jacky Clake, Head of Communications Contact: Jenny Aranha, and Public Engagement, Public Affairs Manager, Contact: Matt Goode Economic and Social Research Council, EPSRC, Polaris House, Head of Corporate Communications Polaris House, North Star Avenue, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1UJ Tel: 01793 442892 Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413299 Tel: 01793 413117 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk http://www.esrc.ac.uk EPSRC is the UK’s main agency for funding research The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training BBSRC is the UK’s principal public funder of in engineering and physical sciences, investing agency addressing economic and social concerns. research and research training across the around £800m a year in research and postgraduate We pursue excellence in social science research; training, to help the nation handle the next biosciences. BBSRC provides institute strategic work to increase the impact of our research on generation of technological change. research grants to eight centres, as well as policy and practice; and provide trained social The areas covered range from information supporting research and training in universities scientists who meet the needs of users and technology to structural engineering, and across the UK. BBSRC’s research underpins beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the economic mathematics to materials science. This research competitiveness of the United Kingdom, the advances in a wide range of bio-based industries, forms the basis for future economic development in effectiveness of public services and policy, and the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, and contributes knowledge to policy areas which quality of life. The ESRC is independent, established lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other include: food security, climate change, diet and by Royal Charter in 1965, and funded mainly by Research Councils with responsibility for other areas health and healthy ageing. government. of research.
Medical Natural Science & Research Environment Technology Council Research Council Facilities Council Contact: Sophie Broster-James, Public Contact: Judy Parker Mark Foster Affairs and External Comms Manager Head of Communications Public Affairs Manager 14th Floor, One Kemble Street, London Polaris House, North Star Avenue Rutherford Appleton Laboratory WC2B 4AN. Swindon SN2 1EU Harwell Science & Innovation Campus Tel: 020 7395 2275 Fax: 020 7395 2421 Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 Didcot OX11 0QX E-mail: sophie.broster- E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01235 778328 Fax: 01235 445 808 [email protected] Website: www.nerc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Website: www.stfc.ac.uk The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council For almost 100 years, the MRC has been improving the funds and carries out impartial scientific research in Formed by Royal Charter in 2007, the Science and health of people in the UK and around the world by the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the Technology Facilities Council is one of Europe’s largest multidisciplinary research organisations supporting supporting the highest quality science on behalf of UK next generation of independent environmental scientists and engineers world-wide. The Council taxpayers. We work closely with the UK’s Health scientists. Departments, the NHS, medical research charities and operates world-class, large-scale research facilities and industry to ensure our research achieves maximum NERC funds research in universities and in a provides strategic advice to the UK Government on impact as well as being of excellent scientific quality. network of its own centres, which include: their development. The STFC partners in the UK’s two MRC-funded scientists have made some of the most British Antarctic Survey, British Geological National Science and Innovation Campuses. It also manages international research projects in support of a significant discoveries in medical science – from the link Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and broad cross-section of the UK research community. The between smoking and cancer to the invention of National Oceanography Centre. Council directs, co-ordinates and funds research, therapeutic antibodies – benefiting millions of people. education and training.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 57 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 60
Association AIRTO of the British Contact: Professor Richard Brook OBE FREng Pharmaceutical AIRTO Ltd: Association of Independent Contact: Dr Helen Munn, Industry Research & Technology Organisations Limited Executive Director c/o The National Physical Laboratory Contact: Dr Allison Jeynes-Ellis Academy of Medical Sciences Hampton Road Medical & Innovation Director 41 Portland Place Teddington 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London W1B 1QH Middlesex TW11 0LW London SW1E 6QT Tel: 020 3176 2150 Tel: 020 8943 6600 Tel: 020 7747 1408 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 8614 0470 Fax: 020 7747 1447 Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.airto.co.uk Website: www.abpi.org.uk The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes AIRTO represents the UK’s independent research The ABPI is the voice of the innovative pharmaceutical and technology sector - member organisations advances in medical science and campaigns to industry, working with Government, regulators and other employ a combined staff of over 20,000 scientists ensure these are converted into healthcare benefits stakeholders to promote a receptive environment for a and engineers with a turnover exceeding £2 billion. for society. The Academy’s Fellows are the United strong and progressive industry in the UK, one capable of providing the best medicines to patients. Work carried out by members includes research, Kingdom’s leading medical scientists and scholars The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical consultancy, training and global information from hospitals, academia, industry and the public industry operating in the UK in a way that: monitoring. AIRTO promotes their work by building service. The Academy provides independent, • assures patient access to the best available medicine; closer links between members and industry, authoritative advice on public policy issues in • creates a favourable political and economic environment; academia, UK government agencies and the medical science and healthcare. • encourages innovative research and development; European Union. • affords fair commercial returns
Biochemical British Science The British Society Association Ecological Contact: Sir Roland Jackson Bt, Contact: Dr Chris Kirk Society Chief Executive CEO British Science Association, The British Ecological Society The Biochemical Society Wellcome Wolfson Building, 165 Queen’s Gate, Contact: Ceri Margerison, Policy Manager Charles Darwin House London SW7 5HD. British Ecological Society 12 Roger Street E-mail: Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU [email protected] London, WC1N 2JU Tel: 020 7685 2433 Website: www.britishscienceassociation.org Tel: 020 7685 2500 Fax : 020 7685 2501 Fax: 020 7685 2470 Our vision is a society in which people are able to Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org The Biochemical Society exists to promote and access science, engage with it and feel a sense of Ecology into Policy Blog support the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. We ownership about its direction. In such a society http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/ have nearly 6000 members in the UK and abroad, science advances with, and because of, the The British Ecological Society’s mission is to advance mostly research bioscientists in Universities or in involvement and active support of the public. ecology and make it count. The Society has 4,000 Industry. The Society is also a major scientific members worldwide. The BES publishes five publisher. In addition, we promote Science Policy Established in 1831, the British Science Association internationally renowned scientific journals and debate and provide resources, for teachers and is a registered charity which organises major organises the largest scientific meeting for ecologists in pupils, to support the bioscience curriculum in initiatives across the UK, including National Science Europe. Through its grants, the BES also supports schools. Our membership supports our mission by and Engineering Week, the British Science Festival, ecologists in developing countries and the provision of organizing scientific meetings, sustaining our programmes of regional and local events and the fieldwork in schools. The BES informs and advises publications through authorship and peer review CREST programme for young people in schools and Parliament and Government on ecological issues and and by supporting our educational and policy colleges. We provide opportunities for all ages to welcomes requests for assistance from parliamentarians. initiatives. discuss, investigate, explore and challenge science.
British Nutrition The Foundation British Psychological Contact: Professor Judy Buttriss, Contact: Kate Baillie Director General Chief Executive Society 52-54 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RQ British Pharmacological Society 16 Angel Gate, City Road Contact: Lucy Chaplin Tel: 020 7404 6504 London EC1V 2PT PR & Marketing Manager Fax: 020 7404 6747 Tel: 020 7417 0113 The British Psychological Society Email: [email protected] Fax: 020 7417 0114 St Andrews House Websites: www.nutrition.org.uk Email: [email protected] 48 Princess Road East www.foodafactoflife.org.uk Website: www.bps.ac.uk Leicester LE1 7DR Tel: 0116 252 9910 The British Pharmacological Society has been The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) was Email: [email protected] supporting pharmacology and pharmacologists for Website: www.bps.org.uk established over 40 years ago and exists to deliver over 75 years. Our 2,700+ members, from authoritative, evidence-based information on food academia, industry and clinical practice, are trained The British Psychological Society is an organisation to study drug action from the laboratory bench to and nutrition in the context of health and lifestyle. of over 48,000 members governed by Royal the patient’s bedside. Our aim is to improve quality Charter. It maintains the Register of Chartered The Foundation’s work is conducted and of life by developing new medicines to treat and Psychologists, publishes books, 11 primary science prevent the diseases and conditions that affect communicated through a unique blend of Journals and organises conferences. Requests for millions of people and animals. Inquiries about information about psychology and psychologists nutrition science, education and media activities. drugs and how they work are welcome. from parliamentarians are welcome.
58 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 61
British Society CABI Cavendish Science and development for Antimicrobial organization Laboratory Chemotherapy The Administrative Secretary, The Cavendish Laboratory, Mrs Tracey Guise Contact: Dr Joan Kelley, Executive Director, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Executive Director Global Operations, CABI E-mail: [email protected] British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk Tel: 01491 829306 Fax: 01491 829100 Griffin House The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics 53 Regent Place Email: [email protected] of the University of Cambridge. Birmingham B1 3NJ Website: www.cabi.org The research programme covers the breadth of T: 0121 236 1988 CABI is an international not-for-profit development contemporary physics W: www.bsac.org.uk organization, specializing in scientific publishing, Extreme Universe: Astrophysics, cosmology and high Founded in 1971, and with 800 members research and communication. We create, energy physics worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the communicate, and apply knowledge in order to Quantum Universe: Cold atoms, condensed matter theory, acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in the improve people’s lives by finding sustainable scientific computing, quantum matter and semiconductor field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The BSAC solutions to agricultural and environmental issues. physics publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial We work for and with universities, national research Materials Universe: Optoelectronics, nanophotonics, detector physics, thin film magnetism, surface physics and Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for and extension institutions, development agencies, the Winton programme for the physics of sustainability its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of the private sector, governments, charities and educational activities, awards grants for research foundations, farmers, and non-governmental Biological Universe: Physics of medicine, biological systems and soft matter and has active relationships with its peer groups organizations. We also manage one of the world’s and government. largest genetic resource collections: the UK’s The Laboratory has world-wide collaborations with other National Collection of Fungus Cultures. universities and industry
Chartered Clifton C-Tech Institute of Scientific Innovation Patent Attorneys Trust Limited Contact: Michael Ralph - Secretary Contact: Dr Eric Albone The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys Clifton Scientific Trust Contact: Paul Radage 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA Capenhurst Technology Park, Tel: 020 7405 9450 Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 Capenhurst, Chester, Cheshire CH1 6EH Fax: 020 7430 0471 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 151 347 2900 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Fax: +44 (0) 151 347 2901 Website: www.cipa.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, Website: www.ctechinnovation.com Science for Life, Science for Real CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, Leading innovation management and especially patents, trade marks, designs, and We build grass-roots partnerships between school and technology development company. the wider world of professional science and its copyright, either in private partnerships or industrial We help companies, universities, government bodies applications companies. Through its new regulatory Board, CIPA and non-governmental organisations to benefit and • for young people of all ages and abilities maintains the statutory Register. It advises grow through innovation. Vast experience of project government and international circles on policy • experiencing science as a creative, questioning, human activity and programme management, implementation of issues and provides information services, promoting novel technologies, contract and collaborative the benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP • bringing school science added meaning and notivation, from primary to post-16 research and technology development, business and protection, and to overseas industry of using British • locally, nationally, internationally technology consultancy, commercialization, IP attorneys to obtain international protection. (currently between Britain and Japan) exploitation, market and sector research. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 www.ctechinnovation.com
Eli Lilly and The Food and Company Environment Ltd Research Agency
Contact: Thom Thorp, Head External Affairs Contact: Miriam Laverick Contact: Professor Robert Edwards Tel: 01256 315000 PR and Communications Manager Chief Scientist Fax: 01256 775858 EngineeringUK The Food and Environment Research Agency Eli Lilly and Company Ltd, Lilly House Weston House, 246 High Holborn Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hants, London WC1V 7EX Tel: 01904 462415 RG24 9NL Tel: 020 3206 0444 Fax: 01904 462486 Email. [email protected] Fax: 020 3206 0401 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.lilly.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.defra.gov.uk/fera Lilly UK is the UK affiliate of a major American Website: www.EngineeringUK.com pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company The Food and Environment Research Agency’s over EngineeringUK is an independent organisation that of Indianapolis. This affiliate is one of the UK’s top arching purpose is to support and develop a pharmaceutical companies with significant promotes the vital role of engineers, engineering sustainable food chain, a healthy natural investment in science and technology including a and technology in our society. EngineeringUK environment, and to protect the global community neuroscience research and development centre and partners business and industry, Government and the from biological and chemical risks. bulk biotechnology manufacturing operations. wider science and technology community: Lilly medicines treat schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, producing evidence on the state of engineering; Our role within that is to provide robust evidence, osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity sharing knowledge within engineering, and rigorous analysis and professional advice to disorder, erectile dysfunction, severe sepsis, inspiring young people to choose a career in Government, international organisations and the depression, bipolar disorder, heart disease and engineering, matching employers’ demand for many other diseases. private sector. skills.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 59 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 62
GAMBICA The Institute of Food Association Ltd Geological Science & Society Technology Contact: Angela Winchester Contact: Nic Bilham Contact: Dr Graeme Philp 5 Cambridge Court Head of Strategy and External Relations Broadwall House 210 Shepherds Bush Road Burlington House 21 Broadwall London W6 7NJ Piccadilly London SE1 9PL Tel: 020 7603 6316 London W1J 0BG Tel: 020 7642 8080 Fax: 020 7602 9936 Tel: 020 7434 9944 Fax: 020 7642 8096 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7439 8975 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ifst.org Website: www.gambica.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.geolsoc.org.uk IFST is the independent qualifying body for food GAMBICA Association is the UK trade association professionals in Europe. Membership is drawn from for instrumentation, control, automation and The Geological Society is the national learned and all over the world from backgrounds including laboratory technology. The association seeks to professional body for Earth sciences, with 10,000 industry, universities, government, research and promote the successful development of the industry Fellows (members) worldwide. The Fellowship development and food law enforcement. and assist its member companies through a broad encompasses those working in industry, academia range of services, including technical policy and and government, with a wide range of perspectives IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge standards, commercial issues, market data and and views on policy-relevant science, and the relating to food science and technology and export services. Society is a leading communicator of this science to promoting its application. Another important government bodies and other non-technical element of our work is to promote and uphold audiences. standards amongst food professionals.
The Institute of Institute of Measurement Physics and and Control Contact: Joseph Winters 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Engineering Contact: Mr Peter Martindale, Tel: 020 7470 4815 in Medicine CEO and Secretary E-mail: [email protected] The Institute of Measurement and Control Website: www.iop.org Contact: Robert Neilson, General Secretary 87 Gower Street, London WC1E 6AF Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, Tel: +44 (0) 20 73874949 The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific York, YO24 1ES Fax: +44 (0) 20 73888431 society promoting physics and bringing Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 E-mail: [email protected] physicists together for the benefit of all. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.instmc.org.uk Website: www.ipem.ac.uk Reg Charity number: 269815 It has a worldwide membership of around IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as The Institute of Measurement and Control provides a advancement, in the public interest, of physics and forum for personal contact amongst practiioners, well as those with an interest in physics. It works engineering applied to medicine and biology. It publishes learned papers and is a professional to advance physics research, application and accredits medical physicists, clinical engineers and examining and qualifying organisation able to confer education; and engages with policymakers and clinical technologists through its membership the titles EurIng, CEng, IEng, EngTech; Companies and the public to develop awareness and register, organises training and CPD for them, and Universities may apply to become Companions. understanding of physics. Its publishing provides opportunities for the dissemination of Headquartered in London, the Institute has a strong company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in knowledge through publications and scientific regional base with 15 UK, 1 Hong Kong and 1 Malaysia professional scientific publishing and the meetings. IPEM is licensed by the Science Council to award CSci and by the Engineering Council to Local Section, a bilateral agreement with the China electronic dissemination of physics. Go to award CEng, IEng and EngTech. Instrument Society and other major international links. www.iop.org
Institution Institution of of Civil Engineering Engineers Designers
Contact: Vernon Hunte, Public Affairs Manager, Contact: Libby Brodhurst Courtleigh IChemE is the hub for chemical, One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA, UK Westbury Leigh biochemical and process engineering Westbury professionals worldwide. We Tel: 020 7665 2265 Fax: 020 7222 0973 Wiltshire BA13 3TA are the heart of the process Tel: 01373 822801 community, promoting competence E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ice.org.uk Fax: 01373 858085 and a commitment to sustainable E-mail: [email protected] development, advancing the discipline Website: www.ied.org.uk for the benefit of society and supporting ICE aims to be a leading voice in infrastructure issues. With over 80,000 members, ICE acts as a the professional development of over The only professional membership body solely for 32,000 members. knowledge exchange for all aspects of civil those working in engineering and technological engineering. As a Learned Society, the Institution product design. Engineering Council and Chartered Contact: Andrew Furlong, Director provides expertise, in the form of reports, evidence Environmentalist registration for suitably qualified t: +44 (0)1788 534484 and comment, on a wide range of subjects members. Membership includes experts on a wide f: +44 (0)1788 560833 including infrastructure, energy generation and range of engineering and product design e: [email protected] disciplines, all of whom practise, manage or supply, climate change and sustainable www.icheme.org educate in design. development.
60 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 63
Institution of LGC Mechanical Queens Road, Teddington Engineers Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Richard Campbell Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Contact: Paul Davies 1 Birdcage Walk E-mail: [email protected] IET, London SW1H 9JJ Website: www.lgcgroup.com Michael Faraday House, Tel: 020 7973 1293 Six Hills Way, LGC is an international science-based company and E-mail: [email protected] market leader in the provision of analytical, forensic Stevenage, Website: www.imeche.org SG1 2AY and diagnostic services and reference standards to Tel: +44(0) 1438 765687 customers in the public and private sectors. Email: [email protected] Under the Government Chemist function, LGC Web: www.theiet.org The Institution provides politicians and civil servants fulfils specific statutory duties as the referee analyst and provides advice for Government and the wider with information, expertise and advice on a diverse analytical community on the implications of The IET is a world leading professional organisation, range of subjects, focusing on manufacturing, analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards sharing and advancing knowledge to promote energy, environment, transport and education and regulation. LGC is also the UK’s designated science, engineering and technology across the policy. We regularly publish policy statements and National Measurement Institute for chemical and biochemical analysis. world. Dating back to 1871, the IET has 150,000 host political briefings and policy events to establish members in 127 countries with offices in Europe, With headquarters in Teddington, South West a working relationship between the engineering London, LGC has 29 laboratories and centres across North America, and Asia-Pacific. profession and parliament. Europe and at sites in China, Brazil, India and the US.
London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Contact: Margaret Beer/Rob Pinnock The Linnean Society of London Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Media & Design Licensing & External Research, Europe Contact: Dr Ruth Temple, Executive Secretary Contact: Alison Green, Hertford Road Burlington House London Metropolitan University Hoddesdon Piccadilly 41-71 Commercial Road, London, E1 1LA Herts EN11 9BU London W1J 0BF Tel: 020 7320 1882 Tel: 01992 452840 E-mail: alison@polymers.org.uk Fax: 01992 441907 Tel: 020 7434 4479 Website: www.polymers.org.uk e-mail: [email protected] / Fax: 020 7287 9364 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre provides www.merck.com Website: www.linnean.org training, consultancy and applied research to the UK polymer (plastics & rubber) industry. LMPC is MSD is a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., with The Linnean Society of London is the world’s oldest one of the departments within the Sir John Cass headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. active biological society. Founded in 1788, the Faculty of Art, Media & Design (JCAMD) and Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist provides a broad perspective of materials science MSD is an innovative, global health care leader that Carl Linnaeus whose botanical, zoological and and technology for the manufacturing and creative is committed to improving health and well-being library collections have been in its keeping since industries. JCAMD contains Met Works, a unique around the world. MSD discovers, develops, 1829. The Society continues to play a central role in Digital Manufacturing Centre, providing new manufactures, and markets vaccines, medicines, the documentation of the world’s flora and fauna, technology for rapid prototyping and manufacture. and consumer and animal health products designed recognising the continuing importance of such The Faculty will offer short courses in a range of to help save and improve lives. work to many scientific issues. polymer, rapid prototyping and practical areas.
The National Natural National Endowment Physical History for Science, Technology Laboratory Museum The Science of Nature
and the Arts Contact: Fiona Auty Contact: Joe Baker Directorate Guy Bilgorri National Physical Laboratory Natural History Museum Public Affairs Officer Hampton Road, Teddington 1 Plough Place Middlesex TW11 0LW Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD London EC4A1DE Tel: 020 8977 3222 Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5478 Tel: 020 7438 2611 Website: www.npl.co.uk/contact-us Fax: +44 (0)20 7942 5075 Fax: 020 7438 2501 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the United Website: www.nhm.ac.uk Website: www.nesta.org.uk Kingdom’s national measurement institute, an We maintain and develop the collections we care for and NESTA is the National Endowment for Science, Technology internationally respected and independent centre of excellence in research, development and use them to promote the discovery, understanding, and the Arts – an independent organisation with a mission responsible use and enjoyment of the natural world. to make the UK more innovative. It operates in three main knowledge transfer in measurement and materials ways: by investing in early-stage companies; informing We are part of the UK’s science base as a major science science. For more than a century, NPL has infrastructure which is used by our scientists and others from and shaping policy; and delivering practical programmes developed and maintained the nation’s primary across the UK and the globe working together to enhance that inspire others to solve the big challenges of the knowledge on the diversity of the natural world. future. NESTA’s expertise in this field makes it uniquely measurement standards - the heart of an Our value to society is vested in our research responses to qualified to understand how the application of innovative infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, challenges facing the natural world today, in engaging our approaches can help the UK to tackle two of the biggest consistency and innovation in physical visitors in the science of nature, in inspiring and training the challenges it faces: the economic downturn and the measurement. next generation of scientists and in being a major cultural radical reform of public services. tourist destination.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 61 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 64
The Nutrition The Society Physiological Contact: Frederick Wentworth-Bowyer, PHARMAQ Ltd Society Chief Executive, The Nutrition Society, 10 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road London W6 7NJ Contact: Dr Benjamin P North Contact: Dr Philip Wright Tel: +44 (0)20 7602 0228 Chief Executive Fax: +44 (0)20 7602 1756 PHARMAQ Ltd Email: [email protected] Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Estate Peer House, Verulam Street www.nutritionsociety.org Fordingbridge London WC1X 8LZ Founded in 1941, The Nutrition Society is the premier Hants SP6 1PA. scientific body dedicated to advance the scientific study Tel: 01425 656081 Tel:+44 (0) 20 7269 5716 of nutrition and its application to the maintenance of Fax: 01425 657992 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7269 5720 human and animal health. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society Website: www.physoc.org is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. Website: www.pharmaq.no Membership is worldwide and is open to those with a Web shop: www.pharmaqwebshop.co.uk/shop genuine interest in the science of human or animal Physiology is the science of how humans and other nutrition. Principal activities include: PHARMAQ is the only global pharmaceutical animals function in an integrated way and is the 1. Disseminating scientific information through its company with a primary focus on aquaculture. basis for many biological and clinical sciences. programme of scientific meetings and publications Specialising in the supply of veterinary Founded in 1876, The Physiological Society is a 2. Publishing internationally renowned scientific learned pharmaceuticals for the salmon and trout farming learned society with over 2,900 Members drawn journals, and textbooks industries including vaccines, anaesthetics, from over 60 countries. The majority of Members 3. Promoting the education and training of nutritionists antibiotics and sea lice treatments. In the UK we are engaged in research, in universities or industry, 4. Engaging with external organisations and the public to also support an extensive range of biocides and into how the body works. promote good nutritional science cage and aviary products.
Prospect
Contact: Rosie Carr Contact: Sue Ferns, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Plymouth PL1 2PB Services, New Prospect House Contact: Iffat Memon Tel: +44 (0)1752 633 234 8 Leake St, London SE1 7NN Public Affairs Manager Fax: +44 (0)1752 633 102 Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 The Royal Academy of Engineering E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 3 Carlton House Terrace Website: www.pmsp.org.uk www.prospect.org.uk London SW1Y 5DG Tel: 020 7766 0653 The Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Prospect is an independent, thriving and forward- comprises seven leading marine science and looking trade union with 122,000 members across E-mail: [email protected] technology institutions, representing one of the the private and public sectors and a diverse range of Website: www.raeng.org.uk largest regional clusters of expertise in marine occupations. We represent scientists, technologists Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering sciences, education, engineering and technology in and other professions in the civil service, research promotes the engineering and technological welfare Europe. The mission of PMSP is to deliver world- councils and private sector. of the country. Our activities – led by the UK’s most class marine research and teaching, to advance Prospect’s collective voice champions the interests of knowledge, technology and understanding of the eminent engineers – develop the links between the engineering and scientific community to key engineering, technology, and the quality of life. As a seas. PMSP research addresses the fundamental opinion-formers and policy makers. With understanding of marine ecosystems and processes national academy, we provide impartial advice to negotiating rights with over 300 employers, we seek Government; work to secure the next generation of that must be applied in support and development to secure a better life at work by putting members’ of policy, marine and maritime industry and marine engineers; and provide a voice for Britain’s pay, conditions and careers first. biotechnology. engineering community.
Royal Botanic The Royal The Royal Gardens, Kew Institution Society RBG Kew is a centre of global expertise in plant and Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Contact: Dr Peter Cotgreave fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable use Head of Programmes Director of Public Affairs housed in two world-class gardens. Kew receives The Royal Institution The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace approximately half of its funding from government 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS London SW1Y 5AG. through Defra. Kew’s Breathing Planet Programme has seven key priorities: Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Tel: 020 7451 2502 Fax: 020 7930 2170 • Accelerating discovery and global access to plant E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] and fungal diversity information Website: www.rigb.org Website: www.royalsociety.org Twitter: rigb_science • Mapping and prioritising habitats most at risk The Royal Society is the UK academy of science • Conserving what remains comprising 1400 outstanding individuals The core activities of the Royal Institution centre • Sustainable local use representing the sciences, engineering and around four main themes: science education, • Banking 25% of plant species in the Millennium medicine. The strategic priorities for our work at Seed Bank Partnership science communication, research and heritage. It is national and international levels are to: perhaps best known for the Ri Christmas Lectures, • Restoration ecology • Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation but it also has a major Public Events Programme • Inspiring through botanic gardens • Influence policymaking with the best scientific designed to connect people to the world of science, Contact: The Director’s Office advice Tel: 020 8332 5112 as well as a UK-wide Young People’s Programme of • Invigorate science and mathematics education Fax: 020 8332 5109 science and mathematics enrichment activities. Email: [email protected] • Increase access to the best science internationally Internationally recognised research programmes in Website: www.kew.org • Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and bio- and nanomagnetism take place in the Davy Inspiring and delivering science-based plant excitement of scientific discovery. Faraday Research Laboratory. conservation worldwide, enhancing the quality of life
62 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 65
The Royal Semta Statistical the Sector Skills Council The Royal Society Society for Science, Engineering of Chemistry and Manufacturing Technologies Contact: Mr Andrew Garratt Contact: Customer Services Contact: Dr Stephen Benn Press and Public Affairs Manager 14 Upton Road Parliamentary Affairs The Royal Statistical Society Watford The Royal Society of Chemistry 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. WD18 0JT Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Tel: 0845 643 9001 Tel: 020 7437 8656 Fax: 020 7734 1227 Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 Fax: 01923 256086 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.rsc.org Website: www.rss.org.uk Website: www.semta.org.uk http://www.chemsoc.org The Royal Statistical Society is a leading source of Semta’s skills service for UK science, engineering The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, independent advice, comment and discussion on and manufacturing employers professional and scientific body of over 46,000 statistical issues. It promotes public understanding • Training needs assessment against a company’s members with a duty under its Royal Charter “to of statistics and acts as an advocate for the interests business objectives. serve the public interest”. It is active in the areas of of statisticians and users of statistics. The Society • Quality programmes from The National Skills education and qualifications, science policy, actively contributes to government consultations, Academy for Manufacturing publishing, Europe, information and internet Royal Commissions, parliamentary select committee • A training management service. services, media relations, public understanding of inquiries, and to the legislative process. In 2009, the • Access to available funding and accredited training providers. science, advice and assistance to Parliament and RSS celebrated 175 years since its foundation in Government. 1834. • Research into training needs to influence governments’ support for skills strategies
Society for Society Applied of Biology Microbiology Contact: Dariel Burdass Contact: Dr Mark Downs Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Contact: Philip Wheat Chief Executive Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. Society for Applied Microbiology Charles Darwin House Bedford Heights, Brickhill Drive Tel: 0118 988 1802 Fax: 0118 988 5656 E-mail: [email protected] 12 Roger Street Bedford MK41 7PH London WC1N 2JU Tel: 01234 326661 Website: www.sgm.ac.uk Fax: 01234 326678 Tel: 020 7685 2550 SGM is the largest microbiological society in E-mail: [email protected] Europe. The Society publishes four journals of Website: www.sfam.org.uk The Society of Biology is a single unified voice for international standing, and organises regular scientific meetings. biology: advising Government and influencing SfAM is the oldest UK microbiological society and policy; advancing education and professional SGM also promotes education and careers in aims to advance, for the benefit of the public, the development; supporting our members, and microbiology, and it is committed to represent science of microbiology in its application to the engaging and encouraging public interest in the life environment, human and animal health, agriculture microbiology to government, the media and the sciences. The Society represents a diverse and industry. public. membership of over 80,000 - including, students, SfAM is the voice of applied microbiology with An information service on microbiological issues practising scientists and interested non- members across the globe and works in partnership concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, food with sister organisations to exert influence on safety, biotechnology and the environment is professionals - as individuals, or through learned policy-makers world-wide. available on request. societies and other organisations.
Society of Society of Universities Cosmetic Maritime Federation Scientists Industries for Animal Welfare Contact: John Murray Contact: Dr James Kirkwood Contact: Gem Bektas, Society of Maritime Industries Chief Executive and Scientific Director Secretary General 28-29 Threadneedle Street, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Society of Cosmetic Scientists London EC2R 8AY Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. Langham House East Tel: 020 7628 2555 Fax: 020 7638 4376 Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Suite 6, Mill Street, Luton LU1 2NA E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 01582 726661 Website: www.maritimeindustries.org Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Fax: 01582 405217 Registered in England Charity No: 207996 E-mail: [email protected] The Society of Maritime Industries is the voice of the UFAW is an international, independent scientific Website: www.scs.org.uk UK’s maritime engineering and business sector and educational animal welfare charity. It works to Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary promoting and supporting companies which improve animal lives by: objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide design, build, refit and modernise ships, and supply • supporting animal welfare research. range of disciplines from organic and physical equipment and services for all types of commercial • educating and raising awareness of welfare chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, issues in the UK and overseas. microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. and naval ships, ports and terminals infrastructure, offshore oil & gas, maritime security & safety, • producing the leading journal Animal Welfare Members are scientists and the SCS helps them and other high-quality publications on animal progress their careers and the science of cosmetics marine science and technology and marine care and welfare. ethically and responsibly. Services include renewable energy. publications, educational courses and scientific • providing expert advice to government meetings. departments and other concerned bodies.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 63 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 10:19 Page 66
SCIENCE DIARY
THE PARLIAMENTARY AND Thursday 8 September 18.00-19.00 Thursday 13 October 18.30-19.30 SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Greater Glory: Science and the Race To The Royal Society Clifford Paterson The Pole 100 Years Later Lecture Contact: Annabel Lloyd The Royal Society, London The Royal Society, London Tel: 020 7222 7085 The Royal Society Clifford Paterson Lecture [email protected] Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 September The new science of oxide interfaces for 2011 will be given by Professor S Ravi P parliamentaryandscientificcommittee@hotm Silva of the University of Surrey. The prize The Royal Society, London ail.org.uk lecture is awarded for excellence in the field Scientific discussion meeting exploring the www.scienceinparliament.org.uk of engineering. exciting new science, including properties Tuesday 18 October 17.30 such as magnetism and superconductivity, Friday 14 October 13.00-14.00 Discussion Meeting present in functional properties of certain Niépce in England Wetter, Warmer, Windier … will the UK’s oxide interfaces. The Royal Society, London Infrastructure cope? Philippa Wright, National Media Museum, Speakers to be confirmed Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 September Non-protein-coding RNAs - speaks about Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, an Tuesday 22 November 17.30 the DNA–RNA dialogue in shaping the early pioneer of photography, and new Discussion Meeting transcriptome research that places Niépce in his rightful Scientific Freedom Kavli Royal Society International Centre place within the history of photography. Speakers: Professor Don Braben, Honorary A Theo Murphy International Scientific Details of these, and further events in press, Professor in Earth Sciences, University Meeting focusing on the role of RNA in the will be available on our website at College London transmission of genetic information, and the royalsociety.org/events Professor James Ladyman, Professor of impact this has on human disease. Philosophy, University of Bristol ______Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October Professor Ben Davis, Department of THE ROYAL INSTITUTION Chemistry, University of Oxford One Culture – The Royal Society Festival of Literature and the Arts 21 Albemarle Street Tuesday 13 December 17.30 The Royal Society, London London W1S 4BS. Discussion Meeting Celebrating 350 years of the library of the What is the Public Understanding of Royal Society, a weekend of talks, events, All events take place at the Royal Institution. Risk? debates and readings celebrating the many For information and to book tickets visit Speakers to be confirmed connections between science and the www.rigb.org ______written word. ______THE ROYAL SOCIETY Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 October Warm climates of the past - a lesson for THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF Website: royalsociety.org the future? ENGINEERING The Royal Society hosts a series of free The Royal Society, London events, including evening lectures and 3 Carlton House Terrace In several periods in Earth’s history, climate conferences, covering the whole breadth of London SW1Y 5DG has been significantly warmer than present. science, engineering and technology for www.raeng.org.uk/events or This scientific discussion meeting asks what public, policy and scientific audiences. [email protected] lessons about the future can be learnt from Events are held at the Royal Society’s offices past warm periods? An associated satellite 020 7766 0600 in London, at the Kavli Royal Society meeting at the Kavli Royal Society ______International Centre at Chicheley Hall, International Centre immediately following Buckinghamshire. THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF the meeting will be held on “Reconstructing CHEMISTRY Highlights in the next few months include and understanding CO2 variability in the the following. Details of all of these plus past”. For details please contact Dr Stephen Benn many more events can be found on our [email protected] website at royalsociety.org/events: ______Exhibition open until November 2011 Arabick Roots The Royal Society, London The exhibition is accessed through free guided tours, bookable via our website.
64 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 09:53 Page 67
OFFICERS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY & SCIENTIFIC ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH ROYAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMMITTEE SOCIETY 22-26 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2PQ [email protected] President: The Rt Hon the Lord Jenkin Tel: 0131 240 5000 Tel: 0845 257 2570 of Roding [email protected] www.rpharms.com Chairman: Mr Andrew Miller MP www.royalsoced.org.uk Thursday 13 October Deputy Chairman: Mr Tom Blenkinsop MP Monday 5 September 18.00 Modern methods of drug analysis in Hon Treasurer: The Lord Willis of Public Lecture at the RSE biological materials: analysis of drugs Knaresborough Radiation and Reason: Straight and for the London 2012 Olympics Hon Secretary: Mr Stephen Mosley MP Open Thinking about Choosing Nuclear By the Joint Pharmaceutical Analysis Group Vice-Presidents: Dr David Dent Professor Wade Allison, Emeritus Fellow, At the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Professor Peter Saunders Keble College, Oxford Mr Robert Freer Thursday 10 November Professor Julia King CBE FREng Monday 26 September 18.00 Blue pill pink pill? Does gender matter? Dr Douglas Naysmith Discussion Forum at the RSE A joint conference from the Royal Dr Desmond Turner Facing up to Climate Change Pharmaceutical Society, National Association Mr Robert Key The Rt Hon Lord Adair Turner, HonFRSE, of Women Pharmacists and the Medical Professor Alan Malcolm Chairman of the Financial Services Authority, Women’s Federation Mr Paul Ridout and Professor David Sugden FRSE, Professor At the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Advisory Panel: Dr Robert Kirby-Harris of Geography, University of Edinburgh and Mr Philip Greenish CBE ______Dr Stephen Benn Chair, RSE Climate Change Inquiry. THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF Secretariat: Professor Peter Simpson Young People’s events LONDON Mrs Annabel Lloyd Contact: Maggie Twomey [email protected] or 0131 Burlington House
2405035 Piccadilly SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT RSE@ schools talks (dates to be confirmed) London W1J 0BF 3 Birdcage Walk London SW1H 9JJ Tel: +44 (0)20 7434 4479 ext 11 Autumn Science Masterclasses (dates to be T: 020 7222 7085 www.linnean.org sip F: 020 7222 7189 confirmed). Unless otherwise stated events are held at www.scienceinparliament.org.uk ______the Linnean Society of London Editor: Professor Peter Simpson Thursday 8 September 09.00-19.30 BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Editorial Assistant: Annabel Lloyd The Role of Behaviour in Evolution – Saturday 10 – Thursday 15 September “organisms can be proud to have been their British Science Festival 2011 The production of this issue has been supported by own designers” supported by The Royal contributions from The Leonardo Centre, the Institute of Venue: Bradford Entomological Society, the British Ecological Physics, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Newcastle Theme: Exploring new worlds University and those organisations who have entries in the society and the Natural History Museum. With over 250 events, activities, exhibitions Science Directory (pages 55-63). and trips taking place over the week, the Registration fee £45, download booking Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, programme of events offers something for form from www.linnean.org. 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. everyone with activities for families and Published four times a year. The 2011 subscription rate is Thursday 27 October 10.30-16.30 schools groups, adults looking for £70.00. Single numbers £17.50 Insect conservation and biological pest entertainment and stimulating debate or ISSN 0263-6271 control – ecological issues of small professionals interested in the latest All enquiries, including those from members wishing to population, joint meeting with the take the front or back covers, advertise in the journal or research. For more information please visit; Entomological Club. appear in the directory to Mrs Annabel Lloyd, www.britishsciencefestival.org Tel 020 7222 7085 Registration fee £30, download booking ______Copyright ©2011 by Parliamentary and Scientific form from www.linnean.org Committee. All rights reserved. None of the articles in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system ______or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Typeset and printed by The Bridge Press.
Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 3 Summer 2011 65 9763 sip SUMMER 2011 8/7/11 09:53 Page 68
ENGINEERING THE CHALLENGES OF TODAY IMPROVING THE WORLD OF TOMORROW.
Engineering is an invaluable discipline that provides insight and innovative, creative solutions to global challenges, such as climate change, low-carbon transportation and energy security and supply.
Mechanical Engineers are helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers is leading the way in spreading awareness of their value to society.
Knowledge is our greatest asset, and we strive to share it with an informed audience. The Institution provides thought leadership and impartial, fact-based evidence on the planet’s biggest issues. We are here to help.
To fi nd out more about how Mechanical Engineers are approaching global energy, environment and transport challenges, visit www.imeche.org/policy, download our iPhone policy app (search engineering policy), or contact Kate Heywood on 020 7973 1293.
Image: London 2050 with mitigation, adaptation and geo-engineering technologies; creating a safer and cleaner environment.
Improving the world through engineering