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Global Challenges – Solutions from Science SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Nuclear Energy – Risks and Advantages Big Pharma – Where To Next? Social Science Delivery Plan

sip AUTUMN 2011 Parliament Launch Wednesday 9 November 2011 House of Commons London

Securing the future of antibiotic development …. determined to make a difference

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New research undertaken for the Science Council shows that science has SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT become increasingly important across all sectors of the UK economy and society with 5.8 million people (1.2m primary science workers and 4.6m secondary science workers) who are employed in science-based roles, representing 20% of the UK workforce. This is projected to increase to 7.1 million people by 2030. These results emphasise the fundamental importance of science in today's economy and the proliferation of secondary science workers who are dependent on science knowledge and skills as part of their role and who will not previously have been identified as part of the science workforce. sip Significant numbers of scientists were identified in employment sectors as diverse as health and social care, education, food and farming, The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific communications, finance, retail and public sector services. Andrew Miller MP Committee. Chairman, Parliamentary The Committee is an Associate Parliamentary Primary science occupations make up the largest share of the workforce in and Scientific Group of members of both Houses of Research and Development. Secondary science occupations make up the Committee Parliament and British members of the largest share of the workforce in the Education (46%), ICT (45%), Health European Parliament, representatives of (30%) and Consultancy (25%) sectors. The Health and Education sectors scientific and technical institutions, industrial employ 60% of the science workforce and the remaining 40% of the organisations and universities. science workforce is distributed across a range of sectors. Secondary scientists use science in many different ways and the research explains why there is such a huge demand for people with science qualifications and the value of studying science, a message that underpins careers awareness work, and indicates how many more people we will need with these skills by 2030. However, students are not receiving the practical science education necessary to produce the next generation of scientists. There is evidence that the pressures of managing a busy curriculum, challenges in finding time Science in Parliament has two main objectives: for specialist continuing professional development, or time to get out of the 1. to inform the scientific and industrial classroom, are all factors contributing to a decline in the quality of practical communities of activities within Parliament science. This is worrying. If the UK is to be confident of producing the next of a scientific nature and of the progress of generation of scientists, then schools – encouraged by the Government – relevant legislation; must overcome the perceived and real barriers to providing high quality 2. to keep Members of Parliament abreast of practicals, fieldwork and fieldtrips. Health and safety concerns may be used scientific affairs. as a convenient excuse for avoiding practicals and work outside the classroom, but there is no credible evidence to support this frequently cited explanation for a decline in practicals and trips. The Government is therefore urged to provide a detailed strategy on how it intends to achieve its ambition to increase participation in school science subjects. CONTENTS INDUSTRY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE THE P&SC WEB SITE 20 DOES THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY ECONOMY 2 Dr Stephen Henley CEng FGS FIMMM NEED A NEW PRESCRIPTION? 44 Lord Broers ScD FRS FREng MRS THATCHER’S BRITISH Professor Michael H Depledge SOCIAL SCIENCES TAKING THE LONG TECHNOLOGY WALL 21 RESEARCH COUNCIL CUTS THE PIPELINE VIEW 4 John Baruch FOR MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES 46 Professor Paul Boyle NUCLEAR ENERGY – RISKS AND SUSTAINING THE UK’S LEADING RISKY BUSINESS? 6 ADVANTAGES 22 RESEARCH CAPABILITY 47 David Simmons Addresses to the P&SC by Malcolm Grimston, Robin Professor David Delpy WHAT IS SECOND TIER PROTECTION? 8 Grimes and Dr John Roberts John S S Grant MBE CHERNOBYL 25 YEARS ON, A HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND UNDER THE RADAR: LYME POLICEMAN’S VIEW 28 BORRELIOSIS IN THE UK 10 John Slater BSc FRSA MIoD TECHNOLOGY 48 Wendy Fox MATHEMATICS TODAY 30 HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND AVOIDING THE PERFECT STORM: Ken Brown and Paul Glendinning TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE 50 MEETING THE NEED FOR NEW STATUE OF YURI GAGARIN IN LONDON PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE ANTIBIOTICS 12 33 AND TECHNOLOGY 51 Professor Laura J V Piddock and Mrs Tracey K Guise GLOBAL CHALLENGES – SOLUTIONS VISIT TO LGC’S TEDDINGTON HQ 14 FROM SCIENCE 34 HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE Katherine Passerieu Parliamentary Links Day AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION 53 WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR ADVANCING NANO-CERAMICS FROM SELECTED DEBATES 54 LABORATORY TO MANUFACTURE 17 PHARMA IN THE UK? 37 Professor Jon Binner Addresses to the P&SC by Dr Allison Jeynes-Ellis, SCIENCE DIRECTORY 55 Richard Ascroft and Dr Simon Campbell with A NEW FOCUS FOR RESEARCH IN THE Dr David Fox SCIENCE DIARY 64 FOREST BASED SECTOR 18 Professor Philip Turner

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OPINION INDUSTRY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE ECONOMY After several decades of neglect, even deliberate neglect, our political leaders and those concerned with balancing our economy have thankfully returned to reality and understand that it is necessary to restore our manufacturing industry, especially the portion that can meet our infrastructure needs. Much has been written about this, which I will not repeat, but I will put forward some thoughts about how we might recover from this neglect at least when it comes to our transport, energy and Lord Broers ScD FRS FREng communications needs. I will not discuss health because it is even more complex and presents different issues.

To state the obvious, almost environmentally responsible and energy where, for example, we everything in the fabric of our economically competitive by have little industrial strength in country needs maintenance, and keeping our basic infrastructure renewables and yet our apart from items of historical up to date. The cost of being ambitions for implementing interest that we wish to preserve forced to have others do this, renewables, especially wind, are in their original state, most because we no longer have the ironically second to none. Our becomes out of date and needs ability to do it ourselves, will industrial strength in nuclear has to be replaced with modern, leave us without the resources dwindled to almost nothing and improved, versions of what to maintain our present standard what we have is not being already exists – for example of living, let alone support a supported, let alone roads, trains, and power stations. world-competitive science base. strengthened, and yet the A small fraction involves But this is precisely what we availability of new nuclear power harnessing new technologies have been doing. Many of our is part of our energy strategy. such as broad-band digital companies, or foreign owned Preliminary findings of the communications. companies that manufacture House of Lords Science and Recent governments have here, are no longer world Technology Select Committee in recognised that we need to leaders and lose out to overseas looking into R&D in the nuclear support science and technology. competitors when it comes to industry confirm that our It expands our knowledge of the replacing and improving our position is weak and likely to get world in the broadest sense and infrastructure. The case of weaker. will produce the new ideas and Siemens versus Bombardier has Correcting these failures is new technologies that will attracted attention, but the issue not a short term matter. It takes determine the way we will live is much broader than just trains, a decade or more to establish in the future. But it must do or even transport. It is perhaps international competitiveness in more. It should keep us most serious when it comes to the type of large companies that can supply our infrastructure, . . . Overall UK industry is not spending at an and we need to plan with this time scale in mind if we are to internationally competitive rate on development, ensure that our UK based industries are in a position to let alone on research, and government must seek have British workers supplying a incentives that will encourage it to do so. . . significant fraction of our future needs. It is also necessary to sustain a balance between small, medium and large

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companies in our manufacturing British industry and British industry. At the moment we workers are in a position to have many successful high provide a large fraction of these technology SMEs, but they lack improvements by being the low . . .plans are kept under wraps, almost British based Tier 1 companies cost producer of the highest being kept as secret weapons that can with whom to work. Instead performance systems. they have to collaborate with The overall problem of be used to gain political advantage over overseas companies and have course is broader than can be no option but to establish the opposition. . . resolved with the TICs, even if overseas operations thereby we also harness the power of placing the new employment our successful SMEs and and profits, and consequently startups. The nation as a whole taxes, overseas. In other words is not spending enough on R&D. development and one of the announcement by Land the benefits of their success go We spend 1.79% of GDP on first lessons I learned was that a Rover/Jaguar to expand their overseas rather than boosting R&D, which is 40% lower than team that felt that they were development of engines and the UK economy and increasing the US, 30% lower than winning, and could see that provide 750 new jobs, and our employment. Germany and 20% lower than management was supporting civil engineers have excelled To rectify these failings we France. Our situation is them, was likely to produce two themselves in capability and need to have national strategies unbalanced. We have a science to three times more than a leadership in delivering the that combine the planning of budget of £4.6 billion, which team that was under continual infrastructure for the Olympics. infrastructure with the planning supports a science base that is critical review. This seems to But we still need to work better of industrial capability. There is a second only to the USA’s and is work even on a national scale. as a nation in coordinating small but significant window of our greatest asset, but our Our scientists after a decade of government and industrial opportunity now with the new spending on science is not strong government support have planning. It seems at times that Technology Innovation Centres matched by our spending on good morale and are producing government planning falls victim where it should be possible for development, let alone on more than their counterparts to party politics. Instead of the companies to work together manufacturing. The TSB is around the world. But the planning process being open with the TSB, and with the doing a brave job with its situation is not as favourable in and transparent so that academic community, to ensure roughly half a billion budget, one our industrial laboratories where everyone with the ability to that our development efforts are tenth rather than several times many of our successful large contribute can do so, plans are in line with government the research budget, but it is up companies have been kept under wraps, almost being planning. To succeed we should to the private sector to provide threatening government that kept as secret weapons that can maximise the participation by the rest, and it is disappointing they are going to move their be used to gain political UK based industry. For that this does not seem to be R&D overseas. They wouldn’t advantage over the opposition. example, we should only accept happening. Largely, it is industry do this if they were confident This process does not serve us a plan for high speed rail when that is not playing their part, with that they were being adequately well especially as the problems there is assurance that UK a handful of notable exceptions, supported. Governments have to be solved are uncontroversial. based industry will supply much such as Rolls Royce, ARM, GKN reacted but the effects have had Let’s regain our confidence, of the project. and Arup. Overall UK industry is little noticeable effect. We are restore open planning, and not spending at an internationally increasingly seen as a place better harness the huge To declare my interest, I have competitive rate on develop- where companies will only industrial potential of the U.K. recently become Chairman of ment, let alone on research, and operate because the low Pound the Steering Board of the government must seek allows relatively low labour costs, Transport Knowledge Transfer incentives that will encourage it and there are few countries, Network and this is precisely to do so. The reduction in either developed or developing, what the members of the corporation tax to 23% in 2015 where so little emphasis is Network are trying to promote announced in the budget was a placed on self-reliance in being and enable. We wish to provide move in the right direction, as able to manage our own a forum where the senior were the progressive increases support systems. players in the rail, automotive in R&D tax credit, and one can and marine industries can get We are at a critical point. We only hope now that they will together and decide what still have several large world slow the movement of large realistically can be achieved in competitive companies that company development the TICs and through them believe that the UK is the best overseas. British based industry. We need place from which to operate, to ensure that there are I will finish with some and a host of successful SMEs. continuing improvements in our comments about morale. I There are also some green transport systems and that spent many years in industrial shoots such as the recent

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SOCIAL SCIENCES TAKING THE LONG VIEW My first year as Chief Executive has been a challenging, but ultimately successful, year for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). In a year of uncertainty the ESRC has proved it has the skills, flexibility and vision to succeed. This year we responded to the Comprehensive Spending Review with a balanced but ambitious ESRC Delivery Plan 2011-2015, which is now starting to be implemented, while increasing the efficiency of our operations. The Plan describes the leadership role we will continue to play to maximise the UK’s strength in social science Professor Paul Boyle research and training, and to increase the benefits of publicly funded ESRC Chief Executive research to the economy and society.

As the national challenges Britain’s biggest brands. Royal are no significant detrimental facing the UK have become Mail and the travel company effects on a child’s social or more acute we have sharpened Thomson worked with social emotional development if their our focus with the introduction science researchers to mother works during the child’s of three strategic priorities: understand better how changing early years. This is important Economic Performance and consumer attitudes to climate given some of the mixed Sustainable Growth; Influencing change may impact on their messages that exist around the Behaviours and Informing businesses in the future. effects of women’s engagement Interventions; and A Vibrant and ESRC research also informs with the labour market on their Fair Society. These were policy, both in the UK and children. developed during a lengthy internationally. One example of In addition to supporting consultation process and they this has been through the world-leading social science encapsulate some of the most introduction of a new police research, the ESRC funds and important issues facing Britain intervention for crowd control and the wider world. Over the maintains some of the world’s across Europe. The study last few months I have been greatest data resources. In confirmed that by keeping a low across the country sharing the particular, these include world- profile and intervening early, Delivery Plan with the social leading longitudinal studies police can work with crowds to science community, government (where individuals are deal with potential trouble more departments, as well as the repeatedly surveyed over their effectively. In the UK, ESRC private and third sectors and I lives to help build a picture of research has led to a far better have been grateful for the their changing social and understanding of how poverty positive support for our work. economic circumstances) such and low pay persist and the as Understanding Society. This is Impact remains a key factors that influence social the largest panel study in the objective of the research we mobility. These findings have world, interviewing 40,000 fund. Social science research informed policies for combating households or 100,000 plays a key role in developing child poverty, the reform of the individuals annually, and whose our understanding of business UK tax system, and the first findings were published in practices, tactics and the wider Department for Work and early 2011. social and economic effects. For Pensions’ Opportunity for All instance, the collaboration programme. ESRC research also We have learnt, for example, between Future Foundation and changes lives; data from the UK how bullying often begins at the ESRC Centre for Business, Millennium Cohort Study has home; how certain social groups Relationships, Accountability, recently provided evidence on are excluded from some types Sustainability and Society maternal employment and child of social participation; and how (BRASS) has shown how social socio-emotional behaviour in the where you live can affect your science supports some of UK. The study found that there life chances. Looking forward the

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study will continue to contribute play. Take, for example, climate to our understanding of how change. We rely on natural households and families are scientists to provide reliable changing. We were also evidence on the extent of global . . . Our new national network of 21 delighted to receive a £28.5 warming, and what the Doctoral Training Centres will play a million commitment from the contribution of human activity is Government’s Large Facilities to this. However, we require pivotal role in enhancing Capital Fund to establish a new social scientists to help us Birth Cohort and a Birth Cohort understand how to change postgraduate training. . . Facility which will support this people’s behaviour so that and previous cohorts. The Birth society becomes more Cohort Study will capture around sustainable; to provide advice new partnerships were funded organisation. We have some 100,000 children in pregnancy on how to calculate realistic this year; partners included exciting new opportunities and will follow them throughout approaches to carbon trading; Barclays Bank, AGE UK, Pfizer developing over the next 12 their lives, in much the same and to work with governments UK Group Limited, Teenager months including the second way as the 1946, 1958, 1970 to help develop sustainable Cancer Trust, and Birmingham wave of results for and millennium cohorts policies that are acceptable to City Council. Understanding Society, the continue to do. business and the public. recruitment of mothers for the Communicating what we do We have also made strategic Birth Cohort Study, the We also co-fund research is also essential. As a social investments in studies based on introduction of our dedicated and people exchange activities scientist it is clear to see how routinely collected administrative Future Research Leaders with public, private and third- we are shaping evidence based data, such as the Scottish scheme for our early career sector bodies. For example, the policy but I’m not convinced that Longitudinal Study which links researchers; a new Secondary Financial Services Knowledge the public has a clear census, medical and educational Data Analysis scheme which will Transfer Network, funded in understanding of what social data for a sample of the Scottish encourage greater use of the partnership with the Technology science is and the contribution population, and we are large-scale data resources we Strategy Board, aims to improve that it is making. We need to investigating how we can link fund; and we are exploring the business performance and engage with the public and further data sources to improve possible development of a ‘what innovation in financial services explain the value of our work. research and policy evaluation. works’ initiative – the by providing a forum for Hence, we are currently These nationally comprehensive establishment of a network of knowledge exchange. The organising the annual Festival of policy evaluation centres. The datasets provide exciting new Network has already opened up Social Science for the public development of the social insights which would be opportunities for collaboration which helps to promote the science skills base within the UK impossible to garner from with the financial services sector, work of social scientists beyond continues to be a priority for the individual surveys. including the development of a the research community. This ESRC and we are taking a new Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are vital to our week-long series of events, strategic lead to improve the Partnership involving the risk work. We work with a range of which celebrates the breadth of quality of postgraduate training management and insurance organisations, increasing the research being undertaken in across the social sciences. Our intermediary Willis, and the potential impact of our research the UK, runs between 29 new national network of 21 Insurance Intellectual Capital and creating opportunities to October and 5 November and Doctoral Training Centres will Initiative. The Knowledge secure funding from outside the in previous years has involved play a pivotal role in enhancing Transfer Partnership programme research base. This includes over 18,000 members of the postgraduate training provision enables organisations across the working closely with other public. and provide the highly skilled Research Councils as there is a private, public and third sectors In January 2011 we also social scientists required to meet growing recognition across the to improve their competitive- launched our new website the research challenges of the breadth of academic enquiry ness and productivity through which offers improved future, both within and outside that inter-disciplinary approaches accessing the knowledge, skills navigation, greater ease of use academia. are often required and that and technology that reside and better access to our social science has a vital role to within UK universities. Over 55 Our commitment to dynamic research catalogue. supporting excellence has never Visitors can access topical wavered and we will continue to . . . Social science research plays a key features, case studies, informed support the pursuit of debate and expert opinion on a excellence, ensuring that social role in developing our understanding of range of topics including climate science research continues to business practices, tactics and the wider change, ageing, employment make a difference to UK society and crime. and internationally. social and economics effects. . . I am pleased to be part of such a dynamic and talented

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RISKY BUSINESS?

I recently read an article by a Fleet Street editor who I much admire (and co-incidentally used to play ukulele with) in which he hoped that the UK Met Office wouldn’t adopt US style probability weather forecasts, eg there is a 50% chance of rain today. Rather he said he just wants to know if it will rain or not. In a different vein, I remember a senior government minister saying after a major rail crash that he wanted a risk free railway; an admirable ambition. The only problem is that both the editor and the politician are asking for the impossible. David Simmons Managing Director, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Willis Re It is a basic human want to earthquake or some other peril picking good risks by advanced have certainty. Indeed my local almost every week. As global analytics leaving the dross to the vicar once preached that chance communications increase, more London market. What followed was the devil’s work. Science severe events are being was predictable, a Gadarene used to be predicated on the recorded and, as the global rush into analytics. more you observe, the more population increases, their Now, whilst this was good you learn and can predict. Even human impacts are worse. news, especially for a jobbing Albert Einstein believed this, I studied Mathematics at mathematician, the results were famously saying that God does university but wanted a general also horribly predictable. Early not play dice. It has now been business career. What better models were generally poor but proven that, at a sub-atomic than insurance, an industry implicitly believed. Many, in truth level at least, this is not true. based upon appreciation of risk? most, senior managers did not Quantum theory tells us that no How wrong can you be? When I understand the models and, matter how much we watch, we started in the industry over 30 can never know what a vitally, did not understand their years ago, London was the particular quantum of light will limitations. Rather like the centre of the global insurance do. Albert Einstein and my vicar newspaper editor wanting to and reinsurance industry, and at were wrong; chance is inherent know for certain whether it will the heart of that market was in creation. rain tomorrow, the systems we Lloyd’s of London. It was the age were modelling were just too What does this mean to us of the star underwriter. These complex to be able to say with mortals on Earth? Risk is a golden men were born not any certainty what, say, the fundamental part of the human made, with an innate ability to average annual windstorm losses existence but one which is pick risks. In truth the market for an average UK property poorly understood. Almost every functioned by collective insurance company might be, let day there seems to be a 1 in knowledge and opinion, it was alone how big a loss they might 100 weather event hitting some not by any means analytical. But expect every 100 years. part of the world. Is this not things were stirring. Lloyd’s evidence of rapid worsening of began collectively to make But 1 in 100 year numbers the climate? Maybe, but it is also market losses for the first time in were what people wanted to due to problems of definition, its history. It was clear that some hear. Our models came up with understanding and data. What risks, eg asbestosis, had not 1 in 100 year numbers for do we mean by 1 in 100, the been recognised or properly senior managers, ratings worst flood that that town has priced. That time also saw a agencies, reinsurers etc to use, seen or the worst that has been number of “professional but in truth we, the modellers, seen in the UK, in Europe, the reinsurers” in Europe and later let alone the users of the world? More likely it is the first, Bermuda defining themselves by information, had little idea how the worst recorded in that local use of analytical techniques. reliable these estimates were. area. The world is a big place, it Apart from the intriguing This is no surprise as the would be a surprise if implication that the London modellers were learning as they somewhere on Earth did not market was not professional, a went. We were beginning to have a 1 in 100 event for real concern was that the learn more about how the global rainfall, drought, wind, flood, “professionals” were cherry- climate works, but it is a hugely

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complex system that our best Over 10 years ago a to ensure that this topic is spent improving local roads with models even now only conference in Cambridge asked intelligently handled. Greater a much greater improvement in approximate. We also knew as the world’s leading experts in reliance is now being made for number of lives saved at much little as the insurers themselves Extreme Value Theory, the stress tests of model more likely probability levels. about the properties the insurers branch of mathematics that tries assumptions and scenario Most would agree that it is covered, eg where they were to estimate the probability of modelling used to make sure better to save 3 lives on average and how they were built. We extreme events with limited that foreseeable events are not every year than 50 in a rare knew little about flood defences data, to estimate the likely return overlooked within a complex, event that may happen only and little about drainage period of the major January complicated model. Using every 200 years, despite the systems, where they were and 1990 UK wind storm. Estimates Donald Rumsfeld’s logical political embarrassment that how well they were maintained. ranged from 1 in 250 to 1 in framework, we need to know all would be caused by such a rare We knew little about how the 500. The market was working we can about what we know, event happening on your watch. buildings responded to strong on the assumption of around 1 we need to clearly recognise The insurance industry now winds or floods as past loss data in 50. At this extreme level of what we know we don’t know commonly uses this relationship was sparse. remote probability, uncertainties (or can never know) and we should not delude ourselves that between risk and return to Over time we have got better; are immense. there will not be some complete inform decision making. A typical much, much better. For example, Unfortunately, now regulators surprises, the unknown risk return chart is shown below. London based reinsurance want similar numbers. In fact, unknowns or black swans. On one axis, normally the broker Willis Re has created the the new pan-European horizontal, we measure risk, the Willis Research Network (WRN), insurance regulatory regime The insurance industry has thing we don’t want to happen. explicitly to use the best of UK Solvency II asks insurers to similarly learned to understand This could be the number of the relationship between risk and international science to estimate the amount of capital lives lost, it may be how much and return, the rail safety understand these problems, they will require to make full capital a company could lose, it problem. Much as the minister improve modelling assumptions payments to their policyholders could be the probability of and reduce the uncertainty may wish, he cannot eliminate for the worst year they can missing a target made to around them. The WRN is now risk on the railways. He may expect every 200 years. shareholders. On the other axis spend more and more to the world’s largest is a measure of return, how The good news is that the reduce risk, but there comes a industry/academic collaboration, much money we make on now totalling over 50 research UK insurance industry is now point where the cost is not average, or its flipside, how partners. fully aware of risk and worth the benefit. For example, much the strategy costs on uncertainty; the subject is now say, spending £xbn reducing risk But despite these gains, average. out in the open. Our regulator, on derailment on one line from significant uncertainty remains. the FSA, is active within the 0.5% (1 in 200) to 0.4% (1 in A typical risk return chart is On the way to a conference in EIOPA (the European regulator) 250) may perhaps be better below: Hong Kong recently I tallied up 15 major areas of uncertainty in an average catastrophe model, uncertainties we can reduce but can never eliminate. There is now much debate amongst modellers about how best that inherent uncertainty should be represented.

But a typical senior insurance manager still wants to hear one number. They want to know what their 1 in 100 number is so that they can plan accordingly; is it £200m or £250m? They don’t want to hear that it could be between £175m and £350m with a 95% confidence interval. They want a certainty that doesn’t exist. A modeller who gives him this number without caveats is either a charlatan or a fool.

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Here the risk on the the risk by some 85% but sees minimising earnings volatility), now grasped and embraced horizontal axis is the measured average profit halve. The but this framework has these concepts and we are 1 in 200 worst case, ie how company may decide that the revolutionised decision making certainly beginning to much capital does the firm need gross option is too risky but they in insurance risk hedging understand best practice around – the further to the left the can survive losing £2.5m every (reinsurance) over the last 15 its use. The Willis Research better. On the vertical axis is the 200 years. In that case, the years. Yes the issues we Network has recently been average underwriting result of gross option and Option 3 are debated earlier, uncertainty expanded to provide a forum to the company – the higher the too risky and can be rejected. around our estimates must be debate these issues, the WRN better. But which of Options 1 and 2 considered (eg the bars in the Economic Capital Forum. should they pick? In this case chart), but the process of So ideally we would want to Serious investment decisions there is no right answer. It is modelling, forcing a transparency be at the top left of this chart. demand proper modelling of the perhaps probable that they of assumption and a robustness The sad truth is that we can’t get reduction of risk compared to would go with Option 2, the risk of decision making has been there. It is generally true in life the cost of investment. Without is still well within their undeniably beneficial. and business that the more risk a proper understanding of risk, acceptable tolerance and little we take, the more money we Can these techniques be how can sensible decisions be worse that Option 1 but the are likely to make. The more we used more widely in other areas made? average result is 15% higher. eliminate risk, the more it costs of decision making? I certainly us. The “gross” option (in The decision has been can see no reason why not. insurance speak with no risk rationalised, the choice can be Even the less numerate in the hedging) gives us the highest defended, debated and insurance industry (the average result but also the challenged. In reality things can insurance market remains highest risk as measured by the be more complicated, there may predominantly a people 1 in 200 year worst case event. be more than one risk measure business though now an Option 1 by contrast reduces (eg protecting capital but also increasingly technical one) have

WHAT IS SECOND TIER PROTECTION (STP)?

In layman’s parlance, Second Tier Protection (STP) is a lesser form of Intellectual Property (IP) that is intended for the protection of devices, apparatus and the like where the technical advance is not as high as it might be for obtaining the Grant of a full Patent; nevertheless, STP in its many guises is established in some 77 countries worldwide and finds extensive usage in some European countries but especially in China, Japan and South Korea.

John S S Grant MBE Presently, STP is called: Utility although such a procedure has there have been several John Grant is a UK & European Model in China; Innovation to be undertaken if an proposals for the Patent Attorney registered with CIPA and EPI respectively; UK Patent in Australia; Utility Model infringement action is implementation in the United Registered Trade Mark Attorney in Japan, Italy; Germany contemplated. The various forms Kingdom (and Europe) of STP in registered with ITMA; Representative for Trade Marks (Gebrauchsmuster); France of STP have different terms the form of a ‘Utility Model’. The and Designs at OHIM; Provision of (Certificat d’Utilité) and Spain; depending upon IP Law of the proposals were from, inter alia, IP Services to Trevor Baylis Brands CIPA in 1992 and the Max plc and other private clients; Short Term Patent in Holland territory; thus, in Belgium a Short Planck Institute in 1993; thus, Represents TBB plc at the and Ireland and Short Patent in Patent has a term of 6 years Intellectual Property Awareness on 6th-8th July 1994, a Network (IPAN). Belgium. while a Utility Model in Japan Symposium was held at Brocket can be for 10 to 15 years. In some countries the STP is Hall to review the Proposal for a registered without examination Over the last two decades European Utility Model as

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proposed by the Max Planck due if and when an Examiners tempted to manufacture Department of Micro, Small and Institute. The outcome of the Report raises objections that products and to market them in Medium Enterprises (MSME). Symposium was somewhat have to be responded to by territories where the inventor However, as with the negative negative with doubts being reasoned argument. The has no patent and/or design response to the proposals for a expressed in relation to the form financial burden on the lone protection is to offer the UK and/or Europe wide of the STP, the languages that it inventor and/or an SME could manufacturer a licence deal at provisions for Utility Models in should be published in and the be alleviated if STP was available an equitable royalty rate that the 1990s, there have also been vexed question of whether the at a lower cost for a short term allows him to legitimately make some very negative opinions Applications for STP should be whether or not the STP was the products for the inventor that may result in the topic examined or not. Consequently, subjected to an examination while being able to exploit remaining on the table with only the issue was left on the table procedure. markets where the inventor has a passing lip service being paid and has not really been no interest. to the advantages that might In China, according to Tony addressed since. accrue from the promulgation of Mak, there were 315,000 Utility It is considered that any Utility Model Law in India. In recent times it has been Models granted in 2010, see the Applicant for patent protection in suggested that a European Utility article printed at page 231 et any territory where STP is It has been suggested that Model would serve the interests seq of the CIPA Journal for April available should seek their the economic fortunes of India of lone inventors and SMEs to 2011. He also noted that Patent Attorney’s advice in could benefit from the be of benefit to UK PLC insofar 99.96% of the patentees were relation to the usefulness of introduction of Utility Models, that it is recognised that the Chinese entities. It is not adding Applications for STP to particularly as such protection at SMEs are the driving force that suggested that there would be a their portfolio, especially where a reasonable cost would help to will lead the country on the path similar proportion of applicants the protection being sought is launch products on the home to economic recovery, financial for STP in the United Kingdom if for high value goods, apparatus market and encourage MSME stability and prosperity. a Utility Model law was to be and machinery. Having an STP, enterprises to enter the export albeit for a short term may market thereby bringing benefits The proposal that STP could promulgated; however, without ensure that possible to the larger Indian economy. be a step in the right direction such a Law we can only infringement of one’s IPRs is was included in some of the postulate the effect it might The dissenters, as with the prevented or at least reduced. responses made in the call for have on the economic voices against a UK and/or evidence that was considered in development of the country. An interesting article European Utility Models, have the Review by Professor Unfortunately, the likelihood appeared in The Mail on raised the issues of unexamined Hargreaves; however, the topic of a United Kingdom and/or a Sunday 8th May 2011, which rights and uncertainty when never made it to the final report article reported that faced with possible infringement European Utility Model is stage. manufacturers from the lighting of third party rights. One something of a pipe dream and, and sound industry where comment on Google even even if there was to be an HOW WOULD STP calling on the Government to noted that at least two European accord between the various BENEFIT SMES et al? introduce an intermediate countries have repealed their countries of Europe, it would be Intellectual Property (IP) system Utility Model law because of the Amongst the main many years before a law for STP in order to enable them to lack of certainty. disadvantages that have to be would be promulgated. In the compete worldwide. Obviously, overcome by lone inventors and mean time, there is no reason Perhaps we may see Utility SMEs is the uncertainty that STP in the United Kingdom why lone inventors, SMEs and Model Law introduced in India, Intellectual Property Rights would not protect any overseas even larger entities could not but not for some time. We shall (IPRs) can be protected at a markets for an invention, which take advantage of the STP that is just have to wait and see! cost they can afford. The cost of would have to be the subject of available in any of the 77 a full patent in the United an STP or full Patent wherever BIBLIOGRAPHY countries where such provision Kingdom can be as little as the invention was going to be (i) Second Tier Protection – Report and is established. This can be most proceedings of a Symposium held at £280 if the Applicant has the marketed. advantageous in places like Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire on 6-8 July ability to draft a Specification 1994, and published by CIPA. China, South Korea and Japan INDIA – UTILITY and Claims that will pass muster (ii) World Intellectual Property Indicators – so that dealing with MODELS – ONGOING not only before the Patent Office 2010 Edition, published by WIPO. manufacturers in those DIALOGUE Examiner but also before a (iii) Utility Model and Invalidation in countries, for products to be China, an article by Toby Mak Court if the Inventor’s monopoly A most comprehensive sold in Europe and elsewhere, published at page 231 of the CIPA is attacked in an infringement Discussion Paper on Utility would give added safeguard Journal for April 2011. action. On the other hand, if the Models, from the Indian against copying by the (iv) Japanese and Korean Patents and services of a Patent Attorney are ‘Department of Industrial Utility Models by J. V. Drazil published manufacturer for his own used, the initial costs of filing a Property and Promotion’, has in 1976 by The British Library. disposal. Patent Application may be not been received with positive (v) Comments in response to Discussion Paper re: proposed STPs for India less than £3000 with attendant One way of ensuring that the acclaim. This is especially so by http://dipp.nic.in/English/Discuss_pap additional monies becoming appointed manufacturer is not the Government of India er/FeedBack_UtilityModels.htm .

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UNDER THE RADAR: LYME BORRELIOSIS IN THE UK

INTRODUCTION Lyme borreliosis (LB) is recognised to be an emerging disease and a significant public- health threat but, despite a year-on-year rise in case numbers, this disease remains an overlooked and under-researched condition, and a lack of awareness could significantly increase its prevalence. This was the main reason for the presentation and documentation that was on display in the House of Commons, Upper Waiting Hall, 15-19 November 2010. BACKGROUND rapidly. Not all patients present as the New Forest, Exmoor, with Erythema Migrans. This may other woodland or heathland LB (also known as Lyme Wendy Fox also suggest genospecies areas of southern England, the Director and Chairperson, disease or Borreliosis) is a BADA-UK Ltd variation in some cases, as does Lake District, the Scottish spirochaetal infection usually the fact that Lyme arthritis is rare Highlands and Islands, the North Wendy Fox has a background in transmitted via the bite of a in Europe but much more Yorkshire moors, Thetford Forest, zoology. She is a founding hard-bodied tick; most member and Chair of the charity common in North America. and the South Downs. However, Borreliosis & Associated Diseases commonly Ixodes ricinus (known as stated by the Health Awareness (BADA-UK). Wendy Ticks acquire Borrelia bacteria as the sheep tick, wood tick, Protection Agency (HPA), “any was left paralysed from the waist from reservoir hosts, such as down and partially sighted by castor bean tick and deer tick). area where Ixodid ticks are small mammals and birds, when Lyme borreliosis after she suffered Certain soft-bodied ticks can also present should be regarded as a brain and spinal cord swelling. they take a blood meal. transmit LB to people. a potential risk area”. Transmission to other hosts, BADA-UK Ltd Transplacental transmission has Considering that ticks have been Registered charity No 1113329 including humans, occurs during been demonstrated; and highlighted as a significant threat England & Wales, SC038414 the following feed. Scotland potentially via infected blood in the World Health http://www.bada-uk.org/ products. Hard-bodied ticks are present Organisation’s ‘Public Health To date, Borrelia burgdorferi in many forested, heathland or Significance of Urban Pests’, (B.b.), the causative agent of LB, moorland areas but they are also most areas that support varied can be divided into at least 15 present in more urban parklands wildlife, whether rural or urban, genospecies. B. afzelii, B. and gardens. European studies are likely to support a tick bavariensis, B.b. sensu stricto found Borrelia-infected soft ticks population to some degree, and (s.s.), B. garinii and B. spielmanii in urban pigeon roosts. One a proportion will carry infective are all known to be capable of study demonstrated that tick agents. causing disease but there is larvae and nymphs parasitise There has been a marked currently a lack of consistent certain garden birds as frequently rise in the incidence of LB since evidence to determine whether as white-footed mice, the 2001, when there were just 268 other genospecies such as B. principal reservoir host of B.b.s.s. laboratory-confirmed cases in bissettii, B. lusitaniae and B. in North America. England and Wales. In 2009 valaisiana are also pathogenic. Many people assume that LB (the latest available data) there The group as a whole is referred has made its way to the United were 973. The HPA to as B. burgdorferi sensu lato Kingdom following the first acknowledges that this data is (B.b. s.l.) and the term documented outbreak in 1975 incomplete and doesn’t account Borreliosis is used to describe an in Old Lyme, Connecticut. LB has for cases diagnosed and treated infection of any genospecies. actually been known in Europe on the basis of clinical features such as Erythema Migrans, Signs and symptoms may under different names since without laboratory tests. They vary between genospecies. Arvid Afzelius associated Ixodes estimate that between 1,000 There is recent evidence, for ricinus with Erythema Migrans in and 2,000 additional cases example, that B. afzelii causes an 1909. occur each year in England and annular Erythema Migrans (the OCCURRENCE Wales. rash associated with LB) and B. garinii a homogenous lesion Certain areas in the UK are An equal increase has which seems to develop more considered high risk for LB, such occurred in Scotland with just

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28 cases in 2001, rising to 605 Scotland highlights the fact that statements that the risk is and Dangerous Occurrences in 2009. Dr Darrel Ho-Yen, head some patients may be minimal if the tick is removed Regulations 1995’ (RIDDOR). of Scotland’s Lyme disease seronegative, “often because of within 24 hours are misleading, Health and safety in the testing service, has stated that early antibiotic treatment”. They and data indicate there is workplace documents, and for he believes the actual number go on to state that, “The significant risk within 24 hours of visiting public, from sources of cases could be ten times the serodiagnosis of late Lyme attachment. European such as the Health and Safety recorded data if taking into disease requires good, specific experimental data indicate Executive, were also reviewed by account “wrong diagnoses, tests clinical histories, and with some significant risk within 16.5 hours BADA-UK. It revealed a giving false results, sufferers patients there may need to be and demonstrate that partially- significant lack of information who weren’t tested, people who a trial of treatment”. fed ticks would efficiently re- regarding hazards and risk are infected but asymptomatic, attach to a new host, having Conversely, patients may avoidance, and out-dated and failures to notify and infected already gone through the have antibodies without having conflicting data. In one individuals who don’t consult a physiological mechanisms a current infection (this can document, ‘Baseline incidence doctor”. allowing spirochaetes to have occur through regular of ill health in agriculture in migrated to the salivary glands Improved awareness may occupational or recreational Great Britain’, it was stated that prior to re-attachment. account for some of the increase exposure to tick bites). Other LB is acquired from straw. but other factors such as an Crucial facts about where conditions (eg Glandular Fever, SLIPPING UNDER THE increase in the tick population ticks may be present, their Syphilis and certain autoimmune RADAR and its distribution, plus an diseases) can result in false- inconspicuous nature, disease increase in outdoor pursuits have positive reactions to LB. It is due transmission, symptom variation, Many documents advise on also played their part. to these limitations that the HPA and testing limitations are not zoonoses of low prevalence, states, “The significance of any filtering through to most General particularly Leptospirosis (of DEFICIENCY IN MEDICAL result, negative or positive, Practitioners; the first port of call which in 2009 there were just AWARENESS should be interpreted carefully for patients. 52 cases). Such concentrated A casual survey, conducted by clinicians in the overall focus on less-prevalent context of the patient’s clinical PROPHYLAXIS – NOT SO zoonoses is almost certainly by the charity Borreliosis & PROLIFIC Associated Diseases Awareness findings and tick exposure risk deflecting attention from an UK (BADA-UK), revealed that a history”. A secret survey of UK county equally serious and escalating number of General Practitioners and district councils was disease. In an analysis of laboratory- believe that there is no Lyme conducted by BADA-UK to confirmed cases in 2008, the With no vaccine available disease in the UK. In one determine the availability of HPA recorded that just 32% of against LB, and five other tick- instance, a doctor stated that information about ticks and LB. the 813 cases reported borne diseases endemic to the there are no ticks present in the 124 councils were telephoned Erythema Migrans and just 40% UK, awareness is vital. One UK. Of the 489 respondents to to obtain information for public a tick bite. As ticks may be the controlled trial of a primary the survey, 72% had used and staff visiting areas of size of a poppy seed, feeding in prevention program for Lyme incorrect methods of tick potential tick exposure. Each inaccessible places and often disease and other tick-borne removal which may increase the council web site was also under body hair, the latter is illnesses (TBI), conducted by chance of disease transmission, examined. Only 7.26% (9/124) unsurprising. Daltroy et al in southeastern often having been advised by a of authorities surveyed provided Massachusetts, demonstrated vet, GP, practice nurse or NHS Common advice, often information to staff; of this lower rates of TBI amongst Direct. perpetuated from out-dated subset, 22.22% provided those receiving TBI education, papers, is that a tick must be leaflets or electronic Although rural physicians in and a significant increase in the attached for some considerable documentation. 55.56% highly endemic areas tend to be likelihood of precautionary time for transmission to occur mentioned LB within standard better informed, there are behaviour. (ranging between 24, 36 and health and safety guides and exceptions. Some doctors 48 hours). Yet, an extensive 22.22% claimed to have To date, BADA-UK (a dismiss the possibility of LB in literature review to determine information on their web site. volunteer-run charity) has the diagnosis on the basis that the the sources for these claims 7.26% (9/124) of councils only proactive public-education patient did not present with a revealed that although longer claimed to have information for strategy in place. The rash. tick-attachment times do public use. Of this subset, environment is there to be Another difficulty in LB increase the risk of infection, a 55.55% provided web-based enjoyed by everyone and it is diagnosis is the limitations with minimum attachment time for material. Arun and the New vital for people to be better blood-testing techniques. transmission to occur has never Forest District Councils stood informed, rather than Patients may be tested before been established. Claims that apart by providing unknowingly exposed. Consistent and effective they have an immune response the risk of infection is non- comprehensive information. communication is key to and therefore a false-negative existent if the tick is removed Many environmental health preventing more people from result can be returned. within 48 hours are not departments were unaware that becoming infected. Seroconversion may occur with supported by the published LB is reportable under the a second test. Health Protection data. Other frequently published ‘Reporting of Injuries, Diseases

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AVOIDING THE PERFECT STORM: MEETING THE NEED FOR NEW ANTIBIOTICS

THE IMPENDING CRISIS Global concerns are growing within medical and academic circles over the urgent need to secure the long-term availability of effective antibiotic treatments. Modern healthcare is facing a perfect storm. The inexorable rise in antibiotic resistance, the continuing emergence of multidrug-resistant infections and a market failure of antibiotic development leading to a near depletion of the antibiotic pipeline could have devastating effects on global health. The magnitude of the crisis

Professor Laura J V Piddock we face becomes apparent when we note that sixteen new President, British Society for antibacterial agents were approved and brought to market between Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Professor of Microbiology, University 1983-1987, compared with an estimated two to four agents between of Birmingham 2008-20121. It is by no means clear if even these can, or will, address the clinical issues we currently face.

Over the past 80 years professionals and society must many attempts to bring the human health has enjoyed the acknowledge that they are only grave concerns about the lack of unprecedented benefits brought possible in the presence of new antibiotics to the attention about by the discovery, effective antibiotic treatments. of government agencies, development and widespread The dearth of new antibiotics healthcare professionals and the use of antibiotics. There are few reaching the marketplace public. Between 1998 and 2008 people alive today in the potentially threatens not only the over twenty enquiries, reports developed world who can management of the much and recommendations were remember what it was like to reported “superbugs” such as published from within the UK live in a world without them. We MRSA, but also many routine alone (www.antibiotic- have high expectations – survival treatments and procedures action.com/resources). Despite Mrs Tracey K Guise to adulthood is expected, across all branches of medicine. these sustained attempts there is Chief Executive Officer, British treatment of common and less A return to a pre-antibiotic era is little evidence of progress and Society for Antimicrobial common infections is expected, efforts have failed to generate Chemotherapy an all-too-real possibility and as is a productive work force living with the spectre of interest adequate to stimulate and an ability to live into old untreatable infections could be a action or bring about change. It age. Antibiotics play a defining reality within our lifetimes. is difficult to imagine similar and key role in ensuring these lethargy were it publicly reported expectations are met. ACTION TO DATE – PAST that only two new cancer agents AND PRESENT were under consideration, or Twenty-first century medicine there were only three new delivers increasingly complex In 2009 the World Health cardiology drugs in the pipeline. treatments and health benefits Organisation 2 declared antibiotic One would expect a rightful to many, from improved quality resistance as one of the three outcry from cancer and heart of life and increased life greatest threats to human patients and their representative expectancy for cystic fibrosis health, acknowledging the groups, and it is difficult to sufferers, to joint replacements, gravity of the situation through envisage there not being one. life-saving transplants and World Health Day in April 2011 chemotherapy treatments. Whilst – ‘Antimicrobial Resistance: No The past two years have seen such advances are to be Action Today and No Cure a gathering of pace within applauded, governments, health Tomorrow’ 3. There have been Europe and the US. Both the

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European Union4, through ReAct, cannot be compromised8. The urgent need for new antibiotic Antibiotic Action, with the and the Infectious Diseases working party questioned agents is a global problem support of UK politicians, hopes Society of America (IDSA)5 whether there were lessons from requiring urgent redress by multi- to be the global platform by established initiatives to raise the past, such as the accelerated agency, multi-stakeholder, multi- which this is achieved.

awareness of the problems of approval processes that brought disciplinary action. References: resistance and the need to antiviral therapies for the SO WHAT WAY 1 Boucher HW, Talbot GH, Bradley JS, replenish the antibiotic pipeline. treatment of HIV/AIDS so Edwards JE, Gilbert D, Rice LB, et al. FORWARD? The IDSA also lobbied the US speedily to market, that could be Bad bugs, no drugs: no ESKAPE! An update from the Infectious Diseases Government in an attempt to trialled and adopted for antibiotic It is imperative that the Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. gain its urgent attention and re- agents. Lastly, the group explored profile of this issue is raised if 2009; 48(1): 1-12. stimulate drug development 6 the economics of antimicrobial progress is to be made. In 9 2 World Health Organization, 2009. and ReAct arranged an event in drugs . This topic provoked the September 2011 BSAC “Report of the 1st Meeting of the March 2010 at the European most controversy, and may launched ‘Antibiotic Action WHO Advisory Group on Integrated Parliament which raised the ultimately prove the most (http:\\antibiotic-action.com), Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance.” Copenhagen, 15-19 June issue and discussed potential challenging to resolve. There are comprising a worldwide alliance 2009. Accessed online solutions, and followed in May pre-existing tensions that need to of groups including IDSA, ReACT at:http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/i with a seminar on this topic in be addressed – the widespread and UK/international charities ndex/assoc/s16735e/s16735e.pdf Brussels. In July 2009 the British introduction of antimicrobial and not-for-profit agencies. 3 World Health Organization. Society for Antimicrobial stewardship programmes is Antibiotic Action aims to engage Antimicrobial resistance: no action Chemotherapy (BSAC) contributing to attempts to all with a vested interest in today, no cure tomorrow. http://www.who.int/world-health- established an initiative called contain resistance and improve antibiotics, especially agencies day/2011/en/index.html ‘The Urgent Need to Regenerate appropriate use. It is important to that represent patients who are 4 Cars O, Hedin A, Heddini A. The Antibacterial Drug Discovery and ensure that such stewardship is reliant upon effective antibiotics. global need for effective antibiotics- itself used appropriately and not Development’ (TUN), which Antibiotic Action will be the moving towards concerted action. included advisors from the perceived to be, or indeed used catalyst through which this issue Drug Resist Updat. 2011; 14(2): 68- American Society for as, a budgetary lever. Raising the is moved from the medical 9. Microbiology (ASM), IDSA and value of life-saving antibiotics to arena to the public arena, calling 5 Spellberg B, Blaser M, Guidos RJ, ReAct. Taking a different route match that of other life-saving on individuals and organisations Boucher HW, Bradley JS, Eisenstein BI, et al. Combating antimicrobial from the norm, the working party treatments is a challenge most – be they health related or lay – resistance: policy recommendations to aptly addressed in a recent chose to steer clear of rehearsing to sign either a UK or save lives. Clin Infect Dis. 2011; 52 10 the known evidence or article by Professor Richard international petition calling for Suppl 5: S397-428 Wise, who chaired TUN. arguments for containing urgent action in this area. Viral 6 Kuehn BM. Proposals seek to reduce resistance; instead a decision Proposals to overcome this communications have been resistance, boost development of new was made to develop a hurdle included different initiated via Twitter and antibiotics. Jama. 2011; 305(18): 1845-6. framework for action guidelines for both regulation Facebook, a mobile phone app (www.bsac.org.uk/News/TUN) and licensing antibiotics (due to is in the pipeline, and the 7 Livermore DM. Discovery research: the scientific challenge of finding new that would identify opportunities the very different properties of Antibiotic Action website is a rich these drugs), licensing new antibiotics. J Antimicrob Chemother. for collaboration and action. repository of information, 2011; 66: 1941-4. drugs via the ‘orphan drug route’, including stories from patients In developing its framework and public-private partnerships 8 Finch R. Regulatory opportunities to for whom antibiotics are or have encourage technology solutions to for action, TUN explored the where both development costs been essential. antibacterial drug resistance. J status of research from basic and profits are shared. Antimicrob Chemother. 2011; 66: through to translational, ie from A Parliamentary launch 1945-7. small molecule inhibitors of Combined international meeting is being held on 9 efforts are also in place, with the 9 White AR. Effective antibacterials: at potential new or novel targets November at the House of what cost? The economics of report of a transatlantic taskforce through to isolation or synthesis Commons, immediately antibacterial resistance and its control. (EU and US) on antimicrobial of such inhibitors to drugs, and following which the UK petition J Antimicrob Chemother. 2011; 66: resistance (TATFAR) due for 1948-53. made proposals to maintain a will be presented to the Prime publication in autumn 2011. pipeline of novel inhibitors for Minister at 10 Downing Street. It 10 Wise R. The urgent need for new TATFAR’s remit was, ringing by antibacterial agents. J Antimicrob development as drugs 7. is essential that all stakeholders, now familiar bells, the Chemother. 2011; 66: 1939-40 Secondly, the initiative explored and particularly politicians, exploration of the need to re- the regulation of antibiotics; the become involved and engaged invigorate the research and problems specific to antibiotic in this issue so that ways to development pipeline for novel drug development and how stimulate antibiotic discovery, antibiotics. these could be overcome; being research and development are always mindful that regulation The conclusions of these found so that new drugs are exists to safeguard public health initiatives are the same – available to treat infections in and accepting that this premise antibiotic resistance and the patients of the 21st century.

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Visit to LGC’s Teddington HQ by Members of the House of Commons Select Committee on Science & Technology and the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee

since then out of all recognition. statutory functions for In those days LGC was about government. two hundred and fifty people, Dr Derek Craston is the based very largely on this site Government Chemist and LGC and working entirely for is the designated National government in the UK. They are Measurement Institute for now nearly fifteen hundred chemistry and biochemical people based at thirty-one labs analysis and a national reference and centres all around the world laboratory. LGC therefore have and operate in different an international role to maintain countries and different scientific on behalf of the UK, which is at disciplines. the forefront of measurement Tuesday 14th June established in 1842 by Robert Most recently LGC changed science internationally. Peel who also founded the ownership again. This is their 2011 LGC considers itself to be in police, so connection between third private equity iteration the top tier of National Katherine Passerieu police and science was since privatisation and they are Measurement Institutes in the established from the outset. now backed by Bridgepoint who Passerieu Consulting world, alongside the likes of the George Phillips, whose picture is have about €11.5 billion of USA and Korea. The UK on display, was the first funds invested all around INTRODUCTION therefore has a strong voice in Government Chemist. The Europe. Over sixty thousand The visitors were received by international measurement, original raison d’être was to help people work for Bridgepoint and introduced to David which is important for UK plc the government claw back companies and LGC felt that Richardson, LGC’s Chief and supports international customs revenue. People were Bridgepoint were a new owner Executive, Dr Derek Craston, trading relationships. LGC importing gin and tobacco, who really understood and was Government Chemist and MD, turnover has progressed steadily paying some duty and then sympathetic not only to the LGC Science & Technology, Dr upwards and last year income diluting it and adulterating it and objectives of the business but Steve Wood, Head of Regulatory was just over £130m and selling it off for a lot more also to the history and the way Services, Dr Paul Debenham, earnings were of the order of money. George Phillips didn’t LGC do business here. Director, Innovation & £20m. feel this was a good idea! I Development, Dr Julian LGC expertise extends across suspect that his boss, the Prime Many of the LGC businesses Braybrook, Head of Strategy, a broad range of scientific Minister, didn’t feel very happy have their origins in the Measurement Research, Peter activities with capability in about it either! So the Laboratory Government Chemist function Bedson, Head of Operations, regulatory and statutory testing – of the Government Chemist was and LGC work in measurement Measurement Research, Ric this is their history, heritage and brought into being to use science. For example, LGC have Treble, Scientific Advisor for LGC legacy and where they have science to help government created what is now the largest Forensics and LGC Standards continued to invest and develop. collect revenue, but in particular private sector forensic science and Richard Gardner, GK But they have expanded that to of course, to make sure that the provider in this country and Political. include laboratory management, regulatory function around that probably elsewhere, and their R & D, surveillance, was properly fulfilled. reference materials business in measurements, standards and a eighteen countries has a DAVID RICHARDSON, LGC’s modern history started whole range of other disciplines, turnover exceeding £60m. CHIEF EXECUTIVE in 1996. They were privatised at including scientific project David Richardson welcomed the same time as two other management. Although they are The four divisions within the visitors and emphasised that government laboratories by a a private sector business, they which LGC operate are the Laboratory of the Conservative administration. still undertake a number of 1) forensics science; Government Chemist was They have grown organically important regulatory and 2) standards including reference

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materials and proficiency be a tomato. LGC are also Cologne and distribution and service LGC provide to testing schemes; expanding into other growth production of reference government including the 3) genomics, primarily DNA areas, especially materials in Wesel and Department of Health where sequencing, particularly in the pharmacogenetics. Luckenwalde. they manage about a third of agricultural sector; and the Department’s research LGC’s biggest division is in In India LGC produce 4) science and technology, funding budget as part of the Standards, involving providing reference materials in Bangalore which includes statutory National Institute of Health reference materials to support where they have a very functions. Research where research globally a very large number of successful joint venture growing outputs are being translated into Perhaps the best known of laboratories. Reference materials at nearly twenty per cent a year the National Health Service to the LGC businesses is LGC are produced in Luckenwalde, – an exciting and important part provide patient benefit. LGC also Forensics, involving nearly ninety south of Berlin, which are of the future. LGC opened a work for other departments like different disciplines where the distributed from LGC Standards sales office in Brazil last year and Business Innovation and Skills provision of a comprehensive headquarters in Wesel in opened in China about eighteen and DEFRA and do some suite of services is critical to Western Germany and about months ago (and have already administration for the police forces and other seventeen other sales offices had to move once because they Technology Strategy Board. LGC customers. This range of around the world. LGC also outgrew the office!). These BRIC also work for the private sector services enables police to operate training schemes and territories are all important parts in areas relating to the broader manage cross-boundary cases. It proficiency testing schemes for of the LGC future. area of health and healthcare. is an important strategic priority laboratories so that they can The LGC workforce is very for LGC to be represented in as check quality and ensure that The other work not based at highly skilled. Twelve per cent of many disciplines as possible. For they are operating to high Teddington is the recently LGC people hold PhDs, some of example, computer analysis for standards when compared with acquired horseracing forensic them world-leading in their child protection and e-crime is other laboratories worldwide. laboratory which is just outside specialisms. LGC overall are an increasing part of the police’s LGC also undertake work Cambridge and tests horses and about sixty per cent graduate crime fighting inventory of skills. outsourced from the major blue greyhounds involved in racing to staff, which is clearly essential if LGC also have expertise in and chips and also provide their in- make sure that there is no they are to keep up their skills have been involved in cold house reference materials. The cheating going on, and no base, but it also demands a cases. Standards division is the largest banned substances are being strong on-going investment in LGC division with a turnover of used. LGC also provide services Last year LGC completed a training and development and in nearly £60m. in food testing and very interesting piece of work in providing their people with the pharmaceuticals. Fromelles in Northern France, LGC Science & Technology very best equipment to enable which is a First World War mass represent nearly a quarter of the them to do their job. DR STEVE WOOD, HEAD grave. Nearly three hundred LGC business. They are still Typically, LGC are competing OF REGULATORY bodies were exhumed, of which largely a UK business against major pharmaceutical SERVICES LGC have now helped to identify geographically, but this will testing companies and others in The Government Chemist ninety-seven. The soldiers have shrink as a percentage because the scientific arena, and also has two functions, firstly as a received headstones in a new the international part of the obviously compete on an statutory referee analyst under cemetery that was opened last business will grow. LGC, through international stage as well. So it the four Acts of Parliament July by Prince Charles. the acquisition of HFL Sport is important for them to be able covering food, agriculture, Sciences, have recently opened medicines and hydrocarbon oils Genomics is a DNA to provide the research a laboratory in Kentucky to test and secondly, the Government sequencing operation in Berlin opportunities and also the race horses, using the skills Chemist is an advisor to with some R & D in Teddington. scientific instrumentation that developed in the UK to help government on the impact of LGC are not involved in GMOs, attracts people to work at LGC – underpin the horseracing regulations and policy on but rather with accelerated something we saw when we industry in the US, especially in analytical chemistry. breeding programmes, where went around their laboratories. relation to gambling and animal the technique is to cross two The Government Chemist welfare. LGC expect the US to DR DEREK CRASTON, plants and see (through DNA may become involved in any become an increasing focus for GOVERNMENT CHEMIST sequencing) whether the genes statutory analysis where there is what they do. AND MD LGC SCIENCE have been expressed through & TECHNOLOGY a dispute. For example, a formal into the next generation, In addition to the UK, sample could be taken of an enabling customers to really Germany is also important for Dr Craston mentioned two import consignment, which speed up that process of LGC, since they have about two areas that the Committee would would then be divided into producing crop varieties that are hundred and fifty people who not see on their visit. One was three portions. One portion goes more drought resistant or are undertake virtually all disciplines the Programme Management to the owner for analysis and likely to stay redder and firmer including genomics, forensic Group based at Twickenham. one part goes to the Public on the shelf if they happen to testing for German police in This is a science management Analyst. If there is a dispute

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between the two sets of results, the third part of the sample will come to LGC for the referee analysis. This process protects both industry and government. It protects industry by providing an opportunity to redress any issues that are wrong, and it also protects government by maintaining the integrity of the regulatory process. It also assists the courts in the case of dispute where LGC provide accurate and precise results and valid and informed interpretation of the data. So LGC are protecting both the regulated and the regulator through the Government Chemist statutory function.

The primary objectives are to assist smart regulation in order to reduce the regulatory burden. The Government Chemist, by virtue of the accuracy of LGC LGC have a very successful The laboratories visited measurement science, can help partnership with the Medicines included prevent disputes through and Healthcare Regulatory 1) DNA Crime Stains where method development, and products Agency (MHRA) and buccal swabs were required increase current awareness operate two of their laboratories. for elimination before amongst the scientists involved. The work of these laboratories is entering laboratories (Ric LGC perform dissemination and to assist the MHRA’s Treble, Scientific Advisor for training activities, and publish enforcement officers in ensuring LGC Forensics and LGC the methodology in peer the integrity of products on the Standards); reviewed papers to make this marketplace, including protecting 2) Laser dissection/single cell information available to the against counterfeiting, and to analysis laboratory (Damian public analysts and to the support the work of the British Marshall, Principal Scientist, industries involved. LGC are also Pharmacopoeia Commission In Cell Biology); seeking out big issues that are developing methods that are 3) Isotope ratios in hair likely to arise and work with used to prove the quality of laboratory (Ruth Hearn, Team local government regulation, the generic medicines that become Leader, Chemical food law group and the FSA, so available on the market and in Measurement & Calibration); that we can identify trends that producing the reference and might provide clues requiring a standards that help calibrate 4) GMO quantitation laboratory response in the future. equipment and validate the (Malcolm Burns, Science methodology. Leader, Molecular and Cell The Government Chemist Biology). also advises on key analytical LABORATORY TOUR issues affecting regulation and The visitors were entertained enforcement and compliance The introduction was to lunch and a final discussion involving foresight activity. followed by a visit to four session before departing with a Through the Government laboratories in three groups. The vote of thanks to the hosts for Chemist programme, LGC groups were led by Dr Paul such a well organised and advise industry on the Debenham, Director Innovation informative visit. interpretation of their regulations & Development, Dr Julian To see David Richardson’s and actions that are required by Braybrook, Head of Strategy, powerpoint presentation visit them to ensure compliance. Measurement Research, and www.scienceinparliament.org.uk LGC do this by organising Peter Bedson, Head of training and dissemination Operations, Measurement events. Research.

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ADVANCING NANO-CERAMICS FROM LABORATORY TO MANUFACTURE

and carbide, yttrium aluminium the TSB in particular, in unforeseen happens, it should garnet (YAG) and a range of combination with excellent be possible for the technology yttria partially stabilised zirconias. industrial support. The Powders to be commercialised within a Each material is at a different Sector of the Materials KTN decade of the start of the stage of progress, with zirconia (formerly PowdermatriX) also research; something that is really being the most developed. It is aided this process very much. quite rare. The work on barium now possible to produce fully Two EPSRC programmes and a titanate should follow during dense, genuinely nanostructured DTI (now the TSB) project over 2013, with the other ceramics yttria tetragonal zirconia the period 2002-07 got the being commercialised over the polycrystal (YTZP) ceramic from work off to an excellent start and ensuing years. powders as fine as 20 nm; this allowed the basic green forming The team at Loughborough Professor Jon Binner is smaller than the size of a and densification routes to be Professor of Ceramic Materials and considers itself very lucky, Dean, School of Aeronautical, typical virus. The YTZP ceramics developed. The work then however. Each time, just when it Automotive, Chemical and Materials have been found to display continued with an EPSRC Engineering, Loughborough was needed, there was a Call for University some extremely useful Follow-on Fund project, which Proposals in just the right area properties. For example, assessed the potential for and in just the right format. although zirconia is one of the commercial exploitation of the What they believe is needed is strongest and toughest technology, before being to remove some of the luck advanced ceramic materials, it is developed further and from this process. A small Research in the very vulnerable to attack by broadened in terms of the range amount of funding needs to be Department of moisture, particularly at of ceramics being investigated reserved by both EPSRC (Follow Materials at temperatures in the range ~100 via a TSB Collaborative Research On & Collaboration Funds) and – 300°C. The moisture causes a project. The team were then Loughborough the TSB that can only be applied catastrophic phase change that able to capitalise on the University is working for by researchers who have can reduce conventional, developments and start to already been successful and are towards taking submicron zirconia into a pile of translate them into industry via developing their ideas steadily fundamental research damp powder in less than one support from the EPSRC closer towards commercial- into nanostructured hour at ~250°C. Whilst more Collaboration Fund. This current isation. The funding must ceramics through to resistant grades are being grant is allowing a nanozirconia certainly remain competitive, developed, the new nanoYTZP engineering component industrial application; there must be no diminution of has been found to show no prototype, the ceramic internals the principle of funding licensing agreements trace whatosoever of the phase for a petrochemical valve, to be excellence, but such a fund are currently being change even beginning to occur produced. Further support would remove the element of negotiated for the after 3 weeks at 250°C. focused on scale up was chance that there is a Call in an work based on Combined with high strength received from the Royal Society appropriate area; something that and, for the right grades, high Brian Mercer scheme, whilst zirconia and it is is currently quite restrictive for toughness or ionic conductivity, additional TSB support is about the TSB in particular. hoped that the this has led to significant interest to start for work in the area of This development of technology will be being shown in these materials bioceramics. nanostructured ceramics is an for applications as diverse as hip launched during 2012. This sequence of research achievement that exemplifies replacement implants, dental The research team at grants, and the wonderful how the availability of successive ceramics, solid oxide fuel cell Loughborough is working on technology transfer nature of the and appropriate public funding electrolyte and valves for the producing and characterising a EPSRC Follow On Fund and initiatives can lead to effective petrochemical industry. range of nanostructured Collaboration Fund, has really innovation. Removing the ceramics, including alumina and The work has been able to helped the team to accelerate element of chance that has zirconia toughened alumina, progress thanks to a series of the process of getting their ideas been involved can only improve barium titanate, hafnium boride research grants from EPSRC and into industry. Unless something this process further.

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A NEW FOCUS FOR RESEARCH IN THE FOREST BASED SECTOR: THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH VALUE, BIOPOLYMER BASED MATERIALS

The latter half of the 20th century saw real progress in the development of the forest products industry. Today, it provides essential materials for modern day life from the provision of fuel and structural materials through to paper, packaging, textiles, hygiene products, and a broad range of specialised cellulosic products for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Excluding wood for fuel and forests and manufacturing capability into new, higher value construction, the largest facilities in “low cost” developing materials and products that can Professor Philip Turner consumption of wood in global countries. This is ensuring the build on the forest industries Director, Forest Products Research markets takes the form of pulp future sustainability of European sustainable credentials and Institute Edinburgh Napier University and paper. Traditionally, Europe corporations but at the expense replace existing high value, oil has been a dominant player in of a marked decline in European based products. The oil industry this industry and played a major manufacturing capacity. The UK is an interesting comparator as role in research, development has suffered particularly badly the pulp and paper industry and innovation in both product from this process with very low begins to rethink the pulp and and process development. Until levels of investment in paper mill as a bio refinery. This recently the UK played a small competitive manufacturing creates an opportunity to but significant role in this technology. This has been harness the creative potential of industry. The last 20 years has paralleled by a marked decline UK research capacity. seen traditional pulp and paper in UK based forest products At the beginning of the 20th producers come under research capacity. By the year century, petroleum refinery was increasing pressure from 2000, the UK was a relatively in its infancy producing only a emerging economies. To date insignificant player in forest few products and little energy the European industry has products research whilst at the production using the previous managed to minimise these same time being one of the technologies developed for coal. impacts through technological world’s largest consumers of The development of petroleum innovation leading to increased imported forest products. refinery was a protracted automation, process efficiencies The second approach has process that required an and higher value products. been to invest in new, game extensive effort to develop the However, competitive pressures changing technologies. The existing petrochemical processes remain and are driving the European pulp and paper and allied catalysts leading to industry down two parallel paths. industry has a limited window of the highly efficient systems and The first approach has been opportunity to diversify and an extensive range of oil based to focus capital investment in transform its manufacturing products that we know today. In the same way, the newly . . . By the year 2000, the UK was a relatively insignificant developing lignocellulosic biorefineries industries based on player in forest products research whilst at the same time wood and agricultural materials being one of the world’s largest consumers of imported are only just getting started. It will require the development of forest products. . . catalytic technologies and new

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integrated production systems combined with industry diversification to meet the chemical, material and fuel . . . There is an opportunity to rethink requirements of the 21st century. research in order to understand better the

Research over the past fundamental interaction of physical and decade has highlighted a biological systems. . . number of promising opportunities to utilise forest and agricultural biomass. Understanding the structure of biomass at a molecular level opens fascinating new ways for and other plant material. offering new insights into the on benign resources and eco- its utilisation. Research is moving Crystalline cellulose forms the cellulose skeleton within the cell efficient technologies have beyond classical wood chemistry skeletal structure for woody wall, suggesting that it has a made the European forest traditionally linked to large-scale plant material (figure 1). These complex fractal architecture based sector a focal point of pulping, bleaching, papermaking crystalline structures have a (figure 1), similar to a number activity and interest. The UK and fibre making. New research strength to weight ratio higher of structures found in non- research community needs to is directed towards an advanced than that of Kevlar or carbon biological materials. This get on board, this process has understanding of biosynthetic fibre. One of the biggest observation suggests that started but a lot more needs to pathways, molecular-level challenges has been to extract cellulose structure is largely be done. It is imperative to processes and novel these nanometre scale determined by fundamental adopt schemes of creative technologies to deconstruct the structures and recombine them physical rather than biological information exchange, cell wall, towards a complete into macro-scale products that processes. This raises some promoting collaboration and the utilisation of the various can utilise the inherent strength important questions. development of new science and scientists. products generated. The three of these materials. There are In the development of new major renewable biopolymer now a number of chemical and materials, scientists often The prize could be the classes – cellulose, hemi mechanical techniques for attempt to mimic biological development of a whole new cellulose and lignin are moving extraction of cellulose and each processes, which can be platform for the manufacture of away from being cheap gives different raw material extremely complex to new high value materials based commodity products. They are characteristics for different understand and replicate. If on Europe’s most abundant, now being seen as valuable potential applications. However, cellulose assembly is driven by sustainable resource; “its materials with interesting the development of new, high fundamental physical processes, forests”. commercial potential. strength materials from this they may be simpler to Research into new materials natural resource is still in its understand and replicate in the One of the more promising development offers exciting new infancy. development of new self- areas of research has involved opportunities. However, even assembly processes at the the extraction and utilisation of Recently developed electron greater potential economic nanometre scale. There is an crystalline cellulose from wood microscopy techniques are impact lies in supporting the opportunity to rethink research development of new in order to understand better applications for these materials the fundamental interaction of in industries as diverse as physical and biological systems. automotive, sports equipment, The work requires wind turbine, defence and multidisciplinary collaboration aerospace. Strategic investment between biology, physics, could lead to the creation of a materials science, systems new, high value, sustainable engineering, micro and manufacturing base of small, nanotechnologies and modelling medium and large companies and simulation. within the UK. The chemistry and technology of biomass is experiencing a modern renaissance. The mounting pressures in our society to rely Figure 1. Cellulose skeleton within a wood fibre. Magnification 100 000x

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THE P&SC WEB SITE: scienceinparliament.org.uk

and asked if I was interested in Estate, all computers linked One of the more interesting helping to set up a new web site through the main parliamentary aspects of managing these two for the Parliamentary and servers have automatic login web sites has been the Scientific Committee. We agreed access to the web site. Starting challenge of maintaining them in principle there and then, and fairly recently, logged-in whilst travelling the world on my over the following months members can also download 'day job'. More than once I have worked out the detail, leading to and view presentations given at sat at a dusty desk in a client's formal agreement at a specially many of the discussion office at a mineral exploration convened Council meeting in meetings. camp deep in the Russian taiga, Portcullis House on 15th sorting out email queries or Perhaps, thinking that I had November. loading a new issue of Science too much time on my hands Dr Stephen Henley in Parliament via a dodgy CEng FGS FIMMM This detail includes a growing once the main site was running satellite link. This year I was Resources Computing database of articles extracted smoothly, Peter then asked me International Ltd doing the same on a wi-fi from current and past issues of three years ago if I would be connection at a bed-and- Science in Parliament – that, in willing to help with SET for breakfast while on holiday in my view, now constitute the BRITAIN (SfB). It seemed New Zealand. Such is the power most valuable online resource interesting, so I decided to take it of the Internet that physical owned by P&SC. There are now on. For the 2010 competition, I location has become almost 471 articles from every issue transferred the rather immaterial. since Whit 2004. All articles from complicated application form to issues more than 12 months old a new web site, and enabled a So where is our web site are now publicly available. These simple email application system. going next? We could accept the are all indexed and searchable However, it very quickly became inevitable – and link to I have now been managing by author and title. apparent that the number of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, the P&SC web site for six and a applications, combined with three of the most widely used The website also hosts a free half years, since late 2004. I unpredictable behaviour of email social networking sites. We could and regularly updated Guide to have worked with computers for spam filters, was leading to set up a discussion forum on Science in Westminster by David most of my career, although as a chaos for everyone, and most LinkedIn if that is considered Dent – the complexity of the practising scientist my 'day job' is particularly the organisers and desirable. overlapping scientific interests of in geological consultancy, I have judges. As a result, for the 2011 government departments and What else? The P&SC site is worked with computers for most competition the decision was parliamentary committees is overdue for a facelift. It still has of my career, and for several made to replace this with a new made clear in a very accessible essentially the same design as years I have also managed web online database system, where way. when originally set up. Over the sites for clients both commercial competitors are able to submit next months you will see some and charitable – starting in 1995 For the Committee’s their applications online, and changes, with simplified when I was on a research members, probably the two with organisers and judges navigation, and improved contract with CSIRO in Australia most important areas of the site accessing these directly from a legibility. However, this is YOUR for a year. Most web sites, such are the meetings page, which database through secure private web site. What do you want to as World Gold Analyst magazine contains details of future web pages. The database see? How do you want the site or the Ecton Mine Educational meetings (including last minute applications were set up and to be changed and improved? I Trust, have been related in some changes to location or timing), tested in collaboration with Sue have some ideas, and there are way to the minerals industry. For and the Science in Parliament Wharton who brought her many things that can be done the P&SC, though, the link is a page which includes the latest invaluable knowledge of past technically. But it isn't my ideas little more tenuous. I was issues downloadable in PDF competitions with Dr Eric that are important, and technical attending the International format. This supplements the Wharton. This appeared to work gee-whizzery is pointless if it Geological Congress in Florence printed copies which are much better and also coincided doesn't do what you want! in August 2004 and bumped received by parliamentarians and with an increased number of Please use the contact form on into Peter Simpson and Jane all P&SC members, and it also submissions received. Not only the website, or email me direct Plant in the lunch queue one provides free access to the did it mean less work for Sue on [email protected], to give me day. Peter knew of my publications to all employees of and the judges, it also meant your views. Where should we go computing background we both member organisations – much less work for me, as I next? worked together in the British provided that they know the always prefer neat solutions that Geological Survey in the 1970s, login code! In the Westminster reduce unnecessary workloads.

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MRS THATCHER’S BRITISH TECHNOLOGY WALL

“Realising our Potential” Nature commented at the time others to use for the day, or you programme reorganising the “the changes indicate that the might not bother with your own Research Councils and Government thinks scientists car. effectively University Research should be on tap and not on Driverless vehicles have been by insisting that research was of top”. But hopefully someone has produced and tested by the industrial relevance. John learned in 20 years that it main international vehicle Mulvey of the Campaign for doesn’t work like that. Only manufacturers, but they do not Science noted that “there was people working in a creative way fit in with their marketing no more money and what there with science are likely to see its philosophy which, almost was would have to be spent potential for science outside without exception, is to enjoy differently.” John Baruch narrow sectional interests. There the driving experience. Of course Ex Head of the Department of is lots of science that would Cybernetics and Virtual Systems at New Scientist remarked that: governments have committees the University of Bradford. He runs “Cash-strapped research generate new industries and to advise them on these things the only autonomous robot publicly jobs but it would compete with available on the web and is a councils have had to turn down and they have representation pioneer in providing practical top-priority research proposals the establishment. from industry and from the now science on the web for school or even terminate leading “industrially orientated children. Look at leading edge projects because they have to robotics: driverless vehicles eg academia.” Any Government The complete version of this article spend their money on 'second- advisory committee considering can be found at http://www.science driverless cars, taxis and trucks. rate' projects that simply meet driverless vehicles will only inparliament.org.uk They are all well within the government-imposed criteria, reflect the industry view. capability of UK research effort say sources within Britain's to corner the world market with What about roads? The same Economic growth is the tonic research councils. They blame IP, vehicle organising structures, applies to intelligent roads, the that will avert a double dip this state of affairs on a system communications systems and model of the road building recession and put a smile on of government-inspired grants legal developments. It would be industry, and to care for old the faces of this Conservative designed to promote much cheaper for other people focused on care homes, Chancellor and many others. collaboration between countries to learn from us and and these are just the bits I see With the same incantation academic researchers and pay us than to develop their as a robotics and instrument coming out of Washington one industrialists..” scientist. would think that it was a own and so generate a world In 1995, more than 70 per universal problem, but not so. industry led by the UK. Innovation and creativity cent of the MRC's “alpha-rated” India and China are forging Driverless vehicles would needs independent thought and research proposals, which ahead with 8%+ growth, Brazil completely change our lives. support for the ideas. Yes we included projects at the cutting and Russia are not far behind need the links into industry; they edge of science, had to be They would end the catastrophe accompanied by a host of are very good, but Waldegrave turned down for lack of funds. of half a dozen people being emerging economies. We are and Margaret Thatcher threw out In the previous year only 10% killed on UK roads with 400 told that advanced economies the baby with the bath water were turned down. The funding seriously injured every day. like ours come up against a and now we will have to start went into “industrially relevant” technology wall, where Driverless vehicles would blur winning back the 20 years we research. advanced economies are limited the divide between public and have lost knocking down the to growth figures of 1% or less The thinking behind private transport. Of course you technology wall with a diverse with the excuse that all growth is “Realising our Potential” was could still have your own car broad-based healthy dependent on innovation that fundamental research is parked in your garage. Climb independent research structure. around new technologies unlike international. ‘Why should Britain into it in a morning and tell it Most advanced countries are developing countries which are pay for it if we can just read that you wished to go to work. now increasing their science still building the basics of their about it in the journals and At work you might wish to avoid spend and they too have economies. Where has this exploit what everyone else is large parking charges and get it banking problems but they wish Technology Wall come from? It doing? What we need is just to drive to a pound for the day, to climb over the technology was Mrs Thatcher with Lord those people close to industry returning when you had finished wall. The British Government Waldegrave who polarised who can read the journals and work, or you might hire it to a seems to be happy to be walled scientific research with the tell industry what to do.’ As taxi firm to make it available for in.

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NUCLEAR ENERGY – WHAT ARE THE RISKS? WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES? Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 14th June WHY THE UK NEEDS NUCLEAR POWER

This turnaround followed an equally dramatic Environmental concerns about radiation grew fall in the global and national fortunes of nuclear (although from the early 1990s there was also power between the late 1970s and the middle international attention on climate change), and years of the 2000s. The key question is whether the social and political attraciveness of nuclear the global ‘nuclear renaissance’ that appears to energy took a very severe blow after the be under way, albeit modestly so far, should gain Chernobyl accident in 1986. In the UK the ‘dash momentum, or peter out like the last major wave for gas’ in the 1990s ticked all the boxes – there of investment in the 1960s and 1970s. was plenty of gas in the North Sea (indeed we became a net exporter of gas), the new We need four things from our electricity Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology supplies – security and reliability; economic Malcolm Grimston was cheap and reliable, shifting from coal to gas Associate Fellow, Chatham House competitiveness; environmental sensitivity; and for power production resulted in reductions in social and political acceptability. After its initial greenhouse gas emissions and gas did not flourish, nuclear power hit problems on all these provoke major public protests. The main task for The change in the profile of fronts. In the 1960s and, especially, 1970s, the governments of both political colours in the nuclear power in many security of supplies of alternative fuels to nuclear 1990s and early 2000s seemed to be to countries, notably the UK, during power had looked shaky, but the collapse of complete the liberalisation of the market the first decade of the new OPEC, the decline in power of the coal mining commenced in the late 1980s. Since nuclear century has been one of the unions and the discovery of significant quantities power is very heavily capital-intensive it was most startling aspects of the rise of gas (including reserves in the North Sea) further disadvantaged by this change, being of energy up political agendas. pushed such fears into the background. As oil, inherently more risky in economic terms when In 2003 the Government Energy gas and coal prices fell the costs of nuclear power compared to sources of electricity production White Paper said: “Nuclear were growing, largely (though not solely) because which are cheaper and quicker to build (though power’s current economics of the effects of the Three Mile Island accident in more expensive to run), notably gas. make it an unattractive option 1979. This accident happened in a brand new for new, carbon-free generating Pressurised Water Reactor at a time when many Things began to look very different halfway capacity and there are also such plants were under construction. Huge costs through last decade. The UK became a net gas important issues of nuclear were incurred redesigning these partially built importer as reserves became depleted, while the waste to be resolved. This White reactors (a much more expensive undertaking failure to build any new electricity capacity for Paper does not contain specific than redesigning a plant before construction has much of the decade raised fears about the ability proposals for building new begun), servicing the capital which had been of the system to cover peak demand. nuclear power stations.” Just five invested but was not earning an income, years later, the 2008 Nuclear designing new evacuation procedures and Energy White Paper, by contrast, responding to more vigorous regulatory 120 stated: “The Government has requirements. 100 concluded that nuclear should 80 have a role to play in the 60 generation of electricity. Nuclear 2500 40

power is a tried and tested 2000 20 technology. It has provided the 0 1500

UK with secure supplies of safe, 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 1000 low-carbon electricity for half a Production, mtoe per year Consumption, mtoe per year century. More than ever before, 500 UK gas production and consumption 1980-2010

nuclear power has a key role to 0 play as part of the UK’s energy 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 The geopolitics of oil and gas, especially mix.” Overnight cost of 1GW nuclear power stations, USA$ million, 1988 values unrest and military conflict in the Middle East and Russia interrupting oil and gas supplies to

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Ukraine and Belarus in 2005 and 2006, USA, Russia, China, South Korea and many countries there is an urgent need to build revived fears of the dangers of becoming other countries (though Germany, Italy and large amounts of new generating capacity of overdependent on imports from that Switzerland stood as counterexamples). some description (again unlike the 1980s region. Further, as older power stations Public confidence proved remarkably robust when globally the problem was overcapacity neared the end of their lifetimes, there was – a poll in The Times in early July 2011 as a result of the recession caused by the oil a growing need to install very large showed the percentage of people in favour price hikes of 1973 and 1979). amounts of new generating capacity of of replacing the UK’s current nuclear fleet some description in the UK – government with new reactors falling from 52% to 47% The nuclear industry, if it is to fulfil its potential estimates suggest around 35,000 MW over (those opposed growing from 24% to in providing very low carbon electricity and the next 15-20 years. 28%), around the level it had been as reducing the UK’s dependence on imported recently as 2008. Unlike Three Mile Island gas, will need to demonstrate that it can build Concerns over climate change grew as or Chernobyl, Fukushima involved old plants to time and cost (even more vital global emissions of carbon dioxide rose plants (using 1960s technology), which within competitive electricity markets where inexorably. had suffered a huge external challenge cost overruns cannot be passed on to captive from the earthquake and tsunami – customers). It will also need to maintain and 34000 32000 remarkably, of the 14 reactors in the extend its much more open approach to 30000 affected zone in Japan the 10 newest were communication and debate with people 28000 26000 in stable ‘cold shutdown’ within a week. about the pros and cons of nuclear 24000 Any redesign lessons can be applied before technology – the industry’s previous secrecy 22000 construction begins, but newer reactor 20000 and sometimes arrogance have contributed designs such as the Toshiba-Westinghouse to a degree of public mistrust. 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 AP1000 make much more use of ‘passive Global carbon dioxide emissions from oil, coal and gas, MtCO2 But the growing need for reliable new safety’ as opposed to ‘engineered safety’. To take an example, the main problem with capacity, for alternatives to imported fossil fuels, for low carbon sources and for Public confidence in nuclear power grew the reactors at Fukushima occurred economic competitiveness leaves few considerably after nearly 25 years without a because the tsunami flooded the back-up attractive options. Many renewable major accident, and several prominent generators which power the pumps which technologies (notably wind, tidal and solar) green campaigners who had been send water into the core of the reactors to remove waste heat. The loss of these are inherently intermittent, which makes opponents of nuclear power publicly pumps resulted in the fuel melting (it now them poorly suited to providing ‘baseload’ revised their stance. seems) and ultimately in releases of power, the electricity demand that must be Q How favourable or unfavourable are your radioactive materials and hydrogen, which met at the time it arises to keep our water overall opinions or impressions of the caused the explosions we saw. In an flowing, mass transportation operating and so nuclear industry/nuclear energy? AP1000 there is a huge reservoir of water on.

50% Favourable Unfavourable 40% 40%

30%

20% 17%

10%

0% Feb Aug Fe b Sep Apr i Dec July Dec Dec Dec Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov '98 '99 t l '00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10

Sept Oct Fluctuations in wind power feed in E.On Netz control area, Germany, November Base: All adults aged 16+ (1,980) November 2010 1 2003

In the UK the Coalition Government above the reactor containment itself. If all In effect, then, each nuclear plant that is not elected in 2010 essentially maintained the power is lost to the plant, pressure inside the built will represent a coal or gas plant which pro-nuclear stance of its predecessor, on containment would increase, and this would is, locking us into greenhouse gas emissions the assumption that nuclear power did not open valves which would allow water to flow and increasing our dependence on receive specific subsidies that were not under gravity from the reservoir into the imported fossil fuels. With most of our available to other fuels (insurance against containment. This process does not require current nuclear plants coming to the end of major accident being the exception). any power and so would have been effective their lives over the next decade or so, a even during the tsunami. rapid start to a new programme is now vital. The accident at Fukushima certainly led to a pause for thought, but no apparent major Climate change is a much bigger policy driver change in policy in the UK, or indeed in the now than it was in the 1980s while in many

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NUCLEAR ENERGY – WHAT ARE THE RISKS? WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES? NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING – WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT TO THE UK ECONOMY?

Nuclear energy is tempting. It nuclear fuel will release as much The regulator is currently provides a low carbon secure energy as 500 litres of fuel oil. undergoing significant evolution energy resource. Nevertheless, This makes the nuclear option as it prepares for a new build without consistent underpinning very attractive, particularly for programme. This is evidenced science and engineering it intensive energy users such as by it changing from being the would not be possible, or wise, chemical and manufacturing ‘Nuclear Installations to proceed with this option. This industries, where both Inspectorate’ to the ‘Office for is because nuclear energy fluctuations in cost and reliability Nuclear Regulation’. Having been generation demands a very high of supply are crucial issues. a nation that pioneered nuclear degree of engineering capability energy, we have a diverse fleet To address the challenges, Robin Grimes to build, control, monitor, of reactors. This has demanded Director, Centre for Nuclear maintain and decommission science and engineering must a continuous regulatory focused Engineering, Imperial College plant. The spent fuel also provide the understanding and R&D programme so requires careful handling and its deliver developments and consequently the Regulator is final disposal has not been fully improvements that ensure the well exercised and able to resolved. It is probable that continuing safety, security and address a new build programme within the reactor pressure reliability of all aspects of the while progressing life extension vessel, the combination of high industry. In the UK, safety is the of the existing fleet. Post radiation fields, temperatures, responsibility of everyone in the Fukushima there will be a pressures and corrosion, make industry and the regulator. The greater international emphasis this the most extreme of generator must advance on safety and reliability. UK engineering environments. arguments based on companies are at the forefront Consequently, it is not sufficient engineering experience to of developing and applying the to understand only the pre- develop a safety case and the required advanced engineering irradiation properties and regulator must test and processes and methods to offer behaviour of nuclear plant. scrutinise the case to ensure enhanced safety and security for Rather, to optimise performance, that it is robust against both plant world wide. reliability and guarantee safety, it normal and possible accident The existing UK fleet are is necessary to understand how scenarios. Scientific mostly Advanced Gas Cooled plant behaviour evolves during developments allow new reactors (AGR), an almost operation – particularly how processes to be considered, with unique UK design. Near term components age and the the aim to proceed towards reactors, for the new build properties of constituent even safer and more efficient programme, will be Pressurised materials change under generation. However, existing Water Reactors (PWR), a variant irradiation. This demands the reactors are getting older and of light water reactors. These are application of science and those extreme conditions are used by the majority of other engineering at the highest levels. causing parts of the plant to nations, including France and Irrespective of the challenges, slowly degrade and evolve in the US. The UK has one PWR nuclear energy provides by far ways that cannot always be reactor, Sizewell B. the most compact energy anticipated from previous Commissioned in 1988 it is our source. A single nuclear reaction experience. Thus, scientific most recent reactor and right releases a hundred million times research is crucial to enable now the most recently more energy than a chemical possible problems to be commissioned power reactor in reaction. Put another way, one anticipated and their effects Europe. We are presently cubic centimetre of conventional minimised. considering different PWR

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designs for new build. GWd/t corresponds to (MOX) fuel that can be used in arising first here in the UK but Importantly for UK industry, approximately 1% of the conventional PWR reactors. will certainly arise later in other reactor build is no longer the uranium atoms being used up). While a much less challenging countries. domain of a single company – While engineering solutions will technology, this would only Finally, UK universities are build is an international multi- increase burn-up further improve the efficiency of enjoying their own nuclear company venture and as such, (helping to maintain nuclear as uranium use by a few per cent. renaissance with Research UK companies will play a an economically attractive Again, the UK has reprocessed Councils UK having increased considerable role in the new energy generation option) this not only UK fuel but fuel from funding of fission research to build supply chain, irrespective will still mean that only a few overseas reactors to produce ~£50M. There can be no doubt of the name on the front of the per cent of the available MOX and exported it back to the that what attracts academics to building. uranium is being used. Dramatic country of origin (eg to nuclear energy research is the increases are possible but Switzerland and Japan). It is not A major factor in why we challenge of understanding require significant scientific clear at this point if we will have changed over to PWR those extreme radiation advances. continue to offer this service but design is the remarkable environments! Furthermore, as it has generated substantial increases, over the past 20 One option that would John Roberts describes in his revenue. years, in the capacity factors of consume over 70% of the article, UK universities are PWR plant. Continuous uranium fuel atoms is to use A final option is to employ working hard to supply the incremental improvements in fast reactor technology. In this the thorium fuel cycle. In this graduates to fuel industry-based plant design and operation have case, the neutrons interact with case the thorium isotope Th- nuclear science and resulted in the proportion of the uranium and plutonium 232 undergoes transmutation to engineering. Much of this time during which the reactors atoms with greater energy but produce a lower isotope of involves blurring the boundaries are available to generate the technology only works if the uranium, U-233, which is able to between academia and electricity (their capacity factor) energy density within the core is undergo fission. There are a industry. For example, in increasing from around 70% to even greater than in a PWR – number of attractive points to collaboration with more than a over 90%. about 4 times greater. This is an this technology, including a dozen industries such as Rolls- enormous challenge and an greater abundance of thorium Royce and Westinghouse, A second factor in the entirely different cooling compared to uranium and the Manchester and Sheffield success of the PWR reactor is technology is required (for smaller inventory of very long- Universities are developing a the increase in burn-up of their example liquid sodium). In the lived elements in the spent fuel. Nuclear Advanced uranium dioxide nuclear fuel. In UK we did build working fast However, it does still produce as Manufacturing Research Centre. a nuclear reactor, uranium reactors in the 1970s but the many fission products and a This aims to fast forward atoms undergo fission due to technical problems were too detailed understanding of how academic innovation into civil neutron irradiation – that is, great to make this option the fuel performs is lacking. nuclear manufacturing. atoms are split into two non- economically competitive at that Nevertheless, it is a technology identical smaller atoms (fission In conclusion, the UK is in a time. A further issue with this that will undergo significant products). This is accompanied good position to capitalise on its technology is that it requires the scientific investigation over the by a significant release of energy historic excellence and fuel to be recycled multiple next decade and the UK could and additional neutrons that pioneering experience in times. That is, useful uranium play an important part, with maintain the (chain) reaction. nuclear science and and plutonium must be work presently being carried out, Conventional fuel relies upon engineering. We have a diverse separated from the fission for example, at the National only one isotope of uranium (U- set of legacy activities that products. Such reprocessing Nuclear Laboratory. 235) to sustain the fission require our companies to technologies were still in their reaction while another isotope Returning to the diversity of innovate and they are integral infancy at the time and the (U-238), is slowly transmuted UK nuclear plant, this means we to the supply chain delivering waste arising, due to the difficult into plutonium (Pu-239), which are having to overcome some new highly efficient reactors. chemical processes, caused then also undergoes fission. unique challenges in Our regulator is internationally major problems of their own. At Eventually the initial U-235 is decommissioning resulting from respected and we have a the present time India is mostly used up and the fuel our being a pioneer nuclear rapidly expanding university embarking on a major power becomes inefficient and must nation. Consequently the UK is sector. Nuclear energy has been generating fast reactor be removed from the reactor – already a world leader in part of the UK science and programme and Russia it is spent. Increasing the time decommissioning technologies engineering identity for nearly continues to operate fast over which the fuel is usefully with companies such as AMEC 60 years. It is entering an reactors. generating energy provides an and SERCO now finding exciting new phase that offers important economic incentive An alternative approach to expanding international markets numerous national and and burn-ups in light water fast reactors, which also utilises in which to apply their UK international opportunities for reactors have been increasing reprocessing, is to use the engineering experience. They industry and academia alike. steadily from 20 GWd/t in 1970 uranium and plutonium to are developing innovative to over 50 GWd/t at present (10 fabricate new mixed-oxide solutions to problems that are

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NUCLEAR ENERGY – WHAT ARE THE RISKS? WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES? NUCLEAR EDUCATION IN THE UK: IS IT RESPONDING TO THE HUMAN RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS?

Yr Wylfa and Oldbury – care”. It suggested that consortium brought together the owned by Horizon Nuclear “immediate action is needed; nuclear experts to provide 21 Power a consortium of EoN and otherwise nuclear education will different possible Master level RWE slowly disappear” and modules in one programme. Sellafield – owned by recommended that “the focus of Another significant advantage of NuGeneration, a consortium of nuclear education should be on the NTEC programme was due Iberdrola, GDF Suez and Scottish postgraduate courses”. to it being a totally new and Southern Electricity. programme it could be designed Some nuclear postgraduate to accommodate full-time or The Committee on courses, such as those at the part-time students. Through Radioactive Waste Management Universities of Birmingham, discussions with industry Dr John Roberts recommendations for the final Surrey and Liverpool had Dalton Nuclear Institute, The partners, who still meet twice University of Manchester disposal of the UK’s civilian survived the downturn in yearly as an External Advisory higher levels of radioactive student numbers which followed Board, NTEC is delivered in a waste were accepted by the the “dash for gas” in the 1990s “short-fat” format rather than day Government in 2006. This will but the majority of nuclear release as this was the preferred entail the construction of an expertise had declined to just model for industry. The modules underground geological disposal individuals at the Universities are all delivered in Monday- facility (GDF) with site rather than major research Friday blocks rather than day- investigations due to commence groups3. To deliver nuclear As of July 1st 2011, following release. This allows students to in five years, if a volunteer host postgraduate education in the the closure of one of the two have the level of interaction with community can be identified, 21st century a consortium reactors at Oldbury, the UK has the programme that is followed in twenty years by the approach was required, and so 18 nuclear reactors at 10 sites appropriate for their needs, from construction of the GDF. the Nuclear Technology producing electricity to the grid. Continual Professional Education Consortium (NTEC) To support the operations at Together the three areas of Development (CPD), was formed in 2004. NTEC these sites the UK also has fuel decommissioning, new build postgraduate certificate or and geological disposal will originally consisted of 11 Higher enrichment and fabrication diploma or a full MSc in Nuclear require a new generation of Education Institutes and facilities along with reprocessing Science and Technology, see nuclear engineers and scientists. organisations: capability at the Sellafield site. figure 1. The full MSc can be The UK nuclear workforce also Decommissioning is also taking • University of Manchester taken as a full-time programme place at 10 sites. Taking account has an older average age than • University of Sheffield over one year or part-time over of all these activities the nuclear the UK workforce as well as a • Imperial College London three years. industry in the UK currently greater percentage retiring over • University of Liverpool employs around 44,000 the next 15 years1. To meet Bringing together so many people1. these demands the UK • University of Leeds universities allows NTEC to universities with nuclear • University of Birmingham provide a unique breadth to the The government target 2 for expertise have developed new • City University course content with 22 modules maintaining nuclear energy on undergraduate, postgraduate • Lancaster University now being offered with the grid is to have at least 25 taught and postgraduate successful completion of 8 GW of new supply by 2025. • University of Highlands and research programmes. Ten years modules being required for a This entails at least one reactor Islands Millennium Institute ago the situation was not as full MSc. This allows the being built on land near each of • Westlakes Research Institute healthy, a report commissioned students to tailor the content eight existing reactor sites: • Defence Academy, College of by the Health and Safety specifically to their personal Management and Technology Hinkley Point, Sizewell, Executive 3 stated “if nuclear needs, whether it is more Heysham, Hartlepool and education were a patient in a with the University of Central focused on nuclear technology Bradwell - owned by EDF Energy hospital it would be in intensive Lancashire joining in 2009. The for the new build programme,

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comprehensive postgraduate New web-based training and the opportunity to developments to support the experience different research nuclear universities programme topics before deciding on their include Nuclear Liaison PhD for the final three years. (www.nuclearliaison.com) and This allows the PhD to establish NLTV (www.nltv.co.uk). Nuclear the same level of networking Liaison has been set up to list all and support normally only the nuclear courses at UK available for taught universities along with a undergraduate or postgraduate Directory of all the nuclear courses. experts at UK universities. This allows prospective students, or The Nuclear Industrial Doctoral Figure 1. NTEC Programme Structure universities and industry that are Centre (led by the University in interested in collaboration, to Manchester in partnership with or on decommissioning, rather Engineering” undergraduate find out all the information on Imperial College London) has a than a one fit for all approach. courses which allow Mechanical UK nuclear universities in one radically different approach to Consistent with the integration and Chemical Engineers and place. It also provides industry PhD level training with the of the programme with industry Material Scientists to have 25% contacts for students that are “research engineers” carrying out the MSc students are nuclear content in their courses, looking for summer placements their research primarily in industry encouraged to undertake their which can ideally prepare them or graduate training schemes with a project of direct relevance Masters project within industry, to be Mechanical or Chemical within the nuclear industry. NLTV to the sponsoring company. This, which has led to an excellent Engineers or Material Scientists has taken this one step further again, is an excellent example of track record of the project in the nuclear industry. The with the introduction of recorded how nuclear universities and the students being employed by the Physics departments at the lectures that can be viewed nuclear industry are working sponsoring company on Universities of Liverpool, the online. This allows a greater together, not in isolation, in completion of their project. In West of Scotland and dissemination of the information response to the human resource 2011 NTEC is now a mature Nottingham Trent have as well as providing a record of requirements as new nuclear programme with student developed Physics with Nuclear the event for knowledge developments take place in the numbers increasing year on Technology undergraduate management purposes. year. A key feature of the degrees. Full-time one year UK. The nuclear universities and programme, which has enabled nuclear masters have been To maintain the student nuclear education has come a the student numbers to grow, is developed by Imperial College numbers it is vital that schools, long way in the last ten years that the most popular modules London and the University of schoolchildren and teachers are and is now a thriving part of have been converted for Cambridge, a testament to the engaged. Some examples of this university education in 2011. A Distance Learning. This has demand now being seen for at The University of Manchester key aspect of the continuation of allowed students from outside nuclear courses. include: the UK to access the course, this success is that many of the Despite the Engineering and • The EPSRC is funding the providing they have the required newly qualified students have Physical Sciences Research development of supporting security clearance, as well as already registered as STEM Council (EPSRC) decision to material for the nuclear content increasing the number of part- Ambassadors. They are visiting stop the funding of any Masters of the school curriculum. This is time students that are already schools to encourage the next programmes they are increasing enabling university material to part of the nuclear industry, or generation of school children their support for nuclear be converted for schools to use want to re-train to become part that the nuclear industry in the research and in particular their in the classroom. of the nuclear industry. UK will provide them with a support for PhD students. Two challenging, stimulating and long • The Smallpeice Trust, Urenco The success of NTEC has PhD programmes led by The lasting career. and the National Nuclear shown the renewed student University of Manchester are Laboratory are supporting an References interest in university nuclear training over 20 students every annual residential course at 1. Renaissance Nuclear Skills Series:1, courses and this has enabled year. The Fission Doctoral The University of Manchester Power People: The Civil Nuclear universities to develop more Training Centre (DTC) has a Workforce 2009-2025, available at for 50 14-16 year olds who are traditional undergraduate and traditional approach to the http://www.cogent- interested in a career in the postgraduate courses. Lancaster research content but provides ssc.com/research/Publications/Nuclear nuclear industry. ReportPowerPeople.pdf University was the first in 2006 additional support to the 2. National Policy Statement 2009 with an undergraduate MEng students by adopting a cohort • Supported by the Nuclear 3. HSE Nuclear Education in British programme in Nuclear approach to recruitment and Institute the Universities of Universities 2002 Engineering. Imperial College training. A cohort of at least ten Manchester, Liverpool and York London and the Universities of students is recruited annually to provide an annual training day Manchester and Leeds have start at the same time. In the on nuclear technologies for developed “and/with Nuclear first year they have schoolteachers.

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CHERNOBYL 25 YEARS ON, A POLICEMAN’S VIEW

John Slater BSc The technical details of what insects, no other animals. At winter was over, however, the happened are readily available Pripyat, the nearest town to the civil servants were adamant that FRSA MIoD on the internet (Google power plant, there is a funfair a safety test had to happen Chernobyl). This article looks at completely silent and rusting. In despite all the warnings from why it happened and the a car park there are Soviet tanks, the experts. They conceded that potential lessons that need to too radioactive to be used. The only one of the four plants be learned. It is my opinion that, power plant was deliberately needed to be tested but ignored had the professional advice built alongside a river, to provide the complication and dangers of given been heeded, the plant a water supply. The bridge over disabling fail-safe circuits that would still be running safely the river is so radioactive it has a were designed to react in today and for many years to 20kph minimum speed limit fractions of a second. (Bad come. and the fish in the river are decision 2). As a retired Scotland Yard worryingly large. I watched one The tests were scheduled to Chief Superintendent I was eat a loaf of bread in one take place on 25th April 1986 at working as a consultant to the mouthful. 11am. The experts were Interior Minister of Ukraine in Discussions with those nervous as they had no 2009. I was working with the involved then and now revealed experience of trying to turn off a The catastrophe at Police and State Security and five major bad decisions by the reactor and all its fail-safe the Chernobyl was given the opportunity to bureaucrats, civil servants and devices. They moved the best nuclear power plant visit the entire Chernobyl site politicians in charge. The cost of technicians and engineers from and to talk to people present on these runs to many billions and other shifts to ensure they had on 26th April 1986 the day of the catastrophe and thousands of lives. Bear in mind the most skilful team. At 10am was no accident. It to people currently involved. I that at the time this was part of the Supreme Soviet sent an was also given access to the Soviet Union and no one edict saying that as a large coal was a direct result information by the State dared disobey an edict of the power station in Belarus was not of human error; as Security. I have no means to Supreme Soviet. working, the test was postponed verify what I was told and until 11pm that same day, such it was shown but I believe it to be true. Four nuclear power stations (when some of the least were built at the Chernobyl site, experienced staff would now be completely There is a 30Km exclusion scheduled to be up and running on duty). (Bad decision 3). zone around the Chernobyl avoidable and was by 1st December 1985. This Despite protestations from the power plant. Almost everyone date is the official start of winter experts, this decision was non- the consequence of who lived within it has been and the power demands would negotiable. evacuated, though one elderly bureaucrats, civil increase noticeably as public couple refused to leave their The rest is history, though the servants and buildings were then heated. home and continue to survive death toll need not have been There was a small amount of politicians ignoring with no obvious ill effects. There so high. When the fire brigade slippage and, though finished, is then a police manned cordon arrived they checked for sound professional the safety systems had not been at 5Km, access on a needs only radiation. The Geiger counter tested. Against the advice of the and technical advice basis, then finally a 1Km cordon showed zero. They did not know scientists and engineers, the where access is on a timed this was because the levels given by very Supreme Soviet directed that all basis and each entrant carries a were 100 times the maximum competent and four power stations would start Geiger counter to measure the of their machine. Four hours generating immediately and the highly qualified dosage of radiation they have later, a military Geiger counter safety systems would be tested received. Even 25 years on, the was produced and it showed scientists and at a later date. (Bad decision 1). longest one can stay safely is radiation levels from 1 to 6 There was no appreciation or engineers. about 45 minutes a day. Sievert (6 is normally fatal). By acceptance of the fact that Interestingly, the wild life within then it was too late for over 350 nuclear power stations cannot the 30Km zone has really firemen. The evacuation of be simply switched on and off. flourished, yet within the 1Km residents was delayed for many zone, there is an eerie silence; Eventually it was agreed that hours as policy dictated that no bird song, no sound of any test should wait until the Soviet citizens could not be

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the staff have suffered the do this if the core has cooled? effects of radiation related illness In conclusion, I believe and death (Bad decision 5). This that, despite being the worst was despite the advice of nuclear catastrophe to date, scientists and doctors. Chernobyl should not be The core of the reactor was quoted as similar to those of so hot it melted down through 3 Mile Island, (which was the the ground some considerable consequence of faulty distance. I was given conflicting machinery and poor fail-safe information as to whether it had equipment), or more recently now cooled or was still hot and in Japan, (which was the moving. Those who believed it result of underestimating the was still hot expressed concern effects of the elements or that it was heading towards ‘Acts of God’). Chernobyl was aquifers and if it reached them no accident or equipment (estimated around 2020) then failure, it was the direct result the resultant super-heated of bad decisions by people in steam might blow the core back authority who were arrogant out and send masses of and should have known radioactive dust into the better. As such it was atmosphere in a repeat completely avoidable. The performance of 1986. advice they were given was I am inclined to believe this accurate, of high quality and version, as thousands of tons of based on scientific fact – it concrete have been poured would be the same today. To down the hole and placed on ignore it on the basis of some Fig 1 An aerial view of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, shortly after the disaster in April 1986, which released about 400 times more top; then recently work has political need will not make radiation than the U.S. atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima begun on fitting an enormous the facts go away; the steel canopy over the top. Why resultant outcome proved this. moved until accommodation for there are unsuspecting them had been identified. So, purchasers with unexpected skin sadly, the evacuation of the cancer. It is of little consolation residents of Pripyat and the city to them that no doubt many of of Chernobyl did not start until the thieves have suffered as a 2pm on 27th. Many deaths result of the radiation they from radiation and subsequent received. cancers could have been Unbelievably, the Supreme avoided if bureaucrats had Soviet directed that the listened to and acted upon the remaining 3 power stations expert advice of scientists. (Bad would continue to operate, decision 4). despite each being within 500 During the evacuation of metres of the catastrophe. They remained fully staffed and ran citizens, they were told they Fig 2 Memorial to the over 350 Firemen exposed to radiation levels could not take any metal objects for a further 10 years. Many of ranging from 1 to 6 Sievert at Chernobyl (6 is normally fatal) with them and were scanned before being allowed on the bus. Many ran home to leave watches and jewellery on the kitchen table before hurrying back to catch the bus. Within 3 months looters had ransacked thousands of these homes and stolen a small fortune of radioactive watches and jewellery. Most of this found its way to the street markets of London, Paris and other major Fig 3 Bumper cars in a funfair at Pripyat, the Fig 4 Radioactive railway bridge with a minimum speed cities of Europe where now nearest town to the power plant limit of 20kph

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MATHEMATICS TODAY British mathematics has a stunning history, spanning at least 400 years. To understand the motion of the planets, Isaac Newton developed the mathematical tools that are still used to describe the motion of almost anything.

In the 1860s James Clerk The report goes on to several decades after their Maxwell wrote down the examine both the activity and the appearance; the mathematical Ken Brown Professor of Mathematics, relativistic equations of light and processes involved in sciences play a central role in University of Glasgow radio waves, anticipating aspects mathematical research in the UK. solving problems from every and Vice-President of the London of Einstein’s theory by twenty Its publication provides an imaginable application domain; Mathematical Society years. R A Fisher developed the excellent opportunity for the UK and, because of the unity of the mathematical theory of statistics mathematics community to mathematical sciences, advances in its modern form almost reflect on recent achievements in every sub-area enrich the single-handedly in the 1920s and frame future prospects. entire field.” whilst working at the Publication of the IRMS report However, mathematical Rothamsted Experimental coincides with far-reaching and science is also a hugely Station; and Alan Turing used controversial changes in research important discipline in its own mathematics to decode the funding policy signalled by the right, with its own culture and German enigma machines in EPSRC’s ‘Shaping Capability’ intellectual imperatives, its own the 1940s, developing the first agenda 2. The Research Council history over millennia, and its computers in the process. In intends to take a more proactive own ‘Grand Challenges’. It is Paul Glendinning 1994, more than three hundred Professor of Applied Mathematics, role in commissioning and important to see mathematics in and fifty years after the problem University of Manchester sponsoring research, identifying its entirety and not be distracted and Vice-President of the Institute of was first posed, Andrew Wiles research areas for growth and by the crude and misleading Mathematics and Its Applications proved Fermat’s Last Theorem; special support, rather than distinction between theory and Wiles will return from the US to simply supporting excellence as applications, often expressed as Faces of Mathematics. a post at Oxford later this year. Photographer: Marc Atkins advised by academic and ‘pure’ versus ‘applied’ To assess the state of current industrial experts. In what follows mathematics. mathematical science, the we shall try to explain how and Misled by its daily usefulness, Engineering and Physical why the mathematical sciences we might see mathematical Sciences Research Council must exercise central roles in the science as a stagnant well of (EPSRC) commissions regular culture and the economy of any techniques from which one can reports from international successful modern society; and ladle out exactly what is needed experts. The International Review we shall also aim to show why to deal with a given problem. of Mathematical Sciences 2010 EPSRC’s current strategy risks 1 This is far from the truth. The (IRMS 2010) , was published making these roles unsustainable “right” mathematics may be this Easter, the first report since for UK mathematical science. 2004. Its conclusion is that ‘UK languishing in obscurity, having It is hard to overstate the mathematical sciences research been developed many years importance and the ubiquity of is world-leading in some fields, earlier; or it may be in a field with mathematics. The IRMS 2010 outstanding in many others and no apparent connection with the strong overall’. The Executive expresses it well (again from the matter at hand; or it may well not Summary (p iv) adds Executive Summary), yet have been discovered.

“Two major factors that “the mathematical sciences Many examples can be given contribute to the present provide a universal language for of each of these cases. For excellence of the UK academic expressing abstractions in example, the medical imaging mathematical sciences enterprise science, engineering, industry techniques used every day in are its diversity – in area, group and medicine; mathematical every hospital in the land depend size and size of institution – and ideas, even the most theoretical, crucially on abstract mathematical its geographically distributed can be useful or enlightening in analysis of the early 20th century; nature.” unexpected ways, sometimes and the “matrix formulation of

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quantum mechanics”, developed then taking the standard route which more and more students in the late 1920s, hinged on the from there was almost as are taking: there were 5475 then very obscure – but now efficient, far cheaper to graduating students in school-level – matrix algebra, implement, and far less likely to mathematical science in the UK studied by English algebraists 60 malfunction. This insight, that a in 2007-8, almost as many as years earlier. Of course quantum less sophisticated, simple chemistry (2965) and physics mechanics itself was in the solution can be almost as good (2765) combined. The figure for 1920s regarded as completely and far cheaper than a graduate mathematicians has useless, but now underpins our technically perfect solution, is been steadily rising for over a digital universe. A problem we now a recognised design feature decade now: in 2000 it was still do not know how to of networks. 3500 4. approach is that of extracting the research in mathematics? The The intricate interdependence Mathematics graduates are important information hidden in answer, typically, is: by reading a of fundamental mathematical employed in banking, medicine, huge data sets. This is one of the bit, perhaps talking to colleagues science and application makes it pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, key challenges for genomic and students (both down the very hard to steer mathematical communications and other biology, and statisticians are corridor and across the planet), research in any meaningful way. advanced technology, teaching, currently making important and by thinking a lot. This doesn’t mean that we government departments, advances in developing new Consequently, the working shouldn’t try, but it does suggest actuarial and accountancy as well methodology to address it. research mathematician’s that the best compass to use as going into business for requirements are relatively few – The well and ladle metaphor may be one which seeks out the themselves. Mathematics is good internet access, a quiet and is grossly misleading in a second highest quality and the most rightly seen as a challenging warm place to work, and plenty way: it wrongly suggests that promising directions, in each degree by employers and valued of time and coffee! Except in those working on applications particular field. Mathematicians for its transferable skills; indeed some cases involving large don’t themselves produce and statisticians should continue postgraduate mathematical interdisciplinary activity, what she fundamental mathematics. In fact to put huge efforts into seeking scientists have the highest or he doesn’t usually need is a the reverse is the case. Newton’s solutions to society’s challenges, average starting salary among all big team working on the same discovery of the calculus is of but the health of the core UK holders of postgraduate problems in the same place, or 5 course the first and greatest of discipline is a vital feature of a degrees . This crucial expensive equipment. These many British examples. This age- country’s mathematical research contribution to the country’s factors make it easy to achieve old interchange between framework. economy is only possible by mathematical science and the diversity and geographic virtue of the wide distribution of physics continues undiminished It could be argued that given distribution highlighted as virtues research excellence which today: stemming from the the severity of the current by the IRMS 2010. They also ensures that mathematics pioneering work of Sir Michael economic crisis we should leave ensure that UK mathematical research and teaching is Atiyah and his students, the UK fundamental research to other scientists are well positioned, in accessible throughout the has been a world leader for 50 countries and focus on the terms both of geography and country. years in the convergence of parts applications. This is to subject coverage, for the So much for the scale of the of physics with the ‘purest’ misunderstand the nature of absolutely crucial task of teaching enterprise, but what about reaches of algebra, geometry and mathematical research: core and undergraduate and postgraduate diversity and quality? Given the topology. applied mathematics are students. size of the mathematics research inextricably interlinked and, as Mathematics doesn’t just In both teaching and research community it is not surprising we’ve tried to show, to spot the solve problems it provides UK mathematics is a large that most areas of the discipline right mathematics for a given insights which can lead to more activity: 1129 international-level are represented within the UK. application requires immersion in far-reaching advances. In the mathematical scientists (FTE) British-based mathematical the well and can’t simply be 1990s Frank Kelly (University of were submitted to the last scientists are pioneering world- done by wielding a ladle from Cambridge), worked on BT’s new research assessment exercise class work in fields as diverse as above. Moreover, it often routing architecture where a compared with 729 in physics models of cancer growth and happens that deep major issue is how to deal with and 957 in chemistry 3. The dual properties of sequences of understanding of the blockages in the network. The funding (Funding Council/ prime numbers. They are mathematical science actually natural ‘technological’ solution is RCUK) support for UK involved in applications ranging generates the application. A to have full knowledge of the universities means that research from the analysis of option famous example is the Pagerank state of the system and compute and teaching are linked, so that pricing to the assessment of algorithm at the heart of Google, the most efficient route from the students taking degrees in medical procedures. And their which relies on the same matrix blocked point. Kelly showed that mathematical science have the excellence is recognised up to algebra that was crucial for the far simpler and more robust opportunity to see the subject as the very highest level: six UK quantum mechanics. method of sending the call to a the living, developing discipline mathematicians hold Fields nearby node at random and How do people actually do that it is. And it’s an opportunity Medals 6. This is officially known

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geographically distributed excellence in UK mathematical science, developed over many years with the support of HEFCE and the research councils, is about to be seriously diminished.

Acknowledgements: We are grateful to colleagues on the Council for Mathematical Sciences for comments and suggestions that have been incorporated into this article.

1 The IRMS 2010 Report can be downloaded at www.epsrc.ac.uk/ newsevents/pubs/corporate/intrevs/20 With minimal input, these intricately beautiful computer generated fractal graphics are made by repeating simple 10maths/ geometrical operations many times. Behind them lie deep mathematical discoveries of recent years. 2 Details of the EPSRC Shaping Capability Reproduced with permission from Indra's Pearls, copyright Cambridge University Press. Policy are at www.epsrc.ac.uk/plans/ implementingdeliveryplan/goals/shapin as the International Medal for some way to go. fields where research council gcapability/ Outstanding Discoveries in support is low, so that, over time, Council of Mathematical Sciences Despite the best efforts of (CMS) responses are at Mathematics, but unofficially as the geographic and subject people such as Marcus du www.cms.ac.uk/submissions.html the ‘Nobel Prize for diversity highlighted above will Sautoy and Ian Stewart, we 3 Figures obtained by multiplying the mathematics’. Two or three of be threatened. could do better in telling the percentage of outputs in quality bands these are awarded once every public about the excitement and We share the widespread fear 3* and 4* by the number of academic four years, for work done before staff in each RAE submission, and applicability of mathematics – that the future of UK the age of forty. summing over all submissions. sites such as the excellent mathematical sciences is under 4 Figures from HESA; see www.iop.org British mathematical science Mathematics Matters 8 of the threat. The research grant wins financial backing not only Institute of Mathematics and its commitment of the EPSRC 5 Adrian Smith's report One Step Beyond: Making the most of postgraduate from the HE Funding Councils Mathematics Programme has Applications point the way here. education, p. 94 (March 2010) and from the Research Councils, been in decline since 2007-8, at Although mathematics is 6 Atiyah, Baker, Borcherds (based in the but from European agencies, a time when funding for other relatively cheap compared with US), Donaldson, Gowers and Roth. from charities, from government disciplines in EPSRC’s portfolio and industry, and from many experimental science, ‘cheap’ was still increasing. At a modest 7 www.maths.ox.ac.uk/groups/occam does not mean ‘free’ – money is outside bodies. To give just one £12m, it was the same in cash 8 www.ima.org.uk/i_love_maths/ recent and very notable badly needed to maintain and terms in 2009-10 as it had been mathematics_matters.cfm widen the pipeline for fresh example: the Oxford Centre for in 2003-4. Over this same 9 Taken from Table 3 of CMS submission Collaborative Applied talent, from PhD training through period the total EPSRC research to House of Commons Select Committee inquiry on the Spending Mathematics 7 (OCCAM) has to postdoctoral fellowships and grant commitment increased beyond. Research grant support Review 2010, been created with £20m backing from £378m to £459m, the www.cms.ac.uk/submissions.html from the King Abdullah for established mathematical latter figure including £88m for Assembled from tables in EPSRC University of Science and scientists gives them essential physical sciences and £72m for Annual Reports Technology (Saudi Arabia). opportunities to interact on a ICT 9. It is in this already very global stage with their peers, and challenging landscape that the Inevitably there is room for provides vital periods of EPSRC is now rushing through its improvement. The IRMS 2010 uninterrupted time for research. ill-considered ‘shaping capability’ criticises the UK for the poor agenda. representation of women in A crucial and more subtle mathematics, and also points out point about research council This agenda is being that the brevity of UK doctoral support is often missed – implemented before the training compared with mainland namely, there are unintended mathematics community has Europe and the US can put negative consequences of low been properly consulted. It young UK mathematicians at a and reducing levels of funding, places strategic decisions in the disadvantage compared to their beyond the straightforward loss hands of administrators, with international peers. Both these of support for current research. priorities such as the are points the community and University administrations, under centralisation of research that do the universities are addressing, pressure to maximise external not necessarily fit the but, particularly in the case of funding, are increasingly reluctant mathematics landscape. There is women in mathematics, there is to make new appointments in a real danger that the

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RUSSIA AND THE UK BRING STATUE OF YURI GAGARIN TO LONDON

A statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, was unveiled outside the British Council’s London headquarters in the Mall on 14th July 2011 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight. The statue, a gift from the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) to the British Council, will stand in the Mall for a period of 12 months. It was unveiled by HRH Prince Michael of Kent and Elena Gagarina, the cosmonaut’s daughter and Director of the Kremlin Museums, exactly fifty years to the day that Yuri Gagarin met with the Queen as part of his visit to the UK in 1961.

Elena Gagarina said that she to commemorate what would was very proud to be unveiling a have been Gagarin’s 50th statue to her father in a city that birthday (he died in a plane had welcomed him so warmly crash aged 34) and is today a 50 years ago; and David Willetts, site of pilgrimage for Minister for Universities and cosmonauts before they travel Science, said that the statue is a into space. The version in fitting memorial to a true London is an exhibition copy of pioneer of our time, and also the original. serves as an emblem to the greater collaboration with the Russian space agency agreed during his visit to Moscow earlier this year.

Yuri Gagarin was 27 when he journeyed into space on board Vostok 1. His space capsule travelled at a speed of 27,400 kilometres per hour, and orbited the earth in 108 minutes. On landing, he became the most Gagarin and the Prime Minister, Elena Gagarina daughter of Yuri Gagarin, and Helen Sharman, Britain’s first Harold MacMillan, 13 July 1961 astronaut, in front of the statue of Yuri Gagarin famous man on earth. This Courtesy of RIA Novosti statue, showing Gagarin standing on a globe in his space suit, The statue is the culmination Britain”, in its London focuses on the human aspect of of a year of planning by headquarters on the life of the extraordinary scientific Roscosmos and the British Gagarin and the early Soviet achievements of the Russian Council and is just one example space programme. It is also space programme. The statue of the British Council’s work to publishing a catalogue to mark was commissioned in 1984 by strengthen the relationship with the occasion. the small town of Lyubertsy, just Russia through education, outside Moscow, where Gagarin English and the arts. Others who trained as a foundry worker from On the bus to the launch pad, attended the unveiling the ages of 15-16. Made by Gagarin with his back up pilot, ceremony included Helen Gherman Titov, 12 April 1961 Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut. Anatoly Novikov, one of the Courtesy of RIA Novosti chief sculptors of the Stalingrad In addition to the statue, the Memorial (now the Volgograd British Council is showing an Memorial), it was commissioned exhibition, entitled “Gagarin in

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PARLIAMENTARY LINKS DAY - TUESDAY 28 JUNE 2011 GLOBAL CHALLENGES – SOLUTIONS FROM SCIENCE

Parliamentary Links Day is the largest scientific event held annually at the Houses of Parliament. Organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, it also involves the active participation of sister societies including the Society of Biology, Royal Academy of Engineering, Geological Society, Institute of Physics, the Royal Society, the Campaign for Science and Engineering, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Council for Mathematical Sciences, and many other scientific organisations. This year’s Links Day coincided with the United Nations designated International Year of Chemistry 2011 (TYC 2011) which was launched at the House in January this year and the audience was present by invitation of Andrew Miller MP, Mark Lancaster TD MP and Dr Julian Huppert MP, who jointly chaired the event.

Following a welcome from Professor Lorna Casselton FRS, Dr Mark Downs, Chief the geological record. We are at the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Foreign Secretary and Vice Executive of the Society of least a quarter of the way to Speaker of the House of President of the Royal Society Biology repeating that ancient natural Commons, the programme of The Royal Society post of Biology plays a critical role in input of carbon at 55 Ma addresses and scientific Foreign Secretary was many areas required to meet through our own agency, presentations was introduced by established in 1728 before the global challenges. These include prospectively establishing a new Professor David Phillips OBE government had one. The need Climate Change, Food security, geological epoch – the FRSC, President Royal Society and importance was International Trade agreements, Anthropocene. Still worse, we of Chemistry: This year we emphasised, for more practical Border Security, Criminal Justice, are dumping carbon even more celebrate the 100th anniversary skills to be introduced, especially Forensic Science, Diabetes and rapidly than happened at 55 of Marie Curie’s second Nobel into universities in Africa, in order Diet. Education and training are million years ago. The Prize, in this case for Chemistry to help address their current also very important aspects of increasingly clear message from in 1911, for the discovery of social and economic the work of the Society. the rocks to us all is that it would radium and polonium, and the requirements by using better be a good idea to stop pulling Dr Bryan Lovell OBE, President isolation and study of radium’s technology at the operational that carbon trigger. The message of the Geological Society remarkable properties. Her level. Policy makers and from the rocks to the oil and Climate change is a defining radiochemical research also led scientists are also being brought coal industries is that they are issue of our time, the full her to improve humankind's life together for discussions under particularly challenged by carbon. understanding of which requires through use of portable the banner on “People and the The oil industry can respond by the long perspective offered by radiography units that emanated Planet”. playing a key role during the X-rays to examine for shrapnel geology. Earth scientists can read Dr Shaun Fitzgerald, The Royal transition to a low-carbon and broken bones in World War in detail the geological record of Academy of Engineering economy, storing carbon safely I. We also celebrate Dorothy changes in climate that occurred Work at the Royal Academy underground once we’ve had Hodgkin, the only British female long before we were around to of Engineering has focused on the use of it. That role can only Nobel Laureate. However, many light so much as a camp fire, let the challenge of energy supply. be played within a regulatory more women are needed in alone burn coal, gas and oil. A Fossil fuels are here to stay but framework that establishes a Science. It is very important to dramatic global warming event their usage will increase. We fungible price for carbon. inspire young people sufficiently that took place 55 million years need to re-consider the manner National leaders can now be to encourage them to study ago gives us a particularly clear in which 40% of the energy convinced of the need for action chemistry using opportunities indication of what happens supply is currently consumed in by the geological evidence: you such as the water test, for when there is a sudden release buildings. Well-insulated can’t argue with a rock. example. of a billion or more tonnes of buildings with self-ventilation carbon into Earth’s atmosphere. Iwan Roberts, Ashok Kumar Summaries of the presentations using fresh air would help It gets hot, the seas become Fellow, Institution of Chemical follow. reduce energy demand. more acid and less oxygenated, Engineers and there is extinction of life to Ashok Kumar, both an MP such an extent that new and a chemical engineer, who boundaries are established in died suddenly, is remembered in

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this Fellowship. How does was followed by an assessment especially in universities. They Mr Jonathan Flint, Institute of chemical engineering work? The of the UK’s need for Technology are seeking opportunities for Physics Council, Chief proactive way involves Innovation Centres (TICs) as a collaboration and practical ways Executive Oxford Instruments production of data leading to national facility essential for to strengthen their ties through plc, development of new promoting industrial and such organisations as the British Investment in science can technologies and ultimately new economic regeneration. A review Chamber of Commerce and the pay dividends right now, as well products. The reactive way is of science advice available to publication of jointly authored as driving long term prosperity. exemplified by the releases of Government in emergencies articles in high profile scientific That was the key message given contaminated red mud in considered swine flu, cybercrime, journals. This is especially noted by Jonathan Flint, Chief Executive Hungary which required help solar storms and volcanic in Brazil, for example, where the of Oxford Instruments, and a from the UK involving Sir John eruptions, followed by a review UK science has a very high Council Member of the Institute Beddington and Philip Greenish of particle physics and impact. Many countries are still of Physics. His position as Chief of the RAE. Chemical astronomy. The supply of not yet familiar with the Haldane Executive of a publicly listed engineering is on the skills strategic metals, as the title Principle and its implications for company and as a council shortage list and graduates are suggests, is very important to politicians responsible for science member allows him to straddle the commercial and scientific encouraged to work in this area. industry. The reasons for and budgets. Some countries are worlds. It gives a perspective on Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow likely impacts of a move by the unaware that UK politicians, even the difficult path between the Minister for Innovation and MRC (Mill Hill) to a UCL site at Ministers of State, are therefore spark of a new idea, and seeing Science St Pancras to create the UKCMRI, not expected to assume the effects of that idea in society In order to help resolve global were examined. The Forensic responsibility for signing binding at large. Today’s global challenges, the best way is to go Science Service, Peer Review of agreements on international challenges cannot be addressed to Parliament. Science and Scientific Publications and the collaborative scientific research without a partnership between politics need to work well urgent need for more Practical and have only a limited role in the commercial and the together. Newcastle punches Hands-On Science and Fieldwork directing and agreeing to such academic sectors. Businesses above its weight with an in Schools complete the current objectives made on behalf of form the bridge between science outstanding range of scientific picture. scientists. Indeed that is one of activities. These advantages and the consumer. Science is Rt Hon David Willetts MP, the reasons why UK science, would be challenged by cuts to capable of coming up with the Minister of State for managed by peer review, is held research. A less prosperous solutions to many of society’s Universities and Science in such high regard inter- future is threatening hence the problems and companies like A message from the Prime nationally. Challenges emerging need for a public-private Oxford Instruments will turn that Minister was presented in which from China involve the clear partnership. There is a three year smart science into commercially he expressed his regret that he recognition by them that ocean funding plan in UK, but a more successful products. Mr Flint was unable to attend this acidification arising from coal strategic 10 year plan in China. identified examples where his important event. He burning, especially in China, The Haldane Principle creates company’s advanced technology congratulated the Royal Society results in a significant impact on the right environment for is contributing to future energy of Chemistry on the relevance of oceanic chemistry. Does this innovation. Fundamental options, from fusion power to the themes presented and their require a response from the UK? research is important and low energy lighting, and testing timing, with their emphasis on The good news however is the Science, Engineering and for hazardous materials in the climate change, food and water realisation that understanding Business must all be linked environment. His key message security, science policy, and the and cooperation must be together. Direct Government was that investment in science is urgent need for the training of a undertaken among and between funding for research is required, delivering real economic new generation of scientists, and scientists and not at the political and there is a need to place benefits, today, through the the vitally important mainten- level. science at the heart of the manufacture of the high ance and development of economy and culture. Professor David Cope, Director technology equipment involved. bridges between Parliament, of the Parliamentary Office of Supplying high performance Andrew Miller MP, Chair of the Government and Science. equipment gives real revenues, Commons Science & Science and Technology Evidence was provided to real jobs, today, but more should Technology Committee The recent loss of both Ashok Treasury in support of the £4.6B be done to educate people Following the General Kumar and Lord Flowers is ring-fenced expenditure budget, about the power of science and Election, the reformed S&T deeply regretted. POST plus an extra £100m capital. its importance to the world, for Select Committee have tackled a emphasises the importance to Other matters have been the future, and for today. the UK as a whole, and broad range of STEM-related supported including the legal especially to Scotland and Dr Jim Wild, The Royal topics. Seven reports have been rights of scientists when Northern Ireland, not just Astronomical Society published and more are on the presenting scientific data for way. The work commenced with London and the South East. As our society and economy public scrutiny. an investigation and evaluation POST is also continuing to grows increasingly dependent on of criticisms made of the Visits have been made to all extend its influence worldwide, hardware in space, in the air and professional integrity of scientists BRIC Countries who have initially in North America, Japan, on the ground, the influence of at the University of East Anglia expressed their respect for British Chile and also to Africa. solar activity on human affected by the hacking of emails science which appears to be technology is becoming more related to climate change. This highly regarded worldwide, and more important. So-called

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“space weather” is now included and satellite operations. so if a model relies on lots of carefully scoping the design for a in the UK’s National Security communication it will grind to a new forecast model which will Dr Hilary Weller, Council for Strategy and is being studied for halt. The Met Office model ensure that the UK remains at the Mathematical Sciences, inclusion in the Government’s divides the planet into latitude- the forefront of weather and University of Reading climate forecasting. This careful National Risk Register. In order to The UK Met Office weather longitude grid boxes which get design phase is envied world- understand the risks posed by and climate forecasting models very narrow near the poles space weather, and ultimately to leading to an excessive amount wide. Conversely, forecasting have proved some of the most centres sometimes invest heavily predict and mitigate against the of communication. In order for accurate in the world. However, in an untested, flawed strategy consequences, the physics of the Met Office to remain supercomputers are becoming as they do not have the time or the electromagnetic Sun-Earth competitive, they must move larger with less power per resources for such careful connection (initially investigated away from a latitude-longitude processing core and the Met design. in the context of natural Office models are not grid to something more like a phenomena such as the performing well on these new football, made of hexagons and Presentations were also made magnificent aurora borealis) is computers while other pentagons. The Gung-Ho project, by Dr Mike Pitts, The Royal Society of Chemistry, and Imran now being studied to understand forecasting centres are forging joint between Natural Khan, Director of the Campaign how solar flares and coronal ahead. Forecast speed is often Environment Research Council for Science and Engineering. mass ejections can impact upon limited by the speed at which funded academics, the Met electricity supply grids, radio different processors on a Office and the Science and communications, aviation safety computer can communicate and Technology Facilities Council, is

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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR PHARMA IN THE UK? Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 12th July WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF PHARMA TO THE UK ECONOMY?

ECONOMIC UK’s strong heritage, for illnesses that remain areas of IMPORTANCE example, in terms of citations unmet medical need. with many ground breaking The pharmaceutical industry This has become of publications and a flow of Nobel is vital in sustaining a healthy increasing importance given the prizes, which continue to population and boosting the demographics of our ageing demonstrate our depth of overall economy within the UK. population. Research therefore is capability within biomedical This health and wealth agenda very much focused in areas research. Data from 2010 show has been recognised by the including cancer, diseases of the that four of the leading Government as seen in their elderly such as arthritis, and universities in the world were in ‘Plan for Growth’, highlighting other neuro-degenerative Dr Allison Jeynes-Ellis MB ChB, FFPM the UK, and one out of six of Medical & Innovation Director, that health research has a illnesses, particularly Alzheimer’s Association of the British the most prescribed medicines disease. A breakthrough in any Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) pivotal role in the national today have been invented here. of these areas would be good economy. This historical excellence is news across all stakeholder Public and charitable sectors’ recognised as world leading but groups. investment in Life Science to maintain a global position in research is considerable: public R&D we need to address some CHALLENGES investment through Medical of the challenges that currently Research Council, Technology face us. Innovative medicines for Strategy Board and National unmet medical need is the DRUG DISCOVERY & driver for drug discovery. The Institute for Health Research; DEVELOPMENT charities including The Wellcome challenges are many, including: Trust and Cancer Research UK. Developing innovative the falling productivity and In more recent times, there has medicines is a long, risky and attrition rates in drug been a real shift with these expensive process which takes development, the escalating groups coming together as between 12-15 years and costs costs of these failures and also public-private partnerships up to £1bn per medicine. The of the actual process, and the working strategically towards risk is clearly realised considering higher regulatory and societal common goals, sharing expertise that 25,000 compounds will be hurdles to have your medicine and often risks and benefits. synthesised at drug discovery, used. I am referring here to the 25 of these will make Phase 1 need to demonstrate ‘value’ as However, the majority of UK clinical trials, only 5 will receive a well as an appropriate medical research is still positive marketing authorisation risk/benefit for any new supported by the pharma- from the regulatory authorities medicine. Competition is also ceutical industry. Pharma spends and only one of these increasing from the emerging £12.1m a day on R&D, the medicines will recoup markets, especially in China and largest private sector investor.1 It investment following launch. In India who are building their employs 72,000 people across addition, there have been many science and clinical capabilities. the UK and 27,000 of those later stage failures recently as These countries are often able to work in R&D.2 It contributes 9% hurdles become significantly recruit many more patients into of global investment but the higher. Hence, the current later phase clinical trials where market remains low in terms of model of pharmaceutical thousands of patients are uptake at 3%. The development is changing as the needed to compare a new pharmaceutical trade surplus in current one is no longer medicine to the gold standard of 2009 contributed £7bn to the sustainable. The key concern is care. This is a concern for two UK economy.3 that we have to become more reasons: firstly we are losing out It is vital we remember the successful to combat major on contributing to these studies

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but in addition we know that the Open innovation is launch of the £50m investment but it will help to create new UK is a particularly conservative increasingly embraced as a new by the Technology Strategy jobs and economic importance. market and that clinicians who model for research, with greater Board into stratified medicine have experience of a medicine collaboration desired between focusing on immune- THE FUTURE are more likely to prescribe it industry, academia and the NHS. inflammation and cancer. The commitments from the once it receives its licence. The Translational Research Government in the ‘’Plan for WORK IN PROGRESS Partnerships have been formed Growth’ were all very welcome The latest data we have from which provide an internationally The Academy of Medical especially the setting up of a the National Endowment for unique approach to supporting Sciences report on clinical single Health Research Authority Science, Technology and the collaboration with the research focused on to streamline clinical trials. We Arts (NESTA) report shows that pharmaceutical industry. They streamlining and reducing the need to ensure that timelines in 2010, only 1.4% of patients provide a single point of access bureaucracy surrounding clinical are met and that the change in in global clinical trials were to collaborate with world-class trials in the UK and the culture is evident, and best entered from the UK. However, investigators in the UK’s leading recommendations of this report practice learnings from initiatives working with the National academic and NHS centres. were very much welcomed by such as the North West Institute for Health Research Working in partnership with industry. Embedding a culture of Exemplar continue to be shared (NIHR) we are starting to see industry, they drive early and research across the NHS is also and promulgated across the UK, improvement in the UK in terms exploratory development of new vital if we want to attract quality if we wish to be a global hub for of attracting and delivering on medicines, technologies and clinical trials. In the last 12 research and development. The clinical trials. other interventions. months we have seen a real business conditions need to be attractive for research to be The UK has the second The TRPs are now cultural change with Chief placed in the UK – the lowest uptake of innovative operational in 2 broad Executives in the NHS wanting development of the Patent Box, medicines in the EU. There is therapeutic areas (Joint and to engage with industry in R&D tax credits and some variability across therapy related Inflammatory disease; discussing how their Trusts can improvement to the pricing and areas, but for cancer medicines and Inflammatory Respiratory become involved in ground- reimbursement system, all need launched in the last 5 years, we disease) and welcome projects breaking research to the benefit to encourage diffusion of are one of the lowest countries from pharmaceutical companies. of their patients. innovation across the NHS. The in terms of uptake. This is an Other models of open Real World Data has been a NHS Futures Forum for the first issue as not only are we innovation are happening priority for the ABPI for the last time announced the duty for the depriving patients of new including the MRC-ABPI few years, using these data to Secretary of State to promote innovative medicines that they immune-inflammation demonstrate the value of research again emphasising the would receive as standard in collaborative research consortia. medicines; and widening the importance placed on research many other countries, but in The pharmaceutical industry UK’s appeal for conducting such to improve the health and addition, this slow uptake has accepted that the day of studies. We have developed a wealth of our nation. impacts on the sustainability of blockbusters is well and truly Guidance document, launched R&D. It also makes it harder to Partnerships and an eco- over and the new world will be in May 2011, which has been convince companies to place system for research are clearly medicines for targeted treatment well received by our members significant research investment the new way of working but we of sub populations, based on and the NHS. The Real World here. are left with a few unanswered understanding the science better Data Guidance document can questions. WHAT HAVE WE or stratified medicine. This will be downloaded from our ACHIEVED? require a coherent, multi- website here: How can we ensure uptake stakeholder strategy to address of innovative medicines within http://www.abpi.org.uk/our- The Office of Life Sciences the challenges this raises in the UK which would encourage work/library/guidelines/Pages/re set up under the previous terms of drug discovery, further R&D and also benefit al-world-data.aspx government, with ABPI as the regulatory challenges and in patients? Can the Government industry lead for the R&D pillar, addition pricing challenges in We are in the process of look at other incentives to has been instrumental in starting order for these medicines to finalising a White Paper detailing encourage research bases to be to change the direction of this actually be used. The right why we believe the UK can be placed within the UK? How do downturn. The skills gap medicine at the right time in the competitive in developing this we ensure we keep the highlighted in the ABPI Skills right patient is the way of the area of expertise. This particular momentum around some of the Report from 2008 is being future, which should improve approach was highlighted by the positive work on-going and addressed, in particular, in the treatment concordance and also Prime Minister recently stating deliver?

areas of clinical pharmacology provides a sound economic that it would make the UK the References and in-vivo science. This has model whereby the NHS is only most attractive place in the 1 ONS continued to be a key area of paying for medicines it knows world to place research and 2 BIS R&D employment importance now led by Cogent are going to benefit the patient. develop life-saving drugs. Not 3 HMRC under the current government. Recently, there has been the only will that benefit patients,

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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR PHARMA IN THE UK? WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR THE RESEARCH-LED PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY?

From antibiotics to 2033 people over 65 will with medicines required to antiretrovirals, penicillin to proton account for 23 per cent of the undergo evaluations for cost- pump inhibitors, medicines have population.3 Coupled with the effectiveness as well as safety contributed significantly to current economic slowdown, it and efficacy. It is therefore little creating a healthier world. Over is not surprising that payers surprise that just one in 10,000 the twentieth century, life around the world – both public discovered compounds expectancy has doubled in and private – are persistently becomes an approved medicine some parts of the developed pursuing strategies to hold down for patients, and only 3 out of world and innovative medical spending on innovative every 20 approved medicines advances have played an medicines and demanding recoup sufficient revenue Richard Ascroft RPh JD important role in helping people greater proof of the value of through sales to cover their Director of Corporate Affairs, Lilly UK live longer, healthier lives.1 those medicines. developmental costs.5 Richard Ascroft has worked for Eli Lilly and Company since 1993 and There has never been such We know that medicines are It is clear that there is an held a variety of roles in sales, demand for new medicines as a system enabler and that using overwhelming need for more clinical research management, public there is today. In the developing innovative medicines to be policy and market access. the right medicine, in the right world population increases have patient, at the right time, can developed in order for the world resulted in growing demand for save money as well as achieve a to overcome the social and effective medicines and good outcome for the individual. economic burdens which result vaccines, particularly for the For example, Alzheimer’s from poor health. For this to world’s three most devastating disease is often acknowledged happen there needs to be a diseases: HIV/AIDS, malaria and as one of the greatest robust and thriving global tuberculosis. While in emerging challenges to social and pharmaceutical industry which economies growing middle healthcare systems the can only result from urgent classes in countries, such as developed world faces. Yet were action by both industry and China, India, Brazil and Russia, a treatment to be developed governments. are increasingly demanding which delayed the onset of medical care comparable with WHAT CAN INDUSTRY Alzheimer’s Disease by five DO? that available in North America years it could save $550bn per and Europe. year by 2020 in the United Today the global In countries such as Britain States alone. 4 Even for pharmaceutical industry is at a and the United States social and conditions commonly regarded crossroads. It is clear that the political agendas are being as already having a number of business models of the past – shaped by ongoing ideological treatment options, such as reliant on ‘blockbuster’ and economic debate over how diabetes, there remains huge medicines – are no longer to meet rising medical costs, room for improvement. sustainable. We can’t simply and how the growing burden perform the same old rituals and It is widely accepted that the should be split between hope for a different outcome. science behind drug discovery is individuals, the state and private We must build new models of becoming more challenging, as payer organisations. Reforming working that are leaner, swifter researchers strive to understand health systems is a very real and more adaptive to the complex conditions such as challenge when faced with the challenges of the global Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. demographic reality; over 15 environment: essentially we million people in the UK are Additionally, the regulatory must ‘reinvent invention’. currently identified as having a barriers medicines are required We must build an long-term condition 2 and by to overcome are getting higher, understanding of patients’ needs

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into the earliest stages of proof of concept about 12 and assume that the life and patient access to new research and assess the months earlier and at half the sciences sector will continue to medicines. As the Government potential of new molecules in cost when compared to the invest in the UK. Recent site moves towards the creation of a terms of what’s truly valued by current industry model. Taken closures and consolidations by new system of pricing and patients, physicians and payers. together with our own early- global pharmaceutical reimbursement for medicines – We must anticipate the concerns stage portfolio, we are now companies across the UK value-based pricing – it is of regulators so that we can confident that Lilly has the highlight the competitive and imperative that they seek to answer their questions in our largest pipelines in the mobile nature of the industry, ensure that the true cost of a clinical testing. Most importantly, company’s history with 70 with many countries offering medicine is valued, including the we must increase the speed of molecules in development, 33 substantial incentives to attract benefits to carers and wider research and reduce the cost of of them in Phase II or Phase III. investment. society. The system for valuing bringing a new medicine to This is three times as many as medicines must also recognise Making investment decisions market. in 2004. and reward innovation, is multi-factoral, and many particularly incremental At Lilly, we have taken the companies weigh up a number WHAT CAN innovation. In modern medicine, concept of reinventing invention of factors; including the GOVERNMENTS DO? improvements in treatments are to our core, and have moved underlying market conditions, Changes by the industry made incrementally, through a from a pharmaceutical company the skills and labour market and alone are not enough. series of small steps. Cancer where we own every aspect of the fiscal incentives. The British Governments around the world medicines are a good example, the value chain to one based on Government needs to examine need to take steps to address where patients have benefited collaborative networks. Called its policies in each of these the challenges faced by the from important incremental ‘Fully Integrated Pharmaceutical areas to ensure they are industry, not only to increase the improvements in side-effect Network’ – or FIPNET – this integrated and that Britain is number of innovative medicines profile and mode or ease of enables us to work with offering a truly world-class reaching patients, but also as the administration as well as survival. appropriate partners, including environment. life sciences industry is a Any system of valuing medicines academic institutions and potential growth sector which Of greatest importance are must recognise these biotech companies, to increase can assist countries in the underlying market incremental advances. our knowledge and share rebalancing their domestic conditions. Every business needs investment, risk and reward. Secondly, for the economies. stability across factors relating to pharmaceutical industry to thrive In the UK, the Lilly Centre for the ability to sell its product, Currently in Britain the in the UK the Government must Cognitive Neuroscience provides including a stable economic biosciences sector creates and ensure the skills base in the UK an excellent example of our environment, open and outward remains competitive. A key sustains professional, high-value innovation through FIPNET looking markets and a fair determinant in any investment jobs and infrastructure. In the working. Based at our research regulatory system. For the decision for the pharmaceutical UK the pharmaceutical industry centre in Surrey, this network pharmaceutical industry this also industry is the availability of directly employs 72,000 people, brings together a consortium of includes swift access to and appropriately skilled staff. 26,000 of them in research and academic scientists from six uptake of new medicines for the Evidence suggests that access to development (R&D) 6 with over leading British and Irish local population. In addition, the highly skilled staff remains a 200,000 more employed universities and industrial UK is in the unique position of concern for the industry and 45 indirectly. 7 The pharmaceutical scientists from Lilly who work being a global reference within per cent of employers have industry invests more in R&D in together to seek to enhance the the pharmaceutical industry; a reported difficulty in recruiting the UK than any other industrial probability of clinical success for quarter of the world looks to the STEM (science, technology, sector – approximately £12 molecules targeted at conditions UK to reference both Health engineering and maths) million every day. 8 involving cognitive dysfunction. Technology Assessment and graduates. 10 Of particular Lilly is proud to be a part of price, further strengthening the In addition, Lilly has concern is the lack of practical the UK’s robust pharmaceutical importance of the UK established a number of virtual skills – such as in vivo sciences sector. We employ more than environment. drug development networks, – amongst graduates, and 1,400 staff in the UK across urgent action needs to be taken known as ‘Chorus’, which design, For beneficial market three sites; a research centre in to ensure Britain does not fall interpret, and oversee early- conditions to be created there Surrey, a manufacturing facility further behind countries such as stage development through a needs to be a comprehensive near Liverpool and a sales and India and China. network of connected assessment of a medicine’s marketing operation in organisations outside Lilly. Using value, reflecting the viewpoints Britain must also improve its Basingstoke. Over the past year, this approach, Chorus currently of patients, providers, payers, offering as a location for clinical Lilly invested £130 million in manages 15 molecule and industry. This value trials, which is an area of historic R&D within the UK. 9 programmes with a dedicated assessment should be reflected strength for the UK. Yet clinical staff of only 29 scientists and However, the Government not only in pricing, but also in trials are very mobile, and a has been able to reach clinical cannot afford to be complacent decisions on reimbursement perfect storm of unpredictable

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and high costs, over-burdening an attractive location for enable the sector to continue to script/main/art.asp?articlekey=18892 and fragmented bureaucracy investment there must be grow and flourish. Britain can be 6 http://www.abpi.org.uk/industry- info/knowledge-hub/uk- and slow recruitment of patients competitive fiscal incentives. The at the heart of this growth, and economy/Pages/uk-pharmaceutical- has resulted in Britain’s R&D tax credit system is one of maintain its position as an employment.aspx advantage slipping away. Britain the least competitive in Europe attractive location for life 7 http://www.lifesciences.org.uk/ has fallen from the third highest and the UK currently ranks 19th sciences industries if the news/news-release-1/ market share of clinical trials in the OECD ranking of R&D Government take 8 http://www.abpi.org.uk/industry- comprehensive and decisive info/knowledge-hub/randd/Pages/ activity in 2000 to ninth by cost savings; a drop from 13th default.aspx 11 12 action. 2006. The Government has in 2004. The Government 9 Department for Business, Innovation recently announced proposals to needs to demonstrate its References and Skills, R&D Scoreboard 2010 combine and streamline commitment to the life sciences 1 http://www.ageing.ox.ac.uk/files/ 10 Ready to grow: business priorities for approvals under a health sector by increasing their workingpaper_206.pdf education and skills, CBI, May 2010 11 Commercial Clinical Research in the research regulatory agency, offering to inward investors, and 2 http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Media Centre/Pressreleases/DH_128890 UK – ‘A Report for the Ministerial we welcome early progress in which we welcome; however, it 3 National Statistician’s Annual Article on Industry Strategy Group Clinical must not simply add a layer of this area. Population, ONS, December 2009 Research Working Group’, Kinapse, November 2008 bureaucracy to an already highly 4 Alzheimer’s Association, “Changing the Concerted and co-ordinated 12 http://www.cbi.org.uk/pdf/2011-RD- bureaucratic process. Trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease: actions by the Government and A National Imperative,” 2010. Tax-Credit-Consultation.pdf Finally, for Britain to remain the pharmaceutical industry will 5 http://www.medicinenet.com/

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR PHARMA IN THE UK? HEALTHCARE INNOVATION IN THE UK – A Royal Society of Chemistry Position Paper

The pharmaceutical industry (pharma) has made important contributions to quality of life, longevity, economic growth and education at all levels, and is a key component of the government’s growth strategy. A vibrant pharma R&D sector generates outstanding medical and economic benefits and is fundamental to the UK science base.

Dr Simon Campbell CBE FRS FMedSci For decades, the UK had been consistently in the top research centres and the loss of Former SVP for WW Discovery, Pfizer been a world leader in three UK industrial sectors in thousands of skilled jobs. Unless medicines R&D with at least 10 terms of trade surplus generating the UK responds to such of the top-selling drugs (>$1bn £6bn in 2008. significant changes, the future annual sales at peak) having flow of new drugs will slow to a However, the industry is now UK-trained PhD organic trickle. A new model for drug under considerable pressure due chemists as named inventors. In discovery is urgently required to 2008, the pharmaceuticals and to pricing constraints on new capitalise on UK's outstanding biotechnology sectors invested medicines, escalating R&D costs, track record and world class £4.3bn in R&D (making it the losses of billions of pounds of talent and to ensure our future leading UK sector for R&D revenue as major patents expire, leadership in healthcare investment), employed some and stagnant productivity. innovation. 67,000 skilled staff, and Consequently, the sector is Dr David Fox FRSC contributed around £8.2bn to undergoing substantial Visiting Senior Industrial Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry GDP. Pharmaceuticals have contraction with closure of

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A WAY FORWARD FUNDING AND before approval. Consequently, with clear objectives, reporting REIMBURSEMENT the costs of discovering and lines and accountability. The RSC proposes an action developing a new medicine plan that deals with four inter- At a time of rising R&D costs In response to these have escalated to well over related themes and provides a and diminishing research economic, regulatory and $1bn, but return on investment clear and coherent framework budgets, there is a clear need organisational threats, pharma is has deteriorated sharply in the for sustaining innovation and for the UK to develop a national going through an extensive face of fierce economic and productivity in healthcare, and strategy for investment and round of downsizing with site regulatory pressures. aligning investment and policy in reimbursement that will serve to closures, redundancies and medicines research along a incentivise medicines research in In addition to external significant budget reductions. single, compelling vision. The defined areas of high medical pressures, pharma is losing The UK has been particularly proposal builds upon the UK’s need. A coherent approach billions of dollars in revenues as hard hit with closures by outstanding track record of would help funding bodies to major drugs come off patent, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, investment and innovation in align their investment priorities but which are not being Pfizer, Merck and Roche in drug discovery and unique and so ensure benefit to replaced at an equivalent rate recent years, with thousands of strengths in terms of talent, patients is realised and return on despite escalating R&D budgets skilled scientists losing their jobs training, collaborative networks investment is maximised. over the past two decades. and livelihoods. Of course, and funding opportunities. Biotech was once regarded as individual hardship is also INFRASTRUCTURE an endless source of potential reflected by reduced tax inflow SCIENTIFIC QUALITY In order to safeguard the products for pharma, but both at national and local levels, The basis of the UK’s success UK’s scientific leadership in sectors have weakened in erosion of a positive balance of has been the ability of the UK- medicines research and parallel as venture capitalists are payments, reduced industry based pharmaceutical industry underwrite the next wave of unwilling to wait between 5-10 support for science education at to retain a rich pool of highly innovative medicines, a step- years for an adequate return on all levels, and for community talented and well-trained change in research infrastructure high risk investments. It is activities. Contraction of pharma scientists, ensuring that will be required to ensure the essential that UK Biotech is is also a major concern for the healthcare challenges have been UK remains at the forefront of revived through innovative next generation of UK-trained addressed through the the latest scientific advances. funding mechanisms that research scientists as application of world-class balance risk and a sustainable employment prospects have science. STATUS return on investment so that the been seriously threatened, and sector can continue to make the nation’s science base will be The global pharmaceutical ADVOCACY major contributions to future weakened. Whilst these events industry has come under healthcare needs. present significant challenges, It is critically important for the considerable regulatory and there is also a unique medicines research community economic pressures over the A common reaction to opportunity now to redeploy to articulate clearly and past years, and continued internal and external pressures world class medicinal chemists consistently how the invention contraction is now threatening was through mergers and released by pharma as part of a and development of new drug healthcare innovation. New acquisitions to create monolithic re-shaping of the UK’s treatments has served to benefit medicines will be essential to organisations driven largely by medicines research landscape. patients and that continued alleviate unsustainable pressures commercial considerations One attractive option is to build investment in key areas of on healthcare budgets as the rather than R&D productivity. For this medicinal chemistry medical need will be required to population ages but increasing example, a recent mega- expertise into a series of address the existing and future emphasis is now placed on acquisition created a world-wide dedicated drug discovery hubs needs of an ageing population. cost/benefit analyses to justify research group of over 12,000 co-localised with therapeutic Coupled to this is the reimbursement, and negative scientists with a combined pre- area clusters as this fundamental recognition that chemistry is at regulatory decisions after multi- merger R&D budget of $11bn. skills base barely exists in UK the heart of translating biological year drug development However, drug discovery cannot academia. discoveries into much needed programmes are wasteful of be industrialised in the same new medicines and that without R&D investment. Safety way as cars or steel and The economic consequences chemical enablement, most new demands have also escalated productivity has not increased in of pharma downsizing are medicines research would such that a single clinical trial for pharma over the past decade, obviously serious, but such flounder. a new cardiovascular agent can although R&D expenditure has dramatic reductions in research involve up to 20,000 patients, ballooned to unsustainable capacity also threaten future while new drugs for diabetes levels. In future, drug discovery healthcare innovation in the UK, now have to undergo an will be carried out by smaller particularly in the light of an additional 2-year safety study and more nimble organisations ageing population. Not only has

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the pharma research base are allowed to fragment, it will European InnoMedPredTox, the chemists can work alongside contracted but therapeutic areas be extremely difficult to re-build Innovative Medicines Initiative disease experts to apply the such as neuroscience and such quality from scratch. It is and the Structural Genomics latest scientific advances to obesity are being downsized, essential that the UK’s unique Consortium are addressing discover new medicines. These despite high medical need and medicinal chemistry talent pool some of these issues, as are a centres could be sited at limited effectiveness of current is nurtured, supported, and series of precompetitive academic institutions, or at therapies. In addition, these integrated into multidisciplinary workshops being coordinated by repurposed facilities previously diseases are particularly translational initiatives as a the RSC across the UK but part of large Pharma. burdensome in terms of investment needs to be fundamental core skill to The UK needs to be well- healthcare costs as illustrated by increased in order to reduce facilitate and exploit innovative equipped and financed to meet a recent analysis which shows R&D risk. biology emerging from UK successfully the healthcare that the cost associated with the laboratories. UK medicinal challenges of the 21st century, treatment of dementia is twice SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR chemists are particularly particularly for an ageing that for cancer. MINISTERS successful in inventing the population. A sustainable drug Meagre returns on synthetic molecules that provide We recommend a UK-wide discovery model, comprising a investment have largely forced cost effective oral therapies that strategy for medicines that will: network of national facilities, are the mainstay of any pharma to exit antibiotic R&D, • enable funding bodies to be spin-outs and CROs working healthcare system. While even though the WHO has more effective in supporting a alongside large Pharma, will biological based drugs are forecast a disaster due to rapid new model for medicines R&D bring significant medical and and unchecked increases in making a significant impact, this economic benefits to the UK, • revitalise areas of high medical microbial resistance. Indeed, the therapeutic class will not strengthen our science base and need such as obesity and devastating effects of HIV and remove the need for affordable provide exciting career psychiatric disorders MRSA, for example, underline small molecule “drug pills” taken opportunities for world class the need for a strong by mouth for chronic diseases. • ensure reimbursement of new scientists trained in our pharmaceutical R&D sector to Pharma’s response to medicines is based on an Universities. invent new drugs to control stagnant productivity was to informed evaluation of known and unexpected medical create monolithic organisations, risk/benefit and takes into challenges in the 21st century. but the number of NCEs account the full costs of Given the scale of pharma approved by the FDA has barely innovation. contraction in the UK, the changed over the past decade, The UK must strengthen shortfall in healthcare innovation and attrition during discovery research that crosses disciplines cannot be made up by and development has remained and sectors, an integral academia and charities in their above 90%. Greater component of drug discovery. current format as there is neither consideration needs to be given Importantly, we need to the scale nor experience. In to the reasons for compound recognise and capitalise upon addition, these bodies largely failure which include poor target the central role played by focus on diseases of the validation, suboptimal animal chemists in medicines R&D. developing world and cancer, and human safety, Specifically, science and funding and there are little or no drug heterogeneous clinical trials policy needs to: discovery initiatives in the public rather than targeted patient sub- • encourage industrial, academic sector addressing serious groups, and insensitive and clinical researchers to work conditions such as obesity and methodologies where placebo together to identify the most schizophrenia. response can confound a relevant disease targets and The developing gap in positive signal to a novel which patients are most likely to healthcare innovation is mechanism of action. In benefit from new medicines in particularly concerning as the UK addition, “chemistry space” order to maximise the chances has well-established strong needs to be expanded of success with clinical trials academia/industry/clinical significantly to access hundreds research partnerships in drug of novel biological targets that • support the creation of a discovery and development that are involved in important network of Therapeutic Centres have taken years to build, but diseases, but are beyond the of Excellence (such as the which simply do not exist in reach of current drug templates. Drug Discovery Centre, developing countries. If these International pre-competitive Imperial College) where world class drug discovery teams collaborations such as the experienced medicinal

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DOES THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY NEED A NEW PRESCRIPTION?

benefits, strengthen the science PHARMACEUTICAL drug companies still managed to base and permit exploitation of ECONOMICS AND LIFE generate $644 billion in global biology to revitalise EXPECTANCY revenues in 2009! biotechnology. Additional There is no doubt that some The claims of the pro- economic arguments have also pharmaceutical lobby concerning been deployed to justify pharmaceuticals have improved health benefits also merit close stimulating recovery following the quality and duration of many scrutiny. For example, in the USA the global economic downturn. people’s lives. The treatment of the average expenditure on For example, new medicines infectious diseases was pharmaceuticals per person per might reduce the cost of revolutionised by antibiotics, and year is £630 and average life Professor Michael H Depledge healthcare in the future. If drugs the most prevalent killer European Centre for Environment expectancy is 78.37 years. could be used to delay the diseases, cardiovascular disease and Human Health, Peninsula However, in Ireland, Belgium, College of Medicine and Dentistry onset of Alzheimer’s disease, it and cancers, are now being Austria, Spain, Denmark, (Universities of Exeter and has been estimated that this tackled, often very effectively, Plymouth) Germany, Italy, Sweden, UK and might save Medicare and through drug treatment. The the Netherlands, where life Medicaid in the USA $447 costs to health care systems expectancies are longer, less billion per year by 2050. however are immense. In 2008 the NHS prescription drug bill than half of the USA figure is But when such claims are was £8.2 billion having doubled spent per person per year on made they present only one in a decade. Both prescription medicines. side of the argument. For and non-prescription drug use THE FATE OF example, some drugs have had increase exponentially as we get to be withdrawn because they PHARMACEUTICALS older because of a rise in the caused unexpected morbidity prevalence of chronic diseases In periods of economic and mortality, even though they and a greater likelihood that turbulence it is not popular to had previously successfully THE BACKGROUND more than one disease will place impediments in the way passed through Phase III clinical of rapid economic recovery. The pharmaceutical industry occur in a particular individual. trials. In 2010, the widely used Nonetheless, in the past huge is widely regarded as being Based on current prescribing anti-diabetic drug Avandia had costs to society and the vitally important to the UK practices, the Office of National restrictions placed on its use and environment could have been economy. It directly employs Statistics predicts that the is now the subject of 13,500 avoided by heeding early 72,000 people and indirectly a volumes of medicines used lawsuits. warnings of potential threats – further ca 200,000. In 2009, could double by 2050. More asbestos and climate change the sale of pharmaceuticals Another example of a cost to recent calculations indicate that providing notable examples. generated a trade surplus of society is provided by some UK this increase could occur much With regard to the almost £76 billion; more than research councils, such as the earlier, perhaps within the next MRC, who use taxpayers’ money pharmaceutical industry, it is the any other major British industry. 10 years. In economic terms this to help fund research into new fate of their products following So it is not surprising that when might be viewed as encouraging medicines which are then news for the pharmaceutical use that is of growing concern. signs of a decline emerge there exploited by the pharmaceutical industry. Increased drug use are clarion calls to do When drugs enter the body industry; while others, such as means increased sales. But something. they are metabolised or broken the NERC and the ESRC, use many drugs will no longer be down into other compounds. The Royal Society of even more taxpayers’ money to covered under current licence Often a proportion of the Chemistry has urged more support research into the agreements and cheap generic pharmaceutical will pass through government investment and the adverse effects of these and competitive products may flood the body unchanged before development of a sustainable other pharmaceuticals on the the market, especially from being excreted. Drug- funding model. They argue that environment and human emerging economies. Yet contaminated urine and faeces this will stimulate growth, wellbeing. despite these worrying are then delivered via the liberate associated economic developments, the 10 major drainage system to the sewage

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works for treatment. Further to kill salmon lice, had to be addressed to inform us about use of medicines is increasing breakdown may occur, but still a banned for that purpose how to deal with drugs alarmingly. Similarly, in proportion of the original drug or because of its damaging discharged into natural developing countries with a its metabolites is discharged into environmental impacts. Another ecosystems. Sensible courses of further 3 billion people to be river systems. Also, some of the key concern from the action might include added to the population by drug may be retained in the widespread use of antibiotics is incentivising the development of 2050, and the wider availability solid phase of sewage which is the emergence of antibiotic “greener” pharmaceuticals, of low cost, generic products, then used as a fertilizer in resistant strains of bacteria such which degrade rapidly after use the use of prescription and non- agriculture. One might imagine as MRSA and Clostridium to harmless residues, or to label prescription products will also that the concentrations of the difficile (C.diff). But resistant drugs more effectively to identify escalate. Urgent measures are pharmaceuticals in all of these bacteria are not restricted to those which need special waste required to plan for the disposal wastes would be too small to medical settings. Recent studies treatment. Other innovative of the resulting pharmaceutical detect – but they are not. show that MRSA is present practices that the pharmaceutical waste. The pharmaceutical Several hundred drugs can now along the Florida coast and can industry might adopt could industry as well as Government be measured in water, sediment contaminate people of all ages include forming stronger has responsibilities in this regard. and biological samples taken using the beaches. alliances with those engaged in The concept of economic from the environment, including preventative medicine and externalities to which antibiotics, antidepressants, COURSES OF ACTION public health. It is neither industrialists are so attached is analgesics and cancer Are these legitimate concerns desirable nor affordable to use no longer viable. There are no chemotherapy agents. At or just the unwarranted fears of pharmaceuticals to treat the externalities. Someone has to present, concentrations are a few individuals? They are at rapidly rising number of cases of pay to clean up water supplies generally very low, but as we least sufficiently worrying to obesity and related diseases and decontaminate land where have seen earlier, provoke the Government’s (diabetes, cardiovascular pharmaceutical residues can be pharmaceutical use is expected Advisory Committee on diseases, etc), nor the epidemic detected. Someone has to pay to rise rapidly in the coming Hazardous Substances to set up of psychiatric disorders the additional health care costs years, driven by the needs of a sub-committee earlier this year (especially depression). There resulting from the emergence of the ageing population. Already, to investigate this issue in detail. are now literally thousands of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and both drinking water and The European Environment programmes around the UK someone has to pay for the loss vegetables have been found to Agency also published a report intended to motivate people to of ecosystem services that result contain low levels of drug in 2010 urging action. They spend time being physically from the unintended impact of residues. This is only part of the concluded that the situation with active outdoors (eg “Green pharmaceutical residues on story. Pharmaceuticals are also regard to pharmaceuticals in the Gym”, ”Blue Gym”, “Walking your wildlife. Responsible innovation used in very large quantities as environment looks worse than a way to Health”) to help them by the pharmaceutical industries veterinary medicines, especially decade ago, that we should avoid these conditions. offers the best hope of tackling in relation to animal husbandry. improve pharmaceutical waste Collaboration with the these issues. This will require Here worries relate to antibiotics management and that we need pharmaceutical industry might establishing new partnerships and antiparasitics used to treat robust information to guide the readily lead to combined between the pharmaceutical livestock that then end up in soil public and policymakers. In its approaches in which both industries, the public health and groundwater. final ever report in March 2010, increased outdoor activity, sector and those responsible for coupled with appropriate drug maintaining a sustainable IMPLICATIONS FOR THE the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution therapies, could result in a step environment. ENVIRONMENT AND change in the health of the HEALTH specifically highlighted the link between demographic change population, and associated Is there evidence that and the release of economic benefits all round. pharmaceuticals dispersed in pharmaceuticals into the SUMMARY AND the environment can cause environment. Elsewhere, the CONCLUSIONS problems? Undoubtedly yes. Society of Environmental Many countries have reported Toxicology and Chemistry Pharmaceuticals contribute that ethinyl oestradiol released (www.setac.org) which has over immensely to the treatment and from the contraceptive pill is 5000 professional members in prevention of disease, and to responsible for the feminisation over 100 countries, takes the the quality of our lives. The of male fish in rivers. On the matter very seriously. In 2005, it pharmaceutical industry Indian subcontinent, the anti- established a pharmaceuticals deserves support and inflammatory drug, diclofenac, advisory group and is currently investment. However, the way it has killed tens of millions of conducting an exercise involving has operated in the past must vultures feeding on the carcases the international scientific change. More of the same of dead cattle. Ivermectin, community to identify 20 key simply won’t do. With an ageing previously used in fish farming priority questions that should be population in the affluent West,

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RESEARCH COUNCIL CUTS THE PIPELINE FOR MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Twenty-five of the UK’s leading mathematical scientists, including fellowships as damaging for the whole of mathematical science four Fields Medallists, have written to David Cameron to warn in the UK.

that ”central planning and micro-managing research” will have Sources: devastating consequences for Britain. The web page ”EPSRC funding crisis: mathematical sciences” has links to the recent letters of protest and news stories The Engineering and Physical Mathematical Sciences panel Why is mathematics important about EPSRC’s fellowship policy: Sciences Research Council commissioned by EPSRC, wrote for the UK’s economy? http://www.dpmms.cam.ac.uk/~bt219/e psrc.html (EPSRC) announced in July that to EPSRC that the new policy is Most new technologies build researchers from all areas of the not even the best way to help The Commons science and technology upon mathematical ideas. committee questioned David Delpy on mathematical sciences, except statistics, the science of Medical imaging relies on EPSRC’s policy of Shaping Capability on statistics and applied probability, extracting knowledge from data. mathematical analysis, while 14 September 2011. The recording is are ineligible to apply for The IRMS panel recommended search engines use a available at the following website. The fellowships until further notice. other ways EPSRC could help MPs start their tough questioning at 9:42, combinatorial algorithm to judge and turn specifically to the mathematical As a result, even the best of this statistics, which have so far been the importance of different web sciences from 10:00 to 10:22. David year’s PhDs in such subjects as ignored. pages. Climate modelling and Willetts, Minister for Universities and geometry, fluid dynamics, Science, is questioned hard on EPSRC’s David Delpy, Chief Executive industrial design rely on number theory, and policy of Shaping Capability from 10:46 to of EPSRC, testified to the computational algorithms being 10:53. computational mathematics may Commons science and developed by mathematicians. be unable to continue their http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player. technology committee that Mathematical ideas can have aspx?meetingId=9050&wfs=true research in the UK. EPSRC’s Shaping Capability multiple and unexpected A reference for EPSRC’s funding of The scientists say that policy is a deliberate move away applications. A direct measure of research grants in the mathematical EPSRC’s decision cuts off ”an from the goal of funding the the importance of mathematics sciences, including the cut from £24.2 for employers is that students million in 2007/08 to £12 million in essential part of the pipeline that best research. Rather, EPSRC will 2009/10, is the April 2011 submission allows some PhDs to become direct funding to EPSRC- with a postgraduate degree in from the Council for Mathematical leading researchers”. It was favoured parts of each science. the mathematical sciences have Sciences to Parliament’s Science and made ”without any meaningful the highest average starting Technology Committee: Delpy claimed that EPSRC’s http://www.cms.ac.uk/reports/2011/CSRfi consultation of the UK salary among all subjects. knowledge of ”the whole nal.pdf mathematics community”. portfolio” means that it does not Why is EPSRC’s policy on A reference for the statement that The scientists argue that need to consult the UK’s fellowships not the best way postgraduate mathematical scientists have the highest average starting salary among mathematics is essential for the learned societies in particular to help statistics? all UK holders of postgraduate degrees is fastest growing sectors of the sciences such as mathematics. Outstanding young Adrian Smith’s report One Step Beyond economy, from Google to (March 2010), p. 94: –––––––––––––––—————— statisticians can get well-paid medical imaging to financial http://www.bis.gov.uk/one-step-beyond jobs in industry, which makes it services. ”It is foolhardy to claim For further information contact: What is the Fields Medal? hard to maintain the current that one part of mathematics is Richard Thomas, Professor of Pure The Fields Medal is often quality of UK statistics in the only useful one.” For one Mathematics, Imperial College London considered the highest award in universities. The International thing, ”business applications of email: [email protected]: mathematics, the closest thing Review of the Mathematical phone: 020 7594 8515 mathematics often come from to a Nobel Prize in mathematics. Sciences suggested several Arieh Iserles, Professor in Numerical the most surprising and The Fields Medal is awarded approaches to help UK statistics, Analysis of Differential Equations, unpredictable sources.” only once every four years, to at including a flexible grant scheme University of Cambridge email: [email protected]: In a separate letter, Professor most four people. The UK is to ensure that statistics research Burt Totaro FRS, Lowndean Professor of Margaret Wright of New York exceptionally strong in is supported at a range of Astronomy and Geometry, University of universities. They rejected University, the chair of the 2010 mathematics, with six Fields Cambridge International Review of the Medallists. EPSRC’s restriction on email: [email protected]

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SUSTAINING THE UK’S LEADING RESEARCH CAPABILITY

will regularly review the shape of research and respond to new FELLOWSHIPS the portfolio and the scale of opportunities we have not set investment in different areas as it budgets in each of the 111 We have changed our evolves. research areas. fellowship process to provide greater flexibility for those WORKING IN Decisions on the scientific wishing to apply by now PARTNERSHIP excellence of individual research accepting applications projects will continue to be throughout the year rather than Shaping has been an iterative made on the advice of peer just once a year. Fellowships are process, sharing ideas with our review. We will continue to one of the ways we support high main university partners, industry publish the results of peer performing and/or high potential partners, learned societies and review panels, the membership individuals. Professor David Delpy other relevant stakeholder of the panels and the funding Chief Executive, Engineering and groups since the publication of Contrary to what has been Physical Sciences Research Council decisions. the Strategic Plan, and this suggested, EPSRC is not continues as new funding MATHEMATICAL stopping support for fellowships As the main UK government decisions are being made. SCIENCES in mathematical sciences other agency for funding long term than in statistics and applied research and training in To ensure clarity and The mathematical sciences probability. engineering and the physical objectivity, we were careful to provide an excellent example of In mathematics, the sciences, EPSRC aims to ensure we did not set how shaping will be achieved in immediate focus on statistics maximise the international communities to unhelpfully an area where impacts often and applied probability results compete against each other. only occur in the very long term. standing and impact of UK from a national need to build research. EPSRC staff have a deep knowledge of the research We recognise mathematical capacity throughout different Our goal of Shaping portfolio across engineering and sciences vital importance in itself career stages in this area; this Capability, detailed in our the physical sciences and have and in underpinning research decision reflects evidence we Strategic Plan and published in drawn upon a wide range of across our portfolio. As with have, including from the 2010 International Review of early 2010, is one of our information in progressing the many other disciplines, we have Mathematics. The scope of the principal strategies for ensuring a shaping strategy. We regularly previously shaped specific areas areas eligible for fellowship vibrant and effective research meet with researchers across the of the maths portfolio including: support in mathematical base delivering maximum country and facilitate workshops mathematics for industry and sciences will expand as our scientific, cultural and economic with academics and industry to business; statistics; and shaping initiative develops, with impact. It recognises that at a identify research priorities or mathematics for the life further areas to be announced time of limited resources and evaluate past projects and co- sciences. The purpose of these before the end of the year. fierce global competition, we develop plans. initiatives was to encourage must make difficult choices in researchers to look at new Our Strategic Advisory Teams, EXCELLENCE AND order to ensure we maintain an directions for their research, IMPACT excellent and effective capability comprising active academic and either to maximise an existing in all our disciplines. industrial researchers, have been strength, to take advantage of a Long-term science and actively involved in our shaping engineering research is at the The concept of shaping is not research breakthrough, or to strategy. Our Council also heart of discovery and new. Since EPSRC’s inception we build capacity in an important maintains an active oversight of innovation. We must maintain an have made strategic decisions, and/or emerging area. this work. environment that promotes for example when balancing Going forward we will be excellence, encourages funding for disciplines against In making decisions about clear about those areas in the innovation, stimulates creativity one another. The difference is individual research areas, we mathematical sciences that we and drives cultural, commercial the higher level of transparency take into account each area’s envisage will receive relatively and technological advances. regarding areas of both higher capability, quality and importance more or less funding in future. EPSRC remains committed to and lower priority. We are now to the UK relative to other areas We will also encourage working together with all of our making strategic decisions across in the portfolio. We have three researchers to actively consider stakeholders to ensure that we the whole portfolio in each of broad action categories: ‘grow’, collaboration across the can deliver research that is both 111 identified research areas ‘maintain’ or ‘reduce’. A 'reduce' mathematical sciences and with internationally excellent and based on an assessment of category does not mean we will other disciplines they may delivers long-term impact for the excellence and national stop funding in that area, but it otherwise have not pursued. health, prosperity and importance and in the context of does mean that the competition sustainability of the nation and existing investments. Any for funding will be greater than In adopting such approaches the world. changes in the portfolio will take previously. To maintain our research excellence will remain place gradually over time and we flexibility to fund the best fundamental in our decisions.

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HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Science and Technology CURRENT INQUIRIES Malware and Cyber-crime Committee is established under On 19 July 2011 the Committee announced Standing Order No 152, and The evidence base for alcohol guidelines charged with the scrutiny of the an inquiry into Malware and Cyber-crime. The expenditure, administration and On 19 July 2011 the Committee announced an Committee invited written submissions on the policy of the Government Office for inquiry into the evidence base for alcohol Science, a semi-autonomous following issues by 7 September: guidelines. The Committee invited written sub- organisation based within the 1. What proportion of cyber-crime is associated Department for Business, missions on the following issues by 14 September: Innovation and Skills. with malware? 1. What evidence are Government’s guidelines on 2. Where does the malware come from? Who is The current members of the alcohol intake based on, and how regularly is creating it and why? Science and Technology Committee the evidence base reviewed? are: 3. What level of resources are associated with 2. Could the evidence base and sources of combating malware? Gavin Barwell (Conservative, scientific advice to Government on alcohol be Croydon Central), Gregg McClymont 4. What is the cost of malware to individuals and improved? (Labour, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and how effective is the industry in providing Kirkintilloch East), Stephen 3. How well does the Government communicate McPartland (Conservative, protection to computer users? its guidelines and the risks of alcohol intake to Stevenage), Stephen Metcalfe 5. Should the Government have a responsibility (Conservative, South Basildon and the public? East Thurrock), Andrew Miller to deal with the spread of malware in a similar (Labour, Ellesmere Port and 4. How do the UK Government’s guidelines way to human disease? Neston), David Morris compare to those provided in other countries? (Conservative, Morecambe and 6. How effective is the Government in co- Lunesdale), Stephen Mosley The Committee expects to hold oral evidence ordinating a response to cyber-crime that uses (Conservative, City of Chester), sessions in October. The written evidence received malware? Pamela Nash (Labour, Airdrie and in this inquiry will appear on the Committee’s Shotts), Jonathan Reynolds The Committee expects to announce dates for website. (Labour/Co-operative, Stalybridge oral evidence sessions in due course. The written and Hyde), Graham Stringer (Labour, Blackley and Broughton) Science in the Met Office evidence received in this inquiry will be on the and Roger Williams (Liberal On 19 July 2011 the Committee announced an Committee’s website. Democrat, Brecon and Radnorshire). inquiry into Science in the Met Office. The Spending Review 2010 Committee invited written submissions on the On 24 November 2010, the Committee took Andrew Miller was elected by the following issues by 14 September: House of Commons to be the Chair evidence from the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, of the Committee on 9 June 2010. 1. How effectively is the Met Office fulfilling its Minister for Universities and Science, and The remaining Members were Public Weather Service remit? formally appointed to the Professor Adrian Smith, Director General, Science Committee on 12 July 2010. 2. Is the Met Office’s Science Strategy 2010-15 and Research, Department for Business, Stephen McPartland was formally robust and achievable and how will the strategy Innovation and Skills. On 19 January 2011, the appointed to the Committee on 14 February 2011 in the place of Alok help to deliver a better service? Committee took evidence from a number of Sharma. 3. What are the roles of the Met Office’s Chief Research Councils and from Research Councils Scientific Adviser and its other senior scientists? UK. On 26 January the Committee invited written How do they provide comprehensive and up-to- submissions on the science and research budget date scientific advice? allocations for 2011/12 to 2014/15 by 27 April 4. How robust are the models used by the Met 2011. The written evidence received is on the Office for weather forecasting, climate Committee’s website. On 14 September 2011 predictions, atmospheric dispersion and other the Committee took evidence from Research activities? Councils UK and the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science. 5. How effectively does the Met Office coordinate its activities with government departments, non- Practical experiments in school science departmental public bodies, the UK research lessons and science field trips base and its international counterparts? On 5 April 2011 the Committee announced The Committee expects to hold oral evidence an inquiry into the practical experiments in school sessions in the autumn. The written evidence science lessons and science field trips. The received in this inquiry will appear on the Committee invited written submissions by 11 Committee’s website. May 2011.

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The Committee launched an e-consultation on 9 June 2011 to Environment, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research hear views from students on their school science practicals Council, Dr Andrew Impey, Terrestrial and Freshwater Science & experiences. There is a link to it on the Committee’s website. In Innovation Manager, Natural Environment Research Council, and Dr addition, in June the Committee visited Quintin Kynaston School, a James Pendlebury, Chief Executive, Forest Research; Rt Hon Jim secondary school in St John’s Wood. Paice MP, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Department for On 15 June the Committee took evidence from: Kevin Courtney, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Dr Miles Parker, Deputy Chief Deputy General Secretary, National Union of Teachers, Dr Stuart Scientific Adviser, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Hitch, Earth Science Teachers’ Association affiliated teacher, Greg Affairs, and Tim Rollinson, Director General and Deputy Chairman, Jones, National Union of Teachers affiliated teacher, Professor Chris Forestry Commission. King, Earth Science Teachers’ Association, and Darren Northcott, The evidence session was held concurrently with the House of National Official (Education), National Association of Lords Science and Technology Committee. The written and oral Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers. evidence received for this evidence session is on the Committee’s On 29 June the Committee took evidence from: Paul Cohen, website. No report is expected to be produced at this stage. Director Initial Teacher Training Recruitment, Training and The commissioning of X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Development Agency, Annette Smith, Chief Executive, Association of services Science Education, Dr Phil Smith MBE, Co-ordinator, Teacher On 15 June 2011 the Committee agreed to hold an evidence Scientist Network, and Dr Steve Tilling, Field Studies Council; Beth session examining the commissioning of X-Ray Photoelectron Gardner, Chief Executive, Council for Learning Outside the Spectroscopy services. Classroom, Professor Graham Hutchings FRS, Chair, SCORE, Sir On 11 July the Committee took evidence from: Dr Graham Roland Jackson, Chief Executive, British Science Association, and Bushnell-Wye, Prospect, Professor David Delpy, Chief Executive, Steve Jones, Director, CLEAPSS. Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council, and Professor On 4 July the Committee took evidence from: David Knighton, Colin Whitehouse, Head of the Daresbury Laboratory. Reporting inspector, Ofsted, Kevin Myers, Deputy Chief Executive, Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies: follow-up Health and Safety Executive, Dennis Opposs, Director of Standards, On 8 June 2011 the Committee announced an evidence OfQual, and Nigel Thomas, Director, Education and Skills, Gatsby session following up its report on Scientific advice and evidence in Foundation; Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, emergencies. Department for Education. On 15 June the Committee took evidence from: Professor Sir The written evidence received in this inquiry is on the John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Christina Committee’s website. The Committee’s Report was published on Scott, Director, Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office, and 14 September. Julia Longbottom, Head of China Department, Foreign and ORAL EVIDENCE Commonwealth Office. The transcripts of the evidence sessions described above and REPORTS below are available on the Science and Technology Committee’s Forensic Science Service website [www.parliament.uk/science]. On 1 July 2011, the Committee published its Seventh Report of The Government Office for Science Annual Review 2010-11 Session 2010-12, The Forensic Science Service, HC 855. On 7 September the Committee took evidence from Professor Peer review Sir John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser on the On 28 July 2011, the Committee published its Eighth Report of Government Office for Science Annual Review 2010-11. Session 2010-12, Peer review in scientific publications, HC 856. Treasury Chief Scientific Adviser Practical experiments in school science lessons and science On 7 September the Committee held an evidence session field trips examining the role of the Treasury Chief Scientific Adviser and it On 28 July 2011, the Committee published its Ninth Report of took evidence from Professor Sir John Beddington, Government Session 2010-12, Practical experiments in school science lessons Chief Scientific Adviser and James Richardson, Chief Scientific and science field trips, HC 1060. Adviser, HM Treasury Forest research GOVERNMENT RESPONSES On 11 May 2011 the Committee announced an inquiry into Government Response to the Science and Technology forest research. The Committee invited written submissions on the Committee report 'Bioengineering’ following issues by 9 June. On 14 June 2011, the Committee published the Government’s On 13 July the Committee took evidence from: Jacqueline Response to the predecessor Committee’s Report on Bioengineering, Caine, Science Policy Officer, Society of Biology, Stuart Goodall, HC 1138. Chief Executive, Confederation of Forest Industries, Allan MacKenzie, Supplementary Government Response to the Science and Departmental Secretary, Forestry Commission Trade Unions, Technology Committee report 'Scientific advice and evidence in Professor Philip Turner, Director, Forest Products Research Institute, emergencies’ and Dr Allan Watt, Deputy Science Director, Biodiversity Programme, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Roger Coppock, Head of Specialist On 14 June 2011, the Committee published the Government’s Supplementary Response to the Committee’s Report on Scientific Advisors, Corporate and Forestry Support, Forestry Commission, advice and evidence in emergencies, HC 1139. Brian Harris, Head of Science Strategy for Agriculture, Food and Government and the Science and Technology Facilities Council

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Responses to the Science and Technology Committee report and the Government’s responses, Session 2010-12, HC 1042 and 'Astronomy and Particle Physics’ 1139 and Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies follow-up, On 19 July 2011, the Committee published the Government’s 15 June 2011, HC 1059-i. and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Responses to the Committee’s Report on Astronomy and Particle Physics, HC 1425. FURTHER INFORMATION Government Response to the Science and Technology Further information about the work of the Science and Technology Committee report 'UK Centre for Medical Research and Committee or its current inquiries can be obtained from the Clerk of Innovation (UKCMRI)’ the Committee, Elizabeth Flood, the Second Clerk, Stephen On 13 September 2011, the Committee published the McGinness, or from the Senior Committee Assistant, Andy Boyd, on Government’s Response to the Committee’s Report on UK Centre for 020 7219 8367/2792/2793 respectively; or by writing to: The Clerk Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI), HC 1475. of the Committee, Science and Technology Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Enquiries can also be e- Government Response to the Science and Technology mailed to [email protected]. Anyone wishing to be included Committee report 'Strategically important metals’ on the Committee’s mailing list should contact the staff of the On 14 September 2011, the Committee published the Committee. Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee is Government’s Response to the Committee’s Report on Strategically strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the guidance note first. important metals, HC 1479. Guidance on the submission of evidence can be found at DEBATES www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm. The Committee has a website, www.parliament.uk/science, where all recent On 15 September there was a Westminster Hall debate on the publications, terms of reference for all inquiries and press notices are Third Report from the Science and Technology Committee, Session available. 2010-12, HC 498, on Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies,

HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE

The members of the Committee The role and function of departmental Chief on 17 March 2011 with a deadline for (appointed 22 June 2010) are Lord Scientific Advisers (CSAs) submission of 28 April. The Committee held a Broers, Lord Crickhowell, Lord Cunningham of Felling, Baroness In July 2011, the Science and Technology workshop with Government officials and key Hilton of Eggardon, Lord Krebs Committee, under the Chairmanship of Lord stakeholders on 5 April and public meetings were (Chairman), Baroness Neuberger, Krebs, launched an inquiry on the role and held from 10 May to 14 September. The report Lord Patel, Baroness Perry of will be published by the end of 2011. Southwark, Lord Rees of Ludlow, the function of Chief Scientific Advisers. The inquiry Earl of Selborne, Lord Wade of will be looking at a number of aspects concerning Behaviour change policy interventions Chorley, Lord Warner, Lord Willis of the role of CSAs including: the ability of CSAs to In June 2010, the Select Committee Knaresborough and Lord Winston. provide independent advice to ministers and Lord Jenkin of Roding and Lord appointed a Sub-Committee under the policy makers; the extent of their influence over Oxburgh have been co-opted to the Chairmanship of Baroness Neuberger to conduct Committee for the purposes of its research spend; and their role in providing an inquiry into the effectiveness of behaviour inquiry into nuclear research and independent challenge and ensuring that change interventions in achieving government development capabilities. departmental policies are evidence-based. A call policy goals and helping to meet societal for evidence was released on 20 July 2011 with challenges. a deadline for submission of 16 September. The Committee will start taking oral evidence on 18 Governments across the world are attempting October. to meet challenges such as the need to reduce carbon emissions and the rise in obesity. As a Nuclear research and development result, more and more attention is being focused capabilities on how behaviour can be influenced using a In March 2011, the Select Committee, also range of behaviour change interventions that rely under the Chairmanship of Lord Krebs, launched on measures other than prohibition or the a short inquiry to investigate whether the UK’s elimination of choice. The Committee considered nuclear research and development (R&D) the current state of knowledge about which capabilities are sufficient to meet its future behaviour change interventions are effective, nuclear energy requirements to 2050. The inquiry whether the Government’s current behaviour has examined, amongst other things, the R&D change interventions are evidence-based and implications of future scenarios up to 2050 and subject to robust evaluation, and how such whether the UK has adequate R&D capabilities, interventions are coordinated across departments. including infrastructure, to meet its current and The Committee has also looked at the role of future needs for a safe and secure supply of industry and the voluntary sector in shaping nuclear energy. A call for evidence was released behaviour patterns and the social and ethical

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issues surrounding behaviour change interventions by government. response was published on 23 August and the report was debated The inquiry included two case studies. The first looked at in the House on 13 September. behaviour change interventions designed to reduce obesity and the STEM Higher Education second focused on travel-mode interventions to reduce car use in On 13 September 2011 the Select Committee appointed a new towns and cities. The Committee published its report on 19 July Sub-Committee under the Chairmanship of Lord Willis of 2011. The Government response was published on 15 September. Knaresborough to consider STEM higher education. A call for It is anticipated that the report will be debated in the House in the evidence will be published in October. current session. Public procurement as a tool to stimulate innovation FURTHER INFORMATION At the end of 2010, the Select Committee, under the The written and oral evidence to the Committee’s inquiries chairmanship of Lord Krebs, launched a short inquiry into public mentioned above, as well as the Calls for Evidence and other procurement as a tool to stimulate innovation within industry. The documents can be found on the Committee’s website inquiry focused, in particular, on the Department for Transport and www.parliament.uk/hlscience. Further information about the work of related public bodies, as a working example of the current the Committee can be obtained from Christine Salmon Percival, procurement practices within departments. The Committee Committee Clerk, [email protected] or 020 7219 6072. The published its report at the end of May 2011. The Government Committee’s email address is [email protected].

PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST)

RECENT POST PUBLICATIONS fertiliser. This POSTnote examines the potential for AD in the UK, and the main challenges connected with its development. Carbon Footprint of Electricity Generation June 2011 POSTnote 383 Marine Planning In 2006, POSTnote 268 outlined the “carbon footprints” of a September 2011 POSTnote 388 variety of electricity generation technologies. Footprint data were The UK’s marine resources have substantial economic, scarce at that time, particularly peer-reviewed estimates. This environmental and social value. However, increasing demand has POSTnote provides an updated overview of the evidence base in led to concerns over their degradation. The Marine and Coastal 2011, including estimates from more than 30 peer-reviewed studies. Access Act (2009) set out the mechanism for marine planning in UK waters and aims to help tackle these concerns. It combines the Biofuels from Algae management of activities and conservation of the marine July 2011 POSTnote 384 environment. This POSTnote describes the marine planning process Algae, including seaweed, are a potential source of renewable and considers the challenges it will face. fuel, food and chemicals. This POSTnote examines the technical, economic and environmental issues around algal biofuels and their Cyber Security in the UK relevance to UK and EU policy targets. September 2011 POSTnote 389 The National Security Strategy, published in October 2010, rated Water in Production and Products large scale cyber attacks as one of the four highest priority risks to August 2011 POSTnote 385 UK national security. The aim of this four page POSTnote is to The water used for production, known as “virtual” water, provide MPs and Peers with an overview of cyber security in the constitutes 95% of human water use. As pressure on the world’s UK, focusing on large scale cyber attacks directed at UK National water supply rises, recognition of the amount of water used within Infrastructure. each step of production could play an important role in managing water use. This POSTnote examines how virtual water use is CURRENT WORK calculated and its application within the global economy. Biological Sciences – Animal Health and Biosecurity, Personal GM Crops and Food Security Genomics, Improving Livestock, Clinical Trials, Review of Stem Cell September 2011 POSTnote 386 Research, An Ageing Workforce, Blast Injuries, Computer The rising global population requires agriculture to increase Games/Videos and Violence, Biotechnology Patenting, Personalised productivity at a time when land and water shortages and climate Cancer Care. change are putting pressure on food production. This POSTnote Environment and Energy – Energy Security, Invasive Tree Pests examines the potential contribution that genetic modification of and Pathogens, Natural Flood Management, Sustainability. crops might bring to increasing food production in Europe, in a Physical sciences and IT – Solar Technologies, Clean Water and global context. the MDGs, Opening up Public Sector Data Anaerobic Digestion Science Policy – Science, Technology, Mathematics and September 2011 POSTnote 387 Engineering (STEM) Education: 14-19 Year Olds, Open Access and Anaerobic digestion (AD) can divert waste from landfill and Open Data produce biogas, a source of renewable energy, and “digestate”, a

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CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS The Fukushima Dai-ichi incident: Implications for the international community Examining Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths Education On 6 July, POST organised a special seminar, bringing together for Ages 14-19 leading international experts on nuclear power, safety and security On 14 June, POST organised a seminar to discuss the uptake of from the UK, Japan and France. Adam Afriyie MP, Chair of the POST science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects Board, introduced and chaired the seminar at which invited guests by young people and its strategic importance to the future heard presentations from Professor Tatsujiro Suzuki, Vice-Chair, economic competitiveness of the UK. It is also vital to the country’s Atomic Energy Commission, Japan, Mr Claude Birraux, President of social development, with STEM skills increasingly required to help to the Office Parlementaire d’Evaluation des Choix Scientifiques et improve the quality of people’s everyday lives. After a long period of Technologiques (OPECST), France, Mr Denis Flory, Head of Nuclear decline, uptake of STEM subjects post-16 is currently rising and is Safety and Security, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and projected to reach 2014 government targets. However, there Mr Mike Weightman, HM Chief Inspector, Nuclear Installations and continue to be several barriers to uptake at school, with notable Executive Head, Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). gender, ethnic and socio-economic disparities. This seminar featured keynote speeches from a number of leading experts in Staff, Fellows and Interns at POST science education, focusing on the state of national STEM Conventional Fellows education and policies aimed at encouraging greater participation. Emma Ransome, Plymouth University, Natural Environment The seminar provided an opportunity to discuss the various Research Council initiatives taking place and the policy challenges that lie ahead. Martina Di Fonzo, Imperial College London, Natural Environment Research Council Dr Therese Coffey MP, Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal constituency, chaired the seminar at which invited guests heard Joanna Hepworth, York University, Biotechnology and Biological presentations from Professor Sir John Holman, University of York, Sciences Research Council former Director of the National Science Learning Centre and Jennifer Dodson, York University, Royal Society of Chemistry National STEM Director, Mr Tim Oates, Director of Assessment Heather Riley, Birmingham University, Biotechnology and Biological Research and Development, Cambridge Assessment and Chair of Sciences Research Council the National Curriculum Review Expert Panel, Mr Dennis Opposs, Clare Dyer-Smith, Imperial College London, Royal Society of Director of Standards and Head of Qualification Monitoring, Ofqual, Chemistry Mr Richard Needham, Chair, The Association for Science Education Matthew Mottram, University College London, Engineering and and Dr Penny Fidler, Chief Executive Officer, The Association for Physical Sciences Research Council Fellow Science and Discovery Centres. Zoe Freeman, Edinburgh University, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Natalie Banner, Kings College London, Wellcome Trust Medical History and Humanities division

HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION

A Research Paper produced for Energy Bill [HL]: Committee Stage Report Tar Sands SN/SC/6023 Members of Parliament is Research Paper 11/64 summarised opposite. Papers can Tar sands (or oil sands) are a naturally be accessed at This is a report on the House of Commons occurring mixture of sand, clay or other minerals, http://www.parliament.uk/briefing- Committee Stage of the Energy Bill. It comple- water and bitumen. According to the International papers/commons-research-papers/ ments Library Research Paper 11/36 (Energy Bill) Energy Agency, Canadian oil sands are expected The Section produces a series of prepared for the Commons Second Reading. to assume a rapidly expanding role in meeting frequently updated notes on a wide future oil demand. However, there are of topics. Opposite are summaries The Bill covers a wide range of topics including environmental concerns associated with, among of some recently updated notes. issues relating to energy efficiency, including the other things, the carbon dioxide (CO2) released Green Deal, and energy generation. The most The notes can be accessed online during the extraction and processing of tar sands substantial amendments to the Bill relate to the at http://www.parliament.uk/ to produce useable fuel. Other environmental topics/Topical-Issues.htm introduction of regulations on the energy issues relate to water use, mining waste and efficiency of the private rented sector. A clause on For further information contact deforestation: the tar sands in Canada cover an nuclear decommissioning was withdrawn and is Christopher Barclay Head of Section area of primary boreal forest larger than England. Tel: 020 7219 3624 email: to be reintroduced at a later stage by the [email protected] Government. There were also new clauses There is concern in Canada that new EU relating to carbon capture and storage, and standards to promote greener fuels could harm renewables in national parks. future markets for its oil sands.

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Energy from waste and incineration SN/SC/5958 in November 2011. Incineration is the burning of waste to reduce its volume, so that The NPPF includes a presumption in favour of sustainable the remaining ash is easier to dispose of. Energy from Waste (EfW) development. Critics, led by the National Trust and the Campaign to takes this process further by recovering some of the energy Protect Rural England, have accused the document of handing over contained in the waste. There are a variety of incineration and EfW too much power to developers, reducing protection for rural technologies, such as gasification. England. Supporters of the NPPF welcome the radical simplification Local opposition to these technologies can be fierce. Concerns of planning guidance and argue that it contains the necessary are often raised about the health implications and the wider safeguards, without restricting needed investment. environmental impacts of burning waste. However, Government The draft guidance can already be a material consideration in agencies and many professional groups argue that the evidence determining planning applications, but existing planning guidance shows that they are safe. Many also argue that they can play an remains in force. important role in sustainable waste management – although the degree to which a plant may be considered ‘sustainable’ is Town centres, planning and supermarkets SN/SC/1106 dependent upon a number of factors. This note covers the debate over the way that the planning system protects retailers in the town centre by restricting It is likely that these technologies will play an increasing role in supermarkets. Until 2009 planning guidance required applicants to UK waste management as it becomes more expensive to landfill demonstrate a need for more supermarket capacity in the area (the waste. so-called “need test”). Septic tanks: new regulations SN/SC/6059 The Labour Government abolished the need test in revised Septic tanks can pollute groundwater supplies and surface water planning guidance, Planning Policy Statement 4 of December 2009. in rivers, streams and lakes. Such pollution can make supplies However, the planning authority is still required to plan to satisfy unusable for drinking and cause damage to the environment, with need for retail outlets and to follow the sequential test. economic and social consequences. The Government published the draft National Planning Policy Discharges from septic tanks from isolated buildings are no Framework (NPPF) in July 2011. The NPPF will replace all longer exempt from groundwater protection legislation. To reflect Government planning guidance in April 2012. The impact and this, regulations introduced in 2010 now require many septic tanks sequential tests are retained but the need test has not returned. to be registered or to have an environmental permit by 2012. Research at the LSE in 2011 suggests that restrictive planning In July 2011 the Minister, Richard Benyon MP, requested the policies have reduced productivity in the retail sector by 20%. Environment Agency to review this approach “to check whether [it] is the most appropriate and whether there might be opportunities Hill Farm Support SN/SC/894 for further simplification”. Following the announcement the This note describes the system of allowances paid to hill Environment Agency stopped actively seeking owners of many farmers. The Coalition Government Programme said that it would septic tanks, although it still permitted owners to register should “develop a system of extra support for hill farmers”. The they so wish. A consultation will be announced by Defra in coming Government announced increased support in March 2011. weeks. Since 1 July 2010, hill farming has been fully integrated into the Overfishing and Fisheries Policy SN/SC/2979 environmental stewardship part of the Common Agricultural Policy. European Commission proposals in July 2011 for reform of the This is a new uplands entry level stewardship (Uplands ELS). Common Fisheries Policy included decentralisation; requiring Basically upland farmers are paid a higher single farm payment. fishermen to land all the fish they catch; reducing fleet overcapacity Uplands ELS will reward farmers for maintaining and improving the by market measures; supporting fish farms. The proposals will now upland landscape and environment. go to the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. In February 2011, the EFRA Select Committee called for a return The UK Government’s reaction was non-committal. The Scottish to headage payments – support based on the number of livestock Government said the proposals did not go far enough, but instead of a payment based on area. welcomed the opportunity to exercise more control over fishing in The Commission for Rural Communities argued that the uplands Scottish waters. contained important public goods and market products, which The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations did not would not be preserved by the current amount of support for hill want CFP reform to follow the model of the current cod farming. management plan. Objectives, targets and timetables are set Battery Hens SN/SC/1367 centrally, with a subordinate and highly constrained role for the An EU Directive in 1999 banned the use of battery cages from Member States in implementing the rules. 2012 – allowing time for the industry to replace its equipment National Planning Policy Framework SN/SC/6066 without undue cost. There is considerable disagreement whether The Government published the draft National Planning Policy they should be replaced by so-called “enriched” cages, or whether Framework (NPPF) on 25 July 2011. Consultation will close on 17 those cages are almost as bad as the ones being banned. October 2011. The Government intends to replace all planning An EFRA Select Committee Report on the Welfare Laying Hens guidance by the NPPF in April 2012. The final version of this 52 Directive, September 2011, noted that one third of the EU’s egg page document will be the main factor in shaping planning policy, industry will not be compliant with regulations when they come into more so than the Localism Bill, which will probably become an Act force in January 2012. It warned that the compliant industry could

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be undermined by cheaper imports of eggs and egg products Current controversy centres mainly on the issue of maximum deriving from caged birds. permitted levels. Successive UK governments have argued these should be based on risk of harm and that regulation should be Food Supplements Directive SN/SC/4152 flexible for vitamins and minerals for which there is no evidence of The EU market for food supplements containing vitamins and adverse effects. Although a draft proposal on permitted levels was minerals is regulated by Directive 2002/46/EC, known as the Food expected from the EC in early 2009, this has been repeatedly Supplements Directive. UK Governments have broadly supported delayed. the Directive’s public safety and trade promoting intentions but have been subject to intense lobbying, particularly regarding future availability of high dose supplements and potential impacts on the profitability of suppliers.

SELECTED DEBATES

Listed opposite (grouped by subject Agriculture and Biodiversity IT, Telecommunications and Broadcasting area) is a selection of Debates on Biological Diversity 20.6.11 HoL 1109 Machine-to-machine Communication matters of scientific interest which 8.6.11 HoC 132WH took place in the House of Food Security Strategy 5.7.11 HoC 1482 Computer Games Industry Commons, the House of Lords or Defence Westminster Hall on 6th June-20th 29.6.11 HoC 335WH Radar Industry 13.9.11 HoC 234WH July, 11th August and 5th-15th Science Policy September. Education Research: Science and Technology Committee Student Visas 16.6.11 HoC 327WH Report 8.6.11 HoL 326 A Digest of Parliamentary Questions Public Procurement as a Tool to Stimulate and Answers for the same period Energy Innovation: Science and Technology Report can be found at Coal-fired Power Stations 29.6.11 HoC 303WH 13.9.11 HoL GC173 www.scienceinparliament.org.uk National Policy Statements (Energy) Scientific Advice (Emergencies) 18.7.11 HoC 678 15.9.11 HoC 331WH Environment Flood and Water Management Space Microgravity Research 8.9.11 HoC 143WH 13.9.11 HoC 1009

Health Transport Cannabis and Psychosis (Young People) Train-building Industry 12.7.11 HoC 1WH 9.6.11 HoC 393 High-speed Rail 13.7.11 HoC 77WH Hospital Food 14.6.11 HoC 751 ————————————————————————————— Information Technology 14.6.11 HoC 205WH PROGRESS OF LEGISLATION BEFORE Dental Bleaching 23.6.11 HoC 587 PARLIAMENT Neuroblastoma 5.7.11 HoC 446WH A comprehensive list of Public Bills before Coeliac Disease 7.9.11 HoC 101WH Parliament, giving up-to-date information on their International Development progress, is published regularly when Parliament Future of CDC 14.7.11 HoC 155WH is sitting in the Weekly Information Bulletin, which Food Security and Famine Prevention (Africa) can be found at: http://www.publications. 15.9.11 HoC 1208 parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmwib.htm

Intellectual Property Intellectual Property (Hargreaves Report) 7.7.11 HoC 535WH

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SCIENCE DIRECTORY DIRECTORY INDEX Aerospace and Aviation Catalysis British Science Association STFC C-Tech Innovation C-Tech Innovation The British Ecological Society EPSRC Institution of Chemical Engineers British Nutrition Foundation Fisheries Research Institution of Engineering Designers Royal Society of Chemistry British Pharmacological Society Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership National Physical Laboratory Chemistry British Society for Antimicrobial Society of Biology Semta C-Tech Innovation Chemotherapy Food and Food Technology EPSRC CABI British Nutrition Foundation Agriculture Institution of Chemical Engineers Clifton Scientific Trust CABI BBSRC LGC C-Tech Innovation C-Tech Innovation CABI London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Economic and Social Research The Food and Environment Research The Food and Environment Research Plymouth Marine Sciences Council Agency Agency Partnership EPSRC Institute of Food Science & Institution of Engineering Designers Royal Institution EngineeringUK Technology LGC Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Measurement and Control Institution of Chemical Engineers PHARMAQ Ltd STFC Institute of Physics LGC Society for Applied Microbiology Institution of Chemical Engineers The Nutrition Society Society for General Microbiology Colloid Science Institution of Civil Engineers Royal Society of Chemistry Society of Biology London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Institution of Engineering and Society for Applied Microbiology UFAW Royal Society of Chemistry Technology Society for General Microbiology Institution of Mechanical Engineers Society of Biology Animal Health and Welfare, Construction and Building LGC Veterinary Research The Geological Society London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Forensics ABPI Institution of Civil Engineers NESTA Institute of Measurement and Control Academy of Medical Sciences Institution of Engineering Designers National Physical Laboratory LGC The Nutrition Society Institution of Engineering and Natural History Museum Royal Society of Chemistry PHARMAQ Ltd Technology The Physiological Society Society for Applied Microbiology London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Plymouth Marine Sciences Genetics Society for General Microbiology National Physical Laboratory Partnership ABPI Society of Biology Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew BBSRC UFAW Cosmetic Science Royal Institution LGC Society of Cosmetic Scientists The Royal Society Natural History Museum Astronomy and Space Science Royal Society of Chemistry The Physiological Society Institute of Physics Earth Sciences Royal Statistical Society Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Institution of Engineering Designers The Geological Society Semta Society of Biology Natural History Museum The Linnean Society of London Society of Biology STFC Natural Environment Research Geology and Geoscience Council Energy The Geological Society Atmospheric Sciences, Climate and Natural History Museum CABI Institution of Civil Engineers Weather Society of Biology C-Tech Innovation Natural Environment Research Council The Geological Society EPSRC Society of Maritime Industries Natural Environment Research Ecology, Environment and GAMBICA Association Ltd Council Biodiversity Institute of Measurement and Control Hazard and Risk Mitigation STFC The British Ecological Society Institute of Physics The Geological Society CABI Institution of Chemical Engineers Institute of Measurement and Control Biotechnology C-Tech Innovation Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Chemical Engineers BBSRC Economic and Social Research Institution of Engineering Designers Biochemical Society Council Institution of Engineering and Health CABI The Food and Environment Research Technology ABPI C-Tech Innovation Agency Institution of Mechanical Engineers Academy of Medical Sciences Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Institution of Chemical Engineers Plymouth Marine Sciences Biochemical Society Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Civil Engineers Partnership British Nutrition Foundation LGC Institution of Mechanical Engineers Royal Society of Chemistry British Pharmacological Society National Physical Laboratory LGC Society of Maritime Industries British Society for Antimicrobial Plymouth Marine Sciences The Linnean Society of London STFC Chemotherapy Partnership National Physical Laboratory Economic and Social Research Royal Society of Chemistry Natural Environment Research Engineering Council Semta Council C-Tech Innovation Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Society for Applied Microbiology Natural History Museum EPSRC EPSRC Society for General Microbiology Plymouth Marine Sciences EngineeringUK The Food and Environment Research Society of Biology Partnership GAMBICA Association Ltd Agency Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Institute of Measurement and Control GAMBICA Association Ltd Brain Research Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Physics and Engineering in Institute of Physics and Engineering in ABPI Society for Applied Microbiology Medicine Medicine Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Society for General Microbiology Institution of Chemical Engineers LGC Institute of Physics and Engineering Society of Biology Institution of Civil Engineers Medical Research Council in Medicine Society of Maritime Industries Institution of Engineering Designers National Physical Laboratory MSD Institution of Engineering and The Nutrition Society The Physiological Society Economic and Social Research Technology The Physiological Society Economic and Social Research Institution of Mechanical Engineers Royal Institution Cancer Research Council London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Royal Society of Chemistry ABPI National Physical Laboratory Society for Applied Microbiology Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Education, Training and Skills Plymouth Marine Sciences Society for General Microbiology Institute of Physics and Engineering ABPI Partnership Society of Biology in Medicine Academy of Medical Sciences The Royal Academy of Engineering National Physical Laboratory AIRTO Semta Heart Research Biochemical Society Society of Maritime Industries ABPI

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Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Biochemical Society Psychology SSSIs The Physiological Society British Pharmacological Society The British Psychological Society The Geological Society British Society for Antimicrobial Economic and Social Research Council Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Hydrocarbons and Petroleum Chemotherapy The Geological Society CABI Public Policy Statistics Institution of Chemical Engineers Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Biochemical Society Economic and Social Research Council Natural History Museum Medical Research Council The British Ecological Society EPSRC Royal Society of Chemistry MSD British Nutrition Foundation EngineeringUK The Physiological Society British Society for Antimicrobial Royal Statistical Society Industrial Policy and Research Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Chemotherapy AIRTO Royal Institution Economic and Social Research Surface Science C-Tech Innovation Society of Biology Council C-Tech Innovation Economic and Social Research UFAW EngineeringUK STFC Council The Food and Environment Research GAMBICA Association Ltd Motor Vehicles Agency Sustainability Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Engineering Designers Institution of Civil Engineers The British Ecological Society Institution of Engineering and London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Institution of Chemical Engineers CABI Technology Institution of Engineering and C-Tech Innovation The Royal Academy of Engineering Oceanography Technology EPSRC Semta The Geological Society NESTA The Food and Environment Research STFC National Physical Laboratory Prospect Agency Natural Environment Research Council Royal Society of Chemistry The Geological Society Information Services Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Society of Biology Institution of Chemical Engineers AIRTO Society of Maritime Industries Institution of Civil Engineers CABI Quality Management The Linnean Society of London Oil GAMBICA Association Ltd London Metropolitan Polymer Centre IT, Internet, Telecommunications, The Geological Society LGC Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Computing and Electronics Institution of Chemical Engineers National Physical Laboratory Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew EPSRC LGC Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Civil Engineers Radiation Hazards Society of Biology Institution of Engineering and Particle Physics Institute of Physics and Engineering Technology Institute of Physics in Medicine Technology Transfer National Physical Laboratory STFC Institution of Engineering and AIRTO STFC Technology CABI Patents LGC C-Tech Innovation Intellectual Property The Chartered Institute of Patent The Food and Environment Research ABPI Attorneys Science Policy Agency The Chartered Institute of Patent NESTA ABPI Institute of Measurement and Control Attorneys Academy of Medical Sciences Institution of Engineering and C-Tech Innovation Pharmaceuticals Biochemical Society Technology Eli Lilly and Company Ltd ABPI The British Ecological Society LGC NESTA British Pharmacological Society British Nutrition Foundation London Metropolitan Polymer Centre British Society for Antimicrobial British Pharmacological Society NESTA Large-Scale Research Facilities Chemotherapy British Science Association National Physical Laboratory C-Tech Innovation C-Tech Innovation CABI Research Councils UK The Food and Environment Research Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Clifton Scientific Trust Royal Society of Chemistry Agency Institution of Chemical Engineers C-Tech Innovation STFC London Metropolitan Polymer Centre LGC Economic and Social Research National Physical Laboratory MSD Council Tropical Medicine Natural History Museum PHARMAQ Ltd Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Natural History Museum STFC Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew EPSRC Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Royal Society of Chemistry EngineeringUK Society for Applied Microbiology Lasers Society of Biology The Food and Environment Research Society for General Microbiology Institute of Physics Agency National Physical Laboratory Physical Sciences GAMBICA Association Ltd Viruses STFC Cavendish Laboratory Institute of Physics ABPI C-Tech Innovation Institution of Chemical Engineers Society for Applied Microbiology Manufacturing EPSRC Institution of Civil Engineers Society for General Microbiology ABPI The Geological Society Institution of Engineering and EPSRC London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Technology Water GAMBICA Association Ltd National Physical Laboratory LGC C-Tech Innovation Institution of Chemical Engineers Medical Research Council The Geological Society Institution of Engineering Designers Physics NESTA Institute of Measurement and Control Institution of Engineering and Cavendish Laboratory National Physical Laboratory Institution of Chemical Engineers Technology C-Tech Innovation The Physiological Society Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Mechanical Engineers Institute of Physics Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership LGC London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Institute of Physics and Engineering Prospect Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership National Physical Laboratory in Medicine Research Councils UK Royal Society of Chemistry Semta National Physical Laboratory The Royal Academy of Engineering Society for Applied Microbiology Society of Maritime Industries STFC Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Society for General Microbiology Royal Institution Society of Biology Materials Pollution and Waste The Royal Society Society of Maritime Industries C-Tech Innovation ABPI Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Chemical Engineers C-Tech Innovation STFC Wildlife Institution of Engineering Designers The Geological Society Society of Biology The British Ecological Society London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Institution of Chemical Engineers UFAW The Food and Environment Research National Physical Laboratory Institution of Civil Engineers Agency Royal Society of Chemistry London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Sensors and Transducers The Linnean Society of London Semta National Physical Laboratory C-Tech Innovation Natural History Museum STFC Natural Environment Research Council GAMBICA Association Ltd Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Institute of Measurement and Control Society of Biology Medical and Biomedical Research Society of Maritime Industries Institution of Engineering and UFAW ABPI Technology Academy of Medical Sciences STFC Society of Maritime Industries

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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 External Relations 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 invests in world-class bioscience research in engineering and physical sciences, investing agency addressing economic and social concerns. and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is around £800m a year in research and postgraduate We pursue excellence in social science research; training, to help the nation handle the next to further scientific knowledge to promote work to increase the impact of our research on generation of technological change. economic growth, wealth and job creation and to policy and practice; and provide trained social The areas covered range from information improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. BBSRC scientists who meet the needs of users and technology to structural engineering, and research is helping society to meet major beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the economic mathematics to materials science. This research competitiveness of the United Kingdom, the challenges, including food security, green energy forms the basis for future economic development in effectiveness of public services and policy, and the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, and healthier, longer lives and underpins important quality of life. The ESRC is independent, established lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, by Royal Charter in 1965, and funded mainly by Research Councils with responsibility for other areas industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. 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.

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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 0110 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 80 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.

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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: MLaverick@engineeringuk.com 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.

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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 With over 33,000 members in One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA, UK Westbury Leigh 120 countries, IChemE is the global Westbury membership organisation for Tel: 020 7665 2265 Wiltshire BA13 3TA chemical engineers. A not for profit Fax: 020 7222 0973 Tel: 01373 822801 organisation, we serve the public E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ice.org.uk Fax: 01373 858085 interest by building and sustaining an active professional community E-mail: [email protected]

and promoting the development, Website: www.ied.org.uk ICE aims to be a leading voice in infrastructure understanding and application of issues. With over 80,000 members, ICE acts as a chemical engineering worldwide. The only professional membership body solely for 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.

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Institution of LGC Mechanical Queens Road, Teddington Engineers Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Kate Heywood 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 31 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: Claire Inman, Communications Contact: Alison Green, Hertford Road Manager London Metropolitan University Hoddesdon Burlington House 41-71 Commercial Road, London, E1 1LA Herts EN11 9BU Piccadilly, London W1J 0BF Tel: 020 7320 1882 Tel: 01992 452840 E-mail: [email protected] 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.

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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 PHARMAQ Ltd Fax: +44 (0)20 7602 1756 Peer House, Verulam Street Email: [email protected] Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Estate London WC1X 8LZ www.nutritionsociety.org Fordingbridge Founded in 1941, The Nutrition Society is the premier Hants SP6 1PA. Tel:+44 (0) 20 7269 5716 scientific body dedicated to advance the scientific study Tel: 01425 656081 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7269 5720 of nutrition and its application to the maintenance of Fax: 01425 657992 E-mail: [email protected] human and animal health. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.physoc.org Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society Website: www.pharmaq.no is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. The Physiological Society brings together over 3000 Web shop: www.pharmaqwebshop.co.uk/shop Membership is worldwide and is open to those with a scientists from over 60 countries. Since its genuine interest in the science of human or animal foundation in 1876, our Members have made nutrition. Principal activities include: PHARMAQ is the only global pharmaceutical significant contributions to the understanding of 1. Disseminating scientific information through its company with a primary focus on aquaculture. biological systems and the treatment of disease. The programme of scientific meetings and publications Specialising in the supply of veterinary Society promotes physiology with the public and 2. Publishing internationally renowned scientific learned pharmaceuticals for the salmon and trout farming Parliament alike, and actively engages with policy journals, and textbooks makers. It supports physiologists by organising industries including vaccines, anaesthetics, world-class conferences and offering grants for 3. Promoting the education and training of nutritionists antibiotics and sea lice treatments. In the UK we research and also publishes the latest developments 4. Engaging with external organisations and the public to also support an extensive range of biocides and in the field in its two leading scientific journals, The promote good nutritional science cage and aviary products. Journal of Physiology and Experimental Physiology.

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 Director of Science and Education 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

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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 Neville Reed Press and Public Affairs Manager 14 Upton Road Managing Director, Science, Education and Industry The Royal Statistical Society Watford Royal Society of Chemistry 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. WD18 0JT Thomas Graham House (290) Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Tel: 0845 643 9001 Science Park Milton Road Cambridge CB4 0WF Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 Fax: 01923 256086 Tel. 01223 420066 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax. 01223 423623 Website: www.rss.org.uk Website: www.semta.org.uk Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rsc.org The Royal Statistical Society is a leading source of Semta’s skills service for UK science, engineering and manufacturing employers http://www.chemsoc.org independent advice, comment and discussion on statistical issues. It promotes public understanding • Training needs assessment against a company’s business objectives. The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, professional of statistics and acts as an advocate for the interests and scientific body of over 46,000 members with a duty of statisticians and users of statistics. The Society • Quality programmes from The National Skills under its Royal Charter “to serve the public interest”. It actively contributes to government consultations, Academy for Manufacturing is active in the areas of education and qualifications, Royal Commissions, parliamentary select committee • A training management service. science policy, publishing, Europe, information and inquiries, and to the legislative process. In 2009, the • Access to available funding and accredited training internet services, media relations, public understanding providers. RSS celebrated 175 years since its foundation in of science, advice and assistance to Parliament and 1834. • Research into training needs to influence Government. 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.

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SCIENCE DIARY

THE PARLIAMENTARY AND THE ROYAL SOCIETY Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 November SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Website: royalsociety.org Early anatomically modern humans in Contact: Annabel Lloyd The Royal Society hosts a series of free Eurasia: coping with climatic complexity Tel: 020 7222 7085 events, including evening lectures and Royal Society Theo Murphy international [email protected] conferences, covering the whole breadth of scientific meeting at Kavli Royal Society parliamentaryandscientificcommittee@ science, engineering and technology for International Centre, Buckinghamshire hotmail.co.uk public, policy and scientific audiences. Friday 25 November 13.00-14.00 www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Events are held at the Royal Society’s offices Publishing Faraday's Candle Professor Frank James, Royal Institution of Tuesday 8 November in London, at the Kavli Royal Society Annual Lunch International Centre at Chicheley Hall, Great Britain at The Royal Society, London Guest of Honour: Dr Mike Weightman, Buckinghamshire and other venues. Monday 28 November 18.30-19.30 HM Chief Inspector Nuclear Installations and Many past events are available to watch or BioInspired Technology: From cochlear Executive Head ONR listen to online at http://royalsociety.tv The implants to an artificial pancreas using collection includes events with speakers microchips Tuesday 22 November 17.30 such as David Attenborough, Margaret Professor Christofer Toumazou FRS, Imperial Discussion Meeting College London at The Royal Society, Is Scientific Freedom the Elixir of Atwood and Lord Rees FRS. London Civilisation? Highlights in the next few months include Speakers: Professor Don Braben, Honorary the following. Details of how to attend all Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 December Professor in Earth Sciences, University these, plus information on many more The global nitrogen cycle College London events can be found on our website at Royal Society scientific discussion meeting Professor James Ladyman, Professor of royalsociety.org/events: at The Royal Society, London Philosophy, University of Bristol Wednesday 26 October 18.30-19.30 Wednesday 7 December 18.30-19.30 Professor Ben Davis, Department of When will we understand Autism Repairing the code Chemistry, University of Oxford Spectrum Disorders? The 2011 Royal Society Francis Crick Lecture Professor David Delpy, Chief Executive and The 2011 Rosalind Franklin Award Lecture to be given by Dr Simon Boulton from Deputy Chair, Engineering and Physical by Professor Francesca Happé, King’s Cancer Research UK at The Royal Society, Sciences Research Council College London at The Royal Society, London Tuesday 13 December 17.30 London Details of these, and further events in press, will be available on our website at Discussion Meeting Friday 28 October 13.00-14.00 What is the Public Understanding of Risk?” Mary Somerville and the Empire of royalsociety.org/events Speakers to be confirmed Science in the Nineteenth Century ______Tuesday 24 January 17.30 at The Royal Society, London THE ROYAL INSTITUTION Discussion Meeting Sunday 30 October 14.00-15.00 Peer Review: is it working? Fire and ice: What makes volcanoes 21 Albemarle Street Speakers to be confirmed dangerous? London W1S 4BS. Tuesday 28 February 17.30 Dr Hugh Tuffen, Royal Society Research All events take place at the Royal Institution. Discussion Meeting Fellow: event organised by the Royal Society For information and to book tickets visit Ground Engineering - why it matters in partnership with Manchester Museum as www.rigb.org Speakers to be confirmed part of the Manchester Science Festival Friday 28 October 20.00-21.15 2011 at The Manchester Museum, Monday 12 March How to make and repair muscles Manchester SET for BRITAIN Peter Rigby, Chief Executive. Institute for Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 November Cancer Research Thursday 15 March Can solar power deliver? National Science and Engineering Week Tuesday 1 November 19.00-20.30 Royal Society scientific discussion meeting Seminar The better angels of our nature: the at The Royal Society, London Mathematics Matters, sponsored by the decline of violence in history and its Council for Mathematical Sciences Friday 18 November 13.00-14.00 causes Radiometers as buttonholes: the Is violence really on the decline? Steven extraordinary material legacy of William Pinker shows that violence within and Crookes between societies – both murder and Dr Jane Wess of the Science Museum warfare – has actually declined from explores the material legacy of William prehistory to today. Crookes, physicist, chemist, entrepreneur and spiritualist at The Royal Society, London

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OFFICERS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY & SCIENTIFIC Friday 4 November 19.00-20.30 THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF COMMITTEE Leonardo and Mona Lisa. Why? LONDON Martin Kemp will discuss what is arguably Burlington House the world’s most famous painting. Piccadilly President: The Rt Hon the Lord Jenkin of Roding Tuesday 8 November 19.00-20.30 London W1J 0BF Chairman: Mr Andrew Miller MP The Serendipity Engine Tel: +44 (0)20 7434 4479 ext 11 Deputy Chairman: Mr Tom Blenkinsop MP The Serendipity Engine is a physical Visit www.linnean.org for further details Hon Treasurer: The Lord Willis of manifestation of theoretical and techno- Unless otherwise stated events are held at Knaresborough logical interventions that can be used to the Linnean Society of London and are free Hon Secretary: Mr Stephen Mosley MP enhance serendipity on the World Wide Web. and open to all Vice-Presidents: Dr David Dent Professor Peter Saunders Wednesday 16 November 19.00-20.30 Thursday 17 November 18.00 Mr Robert Freer Thinking fast and slow The Linnean Society of London Annual Professor Julia King CBE FREng Two systems drive the way we think and Debate: “This house believes that genetic Dr Douglas Naysmith make choices: system one is fast, intuitive, modification is more of a threat than a Dr Desmond Turner and emotional; system two is slower, more promise”. Motion proposed by Lord Peter Mr Robert Key deliberative, and more logical. Nobel Prize Melchett, motion opposed by Christopher Professor Alan Malcolm winner Daniel Kahneman will argue that Warkup, organised by Andrew Sheppy FLS. Mr Paul Ridout only by understanding how the two systems Thursday 24 November 10.00 Advisory Panel: Dr Robert Kirby-Harris work together, can we learn the truth about The Chagos archipelago: the world’s Mr Philip Greenish CBE the role of optimism in opening up a new largest Marine Protected Area Dr Stephen Benn Secretariat: Professor Peter Simpson business, and the psychological pitfalls of A joint day meeting of the Linnean Society Mrs Annabel Lloyd playing the stock market. of London and the Chagos Conservation

Friday 25 November 20.00-21.15 Trust supported by Pew Environment Group, SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT 3 Birdcage Walk The science and politics of climate change organised by Professor Charles Sheppard London SW1H 9JJ Sir David King, Director of the Smith School FLS T: 020 7222 7085 of Enterprise and Environment at the Registration required, registration fee £30, sip F: 020 7222 7189 download booking form from University of Oxford and former Chief www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Scientific Adviser and Head of the www.linnean.org Government Office of Science, will present Friday 2 December 18.00 Editor: Professor Peter Simpson his expert perspective on the challenges Smashing species: Joseph Hooker and Editorial Assistant: Annabel Lloyd climate change poses to both science and Victoria Science politics. Dr Jim Endersby, Founder’s Day Lecture The production of this issue has been supported by ______contributions from the British Society for Antimicrobial Thursday 16 February 2012 18.00 Chemotherapy, BASF plc, the Institution of Mechanical Biodiversity and Parks: Protecting the Engineers and those organisations who have entries in the ROYAL PHARMACEUTICAL Best Places Science Directory (pages 55-63). SOCIETY Charles Bescanson Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, [email protected] 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Tel: 0845 257 2570 Published four times a year. The 2011 subscription rate is www.rpharms.com £70.00. Single numbers £17.50 ISSN 0263-6271 Thursday 10 November All enquiries, including those from members wishing to Blue pill, pink pill? Does gender take the front or back covers, advertise in the journal or matter? appear in the directory to Mrs Annabel Lloyd, In partnership with the National Association Tel 020 7222 7085 of Women Pharmacists and the Medical Copyright ©2011 by Parliamentary and Scientific Women’s Federation Committee. All rights reserved. None of the articles in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, London or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 November mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without Tabletting technology for the the prior written permission of the copyright owner. pharmaceutical industry Typeset and printed by The Bridge Press. In association with the Academy of pharmaceutical sciences at the Moller Centre, Cambridge ______

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POPULATION Five international teams of young engineers have reached CHALLENGE FINALS the fi nals of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Population Challenge. Their task is to present a sustainable 22 NOVEMBER 2011 engineering solution that will help resolve challenges related 3.00PM–5.00PM to food, water, urbanisation and energy in their country.

GRAND COMMITTEE ROOM Judged by an international panel of experts, their solutions WESTMINSTER HALL will be used as part of the Institution’s contribution to the UN Earth Summit 2012 ‘Rio+20’.

To meet the teams and hear these innovative solutions by the next generation of engineering talent, contact Penny Bosman on 020 7973 1259 or email [email protected]

Improving the world through engineering