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SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT
The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee sip DECEMBER 2015
This is not an official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its Committees. All-Party Groups are informal groups of members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed in this Journal are those of the Group. This Journal is funded by the members of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. www.scienceinparliament.org.uk sip DEC 2015 - COVER 14/12/15 16:27 Page 2
TODAY’S SCIENCE TOMORROW’S MEDICINES
Clinical pharmacology: Championing patient safety
The British Pharmacological Society leads the way in the research and application of clinical pharmacology around the world. Clinical pharmacology is the only medical speciality focusing on the safe, effective and economic use of medicines. It is a dynamic speciality essential for UK healthcare – and crucial in protecting patient safety and improving outcomes by:
Detecting & reporting adverse Treating cases of poisoning drug reactions (ADRs) Poisoning is one of the most common causes of hospital admission. ADRs cause harm to patients - yet 70 per cent are avoidable. There were over 153,500 admissions to Accident and Emergency departments with suspected poisoning in ADRs account for 6.5 per cent of hospital admissions 2013/14 in England (including legal and illegal) and 14.7 per cent of adult hospital in-patients experience an ADR In England and Wales in 2013, there were almost 3,000 deaths caused by poisoning (including drug Various studies have estimated that ADRs cost between misuse) £637 million – £770 million annually in England
Yet, as identified in the British Pharmacological Society’s report, A Prescription for the NHS, there were only 77 Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (CPT) consultants in the UK, which has now dropped to just 72 consultants and is significantly fewer than the 440 recommended by the Royal College of Physicians. Most of the NHS is therefore operating without the skills and expertise that clinical pharmacologists can bring to healthcare.
The British Pharmacological Society believes that enhancing the value of the speciality is a long-term process that will require co-ordination across the entire health system. It therefore calls on the organisations responsible for workforce management in the four UK nations to:
Ensure that within the next decade NHS organisations across 1 the UK have equitable access to clinical pharmacology expertise
Commit to increase the CPT consultant workforce to 150 whole- time equivalents by 2025, accompanied by an increase in the 2 number of specialist registrar training posts
Develop a joint strategy to achieve this increase, including the provision of enhanced undergraduate and postgraduate 3 education and training
Provide a clear career route for clinical pharmacologists, with www.bps.ac.uk associated career support and development 4 [email protected]
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of the Royal Society) was also too our tolerance of challenges an immigrant in his 20’s to authority and the SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Sir Venkatraman (Venki) establishment sets us slightly Ramakrishnan (Chemistry, apart. Look at the reputation of 2009). The (Physics 2010) the British sense of humour and Nobel prize winners for satire. discovering grapheme were John Gurdon (Nobel Laureate, sip Russians by birth who did their Physiology 2012) remains proud work at the University of of his school report which Manchester. The Journal of the Parliamentary and declared that he would never be Scientific Committee. The Parliamentary and Scientific Stephen Metcalfe MP, All these illustrate points a success as a scientist because Chairman, Parliamentary and Committee is an All-Party Scientific Committee tackled at a P&SC meeting in he was always challenging given Parliamentary Group of members of 2013 (report in Science in theories and opinions. both Houses of Parliament and British members of the European Parliament, Parliament, Spring 2014). That is one reason why the representatives of scientific and Science knows no national technical institutions, industrial Haldane Principal, enunciated organisations and universities. boundaries, and the UK is a very 100 years ago, was first attractive place in which to Sci nd enti promulgated. Scientists welcome y a fic pursue scientific research. r C ta n o It is great to note that since I challenges to established laws e m
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CONTENTS
MEASUREMENT 2 ARE WE LOOKING AFTER OUR SOIL? 20 Dr Peter Thompson Address to the P&SC by Dr Jacqueline Hannam QUEEN ELIZABETH PRIZE FOR ENGINEERING 4 100 YEARS OF WOMEN’S MEMBERSHIP AT THE Presented to Dr Robert Langer PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 22 THE UK SHOULD BE PROUD TO BE GREAT AT KEC 6 ASK FOR EVIDENCE 24 Maxine Ficarra Dr Chris Peters BIOLOGY WEEK 2015 8 HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEES 26 SIN SPOTLIGHT ON MICROBIOME RESEARCH 10 PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND Patricia Gruver TECHNOLOGY 31 UK & BRAZIL 11 HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Dr Julia Knights SELECT COMMITTEE 33 STEMNET AWARDS 12 HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION 34 PATIENT SAFETY 15 SCIENCE DIRECTORY 36 Address to the P&SC by Professor Sarah Sharples SCIENCE DIARY 44 ROYAL SOCIETY PAIRING SCHEME 17 Alan Malcolm
The covers of this issue are sponsored by PraxisUnico, the British Pharmacological Society and the Royal Society of Biology.
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MEASUREMENT: the secret to the confidence that underpins our economy
making our everyday lives easier, Given the impact of companies working closely with from the alarm clock that brings measurement it is no surprise NPL receive direct financial us into the new day to the that NPL works with customers benefits worth £634M a year; transportation that delivers us to from a broad range of industries, and with 63% of users having and from our place of work. It is including the manufacturing, introduced a new or improved not just the little things that aerospace and oil and gas product during the period they make our lives simpler; NPL is sectors. Our support helps them worked with NPL. Moreover, also part of a measurement improve or validate their NPL is committed to enhancing infrastructure across the UK that oversees thousands of ... using ultrasound to screen for Dr Peter Thompson measurements daily. This breast cancer ... CEO of The National Physical underpins best practice and fair- Laboratory trading, from posting letters to components and processes, and its portfolio of services over the pulling pints; supports in turn, provide their own next few years so that it will environmental measurements, customers with confidence in deliver £1 billion a year in from climate change to air their product or service. This financial benefits to its quality. It maintains accuracy in helps to ensure that the UK’s community of users. healthcare, from cancer engineering and manufacturing Without accurate At the time of writing I am just treatment to drug discovery. sectors remain competitive on measurement, made in the over 200 days in post as CEO Every year, more than £600 the global stage. It also provides correct units, you cannot have for the National Physical billion worth of goods and tangible benefits for the certainty, and that is when Laboratory (NPL). In this short utilities are sold on the basis of businesses themselves. A recent mistakes can be made. In a time I have already engaged the measurement of their customer survey 1 found that world where supply chains are with all the divisions of NPL, the quantity. Board, some of our key customers and wider stakeholders, including the international metrology community. Throughout all this I have been overwhelmed at the affection and esteem in which NPL as the UK’s National Measurement Institute is held and at the quality of its science and scientists. I did not realise so much world-leading research was happening here, and the impact it was having on industry and society – for example, we are currently supporting an application using ultrasound to screen for breast cancer more effectively.
Perhaps I should not be so surprised when considering the importance of measurement in Jack Parry and Louis Essen with the world’s first caesium atomic clock at NPL
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global and parts are sourced Louis Essen and Jack Parry from both the financial sector bolstered our involvement in from across the globe to deliver designed and built the world's and other measurement apprenticeships, by working with critical infrastructure projects it is first caesium atomic clock at institutes. government to develop a critical that everything is exact. Trailblazer apprenticeship in NPL, transforming the way we However, the continued value Some industries work within metrology, and give young measure and use time. The that the UK receives from tolerances of tenths of people job-relevant skills. caesium fountain atomic clock measurement in increasing the millimeters. used at NPL today measures productivity and competitiveness At a different level, we’ve also Whilst errors in measurement time to an accuracy of one of UK manufacturing and just launched the Postgraduate can have catastrophic Institute for Measurement consequences, good ... measurement has a significant role to Science, which will bring measurement practices can play in economic growth ... together 150 researchers co- transform for the better. To me, second in 158 million years. We industry, depends on having the supervised by NPL staff, in measurement’s value boils are now looking to develop right skills to implement it. The collaboration with over 30 UK down to one thing: confidence. miniature atomic clocks for use UK is consciously addressing the universities. The Institute is Confidence is the key, in space, as part of the recently STEM skills shortage and within managed in association with the confidence in the data you have, launched Quantum Metrology this there is a shortage of Universities of Strathclyde and and confidence in the decisions Surrey to enable a postgraduate you make with it. Only then can experience that will place you make a decision to invest or students well for future purchase a new product or employability and skills. My aim service. As such, measurement is for the Institute to be the has a significant role to play in economic growth. Before I ... win the confidence joined NPL I was sent a pack of of investors documents as a synopsis of the and customers ... laboratory’s work in recent years. Included in this was a set of leading centre for doctoral case studies developed by an training and skills development independent research company. in metrology and its applications This assessed the impact of in physical, engineering, working with NPL for a selection biological and chemical of UK SMEs, with the results sciences. highlighting a scale of financial benefit of between 10 and 30 Dr Tania Mathias MP and Dr Peter Thompson NPL CEO at the opening of It is clear that NPL’s work is the QMI. ©NPL times the public investment (in intrinsic to the success of UK industry. Its importance will NPL). Institute at NPL. The new facility measurement skills. Automation increase with the government’s On a broader scale, provides verification for quantum of processes has led to many drive to improve UK productivity measurement allows the technologies; technologies knowing how to operate the kit and international establishment of standards. based on abstract science, but and not about the fundamental competitiveness. I strive to see Being able to identify the ‘gold that offer incredible applications measurements that underpin NPL giving its all in delivering the kit’s effectiveness. Educating the best solutions for customers, ... leading centre for doctoral training industry about measurement which help them to succeed. To and skills ... skills is helping improve do this, we need to coherently productivity and efficiency. standard’ in a particular area and and a potential £1billion market and consistently communicate measure performance of specific for the UK. We ensure that the UK has the message about the value of companies or products against these skills and is doing it measurement by highlighting Another time-related project that ultimately leads to a higher through a number of ways. NPL the amazing science happening about which I am very excited is conducts extensive outreach quality result for all, and can at facilities like NPL. It’s very NPLTime, a service to pipe programmes, reaching around offer an alternative to regulation simple really; we just need to precise timing to the city for 30,000 people a year and have the confidence to say it. and red tape. financial trading. The project will educating them about the role In research and development, depend on sound measurement of measurement in society. To Reference measurement helps us validate, to win the confidence of further inspire the next 1 http://www.npl.co.uk/upload/pdf/ verify and progress new investors and customers, and is generation of scientists and customer-survey-2012.pdf breakthroughs. 60 years ago already getting a lot of interest engineers we have this year
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QUEEN ELIZABETH PRIZE FOR ENGINEERING Presented to Dr Robert Langer
On 26 October 2015 Her Majesty The Queen presented the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPrize) to a chemical engineer who has made revolutionary advances and leadership in engineering at the interface with chemistry and medicine, Dr Robert Langer. Dr Langer received the QEPrize trophy in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Influential international engineering economies were represented, with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from countries including the United States, China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, Singapore and India in attendance. They were joined by senior business leaders from the QEPrize donor companies and young engineers from the QEPrize Engineering Photo by David Parry Ambassadors Network. – is the world's largest academic controlled-release drug delivery inhibit it. Once he had The day also marked the biomedical engineering would not work for large discovered how to create release of the first QEPrize laboratory. He has over 1000 molecules like proteins, which polymer micro- and nano- Create the Future Report. The issued and pending patents, are very sensitive to their particles that could support and Report revealed the changing over 200 major prizes to his surroundings. release sensitive protein-based nature of engineering name, and is the most cited drugs in the body, he used this From the start, Dr Langer’s perceptions across 10 key engineer in history (Science, technique to test possible drugs work has been characterised by markets and provided a 2014). His work has helped lay to control angiogenesis. He and a truly interdisciplinary approach. fascinating insight with country the foundation for long-lasting Dr Folkman isolated the first He developed his first drug comparisons alongside expert treatments for brain and prostate substances that blocked delivery system during the commentary from the fields of cancers, endometriosis, angiogenesis; such substances 1970s while working with Dr commerce, science, academia schizophrenia, diabetes and the have been used to treat over 20 Judah Folkman, a Harvard and the full breadth of drug-coated cardiovascular million patients. engineering disciplines. stents that alone have benefited 10 million heart patients. ... fascinating insight with DR ROBERT LANGER country comparisons ... A chemical engineer by Robert Langer is one of 11 training, Dr Langer was the first Institute Professors at the professor and surgeon at Boston Together with another Harvard person to engineer polymers to Massachusetts Institute of Children's Hospital. Folkman surgeon, Dr Joseph Vacanti at control the delivery of large Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, hypothesized that the growth of Massachusetts General Hospital, molecular weight drugs for the USA. This is MIT’s highest cancerous tumours could be Dr Langer helped to pave the treatment of diseases such as honour. His laboratory at MIT – restricted by stopping way for major innovations in cancer and mental illness. His with over 100 students, angiogenesis, the formation of tissue engineering, pioneering unconventional thinking toppled postdoctoral students, and new blood vessels, and he synthetic polymers that could the established view that visiting scientists at any one time asked Langer to find a way to deliver cells to form specific
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tissue structures. This concept Foundation, as are new ways of The Create the Future Report is pioneers of the internet and the led to the development of a providing single-step supported by insights and World Wide Web. Robert Kahn, new kind of artificial skin, now immunizations for polio and opinion from leaders of some of Vinton Cerf and Louis Pouzin approved by the FDA for use on other vaccines, providing long- the world’s leading companies made seminal contributions to burn victims and patients with acting malaria drugs, and as well as eminent engineers the protocols that together make diabetic skin ulcers. Many other providing essential minerals. All from medicine, energy, IT and up the fundamental architecture such systems, including ones for of these new techniques are infrastructure. of the internet. Sir Tim Berners- new cartilage formation and currently being pursued in Dr Lee created the World Wide Lord Browne of Madingley spinal cord repair, are now in Langer’s lab. Web and vastly extended the FREng FRS, Chairman of the clinical trials. use of the internet beyond email and file transfer. Marc Professor Lord Broers FREng ... most cited engineer in history ... Andreesen, while a student and FRS HonFMedSci, Chair of THE CREATE THE Queen Elizabeth Prize for working with colleagues, wrote Judges for the QEPrize, said: FUTURE REPORT Engineering Foundation, said of the Mosaic browser which made “Robert Langer has made an The inaugural Create the the QEPrize Create the Future the internet available to immense contribution to Future Report is an international Report: everyone. healthcare and to numerous survey of attitudes towards “The QEPrize Create the Future Alongside highlighting such other fields by applying engineering surveying report shines a light on a great ground-breaking achievements, engineering systems to respondents in global centres for many positive changes in our the QEPrize celebrates biochemical problems. Not only engineering including the US, industry. As an engineer, I am engineering as a discipline and has he revolutionised drug Germany, Japan, Turkey, India enormously encouraged to see career choice, shining light on delivery, but his open-minded and Brazil. approach to innovation and his that the public thinks engineers the excitement and importance are capable of solving the world’s ability to think ‘outside the box’ The report reveals that: of engineering and encouraging greatest problems. It is also have led to great advances in * Engineering tops the list of young people to get involved in encouraging to see that people the field of tissue engineering. professions seen as most vital the area. think the priority for engineers He is a truly inspiring leader who for economic growth. Other should be has attracted brilliant people to professions include business improving these relatively new and exciting leader, lawyer, doctor and renewable areas of research and is teacher. energy and extremely involved in the * 57% believe engineering is healthcare, commercial development of his critical in solving the world’s not just group’s research.” problems, particularly in the US, traditional One of Dr Langer’s most UK and Germany engineering recent projects is a microchip- * In Japan engineering is seen infrastructure based implant capable of storing as a driver of innovation such as and releasing precise doses of a bridges and buildings. ... new and exciting areas of research ... Dr Langer at work in his laboratory “There is a responsibility on drug on-demand or at * Interest in engineering governments, industry, One avenue open to young scheduled intervals for up to 16 remains higher amongst men academics, teachers, parents and engineers is to become a years. Microchips, the company (66% vs. 43%) but the gap is grandparents to encourage QEPrize Engineering he co-founded to commercialise young people to share in the closing fast in emerging Ambassador. This growing the development, announced in excitement of engineering economies such as India and international network brings December 2014 that it has innovations and the endless Brazil together practicing early-career completed clinical possibilities of a career in this engineers who act as evangelists demonstration. Unlike traditional * People in the US, Germany vital sector.” for their profession, speaking to drug delivery platforms, and India show the highest teachers, parents, schoolchildren, Microchips Biotech's implant can numbers rating engineering as a THE QUEEN ELIZABETH politicians and journalists about respond to wireless signals, top career opportunity PRIZE FOR ENGINEERING their jobs. which can activate, deactivate, or Launched in 2011, the Queen modify the frequency or dose of * Interest in engineering still Elizabeth Prize for Engineering is It is just one of the many ways the drug, without being removed lags behind wider STEM subjects a global £1 million prize that that the QEPrize celebrates and from the patient. The company (Science, Technology, celebrates ground-breaking shares stories of engineering is looking initially at three areas Engineering, Mathematics), 55% innovations in engineering. The success, raising the international for such an implant: diabetes, vs 91% prize rewards an individual or public profile of engineering and female contraception, and team of engineers whose work inspiring new generations of * 71% of people think osteoporosis, which all require has had a major impact on engineers to take up the engineers’ contribution to regular, long-term dosage. The humanity. challenges of the future. contraceptive approach is society is undervalued, they The winners of the first For further details, please visit funded by the Gates deserve much more recognition QEPrize in 2013 were the five www.qeprize.org
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THE UK SHOULD BE PROUD TO BE GREAT AT KEC
and economic impact, and their expertise in overcoming obstacles and finding creative solutions to practical problems delivers significant value to collaborative work between academia and industry. PraxisUnico is a world-leading national professional association for public sector knowledge exchange and commercialisation practitioners. Nessa Carey, International Director, travels across the world to deliver Maxine Ficarra Executive Director training to Knowledge Exchange PraxisUnico & Commercialisation The Innovate2015 event shed a global spotlight on UK innovation in November practitioners, to share the UK’s Numerous studies have shown expertise, build links and bring Science and Democracy in the organisations to embed and how the transfer of publicly back learning to inform best Science Policy Research Unit enable engagement with funded research outcomes can practice. She describes the (SPRU) at the University of external partners. As University improve business productivity, importance of knowledge Sussex and chair of the Alliance note “HEIF funding is sales, and performance in exchange and commercialisation Independent Review of the Role given to the universities, but the product, service and process in supporting and developing of Metrics in Research overall impact is felt across all innovation 1, across sectors as the new industries of the future, Assessment and Management, collaborative partners and 2 well as across geographies. delivering social benefits and said recently, ‘On any reading of beneficiaries ”, and this was Knowledge Exchange and helping to drive the growth of the international data, the UK demonstrated clearly in the Commercialisation (KEC) is an the economy and keep a [research] system is highly recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, where umbrella term which describes a competitive edge in global efficient and delivers superb markets through research and results.’ 30% of submissions were very broad range of activities to 3 innovation. deemed to be ‘world leading’ . support mutually beneficial Central government funding in relationships between “The UK is ranked #2 in the the UK, and in particular HEIF Further examples of excellence universities, businesses and the Global Innovation Index, and 3 (the Higher Education were identified in the recent public sector. KEC professionals of the top 10 universities Innovation Fund) has delivered Impact Awards for KEC play an important role in worldwide are based in the UK. a national level of support that professionals, from PraxisUnico enabling the realisation of social As James Wilsdon, professor of allows public sector research and Research Councils UK, highlighting the vital role played by KEC professionals working alongside academic colleagues. The finalists all provided outstanding examples of how KEC teams work to support relationships between businesses and the UK’s world- leading publicly funded researchers – on a national and international basis, Amanda Brooks, Director of Innovation at Department for demonstrating a global reach of Business, Innovation and Skills, impact achieved across all areas speaking at Innovate2015 about of business and society from building on UK strengths in commercialising innovation investment in research.
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Public Health England’s KEC across the world, in Brazil, China, projects delegates were working only the UK, but make a real activity received several awards Japan, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, on were technologies related to difference in solving global for its leadership and Columbia, and other regions water treatment, and the problems.” contribution to the development which are seeking to develop production of clean drinking References of vaccines, therapeutics and their KEC activity. water. Water availability is a 1 UK-Innovation Research Centre (2014) diagnostics. They won the Through training, we can help major issue in China and is a The economic significance of the UK Impact Award for Contribution to science base, a report for the Campaign international KEC practitioners to consequence of many factors, Society for “Knowledge for Science and Engineering; Department for Business, Innovation Exchange on the Frontline: and Skills (2014) Estimating the effect responding to the Ebola of UK direct public support for outbreak”, in which KEC Innovation; Howells J; Ramlogan R; professionals enabled UK and Cheng S (2012) Universities in an open innovation system: a UK perspective, international collaboration, co- International Journal of Entrepreneurial ordinating work on vaccines, Behaviour & Research, Vol. 18 Iss: 4, therapeutics and diagnostics and pp.440–456; Swann, 2009, cited in bringing the knowledge Schmuecker K; Cook W (2009) Beyond bricks and mortar boards: universities' community together to develop role in building regional economies, a an effective response. report for Universities UK and the Institute for Public Policy Research IPPR, 2009
2 http://www.unialliance.ac.uk/blog/ 2015/03/17/why-is-it-important-that- universities-and-businesses-collaborate/ Fast facts about KEC in the UK 3 http://www.ref.ac.uk/ • 47%: growth in KEC income to universities over ten years to 2013-14
• 6.3 fold economic leverage : Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) leverages at least £6.30 from users for every 2 seater electric powered £1 of public money invested: more if student enterprise and automated vehicle pod equipped with sensor and navigation spin-outs are included. technology from the University of Oxford - part of the LUTZ Pathfinder • 2nd: The UK ranks 2nd in the Global Innovation Index project from Coventry based (2015) and 4th internationally for university-industry company RDM. collaboration in R&D The UK can lead such • 150,000: The number of consultancy, contract research, and initiatives because of the strong IP-related transactions handled by university research offices KEC community. At PraxisUnico we bring together the best and KEC offices in 2013-14 people in knowledge exchange • £3.6bn: Universities contributed £3.6 billion to the economy and commercialisation (KEC) to in 2013-14 through services to business including research enable knowledge sharing commercialisation, delivery of professional training, and consultancy. Public Health England Category Winner
solve the challenges they face. ranging from the rapid increase While the challenges are unique in high population densities, to to each country, skills like the toxic by-products resulting landscaping the business from the generation of environment and identifying the traditional Chinese medicines. potential customer base for the Water technologies and technologies they are trying to expertise are in high demand in Innovate2015 showcased many technologies which have been developed in collaboration with UK ... KEC teams work to Universities support relationships ... around the world. We want to commercialise are eminently China, creating potential create vibrant, highly trained transferable. opportunities for partnerships entrepreneurial technology with UK organisations. transfer, knowledge exchange We were recently delivering and commercialisation training in Shanghai, where it By working together, we can ecosystems. We’ve worked was striking that two of the three achieve impacts that benefit not Public Health England Stand
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BIOLOGY WEEK 2015
At the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics science researchers and musicians came together for an evening of music and storytelling, entitled ‘The Heart and the Head’ at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. It got rave reviews: “I think this was an amazing event because it effectively brought the day-to-day experience of being a scientist to life. I would love to see more events like this” and “Science paired with art, telling stories instead of simply facts… thank you for inspiring us in the right direction”.
Biology Week was launched at a packed Parliamentary Reception in the Palace of Westminster in October as Ministers, MPs, Peers, Society Fellows and representatives from the Society’s Member Organisations also celebrated the Society’s new Royal title. Meanwhile, across the UK thousands of people, from young children to research scientists, enjoyed over 100 events as part of this year’s Biology Week. The annual celebration of the biosciences included lectures, debates, science festivals, quizzes, storytelling, nature walks and more. Nicola Blackwood MP, chair of the Science & Technology Select Committee, took to the stage to say a few words regarding the success of science in the UK saying: “The UK is a science superpower.” She stressed the importance of investing in research, and emphasised her wish for the impending spending cuts to not drastically impact on UK science and her determination to not let science fall off the agenda.
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Professor Melanie Welham FRSB, Executive Director of science at BBSRC Finally, Professor Dame Jean Thomas Hon FRSB, President of the Royal highlighted the importance of Biology Week, detailing the wide variety of Society of Biology, officially announced the Society’s new ‘Royal’ title. She events and activities taking place in science centres, universities, schools, also officially launched the RSB's Three Year Plan 2015-2018, and outlined museums, lecture theatres, parks and even pubs across the UK and its three key themes: a unified voice, professional membership and a beyond. Professor Welham also stressed the importance of recognising broad reach. the positive impact of the ‘bioeconomy’ in the UK.
The Royal Institution hosted over 400 guests of different ages and Fun scientific activities were arranged by organisations including scientific backgrounds to discuss synthetic biology while at the the British Society of Immunology, Nutrition Society, Microbiology annual RSB Awards Ceremony, the winners of the Photographer of Society, Babraham Institute, the Linnaean Society, Medimmune and the Year competition, Book Awards, Science Communication the Biochemical Society. Awards, Animal Essay competition and President’s Medal were all The Physiology Society’s ‘Physiology Friday’ attracted hundreds of announced. entries to their BioBakes competition, which crowned three 'star Three ‘Big Biology Day’ science festivals took place nationwide bakers' for their biological masterpieces. during the week. People learnt about carnivorous plants and fossils The results of the ‘election’ for the UK’s Favourite Insect was in Cardiff, crafted antibodies out of playdough and explored local announced at the end of the Parliamentary Reception (co- nature reserves in Staffordshire, and enjoyed a panel discussion sponsored by the BBSRC) and the clear winner proved to be the focussing on infectious diseases in Cambridge. Bumblebee (which was also the choice of the nationwide poll announced live on BBC TV’s Newsround two days later).
MPs cast their vote in the Ballot Box for their choice of Favourite UK Insect Election Agents of the ‘Insect Candidates’ hear the results from the Acting Left to Right: Stephen Metcalfe MP, Nicola Blackwood MP and Returning Officer (Dr Stephen Benn) Chi Onwurah MP. In the background is Professor Dame Jean Thomas
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SCIENCE AND INNOVATION NETWORK SPOTLIGHT ON MICROBIOME RESEARCH
Foremost, informatics is an informed the Research Councils work is human nutrition. The UK area of critical need for research. about the challenges that is taking a lead in this field with Microbiome datasets, often from microbiome researchers its newly announced Centre for the same study, reside in currently face, which could Food and Health in Norwich different databases, are stimulate interest in funding Research Park. This centre will inaccessible or too vast to more multidisciplinary and explore the complex interaction access and process. Because mechanistic studies. Discussions between the microbiome and there is a large amount of data like this are valuable to the nutrition. As we understand analysis in this field, there is a scientific community due to their more about our bacterial need to train microbiologists as influential effect on future work. partners, views on human informaticians and vice versa. Patricia Gruver ... importance in understanding how Secondly, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to further microbes function ... research. Scientists studying the Because the microbiome nutrition will be disrupted. This earth’s microbiome should be changes from person to person, will catalyse efforts to integrate sharing information with there is no “one size fits all” agricultural policies and practice, researchers focusing on gut solution for the future of food production and distribution health, for example. Most treatment in this field. Not only with nutrition. For example, importantly, exploring does it differ between people, infants who are not able to functionality of the microbiome but it also changes as a person breastfeed could have their is critical. Funding bodies are currently biased toward ... the microbiome changes from person descriptive rather than to person ... mechanistic studies which ages, changes their diet or alters formula supplemented with the detract from the importance in their environment. This is where microbes from breast milk that Currently hailed as “the holy understanding how microbes precision medicine could be a are known to shape a healthy grail of health and wellness”, the function. Solving these issues “game changer”. Doctors could infant gut. will benefit the development of microbiome is the ecosystem use the microbiome to custom therapeutics that will target our The implications for the that lives in, on and around us. tailor medical treatments to most dreaded diseases. It includes all bacteria, viruses, specific ailments. And even microbiome are vast. Some ... address some issues that microbiome before illness creeps in, doctors researchers believe our microbes researchers face. ... could check for imbalances in are a powerful and effective the microbiome to hone in on alternative to antibiotics. This and fungi that we carry with us Many are already addressing tricky diagnoses before the might be the solution to the on our skin and throughout our these problems. At a UK Science patient realises there is a growing problem of antimicrobial digestive system. In recent years, and Innovation Network (SIN) problem. Moreover, scientists resistance (AMR). There are our microbiome has been linked led workshop in Cambridge, are working to engineer many other scenarios that could to many diseases, such as researchers from the US and UK cancer, depression, and discussed the possibility of ... complex interaction between the Parkinson’s. There has been a collaborations between the two microbiome and nutrition ... lot of buzz about our countries. The UK is well microscopic partners; however, positioned as a resource based microbes that will combat be altered by advances in this in order to understand the upon its extensive NHS health invading pathogens, diagnose field, such as alleviating complexity of the relationship data which could be leveraged early stages of cancer, correct Parkinson’s or treating between humans and microbes, for global collaborations. Sharing digestive issues, and regulate behavioural disorders. Quite we must first address some data will result in more mood. possibly the cure to many issues that microbiome significant discoveries in this The most obvious application dreaded diseases has been researchers face. field. The SIN workshop also for the future of microbiome residing within us this entire time.
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UK & BRAZIL: Science opportunities during Rio 2016
Next year, Rio de Janeiro will play host to the Olympics and Paralympics – the first time the Games will be hosted in South America. Despite some political turbulence in Brazil, the Games offer a raft of commercial and science opportunities in a country which boasts two thirds of Latin America’s scientific output.
In the laboratories of the Rio The Brazilian Doping Control collection involving employing botanical gardens, scientists are Laboratory of the Federal local communities in the favelas, cataloging the unique collection University of Rio is packed with bike lanes and more efficient Dr Julia Knights of Brazilian flora of Kew the latest kit to test illegal drugs street lighting. Director of Science & Innovation Gardens, digitized by Brazilian for Rio 2016’s athletes, to World Network (SIN) Brazil Rio’s environmental challenges British Embassy Brasilia scientists at Kew including Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) could be opportunities for UK specimens collected by Charles standards. This lab has benefited businesses. In Rio’s Olympics Darwin. This part of Brazil’s from training links with the bid, there was a promise to “Reflora” project, is funded by official WADA London 2012 regenerate its waterways the UK government’s Newton Drug Control Centre – a through a US $4 billion Fund. partnership between GSK and investment in sanitation. Kings College London. However, in the last few ... unique collection of Brazilian flora of decades, as Rio’s population Kew Gardens ... has risen dramatically, its sewage problem has spiraled The futuristic “Museum of These are just a few of the with waste flowing into more Tomorrow”, under construction exciting UK Brazil science than fifty streams that empty on Rio’s Mauá Pier, is set to take collaborations with Rio de into Guanabara Bay – the water from Guanabara Bay to Janeiro that the UK’s Science & venue for the Olympic sailing events. To date, just one out of cool the building whilst filtering it Innovation Network (SIN) in Brazil and the British Consulate the eight new treatment to preserve marine life. Steel in Rio have been involved in. facilities promised under the wings on its roof will act as solar Olympic bid has been built. The panels to create electricity. An UK Trade & Investment team of ... research call on climate modeling ... the British Consulate in Rio has been showcasing opportunities agreement signed this year, SCIENCE & on water and waste to UK facilitated by the British Council, COMMERCIAL businesses. should see London’s Science OPPORTUNITIES DURING During the Games, SIN Brazil Museum exhibit some of its RIO 2016 will also hold a series of lectures touring exhibitions here. Construction of the Museum on climate change, biodiversity The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Tomorrow is part of Porto of Brazil’s biomes & – Brazil’s world class biomedical Maravilha – a raft of mega bioeconomy funded under BIS’s lab to support Brazil’s public health system – sits in a vast ... Brazil’s world class biomedical lab ... palace in Rio and boasts a US$ 1 Billion research budget. Lord urban renewal projects Global Partnership Fund. O’Neill has just persuaded one supported by the Federal and Rio Explorer John Hemming and of its Vice Presidents to State government. They will see renowned taxonomist and participate in his independent the redevelopment of over five former Director of Kew, global review on antimicrobial million square meters, including a Professor Sir Ghillean Prance are resistance. new system of selective rubbish amongst those invited to speak.
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UK GOVERNMENT’S £45 Parts of Brazil suffered severe healthy cities and the social he offered to share the UK’s MILLION NEWTON FUND water shortages this year – science of food, water, energy expertise. We also have funding IN BRAZIL especially São Paulo. Next year nexus. for a further project on encouraging Brazil to reduce The £45 Million Newton Fund the UK’s Met Office together The UK Academies and animal testing following an MOU in Brazil over 5 years, of which with Brazil’s Ministry of Science CONFAP are also offering joint signed by FCO’s Chief Scientific SIN Brazil has strategic oversight and three of its institutes with fellowships and mobility grants Adviser, Prof Robin Grimes and expertise in climate (INPA, INPE with a Newton team of three, under the Newton Fund for both the Minister of Science, & Cemaden) will launch a new offers an excellent platform for UK and Brazilian researchers to Technology & Innovation this UK based scientists to get £4 Million Newton Fund spend between two weeks and August. In November SIN involved now, during and research call on climate four years in Brazil to conduct followed this up with a mission beyond the Games. modeling, carbon modeling and research across all science for the Home Office’s Animals in natural disaster forecasting. disciplines. Science Regulations Unit & the Timely for Rio’s water UK’s National Centre for the challenge has been a new £3.5 ... its sewage problem has spiralled ... 3R’s (Replacement, Reduction & Million Newton innovation Refinement) to meet with Improved long-term forecasting industrial R&D call for research PROJECTS IN ENERGY government, industry & on technology solutions for could help Brazil predict STORAGE & REDUCED researchers. energy, water and waste droughts in advance enabling ANIMAL TESTING To contact SIN Brazil or receive their cities to be better prepared. launched this September by SIN Brazil gained funding this SIN Latam newsletter on R&D & Innovate UK joint with SENAI ESRC and Brazil’s Council of autumn for a new project on Newton Fund Calls covering Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Costa (Brazil’s non-for-profit National Funding Agencies (CONFAP) energy storage. This follows PM Rica, Uruguay and Panama, please get Service for Industrial Training have also recently closed a £6 David Cameron’s recent bilateral in contact at [email protected]. network). Million Newton research call on with President Rouseff in which Also visit newtonfund.ac.uk for info on UK Brazil current research calls. STEMNET AWARDS Honour those inspiring young people in science, technology, engineering and maths Winners to visit CERN facility in exclusive trip
The winners of the 10th annual STEMNET awards were announced at a ceremony at the House of Lords on October 6th, honouring the UK’s most dedicated and inspirational people motivating young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Hosted by Lord Sainsbury of Turville, the Awards were presented in six categories by BBC Journalist Steph McGovern and STEMNET’s CEO Kirsten Bodley.
The winners from across the UK are invited by the Awards Sponsors, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), on an exclusive visit to CERN. Winners will fly to Geneva in December, where they will see cutting edge science in action, as well as meeting top physicists and engineers from across the facility.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math The host of the STEMNET Awards, Lord Sainsbury of Turville, welcomes guests, commends volunteers and talks about how increasingly crucial STEM skills are for the United Kingdom. (STEM) subjects are major contributors to the UK
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economy, and ensuring the future generation is passionate about, and skilled in, science, technology, engineering and maths is a key objective of the UK government. STEMNET is the leading organisation in achieving this goal, partnering with schools and employers throughout the UK to create opportunities for young people in STEM.
“We believe in the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as areas that are inherent to success,” said Kirsten Bodley, Chief Executive at STEMNET, “We are very proud that our programmes, partners and amazing volunteers are having Guests meet the three finalist a real impact. We are now schools in the STEM Club Award category. The finalist working in 95% of UK schools were Plashet School secondary schools. It in London, the Portslade motivates us to build on our Aldridge Community Academy from Brighton and achievements and support Hove and the Joseph more teachers and inspire Whitaker School from Nottinghamshire. more young people in STEM.” ... partnering with schools and employers ...
Professor John Womersley, THE STEMNET AWARDS • STEM Apprentice Award: inspiring activities in local particle physicist and STFC CEO CATEGORIES AND Joanne Sharples is schools. As well as realising said, “For many young people WINNERS ARE: passionate about benefits for their STEM the key to enthusing them • STEM Ambassador Award: encouraging more young recruitment they have about science, technology, Richard Taffs regularly women into STEM because grasped opportunities to offer engineering and maths and supports a wide range of she is concerned about the development for existing staff opening their eyes to the activities including working gender imbalance in many through the STEM huge range of exciting and with STEM Clubs, helping at STEM sectors. Joanne’s Ambassadors Programme fulfilling career opportunities large science events and also efforts have helped increase whilst also recognising wider in STEM is very often an providing STEM mentoring for the number of female benefits for the STEM inspiring and passionate role children with special needs. Engineering Apprenticeships community. In addition to the model. STFC is proud to be a Richard promotes the STEM at BAE by 30%. Joanne did STEMNET’s programmes, for member of the STEMNET Ambassadors Programme this whilst also pursuing her students they offer paid work team and to recognise the experience, apprenticeships substantial contribution each ... an inspiring and passionate role model ... and lend a strong focus to of these winners has made in inspiring females into STEM. helping to communicate this • STEM Club Award: PACA important message and to encouraging numerous foundation degree and while STEM Club took part in a inspire the next generation of colleagues to become STEM facing many other challenges. Ambassadors. Teachers and huge range of STEM activities UK scientists.” • STEM Employer Award: pupils consistently give but through their STEM Cullum Detuners Ltd take a brilliant feedback about how Ambassadors they took a ... every event this year strategic approach to valuable Richard’s unswerving particular interest in oversubscribed releasing their staff as STEM commitment is. Astronomy and coding. The by pupils ... Ambassadors to deliver Club has also offered
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activities for students with widely different interests, including developing a cosmetics business, Green power racing and Dr Who themed science writing. ... increase the number of female Engineering Apprenticeships ...
• The Joan Sjøvoll STEM leadership Award: Rachel Beddoes has enthused pupils, parents and colleagues. She has found funding for many school The winning school was Portslade Aldridge Community Academy from Brighton and Hove. STEM initiatives and even for her own position. Her opportunities – with every experience and has • STEM Teacher Award: colleagues say she has event this year developed STEM Helen Higham is a transformed STEM provision oversubscribed by pupils. engagement beyond the Chemistry teacher who also in her school which takes up Rachel has engaged local school and for students in volunteered to be Kirkcaldy a large number of local STEM business, found pupils work the wider community. High School’s STEM co-
Left to right: BBC Journalist Steph McGovern, STEM Apprentice Award Journalist Steph McGovern and STEMNET Chief Executive, Kirsten Bodley, winner Joanne Sharples, host of the STEMNET Awards, Lord Sainsbury of congratulate Richard Taffs, the winner of the STEM Ambassador Award. Turville and STEMNET Chief Executive, Kirsten Bodley. ordinator and runs the school’s STEM Club. Helen About STEMNET leads the annual employability event with STEMNET creates opportunities to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering more than 25 STEM and Mathematics (STEM) and is an independent educational charity. STEMNET runs three Ambassadors and makes a main programmes: priority of helping to break • The STEM Ambassadors programme, bringing 30,000 role model volunteers working in down stereotypes and STEM sectors into schools to offer real life application and inspiration around STEM subjects promote positive role models • The STEM Clubs programme supports teachers in taking pupils beyond the curriculum is for girls in STEM. Helen’s funded. efforts have also supported the school to achieve the • The Schools STEM Advisory Network, providing schools with the help they need to deliver highest number of pupils exciting STEM lessons and enrichment. gaining Engineering Scholarships out of all Scottish state schools. STEMNET’s work is supported by BIS, DfE, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Scottish Government.
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PATIENT SAFETY Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 13th October HUMAN FACTORS AND PATIENT SAFETY
this means in practice is that Human Factors Specialist’. A our current and future health ergonomists and human factors Chartered Ergonomist and care systems and technologies. professionals develop skills and Human Factors specialist is knowledge to inform the design required to have a broad set of One area that has received of technologies and artefacts knowledge about all aspects of much attention is the design of that are used by people in the physical, cognitive, social and processes to support patient working contexts. People in these contexts have tasks (for Professor Sarah Sharples President: Chartered Institute of example, a Ergonomics and Human Factors ward nurse Professor of Human Factors, may have the University of Nottingham task of taking In recent years, patient safety a patient’s has become an increasingly blood important issue for hospitals, pressure) general practitioners and home alongside healthcare. Considerations range goals (the from the safety of a particular same nurse device to support treatment for may have the a long term condition such as goal of cancer, kidney failure or ensuring that diabetes, to understanding how the patient we can ensure that operations feels cared for are conducted as safely and and attended effectively as possible. There is to during their an increased interest and stay on the ward), and these organisational aspects of work, safety in the operating theatre, urgency in ensuring that our tasks are completed in an and will take a ‘systems with a particular focus on healthcare professionals, the immediate, or personal perspective’ to understand the communications between workspace, (the individual technologies and equipment different interactions that theatre team members. This hospital bed) within a larger they use, the rooms or buildings happen within this work context. work, in many cases prompted work environment (the ward or in which they work and the The goal of ergonomics and by tragic cases where hospital). All of this happens organisations which employ human factors (E/HF) is to communication failures have within a wider organisational them are designed in a way that deliver better work design, better contributed to patient injury or context, and is influenced by enables them to work to the work performance and better death, informed the external financial constraints and best of their ability and to work culture. development of the surgical priorities, technical provide the highest possible safety checklist, pioneered by Dr developments and capabilities, All aspects of E/HF are highly standard of care. Atul Gawande (US clinician who the relevant legal and regulatory relevant to the challenges of also delivered the 2014 Reith Ergonomics and Human framework and social influences, patient safety. Recent years have Factors (the two terms can expectations and norms. seen a welcome increase in the Lectures). This approach asks generally be used focus on human factors within clinical teams to work through a interchangeably) can be very In 2014 the Institute of the clinical context, and have series of prompts to check basically described as the Ergonomics and Human Factors seen innovations in process and details and plans of upcoming discipline that provides the was awarded the Royal Charter, product design. But there is still procedures, and also to facilitate underpinning scientific and members are now entitled much more opportunity to discussion, reflection and understanding that enables us to to apply for the status of incorporate E/HF expertise in communication within the “fit the task to the person”. What ‘Chartered Ergonomist and many aspects of healthcare, for operating team. While this is not
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the only approach that can be device might independently comfort of both the mother and used to build communication stand up to scrutiny when the medical professional was amongst teams, and is only subject to usability testing, if a maintained. successful if used diligently and nurse is required to rapidly The nature of healthcare is with full commitment from all switch between two devices, changing, and the discipline of team members, it represents a one of which requires a single medicine is advancing rapidly. valuable intervention that raises button to be pressed multiple Dansen (2011) has noted that awareness of human factors in times to achieve a certain setting by 2020 the doubling time of the operating theatre. for flow rate, but another of medical knowledge (eg the which requires a combination of But the discipline of amount of information that several buttons to be pressed ergonomics and human factors for the same setting, it is not exists related to the medical covers matters far beyond the surprising that even the most domain) will be just 73 days. behaviour of humans. One of competent operator will Doctors are already developing the areas in which E/HF can occasionally make an error. ways to manage this safety offer a significant contribution is There are of course systems in critical knowledge, by designing around the design of medical Two different infusion devices place to minimise the likelihood tools to ensure that important devices and equipment. delivering medication to one patient in hospital. These devices are of this, such as requiring information about dosing are Examples where the role of programmed by nurses; they colleagues to check settings, but close to hand, and by design has been singled out as should be designed to maximise we know that in settings that are embracing mobile devices to being an influential factor in a patient safety (minimising the likelihood of the user programming busy, safety-critical and stressful, support the capture of medical medical incident include the the wrong rate or volume of such as hospitals, human information and enable rapid tragic death of Wayne Jowett, medication) – eg, by having performance is put under great checking of resources that can who received an injection of a consistent interfaces and intuitive user interaction. strain, and workload can be help diagnosis and treatment. drug that should only ever be consistently high. Technologies are also changing delivered intravenously (ie into ©EPSRC funded CHI+MED project (www.chi-med.ac.uk). the ways that patients manage the bloodstream) into his spinal Another value of taking an and monitor their own health, fluid. Design solutions now exist ergonomics/human factors infrastructure changes that from using ‘apps’ to monitor that should prevent such an perspective to design is that we would be needed to enable this healthy behaviours, to providing error, such as ‘lock and key’ naturally consider all actors change to be implemented peer support networks for systems that prevent spinal within a system. A nice example mean that this has not yet patients with similar clinical drugs being attached to delivery of this has been shown by work happened. Our complex and conditions. devices for the bloodstream, led by Professor Sue Hignett of distributed healthcare settings and vice versa. However, these Loughborough Design School, As well as technologies face the same challenge. solutions have been noted to be who led a holistic design of a providing opportunities to help difficult to implement in a The Chi+Med project, led by novel birthing pool, taking into manage the volume of complex healthcare system. In University College London, has account the comfort of the information, and to support addition, some design solutions examined the design of infusion mother, the different positions a patients in taking control of their are not always suitable for all devices, used for drug delivery, mother might take up during own healthcare, technologies birth and while being examined, also provide an opportunity for ... comfort of both the mother and the medical professional was maintained ...
patients (eg a design solution mainly in hospital settings. Their that prevents errors in work has highlighted a vast administering medicines for range of designs of infusion adults may not always be devices, as well as the need for transferable to the paediatric specialist training of those using setting, due to the smaller infusion devices, to minimise volumes of drugs involved (see the likelihood of error. Their work also highlights the Newton et al, 2010 , for further complexity of device design in explanation). To take an analogy the complex healthcare setting – from a non-healthcare context, if it is often the case for example we designed the nozzles for that procurement processes and diesel to be a different shape to financial constraints mean that the nozzles for petrol, and it was several different devices then impossible to put the designed by several different Ergonomic Birthing Pool ©Professor Sue Hignett wrong type of fuel in a car, manufacturers are all sited in the thousands of individual drivers same hospital setting, perhaps and the needs of the partner us as E/HF practitioners to would avoid costly repairs each even on the same ward or for and the midwife. This holistic further our understanding of year, but the massive-scale the same patient. While each approach ensured that the how the work of clinical
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professionals is impacting upon safety in all clinical settings. 4. To ensure that we always References them. Physiological monitoring is There are a number of things consider the whole system and 1 Newton et al. (2010) Making Existing now advancing to such an that will help this to happen: its stakeholders. technology safer in healthcare. Qual Safe extent that it is becoming Health Care19: i19-i24. 1. To move beyond the Healthcare is complex – a possible to monitor how busy 2 Densen, P. (2011) Challenges and emphasis on attribution of ‘root hospital comprises not only the different clinical staff are or how Opportunities facing medical education. cause’ and ‘human error’ to patients and clinical staff, but Trans Am Clinical and Climatological they are moving around a understanding the good practice also porters, cleaners, Association, 122. hospital. By combining different that contributes to a ‘resilient sets of data about clinical work system’; we can start to support the ... Patient care involves many skilled people ... design of clinical work more 2. To ensure that when effectively, modelling patterns of incidents occur, investigations are procurement specialists, Other speakers at the meeting tasks within different healthcare followed up with action, and maintenance engineers, data on 13th October were Jocelyn contexts, designing layouts of resources are deployed to enable analysts, and managers. Patient Cornwell, Chief Executive, The healthcare settings to be more the lessons learned when, sadly, care involves many skilled Point of Care Foundation, and supportive of the different types things do go wrong, to be people, and affects not only the Janet Anderson, Senior Lecturer of tasks that take place, and transferred as widely as possible; patients but also their relatives, in Adult Nursing, Kings College helping managers to plan friends and carers. And clinical London. We hope to publish effective levels of staffing. tasks involve multiple devices summaries of their talks in a and artefacts. E/HF has a future issue of Science in ... support the design of clinical work ... valuable role to play in Parliament. Recordings of their supporting the design of the Ergonomics and Human 3. To harness the potential presentations, together with the current and future healthcare Factors has much to offer to provided by the vast sets of data powerpoint files can be found environment, and is critical if we support the design of that are now being generated, at www.scienceinparliament. are to ensure that patient safety healthcare, and contributes to about patient health state and org.uk. remains a priority for the future. the improvement of patient clinical performance; and ROYAL SOCIETY PAIRING SCHEME Alan Malcolm
Once again the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee supported the Royal Society in the launch of its Pairing Scheme on 23rd November. Each autumn the Royal Society coaxes a few dozen MPs, (as well as some senior civil servants) to be paired with a scientist from their constituency.
The scientist spends four days in Westminster “shadowing” the MP to gain an insight into how Parliament works. The universal reaction from the scientists is to Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, Dr Julie Maxton, Executive Director, Royal Society, note how incredibly hard MPs Nicola Blackwood MP, Chairman, House of Commons Science and Technology Select Commmittee
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work, and how remarkably little SCIENTISTS AND THEIR PARLIAMENTARY/CIVIL SERVICE PAIRS time there is for reflexion and meditation. Dr Theo Tryfonas, University of Bristol Mrs Madeleine Moon MP The quid pro quo is that the Dr Marta Costa, University of Cambridge Mr Daniel Zeichner MP MP spends time in the Professor Tamara Galloway, University of Exeter Mr Ben Bradshaw MP laboratory of their local scientist Dr Matthew Levy, University of Oxford Ms Nicola Blackwood MP to see how a laboratory runs. Dr John McGeehan, University of Portsmouth Mrs Flick Drummond MP For reasons in the above paragraph, this is not usually as Dr Scott McGrane, University of Surrey Ms Anne Milton MP long as four days! Dr Rebecca Dewey, University of Nottingham Ms Lilian Greenwood MP Dr Marina Parry, CRUK Manchester Institute Ms Liz McInnes MP Nonetheless most MPs leave with an understanding of Dr Simon Clarke, University of Reading Mr Ed Vaizey MP hypothesis, design, errors, Dr Isabel Vincent, Glasgow University Ms Carol Monaghan MP controls, and statistics as well as Dr Jonathan Roiser, University College London Sir Keir Starmer MP pressing matters such as funding Dr Jessica Ash, University of Oxford Mr George Freeman MP (shortage of) and career Professor Michelle Peckham, University of Leeds Mr Chris Green MP progression (haphazard). Professor Sian Harding, Imperial Heart and Lady Victoria Borwick MP Perhaps even more important Lung Institute than this first taste of each Dr Nicholas Levsen, Newcastle University Ms Chi Onwurah MP other’s life style is the friendship Professor Darrin Baines, University of Coventry Lord David Prior of Brampton which is often established Dr Jason Lotay, University College London Dr Tom Salter, the Department between the two. The MP for Transport knows that when (s)he wants a Dr Joy Farnaby, Imperial College London Dr Charlotte Woolley, the Ministry of Defence quick answer to a scientific question, there will be a willing Dr Davide Mattia, University of Bath Dr James Davey, the Department for Energy and respondent at the end of a Climate Change phone line, or email. Dr Julius Hafalla, London School of Hygiene and Ms Eleanor Richman, the Home Office Tropical Medicine Professor Peter Styring, University of Sheffield Dr Emma Hennessey, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Dr Mariam Kiran, University of Bradford Mr Gary Spencer, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr Liz Stephens, University of Reading Mr Colin Armstrong, the Government Office for Science, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr Nathalie Pettorelli, Institute of Zoology Mr Tom Leveridge, the House of Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee Dr Simon Willcock, University of Southampton Professor Tim Wheeler, the Department for International Development Dr Kate Hendry, University of Bristol Dr Julius Piercy, the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs Dr Caroline Hattam, Plymouth Marine Laboratory Mr Tom Reid, the Department for Transport Dr James Henstock, University of Keele Dr Thomas Payne, the Centre for Applied Science Chris Green MP and Professor and Technology, part of the Home Office Michelle Peckham, University of Leeds Dr Katie Morton, University of Cambridge Dr Beverley Bishop, the Health and Safety Executive Dr Jean-Christophe Nebel, Kingston University Dr Graham Dean, the Centre for Applied Science and Technology, part of the Home Office Professor Rachel Williams, University of Liverpool Mr Daniel Acheampong, the Centre for Applied Science and Technology, part of the Home Office
The following scientists also took part in the first day’s events on 23rd November: Dr Rick Stafford, University of Bournemouth Professor Albert Ferro, King’s College London Ms Tamsin Bell, University of Cambridge
Ed Vaizey MP, Minister of State for Digital Industries, and Dr Simon Clarke, University of Reading
Nicola Blackwood MP, Chairman, House of Commons Science and Technology Select Commmittee Dr Julie Maxton, Executive Director, Dr Julie Maxton, Executive Director, Royal Society Royal Society
Dr Emma Hennessey, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Carol Monaghan MP and Dr Isabel Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Professor Peter Styring, University of Victoria Borwick MP Vincent, Glasgow University Universities and Science Sheffield
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ARE WE LOOKING AFTER OUR SOIL? Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 3rd November SOIL 7.3 billion users worldwide
internationally recognised soil flooding. They support a large the National Soil map of research institutions and visit our and diverse community of soil England and Wales 2, originally unique soil landscapes. organisms – there are more commissioned by MAFF. This Soil is fundamental to life on microorganisms in a teaspoon of provides us with a national earth. It provides a variety of soil than there are people on baseline of our soil resources crucial functions and services to earth. These organisms help to and crucially identifies where society. The most obvious is ... a reservoir for new antibiotics ... supporting the vegetation and crops that underpin our cycle the essential nutrients for they are different, how this agricultural systems that provide plant growth and are a reservoir impacts on their key functions us with around 95% of the food for new antibiotics. Soils provide (ie whether they are good for Dr Jacqueline Hannam we eat. With the global the foundations for our agriculture) and how they can Senior Research Fellow in Soil population predicted to exceed expanding built environment be effectively managed. Science at Cranfield University and BSSS council member 9 billion by 2050 there is and also protect our history by Innovation in soil mapping @Dirt_Science pressure to increase food preserving and protecting methods have the potential to production on a limited land cultural artefacts. upscale these original maps
The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) was founded in 1947 with the aims of advancing the study of soil. It is a charity open to membership from all those with an interest in the study and uses of soil, and it currently publishes two scientific journals; the European Journal of Soil Science and Soil Use and Management. The Society represents the views of many of the world’s leading soil scientists, promotes education through initiatives in schools, colleges and universities and also organises a varied programme of events on a wide range of soil-related issues. Prof Ian Boyd, Chief Scientific Officer at Defra, recently launched the latest BSSS professional competency document under the ‘Working Soil functions (FAO) with Soil’ initiative that provides area. In addition to supporting There is an incredible diversity using geostatistical models to guidance and training in key soil agriculture soil also filters and of soils in the UK. Over 700 soil predict soil properties in two and science skills for professionals. three dimensions. Data at the regulates the water that moves types are recognised in England The Society will be hosting the through it. This improves our field scale is being acquired in and Wales alone 1. In the mid prestigious World Congress of water quality and slows water the agricultural sector by Soil Science in Glasgow in 2022 movement in river catchments 1980s the Soil Survey of deploying remote (eg using and will showcase our that can regulate downstream England and Wales published satellite imagery or images taken
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with drones) and proximal decreases the spaces between sensing (eg using geophysical soil particles and reduces the Soil types in England and Wales © Cranfield University mapping). These techniques are capacity of the soil to receive used to infer soil properties, and and transmit water and gasses. the resulting maps can be used 4) Loss to construction, where to guide more effective crop and soil is sealed by man-made soil management. Agrimetrics 3, surfaces, essentially reducing all a new scheme launched this functions except providing a year, aims to provide a platform foundation for built structures. for innovation in data science in the agri-food industry – soil data Different types of soil will have should be central to this different responses to these initiative. After all, soil is where threats. Many impacts can be food begins. managed or mitigated by changing soil management ... promotes education through initiatives in schools ... Our soils are under enormous practices but the response of pressure due to demands for the soil system is often only increased food production and apparent after years or decades. external pressures such as This requires continued climate change. The result is a investment in the national scale degradation of global soil monitoring 6 of soil quality resources. A recent assessment indicators. However, significant indicates the majority of the new investment in soil world’s soil resources are only in monitoring at local levels is recovery of soil in the UK. 5 Graves A. R. et al., 2015. The total costs a ‘fair’, ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ required particularly where Effective soil protection and the of soil degradation in England and Wales. Ecological Economics. 119. 399- state 4. Degradation impacts on mitigation measures are starting potential remediation of 413. soil functions and consequently to be implemented. Some of degraded systems requires an 6 http://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/ the ability of soil to provide the these measures include understanding of where these projects/countryside-survey essential services to society. In recommendations in the new measures are most needed and England and Wales soil Cross Compliance rules for soil what will be most effective. degradation is estimated to have protection but specific an annual cost of between £0.9 management practices include: ... monitor the response and recovery of soil ... and £1.4 billion 5. These costs • Conservation tillage (eg include on-site impacts such as minimising ploughing) a loss in crop yield and off-site Otherwise we are unable to Other speakers at the meeting on impacts such as the cost for • Timing and direction of field meet the target set in 2009 in 3rd November were Helen Browning OBE, Chief Executive, Soil water treatment. The key threats operations (eg avoid compacting the Soil strategy for England: “By Association, and Chris Collins, to the functioning of soils in the soil when wet and ploughing 2030, all of England’s soils will Professor of Environmental UK are: down slopes) be managed sustainably and Chemistry, University of Reading. Recordings of their presentations, 1) Loss of organic matter • Changes in crop agronomy (eg degradation threats tackled successfully”. together with the powepoint files which means a reduction in fuel different rotational crops and can be found at www.sciencein for soil biology, diminishing introducing cover crops) For more information please visit: parliament.org.uk. We hope to provision of nutrients and a British Society of Soil Science publish summaries of their talks in a • Adding organic matter (eg degradation of soil structure. www.soils.org.uk or follow us on twitter future issue of Science in Parliament. through application of compost @Soil_Science [email protected] and manures) Cranfield Soil and Agrifood institute http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/About/Cranfiel ... demands for increased food production ... d/Themes/Agrifood or follow us on twitter @CranfieldAgrifo 2) Soil erosion is a loss of soil There is no “magic bullet” to
through detachment and solving the impacts of soil References movement of soil by water, wind degradation, what is needed is a 1 www.landis.org.uk and cultivation. mix of the complimentary 2 http://www.landis.org.uk/data/ measures listed above and a nmsoilscapes.cfm 3) Compaction, from the 3 http://www.agrimetrics.co.uk/ robust mechanism in place to increasingly large size and 4 FAO 2015 Status of the Worlds Soil monitor the response and World Congress of Soil Science weight of farm machinery, Resources FAO Rome. comes to Glasgow in 2022 © BSSS
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Rule 36: Women shall be eligible for membership of The Society and have the same rights, duties and privileges as men CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF WOMEN’S MEMBERSHIP AT THE PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY Dr Helga Groll Media and Communications Officer, The Physiological Society
THE HISTORY OF PHYSIOLOGY Members of The Society would discuss business over dinner; indeed one of the rules of The Society stated that ‘The meetings In the early 19th century, experimental physiology* was virtually of The Society shall commence with dinner at six o’clock non-existent in Britain, though it flourished in France and Germany. punctually’. Medical students were largely taught by anatomists, surgeons and physicians. Things slowly started to change in 1836 with the Although The Society had never explicitly excluded women, appointment of William Sharpey 1, a Scottish anatomist and women members were not officially admitted until July 1915. physiologist, often dubbed as ‘Father of modern physiology in There are records that indicated that women had published in The Britain’, to the Chair of General Anatomy and Physiology at Society’s journals as well as attended meetings. In 1884, Marion University College London. Greenwood published a communication, although there is no evidence that she attended the meeting herself. The first record of THE FOUNDATION OF a woman at a Society meeting THE PHYSIOLOGICAL was Florence Buchanan’s SOCIETY attendance in 1896, although The burgeoning of practical she did not join the men for physiology involving work on dinner. living animals was paralleled by In 1913, John Scott Haldane, a the emergence of those Scottish physiologist, proposed opposed to such experiments that women should be admitted Fig 1 The Minute Book for the meeting of 23 January 1915, showing and in 1875 a Royal the adoption of the new rule to admit women. as members of The Society and Commission of Enquiry into in the following year, a postal Vivisection was set up. It included the zoologist TH Huxley and the ballot of members showed that of 161 members who voted, 94 surgeon JE Erichsen, both supporters of experimental physiology. supported the motion. Some, however, opposed this motion and The Commission recommended that work on living vertebrates argued that The Society was primarily ‘a dining society and it would should be governed by an Act of Parliament that required be improper to dine with ladies’ smelling of dog, (the men smelling experimenters to be licensed by the Home Secretary and special of dog that is). conditions being imposed for certain types of experiments. On 23 January 1915, the admission of women was ‘approved by a Experimental physiologists recognised the need to have a say in majority’ and the following was added to The Society rules (Fig 1): any proposals that might unjustifiably hinder progress. It was this ‘Rule 36. Women shall be eligible for membership of The Society need that led to the formation of The Physiological Society. and have the same rights, duties and privileges as men.’ The Physiological Society was founded in 1876 to promote the Florence Buchanan, an electrophysiologist at Oxford, was the first advancement of physiology as well as to provide networking woman to be proposed as a member of The Society (Fig 2). There opportunities between physiologists 2. The Constitution allowed for was a generally positive reception towards admitting women, and in the election of ‘Men of distinction in science as Honorary July 1915, Florence, together with five other women, Winifred Cullis, Members’; the first two, Charles Darwin and William Sharpey, were Ruth Skelton, Sarah Sowton, Constance Leetham Terry and Enid elected almost at the birth of The Society. Tribe, were elected as members (Fig. 3). These six women were From the 1880s, scientific meetings formed of communications active physiologists and had already given communications to The and demonstrations in conjunction with Society dinners became Society, or published in The Journal of Physiology and what is known more frequent and reflected The Society’s birth as a “Dining Club”. today as Experimental Physiology prior to becoming a member.
*Physiology is the science of life. It is a broad science which aims to understand the mechanisms of living, from the molecular basis of cell function to the integrated behaviour of the whole body. Research in physiology helps us to understand how the body works; it also helps us to realise what goes wrong in disease and to identify new treatments for disease.
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All of them went on to work in diverse areas of physiology, such Although a lot of the women are less heard of today, many of as electrophysiology, muscle physiology or teaching. Florence them were well known in their lifetimes, and their contributions Buchanan was the first woman author to publish in the Quarterly and achievements deserve to be remembered. Journal of Experimental Physiology, which became Experimental Since 1915, women have regularly been elected to membership, Physiology in 1990. Winifred Cullis became the first woman on the and gradually, women followed Winifred Cullis onto The Society’s Committee and the first to host a Society meeting; she was also Committee and editorial boards of The Society’s journals. the first woman to become Professor of Physiology and Head of To commemorate 100 years of women’s membership, The Department at the School of Medicine at The University of London. Physiological Society has published a book highlighting the achievements and contributions of 20th and 21st century women physiologists. Professor Susan Wray, co- editor of the book commented, ‘Women have – and will continue to – make significant contributions to science. This book offers an extensive collection of member portraits, past and present, and will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of women physiologists and other scientists.’ Dr Rachel Tribe, The Physiological Society Diversity Fig 2 The entry in the Candidates Book for Florence Buchanan. It extended to three pages, and was the first Co-Lead and Reader in entry in a new book, transferred from the old book where she had first been proposed in 1912. Women's Health at the King’s THE FIRST SIX WOMEN MEMBERS OF THE College London, PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY added, ‘I am Florence Buchanan had originally been proposed in 1912 by absolutely her colleague and family friend J S Haldane. She received 50 delighted that the signatures of support. She had published two papers in J Physiol centenary of the and three in what is today Exp Physiol. election of women members to The Ruth F Skelton was proposed by William Bayliss and is Physiological described as a demonstrator at Western House, Beaconsfield. Society is being She had not published in the journals and received five celebrated. The signatures of support. book profiles Winifred C Cullis was proposed by Joseph Barcroft and received some wonderful 19 signatures of support. She was a lecturer at the Physiological Fig 3 The Minute Book for the meeting of 3 July early career and Laboratory of the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of 1915 recording the election of six women. established scientists who are Medicine for Women and had co-authored six papers in driving forward the discipline today. Ensuring we develop greater J Physiol. diversity in the scientific workforce will enrich the pool of talent, Enid M Tribe was a lecturer in histology and senior demonstrator which is essential for progressing our understanding of human and in physiology at the London School of Medicine for Women animal physiology.’ (Royal Free Hospital) and had co-authored a paper in J Physiol The Physiological Society brings together over 3,500 scientists with Winifred Cullis; she was proposed by Joseph Barcroft and from over 60 countries. The Society promotes physiology with the received 13 signatures of support. public and parliament alike. It supports physiologists by organising Constance Leetham Terry was a demonstrator in physiology at world-class conferences and offering grants for research and also the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women publishes the latest developments in the field in its three leading and had authored one paper in J Physiol. She was proposed by scientific journals, The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Joseph Barcroft and only received four signatures of support. Physiology and Physiological Reports. www.physoc.org S C M Sowton was proposed by A D Waller and received 20 References signatures of support. She is described as ‘engaged in research’ 1 Taylor, D. W. (1971). The life and teaching of William Sharpey (1802-1880). “Father and had co-authored three papers in J Physiol, two of them with of modern physiology” in Britain. Medical History, 15(3), 241–259. C S Sherrington. 2 Edward Sharpey-Schafer (1927) History of the Physiological Society during its First Fifty Years, 1876-1926 Part 1. J Physiol; 64(3 Suppl): 1–76
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ASK FOR EVIDENCE Dr Chris Peters Every day, we hear claims about what is good for our health, bad for Scientific liaison the environment, how to improve education, cut crime, and treat Sense About disease. Some are based on reliable evidence and scientific rigour. Science Many are not. Where there is regulation of misleading information, in advertising or trading standards for example, regulators are overworked and overwhelmed removing claims and making corrections. With small tweaks, the same claims crop up again and again and every time one is debunked another pops up – like a game of whack-a-mole.
What are groups like patient support forums supposed to do when people pose as members to promote unproven treatments – police every post made on their forums? That probably wouldn’t work, even if we ... like a game of whack-a-mole ...
wanted it to. Surely the only way is to immunise people against misleading information.
So how can we make then we should ask them for At Sense About Science we companies, politicians, evidence, as consumers, know the cost of false claims. commentators and official patients, voters and citizens. If Take the husband of a multiple bodies accountable for the we don’t ask for evidence, sclerosis sufferer who told us claims they make? If they want people and companies will get that he wished he’d known the us to vote for them, believe away with making misleading questions to ask a clinic offering them, or buy their products, claims. unproven stem cell treatments.
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He might have spent the It’s not just a way of protecting questions around the original engage with the public. This thousands of pounds, and the yourself, or your constituents, research on which they were year, people on last few months of his wife’s life, from misleading claims. It’s also basing these pilots – including AskforEvidence.org have made on a holiday instead of chasing an opportunity for organisations whether they accounted for over 1,000 requests for false hope. to show they are based on the suicides that occurred during the evidence, and it has had over daytime when the lights might 190,000 visitors. The campaign We’ve launched an Ask for best available evidence, or that Evidence campaign to they aspire to be. NHS Choices
... accountable for the claims they make ...
encourage everyone, every quickly updated its advice on consumer, citizen and patient, to washing reusable nappies when ask for evidence on claims they it was asked for evidence by the encounter. This is Sense About Nappy Science Gang – it turns Science working with the public, out there’s no evidence that you to park their tanks on the lawn should only be using non-bio of those who seek to influence us. And it's starting to work. ... claims are being withdrawn ...
not have been on – the is supported by hundreds of intervention was relatively cheap public figures, organisations and and based on robust evidence thousands of supporters such as about blue light affecting mood. Mumsnet, NHS Behind the Network Rail was keen to test Headlines and the Royal whether blue lighting could Statistical Society. The campaign have any effect on what is a has received core funding from significant problem on our rail The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation network. It was great to see a and the website was built thanks company happy to have a to support from the Wellcome conversation about what the Trust. evidence does and doesn’t The more people ask for tell us. The campaign has seen detergent. It’s brilliant that a evidence, the more people people ask a retail chain for the group of mums can change the evidence behind its MRSA policy of such a huge ... supported by hundreds of public figures ... resistant pyjamas; ask a juice bar organisation simply by asking for It has been fascinating to see expect to be asked. And that’s a for the evidence behind evidence. what issues people care about, good thing because it’s in the wheatgrass detox claims; ask the Sometimes evidence isn’t clear from nappies to railways, weight- public interest to be spending health department about rules cut. In fact it’s pretty common loss pills to national policies on public money in a way that is for Viagra prescriptions; ask for for there to be some degree of agriculture. When you start from based on the best available the studies behind treatments uncertainty. Network Rail was a position of what people care evidence. Or at least taking for Crohn's disease, and asked for evidence about a pilot about, it’s a relatively simple account of what the evidence says. ... a company happy to have a conversation ... step for people to be enthused about discussing evidence and hundreds more. As a result, they were planning to launch to what that does and doesn’t look Dr Chris Peters is the scientific claims are being withdrawn, see if installing blue lights in like. AskforEvidence.org has liaison at Sense About Science and coordinates the Ask for bodies held to account and stations could reduce suicides. grown into a national platform Evidence campaign which those who are championing the Network Rail was open and for people to get help with seeks to raise the level of good use of evidence are being honest about the gaps in the science and evidence questions, expectation for evidence and for scientists and scientific held up as examples to the rest. evidence. They responded that society. although there were significant organisations to meaningfully
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HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEES 2015
BUSINESS INNOVATION AND SKILLS Digital economy COMMITTEE The Committee announced an inquiry looking at The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee is Government actions affecting businesses in the appointed by the House of Commons to examine digital economy on 21 September. An Oral the administration, expenditure and policy of the evidence session was held on 10 November. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and its associated public bodies, including For the most recent information on all Inquiries the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). and to view evidence please visit Mr Iain Wright (Labour, Hartlepool) was elected http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/ Chair. Other members of the Committee are: Paul committees-a-z/commons-select/business- Blomfield (Labour, Sheffield Central); Richard innovation-and-skills/ Fuller (Conservative, Bedford); Peter Kyle (Labour, Contact: Business, Innovation and Skills Hove); Amanda Milling (Conservative, Cannock Committee, House of Commons, Chase); Amanda Solloway (Conservative, Derby London SW1A 0AA. Telephone: 020 7219 5777; North); Jo Stevens (Labour, Cardiff Central); Email: [email protected] Michelle Thomson (Scottish National Party, ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Edinburgh West); Kelly Tolhurst (Conservative, Rochester and Strood); Craig Tracey (Conservative, EDUCATION COMMITTEE North Warwickshire); Chris White (Conservative, The Education Committee monitors the policy, Warwick and Leamington). administration and spending of the Department for Education and its associated arms length CURRENT INQUIRIES bodies, including Ofsted. Work of the Department for Business Mr Neil Carmichael (Conservative, Stroud) was Innovation and Skills elected Chair. Other members of the Committee, The inquiry was announced on 8 October 2015. A are: Lucy Allan, (Conservative, Telford); Ian Austin, single evidence session was held on 14 October, (Labour, Dudley N); Michelle Donelan when the Committee took evidence from Rt Hon (Conservative, Chippenham); Marion Fellows Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State, and Martin (Scottish National Party, Motherwell and Wishaw); Donnelly CMG, Permanent Secretary, Department Suella Fernandes (Conservative, Fareham); Lucy for Business, Innovation and Skills. Frazer (Conservative, SE Cambridgeshire); Kate Hollern (Labour, Blackburn); Ian Mearns (Labour, UK steel industry Gateshead); Caroline Nokes (Conservative, The inquiry was announced on 22 October 2015 Romsey and Southampton N); Kate Osamor following the Tata steel redundancies. An Oral (Labour Co-op, Edmonton). evidence session was held on 27 October. Exports and the Role of UKTI CURRENT INQUIRIES The inquiry into Government's export targets and Mental health and wellbeing of looked after how UKTI activities affect exports was announced children on 29 October 2015. On 18 September 2015 the Education Committee announced an inquiry building on the Productivity Plan Health Committee’s recent report on childrens' The Committee announced an inquiry into the mental health. The Committee has published Government's Productivity Plan on 20 July 2015. written evidence received. Oral evidence sessions were held on 20 October and 3 November. The Children's Commissioner for England The inquiry was announced on 17 September Assessing quality in Higher Education 2015; a single evidence session with Anne On 17 September 2015 the Committee Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England announced an inquiry looking into proposed will be arranged. changes to quality assessment in universities and the potential impact of introducing a Teaching Supply of teachers Excellence Framework. The closing date for the The Committee launched an inquiry into submission of written evidence was 30th October. recruitment and retention of teachers on 16 October 2015. The closing date for written
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evidence was 20 November and it is expected that there will be an CURRENT INQUIRIES oral evidence session with the Secretary of State for Education before the end of the year. Ofgem annual report and accounts 2014-15 The Energy and Climate Change Committee anounced an inquiry Holocaust Education into annual report and accounts for Ofgem and held a single oral The Education Committee announced an inquiry into the teaching of evidence session on 27 October. the Holocaust in schools on 21 September. Having received written evidence, it is anticipated that the Committee will hold a single oral Responsibilities of the Oil and Gas Authority evidence session before the end of the year. On 29 October 2015 the Energy and Climate Change Committee announced an inquiry examining how the Oil and Gas Authority plan Regional Schools Commissioners to fulfil their objectives. An oral evidence session was held on 3 On 20 July the Committee announced an inquiry into the role of November. Regional Schools Commissioners. The Regional Schools Commissioners (RSCs) were appointed in 2014 to work with school DECC Annual Report and Accounts 2014-15 leaders to promote and monitor academies and free schools. This On 5 November the Committee announced an inquiry into inquiry explores the expanding role of RSCs, their resources, impact Department of Energy and Climate Change's Annual Report and and accountability. The Committee held oral evidence sessions on Accounts for 2014-15; an oral evidence session was held with the 21 October and 4 and 17 November. Secretary of State and officials from the Department on 10 November. The work of Ofsted On 16 July the Committee announced an inquiry into the work of ECC priorities for holding Government to account Ofsted and called for written evidence ahead of a one-off evidence On 16 July the Committee announced an enquiry looking to gather session on the work of Ofsted with Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her views on which areas of DECC’s policies will require particular Majesty's Chief Inspector, which was held on Wednesday 16 scrutiny over the years to come to inform the Committee’s future September. work programme and its priorities for holding Government to account. Following a stakeholder forum, held at Westminster on 8 Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Education September, the Committee has set up the following three Inquiries: The Education Committee announced the inquiry on 7 September 2015, and held a single evidence session with Rt Hon Nicky Investor confidence in the UK energy sector Morgan MP, Secretary of State, on the responsibilities of the The inquiry was announced on 16 September. The Committee Secretary of State, on 9 September. wants to investigate the factors that contribute to investor confidence in the energy sector and to build an understanding of how DECC’s The work of Ofqual policy making process might impact on investor decisions. An oral The Committee held a one-off evidence session on 14 October on evidence session was held on 20 October with Andrea Leasom MP, the work of Ofqual; evidence was given by Glenys Stacey, Chief Minister of State, and officials from the department. Further oral Regulator and Chief Executive, and Amanda Spielman, Chair, Ofqual. evidence sessions are expected.
For the most recent information on all Inquiries and to view Home energy efficiency and demand reduction evidence please visit On 16 September 2015 the Committee announced an inquiry into previous energy efficiency schemes. Oral evidence sessions were http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a- held on 3 and 17 November; further sessions are expected. z/commons-select/education-committee Low carbon network infrastructure Contact: Education Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A On 17 September the Energy and Climate Change Committee 0AA. Telephone: 020 7219 1376; Email: [email protected] announced an inquiry into the UK's electricity infrastructure. The –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Committee will be investigating what changes are required from ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE today’s electricity infrastructure to build a low carbon, flexible and fair network. The Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Department of Security of supply Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and its associated public On 12 November the Committee announced an inquiry into the bodies. security of the UK's energy supply; a one-off evidence session was held on 24 November. Angus Brendan MacNeil (Scottish National Party, Na h-Eileanan an Iar) was elected Chair. Other members are: Rushanara Ali (Labour, For the most recent information on all Inquiries and to view Bethnal Green and Bow), Tom Blenkinsop (Labour, Middlesborough evidence please visit South and East Cleveland), Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrats, Orkney and Shetland); Glyn Davies (Conservative, http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a- Montgomeryshire); James Heappey (Conservative, Wells); Matthew z/commons-select/ energy-and-climate-change-committee Pennycook (Labour, Greenwich and Woolwich); Dr Poulter Contact: Energy and Climate Change Committee, House of (Conservative, Central Suffolk and North Ipswich): Antoinette Commons, London SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 2158; Email: Sandbach (Conservative, Eddisbury); Julian Sturdy (Conservative, [email protected] York Outer); Dr Alan Whitehead (Labour, Southampton Test). ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS For the most recent information on all Inquiries and to view COMMITTEE evidence please visit The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) is http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a- appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee administration and policy of the Department for Environment, Food Contact: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, and Rural Affairs (Defra) and its associated public bodies. House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Telephone: 020 7219 5774/3262; Email: [email protected] Mr Neil Parish (Conservative, Tiverton and Honiton) was elected Chair. Other members are: Chris Davies (Conservative, Brecon and –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Radnorshire); Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour, Poplar and Limehouse); Harry Harpham (Labour, Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough); Simon ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT COMMITTEE Hart (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire); The remit of the Environmental Audit Committee is to consider the Dr Paul Monaghan (Scottish National Party, Caithness, Sutherland extent to which the policies and programmes of government and Easter Ross); Rebecca Pow (Conservative, Taunton Deane); departments and non-departmental public bodies contribute to Margaret Ritchie (Social Democratic & Labour Party, South Down); environmental protection and sustainable development, and to audit David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party, Upper Bann); Angela their performance against sustainable development and Smith (Labour, Penistone and Stocksbridge); Rishi Sunak environmental protection targets. (Conservative, Richmond). Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore) was elected Chair. The CURRENT INQUIRIES remaining members of the Committee are: Peter Aldous (Conservative, Waveney); Caroline Ansell (Conservative, Greyhound welfare Eastbourne); Jo Churchill (Conservative, Bury St Edmunds); Mary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee announced an Creagh (Labour, Wakefield): Geraint Davies (Labour, Swansea West); inquiry into the welfare of greyhounds used for racing on 22 Zac Goldsmith (Conservative, Richmond Park); Margaret Greenwood September. (Labour, Wirral West); Luke Hall (Conservative, Thornbury and Yate); Air quality Carolyn Harris (Labour, Swansea East); Peter Heaton-Jones On 22 October the Committee announced an inquiry into Defra's (Conservative, North Devon); Mr Peter Lilley (Conservative, Hitchin role at tackling air quality. The Department is currently consulting on and Harpenden); Caroline Lucas (Green Party, Brighton Pavilion): how the UK can meet EU Directive requirements for limiting John Mc Nally (Scottish National Party, Falkirk); Rebecca Pow (Conservative, Taunton Deane); Rory Stewart (Conservative, Penrith emissions of nitrogen dioxide; it also has a wider role in tackling the and The Border). harmful levels of many other pollutants emitted by the transport, energy and industrial sectors as well as from households and CURRENT INQUIRIES farming. Diesel emissions and air quality Defra's performance in 2014-15 The Environmental Audit Committee is holding an inquiry This inquiry was announced on 18 September 2015. The (announced on 15 October) into diesel emissions from vehicles and Committee held two oral evidence sessions on 14 and 21 October its impact on air quality in the UK. In particular, the Committee will with Ministers and officials from the Department. examine the accuracy of diesel vehicle emission data. It will also Common Agricultural Policy explore whether new questions about the accuracy of this data will On 10 September the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs impact the Government's policy on air quality and road transport. Committee announced an inquiry looking at developments in the Oral evidence sessions were held on 15 and 27 October. Common Agricultural Policy. The Committee intends to keep a Assessment of EU/UK environmental policy watching brief over developments in the Common Agricultural Policy The Environmental Audit Committee is holding an inquiry, throughout the life of this Parliament, with a view towards announced on 19 October, to assess the extent to which EU contributing policy ideas ahead of negotiation for the 2020 CAP environmental objectives and policies have succeeded in tackling reform. The intention is to take evidence and report on individual environmental issues in the UK. The inquiry will first look at the aspects of the policy as they emerge. The Committee would merits and drawbacks of determining environmental policy at an EU welcome communications on any aspect of the CAP at any time.The level for the UK and, secondly, look at the implications of such Committee took oral evidence on 16 September from Mark policies on the UK environment. Grimshaw, Chief Executive, Rural Payments Agency. Future of the Green Investment Bank Farmgate prices On 15 October the Environmental Audit Committee announced an On 17 September the Committee announced an inquiry into falling inquiry into the Future of the Green Investment Bank, which the dairy and meat prices. Changing global markets and national Government plans to move into private ownership. This move is conditions have made prices volatile. Policies of EU, UK welcomed by the Green Investment Bank, which argues that capital Government, and individual retailers and processors have a from the Government will not be sufficient to sustain its level of significant impact on prices paid, while consumer choices also shape future investment, but some green groups and think tanks have markets. The Committee wishes to inquire into the impact of these been critical of the plan, warning that it will undermine the GIB's and other factors on farmgate prices, and measures that could be ability to meet its goals and that it will damage confidence in low- taken to improve prospects for the agriculture industry. Oral evidence carbon sector investment more generally. The Committee held an sessions were held on 28 October and 4 November. oral evidence session on 28 October.
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The Government’s approach to sustainable development Current issues in NHS England The Environmental Audit Committee launched its inquiry into the On 14 July the Committee announced an inquiry into Current issues Government’s approach to sustainable development on 21 July. The in NHS England. It will review the current performance of the NHS Committee will be exploring what impact the new Government’s and examine how NHS England is planning to implement the vision fiscal and legislative agenda will have on sustainable development. It outlined in the Five Year Forward view. On 21 July the Committee will be looking to establish themes for its work during the Parliament took evidence from NHS England’s Chief Executive Simon Stevens, and measures against which the Government's success can be Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director and Jane Cummings, the Chief judged. The evidence received for this inquiry will feed into the Nursing Officer for England. Further oral evidence sessions are Committee’s work over the course of this Parliament. expected. The Airports Commission report: Carbon emissions, air quality Primary care and noise On 30 July the Committee announced an inquiry into challenges On 23 July the Committee announced an inquiry into the Airports affecting primary care services in England. It will consider whether Commission report and the implications for Government the Department of Health and its arms' length bodies have the commitments on carbon emissions, air quality and noise should the plans and policies in place now to ensure that high quality care is Airport Commission's recommendation of a third runway at consistently available to patients at the point of need. Oral evidence Heathrow Airport be adopted. Oral evidence sessions were held on sessions were held on 5 and 10 November. 14 October and 4 November. For the most recent information on all Inquiries and to view For the most recent information on all Inquiries and to view evidence please visit evidence please visit http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a- http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a- z/commons-select/health-committee z/commons-select/ environmental-audit-committee Contact: Health Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A Contact: Environmental Audit Committee, House of Commons, 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 6182; Email: [email protected] London SW1A 0AA. Telephone: 020 7219 6150; –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Email: [email protected] SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HEALTH COMMITTEE The Science and Technology Committee exists to ensure that Government policy and decision-making are based on good The Health Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to scientific and engineering advice and evidence. The Science and examine the policy, administration and expenditure of Technology Committee is unusual amongst departmental select theDepartment of Health and its associated bodies committees in that it scrutinises the Government Office for Science (GO-Science), which is a “semi-autonomous organisation” based Dr Sarah Wollaston was elected Chair. The remaining members of within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). GO- the Committee are: Mr Ben Bradshaw (Labour, Exeter); Julie Cooper Science “supports the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and (Labour, Burnley); Dr James Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd); works to ensure that Government policy and decision-making is Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative, Morley and Outwood); Andrew Percy underpinned by robust scientific evidence”. The committee therefore (Conservative, Brigg and Goole); Emma Reynolds (Labour, has a similarly broad remit and can examine the activities of Wolverhampton South East); Paula Sherriff (Labour, Dewsbury); departments where they have implications for, or made use of, Maggie Throup (Conservative, Erewash); Helen Whately science, engineering, technology and research. (Conservative, Faversham and Mid Kent); Dr Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party, Central Ayrshire). Nicola Blackwood (Conservative, Oxford West and Abingdon) was elected as Chair. The other members are: Victoria Borwick CURRENT INQUIRIES (Conservative, Kensington); Stella Creasy (Labour, Walthamstow); Jim Dowd (Labour, Lewisham West and Penge); Chris Green Childhood Obesity (Conservative, Bolton West); Dr Tania Mathias (Conservative, The Health Committee announced a short inquiry on 25 September, Twickenham); Carol Monaghan (Scottish National Party, Glasgow building on the previous Committee’s work on the impact of diet North West); Graham Stringer (Labour, Blackley and Broughton); and physical activity on health. This inquiry specifically considers Derek Thomas (Conservative, St Ives); Valerie Vaz (Labour, Walsall what the Government’s policy priorities should be for addressing South); Matt Warman (Conservative, Boston and Skegness). childhood obesity. The Committee is not seeking formal written evidence, but has held oral evidence sessions. CURRENT INQUIRIES Public health post-2013 – structures, organisation, funding and The Science Budget delivery On 10 July the Committee announced an inquiry into the Science The Health Committee announced on 27 October a short overview Budget, ahead of the Spending Review. On 15 July the Committee inquiry on the impact of the Health and Social Care Act reforms of took evidence from Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Universities the public health landscape, considering whether they have and Science, Gareth Davies, Director General, Knowledge and achieved their aims, and what further improvements may be Innovation, and Philippa Lloyd, Director General, People and necessary. Strategy, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; Sir Paul Nurse, President, The Royal Society, Professor Richard Parker, Chair, Work of the Secretary of State for Health Research and Secondments Committee, Royal Academy of This inquiry is now concluded.
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Engineering, Lord Stern of Brentford, President, British Academy, and Tyneside); Karl McCartney (Conservative, Lincoln); Stewart Malcolm Professor Sir John Tooke, President, Academy of Medical Sciences. McDonald (Scottish National Party, Glasgow South); Mark Menzies The Committee held three further oral evidence sessions on 8 and (Conservative, Fylde); Huw Merriman (Conservative, Bexhill and 15 September and 13 October. Battle); Will Quince (Conservative, Colchester); Iain Stewart (Conservative, Milton Keynes South); Graham Stringer (Labour, On 9 November the Committee published its report in which it Blackley and Broughton); Martin Vickers (Conservative, Cleethorpes). warned that the UK is falling behind its competitors in research and development (R&D) investment and the Government will be putting CURRENT INQUIRIES competitiveness, productivity and jobs at risk if it does not set out a clear roadmap to increase science funding in the Spending Review. Road haulage The Transport Committee announced the inquiry on 11 September Science in emergencies 2015. The Committee is investigating what action the Government On 20 July the Science and Technology Committee announced an has taken to address industry concerns about a lack of skilled drivers inquiry into science in emergencies after the Ebola outbreak, in the road haulage sector, and assess how effective the examining what lessons have been drawn concerning the use of Government's response has been. scientific advice in the UK for similar disease outbreak emergencies Volkswagen Group emissions violations in future. On 7 October the Transport Committee announced an inquiry into The Committee held an oral evidence session on 20 October to Volkswagen Group emissions violations and held a one-off evidence examine the UK's preparedness and response to disease session on 12 October. emergencies, with a particular focus on the provision of expert Vehicle Type Approval advice to Government during a disease outbreak. It will also take On 16 November the Transport Select Committee launched an evidence on the development of an Ebola vaccine and consider inquiry to examine whether the vehicle type approval testing is fit for some of the challenges of conducting clinical research during a purpose. disease outbreak. Operation Stack The Big Data Dilemma On 7 October the Transport Committee announced an inquirty into On 24 July the Committee announced an inquiry into opportunities Operation Stack, and on 14 October held a one-off evidence session and risks of big data. The committee will look at whether the to question freight industry representatives about the efficacy of Government is doing enough to ensure that UK entrepreneurs can Operation Stack. benefit from the data revolution, and at data protection and privacy Maritime Policy and Coastguard Modernisation issues. Oral Evidence sessions were held on 27 October and 17 Following its announcement of the inquiry on 2 September, the November. Transport Committee held a single evidence session on 7 Investigatory Powers Bill: technology issues September, giving members of the committee an opportunity to On 4 November 2015 the Science and Technology Committee question Department for Transport ministers and officials about the announced an inquiry into the technology issues of the Investigatory recommendations of the maritime study group (published on the Powers Bill. The Bill is a response to advances in communications, morning of the evidence session), the future coastguard programme particularly over the internet. Confidence in commerce depends on and related maritime issues. reliable encryption. The boundaries between content and Road traffic law enforcement communications data are becoming blurred. The consequences for The Transport Committee is conducting an inquiry (announced on privacy, proportionality and data security will be explored by the 10 September) into road traffic law enforcement. The objective of Committee in the context of the rapidly changing technological this inquiry is to scrutinise how effectively the Government's policies landscape – and the need to fight terrorism and crime. An oral to improve road safety – by tackling dangerous or careless driving – evidence session was held on 10 November; a further oral evidence are being enforced. An oral evidence session was held on 2 session will be held in December. November. For the most recent information on all Inquiries and to view Surface transport to airports evidence please visit On 11 September the Transport Committee announced an inquiry into surface transport at airports. The Committee is interested to http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a- assess the effectiveness of the Government's approach to planning z/commons-select/science-and-technology-committee surface access to airports, as well as understanding whether the Contact: Science and Technology Committee, House of Commons, Government is making full use of its powers to influence the London SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 2793; Fax: 020 7219 selection of infrastructure and accompanying modes of transport to 0896; Email: [email protected] and from airports. Oral evidence sessions were held on 26 October, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 9 and 16 November.
TRANSPORT COMMITTEE For full details of all Inquiries and transcripts of evidence sessions please visit http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/ The Transport Committee examines the expenditure, administration committees-a-z/commons-select/transport-committee and policy of the Department of Transport and its associated public bodies. Contact: Transport Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 3266; Email: [email protected]; Mrs Louise Ellman (Labour, Liverpool, Riverside) was elected Chair; Twitter: @CommonsTrans the remaining members of the Committee are: Robert Flello (Labour, Stoke-on-Trent South); Mary Glindon (Labour, North
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PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST)
RECENT POST PUBLICATIONS precision farming methods, adoption and factors Herbicide Resistance influencing it, and future practices. August 2015 POSTnote 501 Trends in Compulsory Education Increasing resistance to herbicides, coupled with September 2015 POSTnote 506 a lack of new types of herbicides, has the Five trends can be identified in compulsory potential to reduce crop yields. The UK education across the UK: changes in the Government’s commitment to increase yields attainment gap between different pupil groups, over the next 25 year requires the development rising pupil numbers, decreasing numbers of of alternative crop protection methods. This people entering initial teacher training, the POSTnote outlines the challenges of herbicide growing use of technology and changing levels resistance and reviews possible approaches to of school autonomy and diversity. Three factors long-term weed control strategies. are shaping these trends: population growth, Securing UK Soil Health inequality and the changing labour market. August 2015 POSTnote 502 Trends in Crime and Criminal Justice 2015 is the United Nations International Year of September 2015 POSTnote 507 Soils. Soils underpin food production and Behaviours are criminalised through legislation regulate water, carbon and nitrogen cycles but or judicial decision, and this is influenced by are subject to pressures from population growth public attitudes. Crime is widely considered to and climate change. In England & Wales, soil be falling but the data underpinning this trend degradation costs around £1bn per year. This are complex. This POSTnote describes crime POSTnote outlines the evidence for measures patterns, and highlights issues with crime that sustain soils and existing policies affecting measurement and data. It also identifies key soil health. developments in the criminal justice system. Trends in Energy Deep Sea Mining September 2015 POSTnote 503 September 2015 POSTnote 508 Providing affordable, reliable and sustainable In March 2013, the Prime Minister said that energy is a key issue in UK policy. Energy policy deep-sea mining could be worth £40bn to the can be informed by current energy sector trends UK over the next 30 years. This briefing and projections into the future. This briefing summarises the framework governing activity in outlines key trends in energy, the factors driving international waters. It describes the mineral these changes and future projections. It also deposit types being considered and the highlights the implications and challenges of proposed extraction methods, potential these trends. environmental effects and mitigation options. The 100,000 Genomes Project Forensic Language Analysis September 2015 POSTnote 504 September 2015 POSTnote 509 In 2012, the Prime Minister announced plans to Forensic linguistics and phonetics are sciences sequence 100,000 genomes. The project aims that examine text and speech. They have to establish a genomic medicine service within applications in criminal, civil and asylum legal the NHS and support the Government strategy proceedings, and in the private sector (for for UK Life Sciences. This POSTnote provides an example, in verifying identity). They are also introduction to genomic medicine and an used in counter-terrorism, intelligence and overview of the aims, structure and major surveillance. This note examines the scientific challenges of the 100,000 Genomes Project. validity of procedures and their applications, and Precision Farming explores issues surrounding their use. June 2015 POSTnote 505 Trends in ICT Precision farming uses technology to improve October 2015 POSTnote 510 efficiency. It offers benefits for yields, profits and This note looks at developments in information the environment. However, uptake by farmers and communication technology (ICT) and their has been slow. This POSTnote describes relevance for UK policy in the next five years. It
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examines the capability, use and economic impact of ICT; technical public debate around the relationship between evidence and policy, barriers; and implications for cybersecurity, privacy and internet to ensure that the particular context of Parliament is taken into governance. account. The roundtable involved 20 experts from a range of disciplines that are able to outline approaches taken in different Automation in Military Operations contexts and to stimulate discussion as well as internal staff from October 2015 POSTnote 511 across both Houses. Automated technology is increasingly used in military activities such Air Quality as intelligence gathering, navigation and weapons delivery. This This briefing provided the opportunity for parliamentarians to discuss POSTnote examines current and future military applications of with experts the effect of air quality policies on air pollutant automation, and considers associated legal, ethical and societal exposure and health. The event was chaired by Baroness issues. Manningham-Buller. This was a working breakfast for MPs, Peers Unintentional Bias in Court and their staff to discuss the science and resulting policy issues October 2015 POSTnote 512 relating to new knowledge on the interconnections and pathways between air pollutants and interacting stressors, exposure routes and When asked to interpret information and draw conclusions, people health effects in humans. The speakers were Professor Paul are prone to a number of well understood, unintentional errors in Wilkinson, Public and Environmental Health Research Unit, London reasoning. These are known as cognitive biases. This POSTnote School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, member of the examines how these affect reasoning and decision-making, and Committee on the Medical effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP); outlines strategies to minimise their influence in court. Professor Martin Williams, Environmental Research Group, King’s Future of Natural Gas College London; Professor Michael Depledge, Chair of Environment November 2015 POSTnote 513 and Human Health, University of Exeter, and Chair of the Board of the European Centre for Environment and Human Health; Dr Sotiris UK shale gas exploration and efforts to mitigate climate change Vardoulakis, Air Pollution & Climate Change Group, Public Health have stimulated debate about the future of the natural gas sector. England; Professor Ian Boyd, Chief Scientific Adviser, Defra; Andrea This briefing looks at potential pathways for the sourcing and use of Lee, Health and Environment Adviser, Client Earth; Ruth natural gas in the UK. It considers the implications for the economy, Calderwood, Environmental Policy Officer at City of London. energy prices, the reliability of energy supplies and efforts to cut emissions. Research and Parliament Research is one type of evidence that can strengthen Parliament‘s CURRENT WORK important democratic functions – debating the issues of the day, Biological Sciences – Anti-Ebola Treatments, Intellectual Property creating and revising laws, and examining and critiquing the actions and Plants, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Guidelines, Global Health of government. The purpose of this event was to inform academics Inequality, Electronic Health Records about the many ways that they can improve their impact on Environment and Energy – Managing the UK Plutonium Stockpile, Parliament. It presented findings from an analysis into the impact Trends in the Environment, Trends in Agriculture, the Water-Food- case studies submitted as part of the recent HEFCE Research Energy Nexus, the Circular Economy, Marine Microplastic Pollution, Excellence Framework (REF) to showcase the different ways that Adapting Urban Drainage, Natural and Health, Putting a Value on academics (from all disciplines) have contributed to Parliamentary Nature processes. It drew out lessons for Parliament on how it is currently engaging with academics, and how it might in the future. This Physical sciences and IT – Digital Forensics, Financial Technologies, reception gave attendees the opportunity to speak to researchers, Trends in Defence Parliamentarians, Parliamentary staff and other relevant stakeholders Social Sciences – Preventing extremism, Policing Domestic Abuse about their experiences in an informal setting. Speakers included the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons; CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS Baroness D'Souza, The Lord Speaker; Professor Jane Elliott, Chief Evidence Roundtable Executive, Economic and Social Research Council; Professor James The use of evidence in Parliament fulfils many roles and is Wilsdon, Chair of the Campaign for Social Science, Professor of particularly important to facilitate Parliament’s ability to scrutinise the Science & Democracy, University of Sussex; and Penny Young, work of government effectively. In this context, ‘evidence’ in the Librarian and Director General of Information Services, House of sense of information presented in support of an assertion and to Commons. The event was sponsored by Research Councils UK and guide decision making can take a variety of formats, from academic held in collaboration with the Parliaments and Legislatures Specialist research, written submissions to Select Committee Inquiries, oral Group of the Political Studies Association. evidence, the perspectives of other Members and the media, and for the Commons, information about Members’ constituencies and STAFF, FELLOWS AND INTERNS AT POST from their constituents. It is important that Parliament contributes to Fellows the debate to ensure that the diverse understandings of ‘evidence’ Kirsten Miller, Natural History Museum, British Ecological Society in Parliament are understood both internally and externally. This Charlotte Wood, Institute of Zoology, Natural Environment Research roundtable explored the relationship between different types of Council evidence and information needs, to explore what types of evidence Madeline Burke, Bristol University, Engineering and Physical Sciences are most appropriate to these different requirements, and to Research Council, was placed with the House of Commons Library consider how to assess quality and rigour of each evidence type in Science and Environment Section these contexts. A secondary aim was to contribute to the wider Louise Wilson, Surrey University, Biotechnology and Biological
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Sciences Research Council INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES Jenny Crane, Warwick University, Wellcome Medical History and EPTA Directors Meeting, Paris, September 2015 Humanities Ran workshop with EPTA directors about POST’s project to use Genevieve Waterhouse, London Southbank University, British Trends Cards to facilitate work on futures. Attended conference on Psychology Society Climate Change and Innovation. Kathryn Boast, Oxford University, Science and Technology Facilities Council Mexico, November 2015 Sarah Smith, Reading University, Institute of Food Science and Aaron Goater, the energy adviser for POST, spent a week in Mexico Technology to help set up a parliamentary advice service for the Mexican Stephen Barrie, King’s College London, Nuffield Bioethics Parliament.
HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE
The members of the Committee are: Earl of Selborne (Chairman), Lord Cameron of Dillington, Lord Fox, Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, Lord Hunt of Chesterton, Lord Kakkar, Baroness Manningham-Buller, Lord Maxton, the Duke of Montrose, Baroness Morgan of Huyton, Baroness Neville-Jones, Lord Peston, Viscount Ridley and Lord Vallance of Tummel.
GM Insects Physics at Imperial College London and Head of In July 2015, the Committee launched an the EURATOM / Culham Centre for Fusion inquiry into GM Insects. Written submissions Energy (CCFE) Fusion Association; Dr David were sought by 18 September and 9 oral Kingham, Chief Executive Officer, Tokamak evidence sessions were conducted. The Energy; and Dr Sharon Ellis, Deputy Director, Committee will report by the end of the year. Research Councils Unit, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The Relationship between EU Membership and the effectiveness of Science, Research The Resilience of the Electricity System and Innovation in the UK In July 2014, the Committee launched an In July 2015, the Committee agreed to conduct inquiry into the resilience of electricity an inquiry into the relationship between EU infrastructure. The inquiry focused on the Membership and the effectiveness of science, resilience of the UK’s electricity infrastructure to research and innovation in the UK. A Call for peaks in demand and sudden shocks. It was Evidence was issued in September. Oral interested in the resilience of the system both in evidence sessions commenced in mid- the short term (to 2020) and in the medium December and will continue in the first quarter term (to 2030) as electricity generation is of 2016. decarbonised. Oral evidence was taken across the autumn and concluded in late January Government Chief Scientific Adviser 2015. The Committee reported on 12 March A public, oral evidence session with Sir Mark 2015. A Government response was published Walport was held on 17 November 2015. in June 2015. A debate in the Chamber on the report and the Government response was held The Dowling Review on 3 November 2015. On 7 July 2015, the Committee held a one-off public, oral evidence session on the Dowling FURTHER INFORMATION Review, hearing from Professor Dame Ann The reports, Government responses, written and Dowling DBE FRS FREng, President of the Royal oral evidence to the Committee’s inquiries Academy of Engineering and Dr Hayaatun mentioned above, as well as the Calls for Sillem, Director of Programmes and Fellowship, Evidence and other documents can be found the Royal Academy of Engineering. on the Committee’s website. Further Nuclear Fusion information about the work of the Committee can be obtained from Chris Clarke, Committee On 21 July 2015, the Committee held a public, Clerk, [email protected] or 020 7219 oral evidence session on the topic of nuclear 4963. The Committee Office email address is fusion. The Committee heard from: Professor [email protected]. Steven Cowley FRS FREng, Chief Executive Officer, UK Atomic Energy Authority, Professor of
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HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION
RECENT PUBLICATIONS Fixed Broadband: Policy, Coverage and Speeds Nuisance Calls: Unsolicited sales and 7.10.15 | SN06643 marketing, and silent calls This sets out the current situation with regard to 2.9.15 | SN broadband access and coverage and provides an Nuisance calls cause widespread harm and overview of the Government’s broadband policy. inconvenience which have been acknowledged It focuses on the delivery of broadband targets by the previous and current Government and the and funding in England. The devolved relevant regulators. For the two types of nuisance administrations have their own delivery calls – silent calls and unwanted marketing calls – programmes. Scientists and other staff in the the Coalition Government first raised the financial Science and Environment Section Psychoactive Substances Bill provide confidential, bespoke penalty available to Ofcom in enforcing its rules 3.11.15 | CBP-7334 briefing to Members and their on nuisance calls from £50,000 to £2 million in offices on a daily basis. They also 2010. And second, in 2015, introduced new This briefing paper was prepared for the Second provide support to Commons Reading of the Psychoactive Substances Bill on Select Committees, and produce regulations lowering the legal threshold before longer notes and research papers the ICO could take action to issue a civil 19 October 2015. It provides background to new which can be accessed on line at psychoactive substances, their use, and the http://www.parliament.uk/topics/ monetary penalty up to £500,000. This note sets topical-issues.htm out the key regulations which seek to address current legislative framework, together with an nuisance calls and the main sources of assistance overview of the Bill and its consideration in the Summaries of recently updated Lords. Some response to the Bill from interest briefings are opposite. and their limitations. For further information contact: groups is discussed. Sarah Hartwell-Naguib The Assisted Dying (No 2) Bill 2015 Head of Section 4.9.15 | CBP-7292 New psychoactive substances have been a Tel: 020 7219 1665 challenge for existing drugs legislation in the UK; email: Rob Marris MP, after being drawn first in the [email protected] they are developed at such a speed that by the Private Member’s Bill ballot in this Parliament, time one substance is controlled, another one tabled the Assisted Dying Bill (No 2) 2015 which with a slight change in chemical structure can was defeated at its second reading on 11 take its place in the market. There have been September 2015. The Bill is intended to enable some developments to attempt to improve competent adults who are terminally ill to be control of these substances, such as temporary allowed assistance with ending their life if they class drug orders which allow the 12-month request it. Previous attempts to change the law in temporary control of a substance. this area included the Assisted Dying Bill 2014, tabled by Lord Falconer in the House of Lords. In 2014, the Home Office appointed an expert Lord Falconer has also tabled the Assisted Dying panel to look at legislative options to tackle new Bill 2015 in this Parliament. psychoactive substances. They looked at international examples and recommended that a The Government has indicated that it considers blanket ban approach, similar to that in place in this issue to be a matter of individual conscience; the Republic of Ireland, would be best. The it has traditionally been the subject of a free vote. Government response to the review said that This paper provides a background to the legal they would take the recommendations forward. cases in this area and the DPP guidance on The Conservative manifesto prior to the 2015 prosecutions for assisted suicide. It includes an election included a commitment to make a ban overview of the Assisted Dying (No 2) Bill 2015, on all new psychoactive substances. and a summary of the 2014 Assisted Dying Bill’s Support for Science progress in the House of Lords in the last 3.11.15 | CBP-7237 Parliament. A discussion of stakeholder views is included. Public funding for research comes from a mix of devolved (eg Higher Education Funding Council for England) and UK (eg Research Councils) institutions. Bodies like Innovate UK have a
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specific focus on industrial research. Within these broad new access provisions and debate on fracking during the frameworks, grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Infrastructure Bill’s passage through Parliament.
Successive governments have sought to protect the science budget ACTIVITIES – both in terms of recurring and capital costs. The latter are In addition to providing bespoke briefings for MPs, and publishing increasingly being linked to earmarked projects, a recent one being papers such as those above, the section has prepared debate packs, the Alan Turing Institute based at the British Library. The non-capital containing briefing and supporting press and parliamentary material, science budget, held by the Department for Business, Innovation for debates on: Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (8/9/15); and Skills and protected by a policy ring-fence, is currently £4.6 Superfast Broadband Rollout (7/10/15); E-petition relating to making billion per annum. The Conservative Party Manifesto 2015 provides the production, sale and use of cannabis legal (9/10/15); Fire safety an outline of the new Government’s general policy commitments in measures in schools (20/10/15); Work of the UK in Tackling Malaria this area. A library standard note, Research and Development in the and Neglected Tropical Diseases (26/10/15); Green Investment UK, includes, among other things, a regional breakdown of support Bank (28/10/15); Role of the Treasury in Supporting UK Science for science from different sources identified as government, higher (03/11/15); and the Dog Meat Trade (3/11/15). education, business and private non-profit organisations (eg charities). On 20 March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Staff of the Section have participated in a wide range of visits and published a statistical bulletin: UK Gross Domestic Expenditure on other engagements with academics and other stakeholders to build Research and Development, 2013. contact networks and to find out about developments in research. David Hough, Sara Priestley and Ed White visited the University of The ONS provides data on R&D expenditure by UK country and Lancaster and heard about the latest developments in research into region. In this context, the country and region refers to the location energy, environment and climate change policies and issues. where the R&D is performed, not the location of the funder. In 2013, the South East, East of England and London continued to Elena Ares arranged for Professor Corinne Le Quéré, Professor Andy dominate R&D activity in the UK, accounting for 52% of total UK Jordan and Dr Rachel Warren to come to Parliament to present to R&D. House staff on "Beyond 2 degrees: Dangerous climate change – the implications for policy and government". Louise Smith organised a The Off-patent Drugs Bill visit to the renewable energy company RES, at their award winning 5.11.15 | CBP-7365 headquarters at Kings Langley in Hertfordshire. The Off-patent Drugs Bill 2015 is a Private Members’ Bill tabled by Other stakeholder engagements have included meetings and events Nick Thomas-Symonds after he came eighth in the ballot this year. with Imperial College, University of London, the Environment Agency, It had its first reading on 24 June and it is expected that the Second the National Farmers Union, National Grid, for a full day’s briefing on Reading debate will be resumed on 4 December 2015. the operation of and outlook for the electricity market, University of The Bill addresses the situation where a drug that has an expired Exeter, City University, Cambridge Science and Technology Policy patent is discovered to be effective for a new indication that is not Department. within the scope of its licence. It would require the Secretary of Staff have also supported members of select committees including: State to seek licences for off-patent drugs in new indications, and to presenting at a seminar convened to provide the new Environment, request the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to Food and Rural Affairs Committees members with an introduction to conduct technology appraisals for off-patent drugs in new the policy areas that Defra covers; and participating in an Energy and indications. Climate Change Committee seminar for new members which they Shale Gas and Fracking had helped to facilitate. 5.11.15 | SN06073
Shale gas is extracted from solid rock using a process called hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’. The Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering have reviewed the risks associated with fracking. They concluded that the health, safety and environmental risks can be managed effectively in the UK by implementing and enforcing best operational practice. However, they made several recommendations including calling for more research on the carbon footprint of shale gas extraction.
A report on this was published by DECC in September 2013, in which shale gas emissions were said to be similar to those of conventional gas and lower than those of coal and LNG, leading the Secretary of State to describe shale gas as a ‘bridge’ to a low-carbon future.
The regulatory regime for fracking in the UK is covered in this note along with comment on environmental concerns. It also covers the
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SCIENCE DIRECTORY
Research Councils UK Contact: Alexandra Saxon Head of RCUK Strategy Unit 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: Sarah Crew, Economic and Social Research Council, Parliamentary Relations Manager, Contact: Matt Goode Polaris House, North Star Avenue, EPSRC, Polaris House, Associate Director, Communications & Swindon SN2 1UJ North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET External Relations Tel: 01793 413117 Tel: 01793 444570 BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413299 Website: www.esrc.ac.uk Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk The ESRC is the UK’s largest organisation for EPSRC is the UK’s main agency for funding research funding research on economic and social issues and and training in engineering and physical sciences, BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research, is committed to supporting the very best research investing around £800m a year in research and innovation and training on behalf of the UK public. with wide-ranging impact. Social science postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the Our aim is to further scientific knowledge to contributes to greater knowledge and next generation of technological change. promote economic growth, wealth and job creation understanding of the many challenges our society The areas covered range from information and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. faces today and by ensuring that ESRC-funded technology to structural engineering, and BBSRC research is helping society to meet major research makes the biggest possible impact, our mathematics to materials science. This research challenges, including food security, green energy research shapes public policies and makes business, forms the basis for future economic development in and healthier lifespans and underpins important UK the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, voluntary bodies and other organisations more lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial effective, as well as shaping wider society. We also Research Councils with responsibility for other areas biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. develop and train the UK’s future social scientists. of research.
Medical Natural Research Environment Council Research Council Contact: Sophie Broster-James Contact: Andy Jones Contact: Natalie Bealing Public Affairs Manager Government and Parliament Head of Stakeholder Engagement One Kemble Street, London WC2B 4AN. Communications Manager STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory NERC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Tel: 020 7395 2275 Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX Swindon, SN2 1EU Tel: 01235 445484 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01793 444238 Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Mobile: 07867553053 E-mail: [email protected] www.stfc.ac.uk Over the past century, the MRC has been at the forefront Email: [email protected] Website: www.nerc.ac.uk of scientific discovery to improve human health. Founded The Science and Technology Facilities Council is one in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests NERC is the UK’s leading public funder of environmental of Europe’s largest multidisciplinary research taxpayers’ money in the highest quality medical research science. We invest £330 million each year in cutting-edge organisations undertaking and supporting a broad across every area of health. Thirty-one MRC-funded research, postgraduate training and innovation in range of research across the physical, life and researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of universities and research centres. computational sciences. We operate world class, disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such Our scientists study the physical, chemical and biological large-scale research facilities in the UK and Europe diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and processes on which our planet and life itself depends – and provide strategic advice to the UK Government the link between smoking and cancer, as well as from pole to pole, from the deep Earth and oceans to the achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised atmosphere and space. on their development. We partner in two of the UK’s controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the We partner with business, government, the public and the Science and Innovation Campuses. We also manage development of therapeutic antibodies. We also work international research projects in support of a broad closely with the UK’s Health Departments, the NHS, wider research community to shape the environmental cross-section of the UK research community, medical research charities and industry to ensure our research and innovation agenda. Our science provides research achieves maximum impact as well as being of knowledge, skills and technology that deliver sustainable particularly in the fields of astronomy, nuclear physics excellent scientific quality. economic growth and public wellbeing. and particle physics.
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SCIENCE DIRECTORY
Association AIRTO of the British Pharmaceutical Contact: Professor Richard Brook OBE FREng Contact: Dr Matt Norton AIRTO Ltd: Association of Innovation 3 Riverside, Granta Park Industry Research & Technology Organisations Limited Cambridge, CB21 6AD c/o National Physical Laboratory Tel: 01223 824575 Contact: Audrey Yvernault Hampton Road, Teddington E-mail: [email protected] Head of Policy and Public Affairs Middlesex TW11 0LW Website: 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, Tel: 020 8943 6600 http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/ London SW1E 6QT E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7747 7136 Twitter: @airtoinnovation Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading Email: [email protected] Website: www.airto.co.uk dementia research charity. Currently, we support Website: www.abpi.org.uk AIRTO – Association of Innovation, Research & Technology 132 projects worth over £26.4m and have The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Organisations – is the foremost membership body for the committed over £60m to research since the charity represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical UK’s innovation, research and technology sector, companies, large, medium and small, leading an exciting new era began. As research specialists, we fund pioneering of biosciences in the UK. Our industry, a major contributor to the representing 80% of organisations in the sector. research at leading universities across the UK and economy of the UK, brings life-saving and life-enhancing AIRTO’s members deliver vital innovation and knowledge medicines to patients. Our members are researching and the globe with the goal of defeating dementia. Our developing over two-thirds of the current medicines pipeline, transfer services which include applied and collaborative expertise brings together leading dementia ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients R&D, (frequently in conjunction with universities), prevent and overcome diseases. Topics we focus on include: consultancy, technology validation and testing, incubation scientists to share ideas and understanding. We • All aspects of the research and development of medicines of commercialisation opportunities and early stage work with people with dementia to reflect their including clinical research and licensing financing. AIRTO members have a combined turnover of concerns and firmly believe that science holds the • Stratified medicine over £5.5bn from clients both at home and outside the UK, and employ over 47,000 scientists, technologists and key to defeating dementia. • Vaccines, biosimilars, small and large molecules, cell therapy and regenerative medicine engineers.
AMPS The British Ecological Contact: Tony Harding Contact: Gabriele Butkute Society Science Policy Assistant 07895 162 896 for all queries whether for Biochemical Society Contact: Jackie Caine, Policy Manager membership or assistance. Charles Darwin House British Ecological Society Branch Office Address: 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU Merchant Quay, Tel: +44 (0)20 7685 2401 Email: [email protected] Salford Quays, Salford Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7685 2510 M50 3SG. Website: www.biochemistry.org Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org Ecology & Policy Blog The Biochemical Society works to support the advancement http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/ Website: www.amps-tradeunion.com of the molecular biosciences; facilitating the circulation of Twitter: @BESPolicy We are a Trades Union for Management and knowledge and supporting innovation, raising awareness of the importance of our discipline in addressing societal grand Professional Staff working in the pharmaceutical, challenges. The British Ecological Society’s mission is to generate, communicate and promote ecological solutions. The chemical and allied industries. We achieve our mission by: Society has over 5,000 members worldwide, publishes five We have produced a training programme funded by • Supporting the next generation of biochemists internationally renowned scientific journals and organises the EU on diversity and helping women managers • Bringing together molecular bioscientists; fostering the largest scientific meeting for ecologists in Europe. remain in the workplace after a career break. This connections and providing a platform for collaboration Through its grants, the BES supports ecologists in training programme is aimed at both men and women and networking developing countries, public engagement and research. and is intended to address the shortfall in qualified • Promoting and sharing knowledge through meetings, The BES informs and advises Parliament and Government personnel in the chemical and allied industries. publications and public engagement on ecological issues and is committed to ensuring that • Highlighting the role of molecular biosciences in We are experts in performance based and field related interdisciplinary and translational research, while policy-makers have access to the best available evidence. issues and are affiliated to our counterparts in EU supporting the fundamental science that underpins The BES welcomes requests for assistance from Professional Management Unions. applied studies parliamentarians.
British British In Vitro Nutrition Diagnostics Association Foundation
(BIVDA) Contact: Professor Judy Buttriss, Contact: Jonathan Brüün Director General Chief Executive Contact: Doris-Ann Williams MBE Imperial House 6th Floor British Pharmacological Society Chief Executive 15-19 Kingsway The Schild Plot, 16 Angel Gate, British In Vitro Diagnostics Association London WC2B 6UN City Road, London EC1V 2PT Devonshire House Tel: +44(0) 20 7557 7930 Tel: : 020 7239 0171 164 – 168 Westminster Bridge Road Email: [email protected] Fax: 020 7417 0114 London SE1 7RW Email: [email protected] Websites: www.nutrition.org.uk Website: www.bps.ac.uk Tel: 0845 6188224 www.foodafactoflife.org.uk Email: [email protected] The British Pharmacological Society is a charity with a www.bivda.co.uk The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), a mission to promote and advance the whole spectrum of registered charity, delivers impartial, authoritative pharmacology. It is the primary UK learned society BIVDA is the UK industry association representing concerned with drugs and the way they work, and leads the companies who manufacture and/or distribute the and evidence-based information on food and way in the research and application of pharmacology diagnostics tests and equipment to diagnose, nutrition. Its core purpose is to make nutrition around the world. monitor and manage disease largely through the NHS science accessible to all, working with an Founded in 1931, the Society champions pharmacology in pathology services. Increasingly diagnostics are used extensive network of contacts across academia, all its forms, across academia, industry, regulatory agencies outside the laboratory in community settings and also education and the food chain, and through BNF and the health service. With over 3,500 members from over 60 countries worldwide, the Society is a friendly and to identify those patients who would benefit from work programmes focussing on education in collaborative community. Enquiries about the discovery, specific drug treatment particularly for cancer. schools and nutrition science communication. development and application of drugs are welcome.
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The British Psychological Mrs Tracey Guise Contact: Jo Revill, CEO Society Chief Executive Officer Vintage House British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Contact: Tanja Siggs 37 Albert Embankment Griffin House | 53 Regent Place | Birmingham London SE1 7TL. Policy Advisor - Legislation B1 3NJ Tel: 020 3031 9800 The British Psychological Society www.bsac.org.uk | www.antibiotic-action.com Fax: 020 7582 2882 St Andrews House www.e-opat.com | www.nas-pps.com E-mail: [email protected] 48 Princess Road East |www.appg-on-antibiotics.com Website: www.immunology.org Leicester LE1 7DR www.bsacsurv.org Tel: 0116 252 9526 The BSI is one of the oldest, largest and most active The BSAC is an inter-professional organisation with over Email: [email protected] forty years of experience and achievement in antibiotic immunology societies in the world. We have over Website: www.bps.org.uk education, research and leadership. The Society has an 5,000 members who work in all areas of active international membership and: immunology, including research and clinical • Is dedicated to saving lives through the effective use and The British Psychological Society is an organisation development of antibiotics, now and in the future. practice. of 50,000 members governed by Royal Charter. It • Communicates effectively about antibiotics and antibiotic The BSI runs major scientific meetings, education maintains the Register of Chartered Psychologists, usage via workshops, professional guidelines and its own programmes and events for all ages. We high impact international journal, the Journal of publishes books, 11 primary science Journals and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. disseminate top quality scientific research through organises conferences. Requests for information • Is home to the UK-led global initiative Antibiotic Action our journals and meetings and we are committed to about psychology and psychologists from • Serves as secretariat to the All Party Parliamentary Group bringing the wonders and achievements of on Antibiotics immunology to as many audiences as possible. parliamentarians are very welcome.
British Society Brunel Cavendish of Soil Science University Laboratory London Contact: Departmental Administrator, Contact: Ian Brown The Cavendish Laboratory, Contact: Geoff Rodgers J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. LR8, Vincent Building, Cranfield University, Brunel University London Kingston Lane E-mail: [email protected] Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL Uxbridge UB8 3PH http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk Tel: 01895 265609 Tel: 01234 752983 Fax: 01895 269740 The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics E-mail: [email protected] of the University of Cambridge. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.brunel.ac.uk Brunel University London is an international research active university The research programme covers the breadth of Website: www.soils.org.uk with 3 leading research institutes: contemporary physics Institute of Energy Futures: Led by Professor Savvas Tassou, the main themes of the Institute are Advanced Engines and Biofuels, Energy Extreme Universe: Astrophysics, cosmology and high Efficient and Sustainable Technologies, Smart Power Networks, and The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) or "BS Resource Efficient Future Cities. energy physics Institute of Materials and Manufacturing: The main themes of research Quantum Universe: Cold atoms, condensed matter theory, cubed" as it is fondly known was founded in are Design for Sustainable Manufacturing, Liquid Metal Engineering, 1947 by a number of eminent British soil Materials Characterisation and Processing, Micro-Nano Manufacturing, scientific computing, quantum matter and semiconductor and Structural Integrity. The Institute is led by Professor Luiz Wrobel. physics scientists. It was formed with the aims: to Institute of Environment, Health and Societies: Professor Susan Materials Universe: Optoelectronics, nanophotonics, advance the study of soil; to be open to Jobling leads this pioneering research institute whose themes are Health and Environment, Healthy Ageing, Health Economics Synthetic Biology, detector physics, thin film magnetism, surface physics and membership from all those with an interest in Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Technologies, and Social Sciences and Health. the Winton programme for the physics of sustainability the study and uses of soil; and to issue an Brunel University London offers a wide range of expertise and Biological Universe: Physics of medicine, biological knowledge, and prides itself on having academic excellence at the core annual publication. of its offer, and was ranked in the recent REF as 33rd in the UK for systems and soft matter Research Power (average quality rating by number of submissions) and The Laboratory has world-wide collaborations with other described by The Times Higher Education as one of the real winners of the REF 2014. universities and industry
Clifton The Council Scientific for the Trust Mathematical Sciences Contact: Dr Christopher Flower Contact: Dr Eric Albone MBE Contact: Lindsay Walsh Josaron House Clifton Scientific Trust De Morgan House 5-7 John Princes Street 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA 57-58 Russell Square London W1G 0JN Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 London WC1B 4HS Tel: 020 7491 8891 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7637 3686 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Fax: 020 7323 3655 Website: www.ctpa.org.uk & Email: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, Website: www.cms.ac.uk www.thefactsabout.co.uk Science for Life, Science for Real
We build grass-roots partnerships between school and The Council for the Mathematical Sciences is an CTPA is the UK trade association representing the wider world of professional science and its authoritative and objective body that works to develop, applications manufacturers of cosmetic products and influence and respond to UK policy issues affecting • for young people of all ages and abilities mathematical sciences in higher education and suppliers to the cosmetic products industry. research, and therefore the UK economy and society by: • experiencing science as a creative, questioning, • providing expert advice; ‘Cosmetic products’ are legally defined and human activity subject to stringent EU safety laws. CTPA is the • engaging with government, funding agencies and • bringing school science added meaning and other decision makers; authoritative public voice of a vibrant and notivation, from primary to post-16 • raising public awareness; and responsible UK industry trusted to act for the • locally, nationally, internationally (currently • facilitating communication between the consumer; ensuring the science behind between Britain and Japan; also the Ukraine) mathematical sciences community and other cosmetics is fully understood. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 stakeholders
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SCIENCE DIRECTORY Eli Lilly and Energy Company Institute
Ltd Contact: Louise Kingham OBE FEI Chief Executive Contact: Thom Thorp, Senior Director, 61 New Cavendish Street Tamzin Caffrey Corporate Affairs London W1G 7AR Head of Communications Tel: 01256 315000 Tel: 020 7467 7100 EngineeringUK Fax: 01256 775858 Email: [email protected] 5th Floor, Woolgate Exchange Eli Lilly and Company Ltd, Lilly House 25 Basinghall Street, London EC2V 5HA Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hants, Website: www.energyinst.org Tel: 020 3206 0444 RG24 9NL The Energy Institute (EI) is the chartered professional body Fax: 020 3206 0401 Email. [email protected] for the energy sector, supporting over 22,000 individuals E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.lilly.co.uk and 200 companies worldwide. The EI provides learning Website: www.EngineeringUK.com Lilly UK is the UK affiliate of a major American and networking opportunities, professional recognition pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company and technical and scientific knowledge resources on EngineeringUK is an independent organisation that of Indianapolis. This affiliate is one of the UK’s top energy in all its forms and applications. promotes the vital role of engineers, engineering pharmaceutical companies with significant The EI’s purpose is to develop and disseminate and technology in our society. EngineeringUK investment in science and technology including a knowledge, skills and good practice towards a safe, partners business and industry, Government and the secure and sustainable energy system. It addresses the neuroscience research and development centre and wider science and technology community: bulk biotechnology manufacturing operations. depth and breadth of the energy sector and informs policy by providing a platform for debate and producing evidence on the state of engineering; Lilly medicines treat schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, scientifically-sound information. sharing knowledge within engineering, and osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity A registered charity, the EI serves society with inspiring young people to choose a career in disorder, erectile dysfunction, depression, bipolar independence, professionalism and a wealth of expertise engineering, matching employers’ demand for disorder, heart disease and many other diseases. in all energy matters. skills. Fera First Group GAMBICA Association Ltd Contact: Mac Andrade Contact: Director of Science Director Infrastructure Fera Science Ltd. (Fera) First Group Contact: Dr Graeme Philp Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ 4th Floor, Capital House 25 Chapel Street Broadwall House Tel: 01904 462000 London NW1 5DH 21 Broadwall E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] London SE1 9PL Website: www.fera.co.uk Website: www.firstgroup.com Tel: 020 7642 8080 Fax: 020 7642 8096 Fera provides expert analytical and professional E-mail: [email protected] services to governments, agrichemical companies, FirstGroup is the leading transport operator in the Website: www.gambica.org.uk food retailers, manufacturers and farmers to UK and North America. facilitate safety, productivity and quality across the GAMBICA Association is the UK trade association agrifood supply chain in a sustainable and environmentally compatible way. for instrumentation, control, automation and Our services help create strong, vibrant and Fera uses its world leading scientific expertise to laboratory technology. The association seeks to provide robust evidence, rigorous analysis and sustainable local economies and our opportunity is promote the successful development of the industry professional advice to governments, international to be the provider of choice for our customers and and assist its member companies through a broad bodies and companies worldwide. Our food communities. During the last year around 2.5 billion integrity, plant health, agri-tech and agri- range of services, including technical policy and informatics services ensure that our customers have people relied on us to get to work, to education, to standards, commercial issues, market data and access to leading edge science, technology and visit family and friends and much more. export services. expertise.
The Glass and Geological Glazing Society Federation
Contact: Nic Bilham Contact: James Lee Contact: Delia Mertoiu Director of Policy and Communications 54 Ayres Street 5 Cambridge Court Burlington House London SE1 1EU 210 Shepherds Bush Road Piccadilly Tel: 020 7939 9100 London W6 7NJ London W1J 0BG Fax: 0870 042 4266 Tel: 020 7603 6316 Tel: 020 7434 9944 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7439 8975 Website: www.ggf.org.uk Website: www.ifst.org E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.geolsoc.org.uk The GGF is the main representative organisation for IFST is the independent qualifying body for food companies involved in all aspects of the professionals in Europe. Membership is drawn from The Geological Society is the national learned and manufacture of flat glass and products and services all over the world from backgrounds including for all types of glazing, in commercial and domestic professional body for Earth sciences, with 12,000 industry, universities, government, research and Fellows (members) worldwide. The Fellowship sectors. development and food law enforcement. encompasses those working in industry, academia Members include companies that manufacture and and government, with a wide range of perspectives install energy efficient windows, in homes and IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge and views on policy-relevant science, and the commercial buildings, the performance glass used relating to food science and technology and Society is a leading communicator of this science to in every type of building from houses to high-rise promoting its application. Another important government bodies and other non-technical tower blocks and the components that are used to element of our work is to promote and uphold audiences. manufacture every type of glazing. standards amongst food professionals.
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Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Contact: Alex Connor Technology (IMarEST) 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Tel: 020 7470 4819 Contact: Bev Mackenzie Contact: Mr Peter Martindale, CEO and Secretary E-mail: [email protected] Institute of Marine Engineering, Science Website: www.iop.org and Technology (IMarEST), Aldgate House, The Institute of Measurement and Control 33 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1EN 87 Gower Street, London WC1E 6AF Tel: +44 (0) 20 73874949 The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society. Tel: +44(0) 20 7382 2600 Fax: +44 (0) 20 73888431 We are a charitable organisation with a worldwide membership of more than 50,000, working Fax: +44(0) 20 7382 2667 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] together to advance physics education, research Website: www.instmc.org.uk and application. Website: www.imarest.org Reg Charity number: 269815 We engage with policymakers and the general Established in London in 1889, the IMarEST is a The Institute of Measurement and Control provides a public to develop awareness and understanding of leading international membership body and learned forum for personal contact amongst practiioners, the value of physics and, through IOP Publishing, society for marine professionals, with over 15,000 publishes learned papers and is a professional we are world leaders in professional scientific communications. members worldwide. The IMarEST has an extensive examining and qualifying organisation able to confer marine network of 50 international branches, the titles EurIng, CEng, IEng, EngTech; Companies and In September 2013, we launched our first affiliations with major marine societies around the Universities may apply to become Companions. fundraising campaign. Our campaign, Opportunity Physics, offers you the chance to support the work world, representation on the key marine technical Headquartered in London, the Institute has a strong that we do. committees and non-governmental status at the regional base with 15 UK, 1 Hong Kong and 1 Malaysia International Maritime Organization (IMO) as well Local Section, a bilateral agreement with the China Visit us at www.iop.org, follow us as other intergovernmental organisations. @physicsnews Instrument Society and other major international links.
Institute of Institution Physics and of Civil
Engineering The Institution of Chemical Engineers Engineers in Medicine Contact: Alex Green-Wilkes, With over 42,000 members in 120 Public Affairs Manager, Contact: Rosemary Cook CBE (CEO) countries, IChemE is the global One Great George Street, Westminster, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, London SW1P 3AA, UK York, YO24 1ES membership organisation for Tel: 020 7665 2109 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 chemical engineers. A not for profit E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] organisation, we serve the public Website: www.ice.org.uk Website: www.ipem.ac.uk interest by building and sustaining IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the an active professional community Established in 1818 and with over 86,000 and promoting the development, advancement, in the public interest, of physics and members in 167 countries worldwide, ICE is a engineering applied to medicine and biology. Its understanding and application of leading source of expertise in infrastructure and members are medical physicists, clinical and bio- chemical engineering worldwide. engineers, and clinical technologists. It organises engineering policy and is widely seen as the training and CPD for them, and provides opportunities independent voice of infrastructure. ICE provides for the dissemination of knowledge through Alana Collis, Technical policy manager publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is licensed by +44 (0) 1788 534459 advice to all political parties and works with the Science Council to award CSci, RSci and RSciTech, [email protected] industry to ensure that civil engineering and and by the Engineering Council to award CEng, IEng www.icheme.org construction remain major contributors to the and EngTech. Kuala Lumpur | London | Melbourne | Rugby | Singapore | Wellington UK economy.
Institution of Institution of Engineering Mechanical Designers Engineers
Contact: Libby Meyrick Contact: Richard Campbell Contact: Paul Davies 1 Birdcage Walk Courtleigh IET, Westbury Leigh London SW1H 9JJ Michael Faraday House, Tel: 020 7973 1293 Westbury Six Hills Way, Wiltshire BA13 3TA E-mail: [email protected] Stevenage, Website: www.imeche.org Tel: 01373 822801 SG1 2AY Fax: 01373 858085 Tel: +44(0) 1438 765687 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.ied.org.uk Web: www.theiet.org The Institution provides politicians and civil servants with information, expertise and advice on a diverse The only professional membership body solely for those working in engineering and technological The IET is a world leading professional organisation, range of subjects, focusing on manufacturing, product design. Engineering Council and Chartered sharing and advancing knowledge to promote energy, environment, transport and education Environmentalist registration for suitably qualified science, engineering and technology across the policy. We regularly publish policy statements and members. Membership includes experts on a wide world. Dating back to 1871, the IET has over host political briefings and policy events to establish range of engineering and product design 163,000 members in 127 countries with offices in disciplines, all of whom practise, manage or a working relationship between the engineering educate in design. New for 2015: Chartership for Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. profession and parliament. Product Designers (CTPD).
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LGC
Queens Road, Teddington Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Dr Elizabeth Rollinson, Contact: Anna Lucuk, Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Executive Secretary Director of Corporate Communication, E-mail: [email protected] The Linnean Society of London L’Oreal UK & Ireland Website: www.lgcgroup.com Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BF 255 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8AZ LGC is an international science-based company and Tel: 020 7434 4479 ext 12 Tel: 0208 762 4374 market leader in the provision of analytical, forensic E-mail: [email protected] and diagnostic services and reference standards to Website: www.linnean.org E-mail: [email protected] customers in the public and private sectors. Website: www.loreal.co.uk Under the Government Chemist function, LGC As the world’s oldest biological society, the Linnean fulfils specific statutory duties as the referee analyst Society of London is an essential forum and meeting and provides advice for Government and the wider point for those interested in natural history. The Society L’Oréal employs more than 3,800 researchers € analytical community on the implications of holds regular public events, publishes three peer- world-wide and dedicates over 850 million each analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards reviewed journals, promotes the study of the natural year to research and innovation in the field of and regulation. LGC is also the UK’s designated world with several educational initiatives and is home to healthy skin and hair. The company supports National Measurement Institute for chemical and a world famous library and collection of natural history women in science research through the L’Oréal biochemical analysis. specimens. The Society’s Fellows have a considerable UNESCO For Women In Science Programme and With headquarters in Teddington, South West range of biological expertise that can be harnessed to engages young people with science through the London, LGC has 36 laboratories and centres across inform and advise on scientific and public policy issues. L’Oréal Young Scientist Centre at the Royal Institution. L’Oréal also collaborates with a vast Europe and at sites in China, Brazil, India, South A Forum for Natural History Africa and the US. number of institutions in the UK and globally.
Marine Biological Met Office Association
Contact: Dariel Burdass Contact: Dr Matthew Frost Contact: Dr Matt Huddleston Deputy Chief Executive Marine Biological Association, Met Office Microbiology Society The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB 127 Clerkenwell Road Charles Darwin House Tel: 07848028388 London EC1R 5LP. 12 Roger Street, London Fax: 01752 633102 Tel: 020 7204 7469 WC1N 2JU E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: mba.ac.uk Website: www.metoffice.gov.uk Website: www.microbiologysociety.org Since 1884 the Marine Biological Association has The Met Office doesn’t just forecast the weather on The Microbiology Society is the largest learned been delivering its mission ‘to promote scientific television. Our forecasts and warnings protect UK microbiological society in Europe with a worldwide research into all aspects of life in the sea, including communities and infrastructure from severe membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, the environment on which it depends, and to weather and environmental hazards every day – research institutes and schools. The Society publishes disseminate to the public the knowledge gained.’ they save lives and money. Our Climate Programme key academic journals, organises international scientific conferences and provides an international The MBA represents its members in providing a delivers evidence to underpin Government policy forum for communication among microbiologists. clear independent voice to government on behalf through the Met Office Hadley Centre. Our Mobile The Society promotes the understanding of of the marine biological community. It also has an Meteorological Unit supports the Armed Forces microbiology to a diverse range of stakeholders, extensive research programme and a long history as around the world. We build capacity overseas in including policy-makers, students, teachers, an expert provider of advice for the benefit of policy support of international development. All of this journalists and the wider public, through a makers and wider society. built on world-class environmental science. comprehensive framework of communication activities and resources.
National Natural NEF: The Physical History Innovation Laboratory Museum Advancing the science of nature Institute
Contact: Fiona Auty Contact: John Jackson Contact: Michelle Medhat National Physical Laboratory Head of Science Policy and Communication NEF: The Innovation Institute Natural History Museum 29 Harley Street Hampton Road, Teddington Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD London W1G 9QR Middlesex TW11 0LW Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5257 Tel: 0208 786 3677 Tel: 020 8977 3222 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.npl.co.uk/contact-us Website: www.nhm.ac.uk Website: www.thenef.org.uk
The Innovation Institute aims to drive innovation and growth The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the United We challenge the way people think about the natural world in science, technology and engineering to achieve growth, – its past, present and future Kingdom’s national measurement institute, an prosperity and wellbeing in the UK. Our partners, clients and internationally respected and independent centre of We use our unique collection and unrivalled expertise to stakeholders include: excellence in research, development and tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. I Businesses knowledge transfer in measurement and materials We are leaders in the scientific understanding of the origin I Education providers I Government bodies science. For more than a century, NPL has of our planet, life on it and can predict the impact of future change. New Engineering Foundation, our charitable arm, focusses on developed and maintained the nation’s primary We study the diversity of life and the delicate balance of SciTech skills development. NEF work in vocational training measurement standards - the heart of an ecosystems to ensure the survival of our planet. and further education is supported by a Panel drawn from key industries. infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, We help enable food security, eradicate disease and manage Our Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange is a resource scarcity. consistency and innovation in physical professional body and a “do tank”, led by the Innovation measurement. We inspire people to engage with science to solve major Council to support the role of innovation in society. societal challenges.
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SCIENCE DIRECTORY
Contact: Nick Allen PHARMAQ Ltd Executive Officer Boughton Green Road, Contact: Alex Miles Contact: Dr Benjamin P North Northampton, NN2 7AL Deputy Director, External Relations PHARMAQ Ltd Tel: 01604 735500 (Public Affairs) Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Estate University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD Fordingbridge Fax: 01604 716502 E-mail: [email protected] Hants SP6 1PA. E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 07917115197 Tel: 01425 656081 Website: www.northampton.ac.uk Twitter: @AlextoMiles E-mail: [email protected] www.nottingham.ac.uk Website: www.pharmaq.no
The University of Northampton is an institution With 43,000 students and campuses in PHARMAQ is the only global pharmaceutical company with a primary focus on aquaculture. Our mission is to committed to science education through initial Nottingham, China and Malaysia, The University of provide environmentally sound, safe and efficacious health teacher training, a STEM Ambassador network Nottingham is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly products to the global aquaculture industry through global university’. With more than 97 per cent of targeted research and the commitment of dedicated which works within the community and teaching people. We have a product portfolio that includes over 20 research at the University recognised internationally and research to doctoral level. We are an Ashoka U fish vaccines along with specialist feed additives, according to the Research Excellence Framework anaesthetics, antibiotics, sea lice treatments and biocide ‘Changemaker Campus’ status university 2014, the University is ranked in the top 1% of the disinfectants. Through our sister company, PHARMAQ recognising our commitment to social innovation world’s universities by the QS World University Analytiq, we also offer a range of diagnostics services that can be used to help safeguard fish welfare and improve and entrepreneurship. Rankings. productivity.
Prospect
Contact: Dr Andrew Muir Contact: Henry Lovett Contact: Sue Ferns, c/o STFC Innovations Ltd Policy & Public Affairs Officer Director of Communications and Research, Harwell Campus Oxford OX11 0QX Hodgkin Huxley House New Prospect House Tel: 0121 710 1990 30 Farringdon Lane 8 Leake St, London SE1 7NN E-mail: [email protected] London EC1R 3AW Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 Website: www.rainbowseedfund.com Tel: +44 (0) 20 7269 5722 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] The Rainbow Seed Fund is a £24m, early-stage www.prospect.org.uk Website: www.physoc.org venture capital fund dedicated to kick-starting Prospect is an independent, thriving and forward- promising technology companies emerging from Physiology is the science of how molecules, cells and looking trade union with 117,000 members across the UK science base. The Fund is backed by ten UK organs work in the body. Representing over 3500 the private and public sectors and a diverse range of publicly-funded research organisations and the occupations. We represent scientists, technologists Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and life scientists, The Physiological Society supports and other professions in the civil service, research holds investments in some of the UK’s most scientific research through its grants schemes, councils and private sector. innovative companies in areas as diverse as novel conferences and its three open access journals. Prospect’s collective voice champions the interests of antibiotics, research into Alzheimer’s disease, The Society also supports the teaching of physiology the engineering and scientific community to key “green” chemicals and airport security. The Fund is in schools and universities, and works to promote an opinion-formers and policy makers. With managed by Midven, a specialist venture capital negotiating rights with over 300 employers, we seek understanding of physiology amongst policy-makers company. We are prepared to invest early and help to secure a better life at work by putting members’ build a proposition to attract additional investment and the general public. pay, conditions and careers first. and get to market.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Contact: Office of the Science Directorate Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB Tel: 020 8332 5050/5248 Contact: Helen Wilkinson Email: [email protected] Dallam Court, Dallam Lane Website: www.kew.org Warrington, WA2 7LT Contact: Juniour Blake RBG Kew is a centre of global scientific expertise in plant and Tel: 01925 41 3984 External Relations Manager fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable use, housed in E-mail: [email protected] Royal Academy of Engineering two world-class gardens. Our scientific vision is to document Website: www.risksol.co.uk 3 Carlton House Terrace and understand global plant and fungal diversity and its uses, Risk Solutions helps our clients make better decisions in London SW1Y 5DG bringing authoritative expertise to bear on the critical challenges facing humanity today. a complex and uncertain world. Tel: 020 7766 0600 Kew’s strategic priorities for science are: Using traditional qualitative and quantitative methods, E-mail: [email protected] 1. To document and conduct research into global plant and combined with cutting-edge participative approaches, Website: www.raeng.org.uk fungal diversity and its uses for humanity. we work with clients from across the public and private 2. To curate and provide data-rich evidence from Kew’s sectors, their stakeholders and customers, to bring a As the UK’s national academy for engineering, we unrivalled collections as a global asset for scientific depth of understanding of the issues and to develop bring together the most successful and talented research. consensus about how to tackle them. engineers for a shared purpose: to advance and 3. To disseminate our scientific knowledge of plants and Our small, highly motivated and client focused team promote excellence in engineering. We have four fungi, maximising its impact in science, education, delivers: conservation policy and management. strategic challenges: drive faster and more balanced • policy design, appraisal and decision support These priorities enable us to curate, use, enhance, explore economic growth; foster better education and skills; • risk assessment and risk based strategies and plans and share Kew’s global resource, providing robust data and a lead the profession; and promote engineering at the strong evidence base for our UK and global stakeholders. • evaluation, assurance and organisational review, and heart of society. Kew is a non-departmental government body with exempt • training, coaching and guidance. charitable status, partially funded by Defra.
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SCIENCE DIRECTORY
The Royal Royal Society Society of Contact: Becky Purvis Biology Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Head of Public Affairs Director of Science and Education The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace Contact: Dr Stephen Benn The Royal Institution London SW1Y 5AG. Director of Parliamentary Affairs 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Tel: 020 7451 2261 Royal Society of Biology Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Email: [email protected] Charles Darwin House E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.royalsociety.org 12 Roger Street Websites: www.rigb.org, London WC1N 2JU www.richannel.org Tel: 020 7685 2550 The Royal Society is the UK academy of science Twitter: ri_science E-mail: [email protected] comprising 1400 outstanding individuals The Royal Institution (Ri) has been at the forefront of Website: www.rsb.org.uk representing the sciences, engineering and public engagement with science for over 200 years The Royal Society of Biology is a single unified voice, and our purpose is to encourage people to think medicine. It has had a hand in some of the most representing a diverse membership of individuals, further about the wonders of science. We run public learned societies and other organisations. We are ® innovative and life-changing discoveries in scientific events and the famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES , a committed to ensuring that we provide Government history. Through its Fellowship and permanent staff, national programme of Masterclasses for young and other policy makers – including funders of people in mathematics, engineering and computer it seeks to ensure that its contribution to shaping biological education and research – with a distinct point science, educational activities at the L’Oréal Young the future of science in the UK and beyond has a of access to authoritative, independent, and evidence- Scientist Centre and policy discussions with science based opinion, representative of the widest range of students. And through the Ri Channel we share the deep and enduring impact. bioscience disciplines. Our vision is of a world that stories behind cutting-edge science with people understands the true value of biology and how it can around the world. contribute to improving life for all.
Society for Society for Applied Underwater Microbiology Technology
Contact: Lucy Harper Society for Applied Microbiology Society for Underwater Technology Contact: Clare Viney Bedford Heights, Brickhill Drive Contact: David Liddle, Business Executive Director, Communications, Bedford MK41 7PH Development Executive Policy and Campaigns Tel: 01234 326661 1 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1 BR Royal Society of Chemistry, Thomas Graham Fax: 01234 326678 House (290), Science Park, Milton Road, Tel: 020 3440 5535 E-mail: [email protected] Cambridge, CB4 0WF Fax: 020 3440 5980 Tel 020 7440 2267 Website: www.sfam.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Email [email protected] Website: www.rsc.org SfAM is a UK organization, serving microbiologists Website: www.sut.org internationally. It works to advance, for the benefit of The Royal Society of Chemistry is the world’s leading The SUT is a multidisciplinary learned society that the public, the science of microbiology in its application chemistry community, advancing excellence in the brings together individuals and organisations with a to the environment, human and animal health, chemical sciences. With over 50,000 members and a common interest in underwater technology, ocean knowledge business that spans the globe, we are the agriculture, and industry. With Wiley-Blackwell, SfAM science, and offshore/subsea engineering. The UK’s professional body for chemical scientists; a not- publishes five internationally acclaimed journals. Value society was founded in 1966 and has members for-profit organisation with 170 years of history and for money and a modern, innovative and progressive an international vision of the future. We promote, outlook are its core principles. A friendly society, SfAM from over 40 countries, including engineers, support and celebrate chemistry. We work to shape values integrity, honesty, and respect, and seeks to scientists, other professionals and students working the future of the chemical sciences – for the benefit promote excellence and professionalism and to inspire in these areas. of science and humanity. young microbiologists.
Science Society of Society of Chemistry Cosmetic Maritime Innovation Scientists Industries Contact: John Murray Contact: Reshna Radiven Contact: Gem Bektas, Society of Maritime Industries SCI Secretary General 28-29 Threadneedle Street, 14-15 Belgrave Square Society of Cosmetic Scientists London EC2R 8AY London SW1X 8PS Suite 109 Christchurch House Tel: 020 7628 2555 Fax: 020 7638 4376 Tel: 020 7598 1500 40 Upper George Street E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2RS Website: www.maritimeindustries.org Website: www.soci.org Tel: 01582 726661 The Society of Maritime Industries is the voice of the The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) is a unique multi- Fax: 01582 405217 science and multi-disciplinary forum that connects E-mail: [email protected] UK’s maritime engineering and business sector Website: www.scs.org.uk Scientists and Business people. Established in 1881, as promoting and supporting companies which a hub for innovation, by leading scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs and investors, SCI continues to work in Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary design, build, refit and modernise ships, and supply objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide this way. Many current SCI members include leaders equipment and services for all types of commercial and innovators representing many different areas of range of disciplines from organic and physical industry and academia. chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, and naval ships, ports and terminals infrastructure, microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. SCI’s community promotes applied science through offshore oil & gas, maritime security & safety, more than 100 conferences and events each year, 7 Members are scientists and the SCS helps them marine science and technology and marine leading scientific journals and Chemistry and Industry progress their careers and the science of cosmetics magazine. We also support and celebrate science ethically and responsibly. Services include publications, renewable energy. through bursaries and awards for a spectrum of educational courses and scientific meetings. scientific areas.
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SCIENCE DIRECTORY STEMNET Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Contact: Kirsten Bodley, Chief Executive Contact: Dr Robert Hubrecht Contact: Chris Eady 5th Floor, Woolgate Exchange Chief Executive and Scientific Director The Welding Institute, Granta Park, Great 25 Basinghall Street The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. London EC2V 5HA Tel: 01223 899614 Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Tel: 020 3206 0450 Fax:01223 894219 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Website: www.stemnet.org.uk Website: www.twi-global.com Registered in England Charity No: 207996 STEMNET is an independent charity which enables young The Welding Institute is the leading institution providing people to meet inspiring role models, understand real world UFAW, the international animal welfare science engineering solutions and knowledge transfer in all applications of STEM and experience practical activities that society, is an independent scientific and educational aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life bring learning and career opportunities to life. We do this charity. It works to improve animal lives by: integrity management. through three core programmes: Industrial membership provides access to innovative • supporting animal welfare research • STEM Ambassadors - We run the UK network of STEM problem-solving from one of the world’s foremost Ambassadors: over 30,000 inspiring volunteers • educating and raising awareness of welfare independent research and technology organisations. • STEM Clubs Programme - We provide free, expert advice issues in the UK and overseas Non-Corporate services include membership and and support to all schools which have set up or plan to registration, education, training and certification for • producing the quarterly scientific journal Animal internationally recognised professional development develop a STEM Club Welfare and other high-quality publications on and personnel competence assurance. • Schools’ STEM Advisory Network (SSAN) - We deliver free animal care and welfare TWI provides Members and stakeholders with impartial advice to teachers and use our business links and authoritative and impartial expert advice, knowhow partnerships to enhance the STEM curriculum in secondary • providing advice to government departments and safety assurance through engineering, materials schools in the UK and other concerned bodies. and joining technologies. SCIENCE DIARY THE PARLIAMENTARY AND THE ROYAL SOCIETY THE INSTITUTION OF SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Details of all events can be found at MECHANICAL ENGINEERS Tel: 020 7222 7085 www.royalsociety.org/events For details of events visit: [email protected] ______www.imeche.org/events THE ROYAL INSTITUTION ______Tuesday 19 January 17.30 Details of future events can be found at THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF Discussion Meeting www.rigb.org LONDON Tuesday 26 February 17.30 Booking is essential. For more information For details visit: www.linnean.org Discussion Meeting and to book visit www.rigb.org ______Subjects and speakers to be confirmed. There is a charge for tickets. Members go For further information please visit the free. More information on P&SC members’ website: www.scienceinparliament.org.uk ______events can be found at: ______PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/members- BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK 2016 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY news 11-20 March 2016 For details of events organised by POST visit Details can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and- http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/ offices/offices/bicameral/post/post-events/ news/bsw2016-news ______
SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT OFFICERS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY 3 Birdcage Walk London SW1H 9JJ & SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE T: 020 7222 7085 F: 020 7222 7189 President: The Lord Oxburgh KBE FRS Dr Guy Hembury sip Chairman: Mr Stephen Metcalfe MP Professor Colin Seabrook MBE www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Deputy Chairman: Mr Tom Blenkinsop MP Ms Doris-Ann Williams MBE Hon Treasurer: The Lord Willis of Knaresborough Professor Francesca Medda Editor: Professor Alan Malcolm Secretary: Carol Monaghan MP Advisory Panel: Mr David Youdan Editorial Assistant: Annabel Lloyd Vice-Presidents: Mr Paul Ridout Dr David Dent Mr Philip Greenish CBE Rebecca Purvis Dr Stephen Benn Secretariat: Professor Alan Malcolm Mr Atti Emecz Mrs Karen Smith Professor Ian Haines
Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Published four times a year. The 2015 subscripton rate is £80. Single numbers £20. ISSN 0263-6271 All enquiries, including those from members wishing to take the front or back covers, advertise in the journal or appear in the directory to Mrs Annabel Lloyd, Tel 020 7222 7085. Copyright ©2014 by Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. All rights reserved. None of the articles in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Type/layout by VAL Design Services and printed by Premier Print Group.
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SET for BRITAIN
Presentations by Britain’s Early-Stage Researchers In Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematical Sciences at the House of Commons Monday, 7th March 2016 12 noon – 2.15 pm Physical Sciences Exhibition (Chemistry and Physics)
3.00 pm – 5.30 pm Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Exhibitions
6.15 pm – 8.30 pm Biological and Biomedical Sciences Exhibition
8.30 pm Presentation of Westminster Medal
Further information from www.setforbritain.org.uk
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15 13:05 Nicola Blackwood MP and Stephen Metcalfe MP Carol Monaghan MP and Chi Onwurah MP
together with the Royal Society of Biology and the science and engineering community wish you a
HappyHappy Christmas New and Year New Year
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