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SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT

Chemical engineering – a vital part of the 21st Century jigsaw

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Source: Deloitte

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) (EPSRC) is the UK’s main agency for funding research in provides an authoritative and objective body that exists to engineering and physical sciences. EPSRC invests around develop, influence and respond to UK policy issues that £800 million a year in research and postgraduate training, affect the mathematical sciences in higher education and to help the nation handle the next generation of research, and therefore the UK economy and society in technological change. The areas covered range from general. Speaking with one voice for five learned information technology to structural engineering, and societies, the CMS represents the Institute of mathematics to materials science. This research forms the Mathematics and its Applications, the London basis for future economic development in the UK and Mathematical Society, the Royal Statistical Society, the improvements for everyone’s health, lifestyle and culture. Edinburgh Mathematical Society and the Operational EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils, working Research Society. collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. The full report is available at http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Publications/reports/DeloitteMeasuringTheEconomicsBenefits OfMathematicalScienceResearchUKNov2012.pdf sip SPRING 2013 4/2/13 12:22 Page 3

Surely nobody can have failed to notice that “Science” is SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT everywhere these days? We had (Sir) Tim Berners Lee to help open the Olympics. He was closely followed by Stephen Hawking at the Paralympics. It was also clear (at least to the French) that our cyclists had an (unfair) advantage because our science and engineering were superior! sip But almost every day on radio or television we can enjoy Dara Ó Briain and Brian Cox as well as Jim Al-Khalili. The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Andrew Miller MP Committee. Melvyn Bragg is not far behind with topics for his Chairman, Parliamentary The Committee is an Associate Parliamentary programmes. When you were replete with turkey and and Scientific Group of members of both Houses of Committee Parliament and British members of the other comestibles, there were the RI Christmas Lectures. European Parliament, representatives of One glimpse of the astonishment in those youthful faces scientific and technical institutions, industrial organisations and universities. told you what "engagement" really means. The science Minister, David Willetts, has been able to persuade even the Treasury that graphene may be important. And then we had the astonishing talk at the Oxford Farming Conference by Mark Lynas. He apologised for destroying GM crops, accepted that the position he took was misguided, and admitted that he changed his mind because of science. Allelujah! Science in Parliament has two main objectives: 1. to inform the scientific and industrial communities of activities within Parliament And yet there is still much to do. John of Gaunt thought of a scientific nature and of the progress of that “sudden storms are short” and that our nation was “a relevant legislation; precious stone set in a silver sea”, but in the last twelve 2. to keep Members of Parliament abreast of scientific affairs. months we have witnessed a hosepipe ban throughout much of the country coincident with the second wettest year on record. The Ancient Mariner could see “water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink”. My Select Committee has recognised both these issues and we are investigating both Marine Science and Water Quality during 2013. Meanwhile, the P&SC continues to lead the way, whether on High Speed Trains, Gut Health, or Energy. Always worth popping in on a Tuesday at 5.30 to catch up. I hope see you there. CONTENTS ROYAL SOCIETY PAIRING SCHEME 2 ENERGY – THE NEXT GENERATION 16 SUPPORTING GOOD PRACTICE IN UNIVERSITY Gisela Stuart MP and Dr Joanna Parish Addresses to the P&SC by Frans van den Heuvel, MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENTS 39 Francis Egan and Dr Gordon Edge Sean McWhinnie FRONT OF PACK LABELLING 4 Professor Judy Buttriss WHAT NEXT FOR BIOSCIENCE BUSINESS METHANE: THE UNNATURAL GAS 41 INCUBATORS? 21 Dr Grant Allen CHEMICAL ENGINEERING MATTERS 6 Dr Glenn Crocker Andrew Furlong HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASH TREES – EFFECT OF CHALARA FRAXINEA 23 SELECT COMMITTEE 44 INVESTOR IN INNOVATIONS® 8 Addresses to the P&SC by Professor Peter Freer-Smith, SELECTED DEBATES 45 Dr Alison Todman and Professor Sa’ad Medhat Martin Ward and Dr Monique Simmonds HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH 11 PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 46 Professor David Delpy and Professor Frank Kelly ANNUAL LUNCHEON 29 HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND THE ENERGY BILL 13 Address to the P&SC by Professor John Womersley ENVIRONMENT SECTION 48 Robert Freer ENERGY – HOW TO USE LESS 33 PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND HELIUM 14 Addresses to the P&SC by Gill Kelleher, Ashley Pocock TECHNOLOGY 50 and Professor Roger Kemp Dr Mark Stokes SCIENCE DIRECTORY 52 SCIENCE DIARY 60

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ROYAL SOCIETY PAIRING SCHEME The Royal Society runs an annual Pairing Scheme for MPs or civil servants and Royal Society Research scientists. It starts with the ‘Week in Westminster’ in late October, a programme of activities for the scientists including seminars, workshops, shadowing opportunities and a tour of Westminster. This week aims to give the scientist a taste not only of the approach to science policy but of Parliament and the Civil Service in general. Gisela Stuart MP and Dr Joanna Parish relate their experiences.

I have found the “pairing Politicians like to share their policies may have unintended scheme” of great benefit to me certainties. Voters aren’t consequences, but we need to – but not necessarily for the interested in our doubts. They buckle down and try and reasons I’d expected. I had have enough of their own. forecast how to bring them into hoped, and indeed did, learn line with our social beliefs. This So for us things are black or more about Birmingham would be fatal to a real scientist. white, good or bad, right or University from the view of But they too have hunches, and wrong; but I rarely get quizzed, someone working there. I am sure that they too on nor indeed cross examined, on occasions come up with good But what I had not expected how I arrived at my view. post hoc explanations. Maybe Gisela Stuart MP was the mirror that was that is the sign of genius. constantly held up – I had to Politics isn’t a science and find answers to the simple electoral politics even less so. It was fun to share my world questions of “how” and “why”. Local circumstances, history, of work with bright young expectations, behaviour of the women like Jo Parish, who I am . . . Politics isn’t a science . . . opposition – all these things sure will rise to the top of her come into play. But there does profession. I will watch her need to be a factual basis. Our progress with interest.

As part of the Royal Society affected my ability to carry out Policies founded within MP Pairing Scheme, I spent a cutting edge research and government have a huge impact week shadowing Gisela Stuart MP. deliver high-quality teaching. on my research. For example, I am a Royal Society University Now I seem to struggle against a government largely influences Research Fellow and study the wave of political decisions, how my research is funded. It is life cycle and molecular biology particularly in the wake of this getting harder and harder simply of the cancer causing human year’s Research Excellence to follow ideas and hypotheses, papillomavirus (HPV). Having Framework assessment and a path that many great scientists completed my PhD in 2002, I therefore wanted to discover throughout history have taken.

Dr Joanna Parish moved to America to work as a how these policies that so Now we must study questions Royal Society University postdoctoral scientist for 5 years greatly affect my ability to be that fall into priority areas if we Research Fellow; Senior Lecturer School of Cancer before returning to the UK to creative and individual in my are to attract funding from Sciences, Institute of establish my own research research are reached within research councils. Likewise, the Biological Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, group. Until I gained government. ability to utilise human tissue is University of Birmingham independence as a scientist in licensed through policies 2007, I was blissfully unaware of how internal and external politics . . . blissfully unaware of politics . . .

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developed with Parliament, offices within government and policies that seem to have . . . events that have required how these work together to hindered not helped our ability a rapid response . . . form evidence-based policies to use tissue samples to study and also to prioritise academic disease processes. For several research. However, it was the years I have become interested particularly inspired by Sir John issues. She was proactive in the time I spent shadowing my MP in how policies which influence Beddington’s presentation. He MP Pairing scheme and allowed that was the most valuable to research into human health and talked us through his role in me to shadow her for the me. I am very grateful for the disease are adopted within providing scientific advice to majority of my free time. I amount of time and effort Gisela Parliament and how these government with several attended a briefing dinner with afforded me. I would encourage shape the way academic pertinent examples of events the Fleet Commander and all MPs and Civil Servants to research is conducted within the that have required a rapid Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, consider taking part in the UK. When I was given the response in order for the Admiral Sir George Zambellas, pairing scheme, but only to do opportunity to take part in the government to react swiftly and which was enjoyable and very so if they are prepared to MP Pairing Scheme I realised appropriately. interesting. I also sat in on commit to it. I hope Gisela that this would give me the several select committee found it as enjoyable and chance to talk to politicians and Following a day and a half of meetings, observed television educational as I did and I am learn about decision making seminars, we were given time to processes and how I can shadow our MP pairs and attend influence them. I also hoped select committee meetings and . . . Scientists are far more civilized . . . that the politicians I met would Prime Minister’s Questions. PMQs was without doubt the learn from my experiences as an and radio interviews within the looking forward to her visiting most surprising element of my academic scientist and begin to studios at Millbank and worked my research lab and teaching time in Westminster! I knew that understand how parliamentary with Gisela’s intern on some her more about academic decisions influence academic debates within the House of research required for a piece research. I have learnt so much research. Commons are hectic, but two Gisela was writing. Above all this, about our government and will . . . questions that fall into my most valuable experiences take this knowledge away with stem from sitting and chatting me, fully motivated to engage priority areas . . . with Gisela for lunch or coffee. more with Parliament in the We had many insightful future. Furthermore, I have I was not disappointed! things really shocked me. Firstly conversations and discussed the made a friend and hope the Through a well-planned series of the Commons chamber is workings of Parliament and her relationship Gisela and I have presentations from key remarkably small – the opposing role as an MP. Sitting in developed continues in the long individuals associated with the sides are much closer to each Portcullis House or the House of term. Perhaps it is friendships Parliamentary Office of Science other than the images on the Commons refectory allowed me like this that will help develop and Technology (POST), the television would suggest. to observe life in Westminster firm links between politicians House of Commons and Lords Secondly, the volume of the from a unique angle. As with and scientists, links that are Science and Technology Select heckling and seemingly chaotic science, many of the important important if we are to make Committees, the House of speed at which the questions interactions that occur between best use of academic research Commons Library, the were asked and answered was politicians happen in the in society. Parliamentary and Scientific startling. I am amazed that this is cafeteria and it was great to be Committee, the UK Foresight the way our government able to see these interactions play out in front of me. Team, the Government Office for debates the most important Science and BIS, and Professor issues. Scientists are far more The structured sessions Sir John Beddington CMG FRS civilized, but it was great fun to during the week were vital for we were talked through the watch! me to understand the role of many offices and committees Shadowing Gisela has also the various committees and that are involved in making been a very worthwhile decisions and how the findings experience. She works incredibly . . . I have learnt so much . . . of this research are used to hard and seemingly never influence society. I was switches off from parliamentary

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FRONT OF PACK LABELLING: format set to become more consistent

HISTORY per 100g and 30% (40% for Third, how does the co- salt) per portion 2. The scheme existence of a range of front of The UK has been a front includes a slightly different set of pack label formats affect runner in establishing access to criteria for non-alcoholic drinks. accurate interpretation of front of ‘at a glance’ front-of-pack pack labels? 3. nutrition information as the The second approach, widely norm when we do our weekly adopted by food manufacturers The research found that supermarket shop, to and some supermarkets, uses levels of comprehension of the supplement the back-of-pack comparisons with guideline daily different formats tested were nutrition information commonly amounts (GDAs); GDAs are generally high (ranging from found on foods. Over the past derived from UK dietary 58% to 71% when looking at Professor Judith Buttriss reference values and similar single products), but two Director General, British few years three distinct Nutrition Foundation approaches have become values have been established by formats were particularly widespread, each with their the European Food Safety favourable. One combined text supporters and detractors. One Authority, known as labelling (the words high, medium, low), is characterised by so-called reference values (EFSA 2009). traffic light colours and percent multiple traffic lights via which The original GDA approach did GDA. This achieved the presence in a food of not incorporate red/amber/ comprehension of 70% and substances of concern in the UK green colour coding. A third was one of the top two diet – fat, saturated fat, sugars approach amalgamates traffic preferred formats. The other, and salt – is flagged using red, light coding and GDAs and has with a comprehension of 71%, amber and green icons. The been growing in popularity. combined text and traffic light history of the voluntary scheme No studies examining the colours. The balance of evidence dates back to 2006, when the various schemes have seriously favoured a hybrid approach that Food Standards Agency (FSA) grappled with their ability to combined GDAs, traffic light recommended that businesses effect change in consumer colours and text, which has adopt additional front-of-pack behaviour. In 2009, the FSA been used by several major nutrition labelling, using traffic commissioned research that retail chains for some time. light colours to interpret levels of focused on three key content- Expressed preference alone for these four constituents in seven related signposting elements: a format was not a reliable categories of food (sandwiches traffic light colours, interpretative indicator of ability to and similar products; ready text (high, medium, low) and comprehend the information meals (hot and cold); burgers percent GDA information. The provided. and sausages; pies, pastries and aim was to establish which GOVERNMENT quiches; breaded, coated or front-of pack-labelling format or ANNOUNCEMENT ON formed meat/poultry/fish; pizzas which combination of elements 1 FRONT-OF-PACK and breakfast cereals) . The best facilitated the accurate LABELLING scheme or a version of it has interpretation of key nutritional been applied more extensively information, such that New European legislation, by a number of supermarket consumers were assisted in the Food Information Regulation chains. Nutritional criteria are making informed choices about (FIR), came into force at the used to determine the colour the foods they purchase. The end of 2011 and makes coding. The cut-offs for research addressed three key mandatory (from 2016) the green/amber have been set at questions. First, how well do provision of nutrient levels consistent with health individual schemes (or elements composition data ‘back-of-pack’ claims legislation and the of schemes) enable consumers and also includes provision for amber/red (medium/high) to correctly interpret levels of additional voluntary declarations boundaries are based on key nutrients? Second, how do of specified nutrients front-of- existing advice for fat, saturated consumers use front of pack pack (either energy alone or a fat, sugars and salt, using 25% labels in real-life contexts in the combination of energy, sugars, of recommended intake levels retail environment and at home? fat, saturated fat and salt). To

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prepare for implementation of foods consumed in small recently on behalf of the products are likely to revert to aspects of the Regulation in the amounts. Department of Health (and the red, hence removing the degree UK, a consultation was held in nutrients targeted do not take of differentiation that currently Although a number of 2012 about the approach for into account the positive exists that can be used to affect retailers already base their front-of-pack declarations, nutritional attributes of cheese, consumer choice. schemes on the FSA criteria, focusing on the lack of particularly calcium). It is argued there are subtle differences in A window of opportunity consistency of the formats in that this implies that the the details and the presentation. exists to explore the pros and current use and the impact of approach may be ineffective in Extensive changes to labels will cons of existing schemes and this on consumer understanding nudging consumers to make a be required if consistency is to fine tune them. Using the and usage. The details of the number of small steps in a be achieved. For example, some threshold criteria developed by consultation, which concluded healthier direction. This is schemes have been modified so the Food Standards Agency, on 6 August 2012, have yet to important if purchase decisions that they are able to differentiate officials at the Department of be made public but on 24 are undertaken within categories within categories eg cheese and Health have been meeting with October 2012, Health Minister rather than between categories, spreads, and/or to take into interested parties and have Anna Soubry and other health that is biscuits vs biscuits rather account the role of the food commissioned modelling work ministers announced that the than biscuits vs fruit. within the diet (eg main meal on the impact of the FSA UK governments will work Furthermore, it has been argued item vs a snack). The new thresholds on the colour coding towards a consistent (still that the thresholds chosen and requirements of the FIR will of foods and also on voluntary) front-of-pack scheme the degree of categorisation that approaches to colour coding of based on a hybrid approach necessitate numerous packaging is implemented (ie whether energy (not currently included in combining GDAs (%GDA) and changes, even in relation to the there are separate sets of the FSA scheme). In the run up colour coding. It was stated that font size used. The changes to thresholds for particular types of to Christmas (21 December the approach already had the front of pack information, which food as has been mooted for 2012), the Department of support of the 10 leading will affect all retailers’ own brand the nutrient profiling element of Health circulated a summary of retailers in the UK and the food and beverage products will the Nutrition and Health Claims the findings from the modelling government wished to agree the add to the cost and complexity Regulation and has been work. details of the scheme by early of the process and also adopted in schemes used 2013. The announcement also influence the deadlines by elsewhere) influence the nature Time constraints, linked to listed aspects about which there which decisions are required. of the impact of the labelling the roll out of the FIR, are likely were inconsistent responses in NEXT STEPS scheme: whether it moves to dictate the scope for extra the consultation, such as consumers towards healthier modelling work and for making whether to include The consultation revealed options within a category or changes to the existing FSA high/medium/low text in the that for some food categories, whether it simply highlights criteria that might provide scheme, whether to colour code eg biscuits, cheese, butter and levels of nutrients/ingredients of consumers with a tool for energy, and where the various spreads, breakfast cereal, and public health concern and decision making within thresholds for colour coding yogurts (for at least some of the requires a separate education categories as well as between foods should be set (ie should nutrients), the existing FSA programme to effect behaviour categories of foods. It can still be the existing FSA thresholds be thresholds fail to differentiate change. The choice of thresholds argued that anything that adopted or was there another healthier options within the may also influence the extent to encourages consumers to make approach that would be category. Does this matter? In which the scheme drives use of the nutritional information preferable?). Another aspect the cheese category, for reformulation in a positive provided on foods and as a often highlighted is that as the example, at least 80% of direction, ie whether it’s feasible result improve their food choices FSA scheme applies the criteria products carry 3 reds according to modify a product such that it and eating habits is a step in the on a 100g basis, it penalises to new research conducted moves from red to amber or right direction. amber to green for a particular nutrient. It is worth noting that References the October announcement EFSA (2009) Scientific opinion of the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and referred to some adjustments Allergies on a request from the European made to the FSA salt criteria in Commission on the review of labelling 2009 but never published. This reference values for selected elements. recommended bringing the salt EFSA Journal 1008, 1-14. value that triggers ‘red’ down 1 http://www.food.gov.uk/news/news from 1.5g/100g to 1g/100g. archive/2006/mar/signpostnewsmarch Many products have been 2 www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/ reformulated and now show frontofpackguidance2.pdf amber using the published 3 http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/ (1.5g) criteria. But if the new pdfs/pmpreport.pdf value of 1g is adopted, many

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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING MATTERS

IChemE issued a poster substantial backing from industry public, as well as amongst during the 1980s, extolling the and from many UK universities. opinion formers and policy virtues of chemical engineering. The campaign highlighted the makers. Opinion research The narrative went something product and lifestyle outcomes carried out for IChemE by like this: supported by chemical IPSOS-MORI consistently reveals “If you don’t wash, or use engineering. Based on careful that less than a third of the deodorant, shave, or wear market research, public claim any real cosmetics, eat, feed your pets, whynotchemeng was both understanding of what chemical work on a farm, wear wellies, focused and targeted; features engineers do. Ignorance is never drive a car, play music, go on that are often lacking in many bliss, however, and IChemE Andrew Furlong holiday – or stay at home, sleep STEM careers campaigns. continues to work through its on a mattress, take medicine, whynotchemeng has triggered 38,000 members worldwide to comb your hair, or wear a hat, substantial growth in the improve public understanding of go to the movies, watch number of young people chemical engineering and The Institution of television, listen to the radio, applying to study chemical science and technology more Chemical Engineer’s buy books, or read magazines, engineering in the UK. UCAS generally. Engagement with drink water, or breathe then... reported a record number of others to promote the Director of Policy & applications in 2011, with 2201 chemical engineering doesn’t development and use of chemical engineering students Communication, affect your life!” chemical engineering and the commencing their studies last Andrew Furlong, The effectiveness of this appreciation of its importance is September. This increase promotional campaign was a key component of the talks about a new represents growth of 234% Institution’s plan and one that is limited in an era when the best since the launch of initiative that will fully aligned with its Royal engineering graduates were all whynotchemeng and an highlight the role of Charter obligation to act with too frequently seduced by the improvement that surpasses integrity and in the public the chemical prospect of a brick-sized mobile other mainstream engineering interest. engineer in phone and evenings spent disciplines. New programmes delivering better waving fifty pound notes in City have been launched, or are WHAT DOES SOCIETY of London wine bars. under consideration, at NEED? quality of life. Nonetheless, the central Lancaster and Liverpool John message remains true – Moores, adding to recent IChemE celebrated the 50th chemical engineering matters. additions at Aberdeen, Bradford anniversary of the granting of its and Hull, while other Royal Charter in 2007. This TALENT PIPELINE IN presented an ideal opportunity CRISIS departments have expanded intake numbers. Meanwhile, the to take stock and to scope out UK chemical engineering was quality threshold for applicants the role of the discipline in facing a crisis by the mid-1990s. has soared and three A grades delivering sustainable solutions Applications to study the subject at A level is the entry to the challenges confronting at first degree level were requirement for many humanity. IChemE published the forecast to plummet and many departments. At undergraduate Roadmap for 21st Century departments were struggling to level, the chemical engineering Chemical Engineering ii and secure students with the good talent pipeline has never been this report, which was widely A-level grades that are a in better shape. welcomed, addressed a simple prerequisite for success on a compelling question, “What demanding degree course. PUBLIC does society need; what are the Urgent intervention was called UNDERSTANDING desirable outcomes and how for and a new campaign, Despite this positive can chemical engineers work in dubbed whynotchemeng i, was backdrop, chemical engineering partnership with others to make launched in 2001 with remains opaque to the wider it happen?” The report set out

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20 goals, underpinned by a digestible 26 pages, is an process, rather than an end. based and supported by the series of action plans that would exploration of possibilities and a They are intended to provoke strongest possible input from need IChemE support. vivid illustration of the versatility debate and stimulate target the engineering community. The and wide-ranging application of setting. Science in Parliament report commits the Institution to The report was written before chemical process solutions to readers are invited to download work with its members to the onset of the global financial human challenges. It positions the report, which examines a develop coherent policy goals crisis. Iraq was still under military the discipline as a vital piece of number of contentious issues, that will form the basis of occupation and the Arab Spring the jigsaw that is the quest for including shale gas, carbon engagement with opinion- lay around the corner. The capture, water reuse, food formers and policy-makers. events at Fukushima and in the sustainable living in the 21st security and bioengineering. IChemE’s work with POST and Gulf of Mexico were yet to Century. The work is organised its financial support for the unfold. The potential of shale around delivering solutions in REACHING A WIDER Ashok Kumar Fellowship is an gas was still not fully understood four challenge areas: food & AUDIENCE example of its work in this area. and concerns around access to nutrition, health & wellbeing, water and energy (Figure 1). At In addition to an analysis of rare earth metals and other Chemical Engineering the same time, attention is the technical contribution that strategically important resources Matters also challenges IChemE drawn to the need to embrace a chemical engineers can make to had not materialised. Crystal ball to rethink its public engagement gazing is a risky business, but work. The chemical and process despite the uncertainties of Figure 1: industries support many of the geopolitics and its impact on the Chemical engineering technological advances that and quality of life world of chemical engineering, have improved the lives of IChemE has made progress millions of people in the UK. since 2007 and a good deal of However, lifestyle commentary the ambition set out in the and media reports present report has been realised. ‘chemicals’ as something that Predictably, some can be avoided or eliminated. weaknesses were identified in The reality is very different. the original report. Insufficient Everything is made of chemicals prominence was given to wealth and people are often anxious creation. The essential role of without reason. IChemE will the chemical engineer in food encourage its members to production and industrial engage productively in the biotechnology was understated public conversation about the and some stakeholders viewed impact of chemical processes series of essential issues and secure, maintain and improve the action plans as too narrow, and products. The Institution will concerns in every aspect of quality of life all over the world, or too vague. Further work was work with science media centres chemical engineering practice the report also examines the needed to build on the and other NGOs to address the including: sustainability, process relationship between the Roadmap for 21st Century disconnect between lifestyle safety, education & training, profession and policymakers and Chemical Engineering and five commentary and chemical fundamental science, the public at large. The years on, the time had come to realities. collaborative working and the whynotchemeng campaign has re-evaluate the report, assess its need to accelerate the already done much to raise the WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? fitness for purpose and outline transformation to a ‘bio’ visibility of chemical engineering new ideas for the next period. The recycling bags in the economy. as a career choice, Chemical corridors of the Norman Shaw Engineering Matters seeks to CHEMICAL The report contains four ‘vista Building and Portcullis House continue that work by enhancing ENGINEERING AND diagrams’ – one for each are frequently the first the reputation of the profession QUALITY OF LIFE challenge area. The diagrams destination for much of the more widely. IChemE’s review of its seek to capture the current printed material that is sent to technical strategy was published status and some specific IChemE is politically neutral. parliamentarians. IChemE is in January 2013. Chemical challenges under each heading However, the Institution keen to ensure that Chemical Engineering Matters iii has and propose some options for recognises that political Engineering Matters does not moved away from the traditional action by chemical engineers decisions, including those that suffer the same fate. MPs and roadmap approach in favour of and others. External factors are impact on funding and the peers will be heartened to learn a more open-ended look at also addressed in the context of regulatory framework within that the Institution does not options for progress. The new the four challenges. The vistas which chemical engineers must intend to add to already report, running to a very represent the beginning of a operate, should be evidence- overloaded in-trays. During

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2014, the Institution’s policy connected with government ABOUT IChemE team will prepare a series of policy-making at local, national short briefing papers under each or international level. IChemE is A member of the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee, the of the action headings an advocate for solutions that Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the global highlighted in the report. These will support a safer and more professional membership organisation for people with will be used to target sustainable world. If you think relevant experience or an interest in chemical engineering. engagement with Associate that our members can be a It is the only organisation to award Chartered Chemical Parliamentary Groups, Select useful addition to your contact Engineer status. Committees and Members of book please get in touch. To IChemE is also licensed to award the titles of Chartered both Houses who have continue the conversation Engineer (CEng), Chartered Scientist (CSi) and Chartered expressed interest in specific please email chemengmatters Environmentalist (CEnv) to suitably qualified members. issues where chemical @icheme.org or call Dr. Alana Founded in 1922 as a professional institution for chemical engineering can make a Collis at the Institution of and process engineers, IChemE has grown to its current difference. Given the Chemical Engineers on 01788 status of 38,000 members across 120 countries. IChemE international nature of IChemE’s 534484. currently has offices in Australia, China, Malaysia, New membership, this work will not Zealand and the UK. be solely confined to the UK. References

Chemical Engineering i www.whynotchemeng.com Matters should prove of interest ii www.icheme.org/roadmap2007 to all those whose work is iii www.icheme.org/chemengmatters INVESTOR IN INNOVATIONS®: A New Industry Standard

Can organisations afford not to invest in innovation? All recent business surveys have identified innovation as an imperative for any business to compete and grow. In recent years, considerable effort has gone into exploring the theory and practice of innovation in an attempt to capture the elusive organisational culture that underlies the ability of some organisations to excel, and to gain a competitive advantage over their peers. Leaders of

Dr Alison Todman FIKE industry are united in calling for innovation to be prioritised, Head of Innovation Services, which in turn requires an appetite for risk, resilience and the NEF: The Innovation Institute ability to adapt to changing landscapes.

At Innovisions 2012 To NEF, innovation is not an all sectors of industry. While our conference, Jo Lopes, Head of abstract concept, but a vital work builds on significant Technical Excellence at Jaguar process that develops new research by leading experts, it Land Rover said “Innovation is a products and markets and also challenges and blurs some key part of any engineer’s improves business performance. of the traditional boundaries toolbox. Innovation is the soul of It is the successful between disciplines that are engineering – it provides an implementation of creative ideas often treated as being outside engineering company with a that enables an organisation to innovation. competitive edge”. The East of survive, adapt, change and England Development Agency maintain its competitive NEF Investor in Professor Sa’ad Medhat CEng claims that “Innovation plays a advantage. This definition is very Innovations® is an industry FIET FCIM FRSA FIoD FCMI FIKE CEO, NEF: critical role in economic general so that it can be used standard that identifies The Innovation Institute development and growth.” 1 throughout education and across organisations whose culture and

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practice feature the defining . . . in-depth understanding develop their ideas to fruition. As characteristics shown to lead to Dave Drury, Chancellor of EDF effective and sustainable of customers . . . Energy Campus states, innovation. This evaluates the “Innovation is about having a innovation practice of an different state of mind and organisation against the NEF developing the capacity to ORGANISATIONAL getting the best out of the Innovation Assured framework exploit opportunities and CULTURE AND THE processes and people within the which is based on a set of respond to the external “ADJACENT POSSIBLE” organisation – allowing people criteria derived from research. environment with agility. The to contribute to the organisation Knowledge of an This approach allows an strategy and structure must be in a novel way”. organisation’s own organisation not only to evaluate founded on a comprehensive competencies and resources, It is clear that some its own practice, but to understanding of core environments stimulate demonstrate its commitment capabilities in the organisation, customers, clients and innovation apparently effortlessly towards innovation to its clients, knowledge of competitors and competitors, and advances in while others inhibit it and, employees, and the wider similar industries, and an in- technologies and/or processes although the precise nature of public. It recognises the different depth understanding of with the potential to impact on such an environment will vary contexts in which innovation customers or clients. Metrics of its business, are fundamental to from organisation to takes place in small and large benchmarking are needed to the management of innovation. organisation, there are organisations, and in different evaluate the effectiveness and This enables an organisation to characteristics that can be sectors of industry. To achieve impact of innovation and to identify the creative potential for identified as supporting the award, organisations must highlight potential improvements change, and also the limitations innovation. These can be seen demonstrate practice to the innovation process. NEF and constraints, the so-called in the structures and activities that are part of the working Fig 1 environment 5. Significant The NEF Innovation innovation often comes about Assured Framework through borrowing ideas and technology from an entirely different field and putting them to work to solve an unrelated problem (known as exaptation). For an organisation to maximise the possibility of this happening, it needs to promote knowledge sharing and develop broad networks that extend outside the organisation to involve people from diverse fields of expertise.

New ideas also come about through chance meetings and appropriate to the context in has taken the concepts “adjacent possible” 4. Most discussions with people from different disciplines or different which they operate. highlighted in these studies and innovation, both incremental parts of an organisation. has expanded them within its and radical, is brought about by A MODEL FOR Innovation Assured framework. Organisations need to create continual exploration and INNOVATION This framework further identifies opportunities for these random expansion of the boundaries of MANAGEMENT: A key characteristics within the collisions to occur, both the adjacent possible. An STRATEGIC APPROACH categories shown in Figure 1 internally and externally. It has innovation culture is about Management studies 2,3 have which allow an organisation to been shown, for example, that establishing an environment in pointed to the importance of explore the details of its proximity and physical strategy and alignment in innovation function and to which individual employees and environment have a role to play 6 ensuring the successful delivery benchmark it in a systematic teams across an organisation in encouraging innovation . The of innovation. An organisational manner. can best explore this space and quickest way to stifle innovation structure that supports formal is to isolate people in single (governance) and informal . . . opportunity to challenge offices behind closed doors. (cultural) mechanisms to Shared spaces where people encourage innovation is vital in assumptions . . . have the opportunity to meet

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Assessment of impact is culture that encourages and essential if organisations are to supports creative practice is a . . . the innovation cycle is about demonstrate success in key factor in ensuring retention of staff in hi-tech industries10 diffusion and adoption . . . innovation to their clients and investors. The KPIs and metrics where advanced skills and used to evaluate performance industry experience are very are crucial in terms of their hard to come by. Economic informally are essential to NEF advocates the use of impact on the innovation resilience and ultimately growth provide an innovative “kinetic” entrepreneurial process as these should be depend on organisations environment in which random techniques to identify and used to drive forward recognising the importance of connections and exchange of assess enablers for growth, to improvements. Again, a diversity innovation and taking formal ideas can take place. An horizon scan new technologies, of metrics should be applied, steps to ensure that the factors shown by research to enable innovation-driven organisation applications and markets, and to examples of which are well unleash hidden potential and successful innovation are will build opportunities for its defined in the literature 9. The accelerate entrepreneurial effectively managed employees to meet with people specific metrics used are not the innovation. It should also be from other organisations into its issue here. What is important is remembered that a considerable normal working practice. Group that the metrics evaluate the References percentage of the innovation interaction, group problem- innovation in relation to wider 1. EEDA (2009) The Innovation cycle is about diffusion and solving, the freedom and business objectives while being Performance of the East of England, adoption; not simply about Innovation Insight opportunity to challenge appropriate to the development assumptions are all important in invention of new products or itself. 2. Miller P, Klokgieters K, Brankovic A and an organisation that takes services. This means that the Duppen F (2012) Innovation innovation seriously. marketing function and good INVESTOR IN Leadership Study, IESE and Capgemini communication with customers INNOVATIONS® Consulting INNOVATION and users is needed to raise the 3. Palmer D and Kaplan S (2012) A MANAGEMENT: potential for acceptability, and The Innovation Assured Framework for Strategic Innovation, PROCESS AND IMPACT improve the speed of adoption 8. framework specifies criteria that Innovation Point enable an organisation to ASSESSMENT The location of innovation 4. Kuffman SA (2000) Investigations New activities within an organisation evaluate the systems it has in York: Oxford University Press Innovative systems have a will vary. The existence of key place to support all aspects of tendency to gravitate towards 5. Mullins LJ (2010) Management and figures to lead the innovation the innovation function. This can the “edge of chaos”, existing Organisational Behaviour, 9th Ed, process and effective be used to benchmark the Pearson Education Ltd somewhere between too much mechanisms for alignment with innovation process and highlight order and too much anarchy 7. 6. Johnson S (2010) Where Do Good Ideas Come From, Allen Lane This could lead organisations to believe that the management of . . . metrics evaluate the 7. Langton CG (1992) Life at the Edge of innovation is a bad idea and that Chaos, Artificial Life II, 10: 41-91 a structured approach will stifle innovation . . . 8. Webster MJ (2012) Innovation the creative process. Evidence Accelerator, Innovisions 2012, NEF: The Innovation Institute suggests that this is not the corporate strategy, management areas for improvement, if case. There is a strong decision-making, communication necessary. The NEF Investor in 9. Ahmed PK and Shepherd CD (2010) ® correlation between the with internal and external Innovations standard has an Innovation Management, Prentice Hall existence of formalised stakeholders, knowledge important role to play in publicly 10. Computer Weekly (2012) Technology mechanisms for managing management, resource highlighting organisations that Industry Survey innovation and reported success allocation, and performance have demonstrated the capacity rates 2. Good leadership, evaluation, are all defining and culture to deliver innovation appropriate organisational features of an innovative consistently and in a sustainable structures and innovation organisation. The danger of manner. As well as giving governance, are required to progressively eroding and confidence to investors and increase the effectiveness of diluting ideas as they pass other stakeholders, this standard innovation. Dr Elaine McMahon, through a structured set of signals to high performing Chief Executive and Principal of stages may be mitigated by potential employees that the Hull College, affirms that “It is maintaining a cross-disciplinary organisation takes innovation important to have a clear environment that continually seriously. Research now framework for innovation. A role stimulates and challenges at all indicates that excellence in model of success is key.” stages of the process. innovation and an organisational

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MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH – Leading the Way to UK Economic Growth

Working in partnership with the Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) commissioned a study which has shown that 10 per cent of jobs and 16 per cent of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy stems from mathematical

Professor David Delpy sciences research. Chief Executive, Engineering and Physical Sciences The report, by Deloitte, was Research Council the first of its kind, and reflects the excellence of the UK for technology used in a range proportionately higher than the mathematics research base, that of activities, goods and services, share of employment (16 per has generated a range of such as mobile cent versus 10 per cent). impressive and far-reaching telecommunications and impacts. The direct contribution of medical devices. mathematics is highest in The fruits of mathematical research-dependent industries research affect the daily lives of ECONOMIC IMPACT such as computer services, everyone in the UK, for The report estimated the aerospace and pharmaceuticals. example: contribution of mathematics to Mathematics plays a key role in • Smart-phones which use the UK economy in 2010 to be tackling the modern-day mathematical techniques to 2.8 million in employment challenge of cybersecurity, maximise the amount of terms (around 10 per cent of all Professor Frank Kelly information that can be jobs in the UK) and £208 billion Chair, Council for the in terms of GVA contribution CONTRIBUTION OF Mathematical Sciences transmitted (around 16 per cent of total UK MATHEMATICAL • Weather forecasting is based GVA). SCIENCES on complex mathematical models In addition to these direct • 10% of UK jobs, 16% of impacts, mathematical research UK GVA • The latest Hollywood activities have influence across • Productivity of blockbusters take advantage of the supply chain (indirect mathematical science the mathematics behind effects) and also affect occupations is double the software for 3D modelling to household spending (induced UK average showcase cutting-edge special effects). There are also wider • UK maths accounts for: effects impacts and benefits generated • Elite athletes at the 2012 by organisations using the 4% of world maths Olympic Games used tools research. researchers 6% of mathematical based on sophisticated Productivity (as measured by articles mathematics to maximise their GVA per worker) is significantly performance. higher in mathematical science 11% of mathematical It is not just contemporary occupations compared to the citations mathematics research that has UK average, and as such the 14% of highly-cited an impact. Research from the direct GVA impact of articles. past century has paved the way mathematics in 2010 is

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A DEFINITION OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH . . . personalised healthcare . . . For the purposes of this study mathematical sciences research was defined as high-end research in mathematics ensuring that the UK is a safe HOW MATHEMATICS carried out in academic institutions, research centres, the place to do business and that CONTRIBUTES TO THE private sector, government and by individuals that adds to we all benefit from a secure and UK ECONOMY AND the store of accumulated mathematical knowledge. resilient cyberspace. It is part of SOCIETY Mathematical sciences occupations were therefore those the ‘big data revolution’ with the which either entail maths or which directly require Through its contribution to development of massive mathematics-derived tools and techniques. the development of a skilled databases and energy-efficient workforce, the production of computing – both key areas high-end, value products and identification of medicines to immense. Natural disasters have highlighted by the government the development of quality product manufacture. In 2010 cost the global economy over for excellence and contribution processes, mathematics enables R&D expenditure amounted to £100 billion in 2011 – the to economic growth – resulting us to: £4.6 billion – 29 per cent of all costliest in over 300 years of the in the need for new tools from UK R&D spend and the greatest insurance industry. With the the mathematical sciences. • Make sense of data and better in Europe. effects of climate change understand the world by UK manufacturing sectors becoming clearer, through building the ‘information Britain is a leading location such as aerospace, the second extreme weather events, the infrastructure’ upon which for running the complex and largest in the world, benefits demand for robust forecasts is myriad businesses and often multinational studies from a highly-skilled home- greater than ever. individuals rely, and supply the needed to develop new grown workforce, superior tools and techniques to medicines. The industry makes a Around 2,000 mathe- manufacturing processes and analyse and interpret large substantial contribution to the maticians are employed by the sophisticated quality datasets British economy in terms of UK Met Office to analyse and management systems – all both income and employment, evaluate vast amounts of made possible by research and • Safeguard society by modelling and has generated a trade atmospheric information. training in mathematics. the impacts of natural surplus for the past 13 years. disasters, testing drugs and The UK is regarded in the High levels of employment Exports exceeded imports by contributing to national security meteorological industry as a associated with mathematics over £5 billion in 2011. The talent hub with many institutions include sectors such as public • Create robust forecasts to Government has identified the choosing to locate research administration and defence, address uncertainty and allow pharmaceutical sector as one of facilities in the UK to take architectural activities and for better planning and the industries to pull the UK out advantage of the high-quality technical consulting, construction optimising processes to of the current recession. workforce. and education. Mathematical increase efficiency. WEATHER FORECASTING science occupations include not Mathematical sciences The generation and only professional underpin our 21st century application of maths drives Mathematics continues to mathematicians and statisticians, economic growth and develops play a role in weather technology, economy and but also engineers, physical prosperity. forecasting and modelling. The society, and as such are vital for scientists, IT professionals, social cost of not predicting changes in the prosperity of the UK and its scientists, finance professionals, UK LIFE SCIENCES the physical world can be position in the world economy. medical practitioners, SECTOR administrators and senior managers. Without mathematics, the UK THE TIMING OF ECONOMIC IMPACT life sciences sector would not be in as strong a position to The study took into account the contribution of both contribute to economic growth. contemporary research and past mathematics research since It provides the expertise for the the full economic impact of a given piece of research may development of personalised not be felt immediately. healthcare and pharmaceuticals, A classic example is the Radon Transformation in as well as many medical topography, first introduced by mathematician Johann technologies. Radon in 1917. This research provided the mathematical basis for non-invasive imaging technology used in CAT scans In the pharmaceutical and barcode scanners introduced over 50 years after industry, statisticians are involved Radon’s breakthrough. Clearly, research performed nearly a in the design of clinical trials and century ago continues to benefit the UK economy and also work across all areas of society today. R&D, from the initial

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THE ENERGY BILL – A Missed Opportunity ROBERT FREER

A previous Energy Minster come to the end of their The most economical means nuclear power stations to take compared the task of writing an commercial lives. of generating the base load has the place of coal. This will also autonomous energy policy with been from large power stations substantially reduce carbon A realistic policy for a national that of Hunting the Snark. It centrally located which at emissions. Whichever fuel is electricity supply should start by need not be as difficult as that if present use coal as their main used large centrally located looking at the demand, and approached logically. fuel. Although we can no longer power stations using the existing select the most appropriate rely on being “an island built on grid is the most technically Over the last ten years we generating equipment to meet coal and surrounded by fish” efficient choice. have had a number of policy that demand. To ensure security coal is likely to be our main fuel statements, energy reviews and of the supply in order to meet The daytime load can be met for the immediate future, White Papers from the the demand should be the over- using gas turbines (CCGT) which especially if we use Government about the national are comparatively inexpensive to riding priority in building new underground gasification of electricity supply, but none of build and can be started and power stations. Daily demand domestic reserves (an already them has been sufficiently stopped quickly to match curves are prepared by the established technique) or by realistic, workable or affordable demand. National Grid and Fig 1 shows using carbon capture and to be successful. the maximum and minimum storage (yet to be demonstrated Small but useful contributions One consistent flaw in these daily demand for 2007, the year on a commercial scale). can be made from the thermal reports has been that before the financial recession. recycling of municipal waste With political pressure to Governments have been trying (the council collects the rubbish The maximum demand in reduce the use of coal the in one policy statement to in the morning and it is returned winter (for which the system alternatives are gas or uranium. achieve a number of objectives to householders as electricity in should be designed) starts with Both are imported, unless shale which although commendable the afternoon) and hydro power a base load of about 40GW. At gas is found in substantial in themselves are sometimes which is specially useful in about 5am the demand starts to quantities, but the uranium is mutually incompatible. This meeting peak demands. Both increase and in a couple of available from a number of approach is tantamount to are well established hours reaches a plateau of stable countries and is needed asking a pharmacist to produce technologies. about 60GW. After about only in much smaller quantities. a drug which will treat 7.30pm the demand slowly falls Uranium also has the advantage Intermittent supplies of everything from ingrowing away. In summer, when that its cost is only a small part energy from wind turbines are toenails to dementia. This will maintenance can be carried out, of the cost of generation and of virtually no use in ensuring not work. A successful policy for the general pattern remains the fluctuations in its cost of supply security of supply. the national electricity supply same but demand varies from a do not materially affect the price needs to identify priorities and Instead of taking the base load of about 25GW to a of electricity. Using present concentrate on solving them in opportunity to use its financial maximum of 45GW. designs we need about 30-40 turn support to promote and encourage the use of Another flaw has been a established engineering failure to recognise that Fig 1 technology, especially the electricity supply needs long building of major new power term planning. Power stations stations, the Government’s like all mechanical equipment emphasis has been to have a working life after which encourage different ways of they become uneconomic and generating electricity, often on need replacing. We need a only a small scale, by using policy which encourages complicated, and sometimes developers to invest and which illogical, financial incentives for ensures new power stations of the benefit of developers. And adequate capacity are ready to to do this without considering come on line as the older ones whether or not the customer

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To complicate matters further Rain is also free but when Governments of the past ten water is collected, processed years have developed an and delivered to the home and obsession with wind generation to industry in a usable form it which requires tweaking the has to be paid for. And water National Grid to accommodate can be stored whereas electricity the intermittent and cannot be stored and needs to unpredictable bursts of small be generated to match the amounts of energy from wind customer’s demand. farms. This is the tail wagging The Government should the dog. The National Grid is a change the focus of their major technical achievement electricity policy to encourage built in the1920s and 1930s the building of a sufficient which allowed the national number of new large power distribution of electricity to stations with adequate capacity replace the previous inefficient which will ensure security of and expensive system of local supply. generation. There is one part of the Wind energy has the Energy Bill which can be fully superficial attraction of being supported. The Bill does “free”, which turns out to be an encourage us to reduce demand illusion. When fully costed it is and use less energy – a solution more expensive than the which Punch proposed in 1868, alternatives1. Wind energy has to Fig 2 be subsidised on a generous scale which is bad engineering Robert Freer is a chartered Fig 2 and bad economics. This engineer subsidy is consumers’ money can use the electricity produced “electricity cliff” as the older Reference which could be better spent or to pay for the incentive. power stations are retired and 1 Ruth Lea Electricity Costs; The folly of not replaced. This will put our elsewhere. There is no windpower. Civitas January 2012 The lack of new build means electricity supply in jeopardy for economic case for wind energy. we are approaching an years to come. HELIUM Why Recent Helium Shortages have Forced us to Temporarily Shut Down our Brain Research Centre

At the Oxford Centre for MEG is the centrepiece of down our facility on three Human Brain Activity, we use our brain imaging facility, and separate occasions because of magetoencephalography (MEG) provides researchers and critical shortages in liquid helium to study the human brain in clinicians from all over Oxford, supplies. We are all hoping for a health and disease. MEG is one and further afield, state-of-the- better year in 2013, but the of the most advanced methods art technology for safe, painless situation is far from guaranteed. currently available for non- and accurate measurement of invasive brain imagining, human brain activity. Recently, The superconducting allowing us to listen in on brain we have been forced to shut quantum interference devices function by measuring tiny Dr Mark Stokes disturbances in the magnetic . . . critical shortages in liquid Head of Brain Stimulation, Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, field around the outside surface helium supplies . . . Department of Psychiatry, University of the head. of Oxford

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(SQUIDs) used to measure diving. However, by the 1950s subtle variations in magnetic the strategic value of helium field operate at a temperature of was reignited by the rocket . . . crippled the market incentive. . . near absolute zero. Only liquid industry that was to power the helium can maintain this critical space race, as well as the closely helium during natural gas cryogenics, however, there is no operating temperature, and any related arms race that was extraction. Cheap helium also substitute. Without helium, there disruption in supply causes an fought out in parallel. To drives misuse. A staggering 8% will be no way to cool to near immediate shut down of the safeguard the supply for the of the world’s helium supply is absolute zero. Our best hope lies facility. These shutdowns are national interest, the Helium currently used for filling party in developing superconductors obviously disruptive to our Acts Amendments of 1960 balloons. that can operate at higher research programme, but established an active temperatures. But even if we do To forestall disaster, Senator warming up the cryogenic programme of buying up helium manage to perfect higher- Bingaman has put forward a bill sensors also incurs significant from the private sector to store temperature super-conductivity to Congress that would extend additional overheads as in the Federal Helium Reserve. in the future, who can predict the Helium Reserve until all the restarting the system requires a Inevitably, all this strategic what further need we may have remaining helium can be costly and time-consuming re- hoarding came at a huge for the super-cool properties of extracted. Other measures tune of the entire system from financial cost. It was thought that helium? Helium is a remarkable include more realistic pricing to the manufacturer’s service the proceeds from future sales gas, with many unique correct the market distortion, engineers. would be used to repay the properties – we will certainly and protections for US users. miss it when it’s gone. . . . disruptive to our research The immediate goal is to protect US medical, commercial and References: programme . . . research applications from the S.2374 The Helium Stewardship Act of serious supply disruptions we 2012 Although helium is the treasury loans, but the (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/11 have experienced recently due 2/s2374) second most abundant element programme was in debt to the to the rapid privatisation of the Chan (2012) Up in the Air: The BLM’s in the universe, supplies on tune of $1.3 billion by the Federal Reserve. However, it Disappearing Helium Program. earth are surprisingly limited. repayment deadline in 1995. remains unclear how this bill will Committee on Understanding the Impact Helium inevitably floats off into affect global markets, and what of Selling the Helium Reserve, National The Helium Privatization Act Research Council of the National space because it is inert and will be the consequences for UK of 1996 was introduced to sell Academies. May 10, 2012 extremely light. Fortunately, the supplies. off the government stockpile (http://www7.nationalacademies.org/ocga earth produces a very small /testimony/Helium_Program.asp) and pay off the debt to treasury What does the longer-term amount of helium via slow by 2014, assuming that the future hold? Helium demand will Cho (2012) Senate Bill Would Preserve radioactive decay. Most of this Helium Supply for Research, market will have established an inevitably out-strip supply, and helium by-product also floats off ScienceInsider, May 11 2012 alternative source by then. But although the timescale of (http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsid into space more or less directly, this alternative market source effective helium depletion er/2012/05/senate-bill-would-preserve- but a small percentage is helium.html)

trapped underground. Over McKie (2012). Helium stocks run low – millions of years, helium has . . . a handful of reserves . . . and party balloons are to blame, The built up in recoverable quantities Observer, Sunday 18 March 2012 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012 within a handful of reserves /mar/18/helium-party-balloons- around the world. has not yet materialised, partly cannot be predicted with squandered) The US Government has long because the ‘fire sale’ on helium certainty, current estimates Nuttall, Clarke & Glowacki (2012). appreciated the potential seriously distorted global suggest a 30-50 year timescale. Resources: Stop Squandering Helium, Nature, 485, 573-575 importance of helium for the markets. Moses Chan, Professor For lighter-than-air usage, helium (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v national interest. Under the of Physics at Penn State can be replaced with hydrogen, 485/n7400/full/485573a.html) Helium Conservation Act of University, explains: “the price of accepting the increased risk of 1925, the US Government federally owned helium, which is explosion. It is a dangerous, but essentially seized control of set not by current market feasible alternative. For helium supplies for military conditions but by the terms of applications (eg airships). State the 1996 Act, dominates, if not control was relaxed by the actually controls, the price for . . . Helium demand will inevitably Helium Act of 1937, which crude helium worldwide”. The permitted helium sales to the US selloff essentially crippled the out-strip supply . . . private sector for other emerging market incentive to invest in applications, such as deep-sea infrastructure for collecting

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ENERGY – THE NEXT GENERATION Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 16th October ENERGY: A ROLE FOR PROSUMERS? The energy debate is often full of doom and gloom. With bills going up dramatically, it is easy to feel powerless. Now the time is here for consumers to take control of their energy production.

Let us remind ourselves that both energy producers and This requires local energy powers our society and consumers, or Prosumers. This optimisation of production, modernising energy modernises is truly modern. Traditionally, our consumption and storage Frans van den Heuvel us. How else do we get to the energy producers were utility behind the electricity meters, at Chief Executive Officer, Solarcentury digital lives that we are companies. Traditionally, our customer level. A Distribution promised in sci-fi? We leap energy retailers were utilities too. Network Operator (DNO) forward with the next generation But now the man on the street manages the mid- and low- of energy, our catalyst for is producing and retailing energy voltage grid, avoiding congestion. modernity. While there may be as he feeds into the grid. It is Once we produce 15-20% of anger about bills and fear about happening in the UK; there are our electricity locally, the grid in climate change, these are the solar panels on roofs, both regions like Europe and the US pains of growth in a new residential and commercial. will become unstable due to direction. We are the fortunate Energy has begun the process congestion. IT technology, ones to be involved in the third of decentralisation. Next is the creating a smarter grid, can industrial revolution. transition to smart grids and prevent this, saving billions in energy storage in the home and grid extension investments for The next generation of car. We will all be producers, DNO’s. In addition, it will enable energy is bringing about a retailers as well as a storage unit the Transmission System paradigm shift. It is no longer for electricity. Operators (TSO) to balance the just about financial and social capital but also natural capital. By that, I mean nature is an . . . Energy has begun the process asset. How dependent are we of decentralisation . . . on its resources? How much do you consume? Whether one runs a country, a company or a This we know already. But grid more effectively as family, we must manage our what I see for the future is an consumers will automatically use relationships with energy, fuel, energy internet, a synergy or store electricity that would water and waste. Our success, amongst prosumers. One otherwise be surplus and sold at our wealth and competitiveness business has a big roof so a loss. Of course, for this to depend upon it. Sustainability is installs a large solar system to happen, the right regulatory not news, nor is energy getting be the local producer, the framework needs to be put in expensive but it seems to be neighbouring factory has high- place. hitting home only now. energy use from all its equipment and so has We are bombarded with the The paradigm shift does not additional consumption idea that the shift to renewables stop with our attitude. In fact, requirements. Local electric cars will cripple our economy. So far this is where it begins. What act as a storage unit, a battery this has not happened in the greatly alters is our role as for the community. UK. The UK has increased its energy consumers. We become share of renewables in electricity from 5.0% to 9.4% since 2007. According to OFGEM, the Feed- . . . creating over 100,000 jobs . . . in-Tariff (FiTs) subsidies have added less than £1 per annum per home. The Renewable

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Obligations (ROC) has added impact of decentralised PV and This is what is needed with the light, the more energy is £21 per annum per home. wind, benefiting consumers and the grid, not just the dumb produced and the more money These figures are for all businesses. The solar power ‘smart’ meter that is being the solar panel generates. renewable technologies. industry is also credited with offered now. These reveal At present the cost of Whereas we have seen an creating over 100,000 jobs in nothing about the behaviour of generating solar PV energy is average increase of £100 per Germany. the house, the appliances more expensive than gas in the home in energy bills just this consuming the energy or the I envisage a new network of UK, which it competes with for year, mainly due to exposure to people in charge. We need to prosumers. How will we, our the peak–load market. However volatile energy markets. The know what happens behind the appliances and our cars interact the price of a PV installation has price of fossil fuels is moving in meter so we can offer advice on with each other and the grid? plummeted in the last two only one direction – up. how to act, how to save energy, Much has been promised and years, and as the price of the how to be efficient. Then, we If we look at the experience much confusion surrounds panel drops, it reaches grid can buy energy off the grid in Germany, they have 20% smart grids and what they can parity, starting with areas with when it is cheapest not just renewable electricity at a cost of deliver and how they change highest irradiation and the most when we use it. We may have £34.50 per annum per home. our lives. But really what is being expensive conventional energy. lost some of the old ways of The impact of local generation rolled out now is only a fraction According to the McKinsey doing things with the digital of energy through solar PV of what is needed. It is the report, Darkest Before Dawn, revolution but it has created (photovoltaic) has been difference between an old- solar PV will reach grid parity for much growth and many jobs. overwhelmingly positive. The fashioned landline telephone the UK around 2014. PV has We must open up the untapped already reached parity in some market behind the meter and let . . . and the more money the solar developed markets, including business and innovation flourish parts of California, Spain, Italy, panel generates . . . there. Australia and The Netherlands. Germans have installed over The mood is now set for and an iphone. The latter is In 2011, global power 32GW of solar PV. This change. The next frontier is grid attached to the home and offers investments totalled 203 GW of contributes energy during parity, which is already hitting no insight into the user. What electricity, almost 50% of which daylight hours when there is parts of Europe. For solar PV, happens behind the landline, is renewable. This percentage is greatest demand for electricity what is important is the intensity nobody knows? On the other substantially higher if we (known as the peak-load). of light (irradiation) as opposed hand, the mobile has become a consider only European Normally, this is when electricity to the temperature. It does not vital channel for collecting data investments. This staggering is most expensive. However, the need to be hot, it just needs to on users. With those data, trend confirms that an energy peak-load price of electricity has be light to generate PV power. companies can offer solutions; transition is taking place. fallen from 58€/MWh to offer new products and services, Different parts of Europe and 44€/MWh, a fall of nearly 25% making lives better. the UK have different levels of A beautiful sunrise after a since 2008 because of the light intensity. The more intense long dark night.

ENERGY – THE NEXT GENERATION ENERGY – A ROLE FOR SHALE GAS? The prospects for shale gas in the UK and in parts of continental Europe are very promising, based on assessments of a number of geological formations that are not dissimilar in scale to US and Canadian sites where major deposits of natural gas have been discovered.

There are upsides to currently import 50% of our UK a leading centre of shale development of an indigenous gas) expertise for Europe and the Francis Egan shale gas industry: developing world Chief Executive Officer, Cuadrilla • A decreased carbon footprint Resources Limited • Reducing our import as indigenous natural gas • Substantial tax revenues for the dependency of liquid natural displaces coal and gas imports Treasury and significant gas and pipeline gas (we • An opportunity to make the employment opportunities.

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However, the journey to (OGIP) in the Bowland basin realising this opportunity is not alone. We are analysing a 3D . . . “surfing” the best layers purely technical or geological. It seismic survey completed over is socio-political. And here, all the licence area, and analysis of takes experience. . . . comparisons with the US are data from the next well, which essentially irrelevant, because we are drilling at the Anna's (6) Carbon remaining in the WHAT ABOUT THE developing shale gas in the UK Road site near Blackpool. Based rock or total organic content RISKS? is a story of two journeys, not on this we may raise our (TOC) one. There are issues about estimates of OGIP. (7) Temperature and depths of seismicity, migration of the shale reserve WHO IS CUADRILLA? However, what of this is hydrocarbons to the aquifer, recoverable? (8) Reservoir pressure and its Cuadrilla is a UK company, water use and management. It The recoverable reserve is a stress regime. formed in 2008, whose mission is important that regulators and function of shale geology and a is to unlock onshore oil and gas Artists usually render shale as operators develop, implement, function of the number of in the UK and Europe. a series of coherent horizontal monitor and improve practices horizontal wells that can be layers. Overall this is a fair that identify and mitigate these Cuadrilla’s team consists of drilled and fractured. Estimates picture, but the reality under the risks. highly experienced shale gas range from 10% to 40%. Only ground is much more complex explorers and engineers. We experience will reveal what we The UK has a strict regulatory as the layers themselves have integrate the technical side with can recover from the Bowland framework governing both been disturbed by a risk management team who shale. offshore and onshore oil and sedimentation and the gas exploration and production. . . . fully informed about the practice displacements of fault lines in Risks with shale exploration are the subsurface. In the UK, heavily regulated and closely of shale exploration . . . Cuadrilla’s 3D seismic survey in scrutinised by the relevant the Fylde shows there is independent bodies. work with regulators and Our exploration has shown remarkable subsurface Our principal regulator, DECC, communities to manage health, that the Bowland shale in complexity. The Bowland regime and Cuadrilla are guided by best safety and environmental issues. Lancashire is significantly thicker shows sequences that reflect practice. The Royal Society We are committed to ensuring than any comparable US shale. disturbance from faults we can together with the Royal that all stakeholders across This opens the possibility of see – and faults we cannot see. Academy of Engineering have Government and Parliament, developing a very productive What does this do to the put together a guiding along with the general public, horizontal drilling approach, with chances of successfully framework for developing shale are fully informed about the a much lower-density surface fracturing the rock? The analysis gas safely. practice of shale exploration, “footprint” than US shale plays. is helpful, but no substitute for development and production in This is a collaborative The most important factors actual appraisal. We need to the UK. process. An example of this is for determining whether shale fracture some shale, and learn seismicity. Even the best 3D We understand the need for gas is present and the scale of more. survey cannot see all the faults, transparency and openness and the resource is dependent on and importantly, the pressures. adopt this ethic at every stage. For our first two wells, we We are on two journeys. One . . . reality under the ground is much developed a plan with DECC to is the geological and technical. install a micro-seismic array, so The other is the socio-political. more complex . . . that we can see the effects of We strive for excellence on both hydro-fracturing in real time. We journeys. (1) Thickness of the shale We are hoping the regulators can therefore be aware of a perturbation before it is (2) Natural fracture intensity will allow us to fracture and test THE ISSUE IS NOT GAS discernible to humans, and (high fracture intensity two wells to start. We are IN PLACE, BUT ITS reduce our pressures, or move allows for increased confident that the industry can RECOVERABILITY on to another section of the production rates and learn how to work with these The geological journey has well-bore. It will also help us recoverable reserves) formations. Recovery of shale is produced some eye-popping the product of continuous save water, because a shale (3) “Frac-ability” meaning how opportunity. The economic operating experience coming can leak away pressure. We will brittle and easily the rock will benefits of shale gas have not from both appraisal and know when we have optimised crack yet been fully ascertained. Based production drilling. The process any given fracture. (4) Structural setting on our surveys, core samples of finding and “surfing” the best Our seismic array is very (extensional, compressional and analysis, we believe there layers takes experience. expensive and is installed in or strike-slip) are at least 200 trillion cubic feet many locations. It cannot be (TCF) of original gas in place (5) Total gas volume

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is unusually thick, this can be THE SOCIO-POLITICAL . . . framework for developing repeated at different vertical CONTEXT levels, so called “vertically The limitations of UK shale shale gas safely . . . stacked” horizontal wells. One are highly dependent upon the pad can manage around 36 level of public and political such horizontal wells, using scaled for every well without from coal bed methane. The acceptance. In the US, current technology, and considerable cost and fracturing risks from the two are exploration firms have probably more in the future. inconvenience. If experience often confused. traditionally excelled at the Each horizontal well is shows our “traffic-light” system technical side of shale THINK AHEAD TO equivalent to a piece of keyhole can function with less sensitivity, development, but less so at DEVELOPMENT surgery. then we will be able to optimize understanding and effectively fracturing at a lower cost and If the shale proves out, what A lot of development can managing the socio-political inconvenience. will development itself look like? thus take place from a small context. In the UK, we need to number of pads – hence our The water risk is more about We are treated to pictures of tell a different story. Onshore view that the UK offers a low- our well integrity than fracturing, Pennsylvania or Texas – a shale development is a relatively density development per se. Above the Bowland veritable “pincushion” of new phenomenon across opportunity. Moreover, those shale formation in Lancashire locations. Will that be the same Europe, and because the sector pads can also be sites that lies the Manchester Marl, a thick here? attracted its share of controversy generate electricity to back up impermeable rock forming the from the outset, Cuadrilla has We believe development intermittent renewable sources, ‘regional seal’, a barrier between quickly come to grips with the here will be very different and or provide district heating. In the hydrocarbons trapped in the challenges of the ‘social licence much lower density for several other words, the very concept Shale rock below and the to operate’. reasons. The thickness of the of “pad” can be re-thought. aquifer several thousand feet shale is one of them. This is why we are listening above. We consider it to a wide number of exceedingly unlikely that Horizontal wells can radiate hydrocarbons or fracturing fluid from the same well bore like the . . . effectively managing the socio- could leak into shallow aquifer tines of a fork, and radially in water as a result of the fracturing several directions. We have political context . . . process. This is very different learned that the Bowland shale

Typical North American shale Lancashire shale section: section: Relatively thin shale target Much thicker (up to 1’200m thickness) (<60m thickness) and more structurally complex

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stakeholders at every stage. This industry bodies, academia, and communities. As outlined there shale markets. gives us a unique understanding our supply chain have the are two aspects to this mission, The UK currently has a first- of the issues. opportunity to learn from each technical and the socio-political. mover advantage in Europe, other, and can work together to “Energy” is not a living room We await operational while being able to rely and enlist the engagement and topic in the UK, apart from clearance to resume our improve upon expertise understanding of the local and complaints about energy bills. fracturing operations so that we developed in the United States. national population. We have learned that all can prove that this gas can be However, Cuadrilla recognises stakeholders have a great deal This education is not hydro-fractured and will flow that shale gas is a sovereign to learn about natural gas, much pedagogic – it is a successfully. Achieving one or resource, and ultimately the two proven flowing shale gas decision over whether or not to less onshore gas. Easy “conversation” with different wells will be a major milestone develop it, and at what speed, is comparisons with US shale gas independent voices, including for Cuadrilla and for the UK. a socio-political one. The experience are often misleading. those who are sceptical about balancing of local concerns with Mis-information is particularly shale. This is what we are Maximising the benefit of hoping to catalyse, so that national priorities is a difficult act. sticky. The image of the flaming shale gas for the UK will require people can make up their own tap water has been discredited a process of long-term In this, we err on the side of minds. because hydrocarbons in that investment and technological the communities that we are in part of the US are very close to IN SUMMARY… innovation and improvement by the process of becoming part of. the surface. But that doesn’t Cuadrilla and others. Shale gas Their interests and our interests As a socially responsible matter, because it speaks to a specific expertise can be are closely intertwined. At the company, Cuadrilla has made it deep fear of the unknown. imported from the US, but the same time, clear directives from a goal to demonstrate that shale UK has significant oil and gas the centre regarding the national A consequence of what we gas from the UK Bowland knowledge and can and must interest, alongside stable and have learned from our licence can be developed safely further develop its own shale pragmatic policies, will give us stakeholders is the need for a in an environmentally gas capabilities. These can then the confidence to invest in those form of ‘industrial education’ so responsible fashion that is be employed not just in the UK communities for the long term. that Government, opposition, acceptable to all affected but also in European and Global

ENERGY – THE NEXT GENERATION ENERGY – A ROLE FOR WIND POWER The third speaker on 16th October was Dr Gordon Edge, Director of Policy, RenewableUK

He made the following points installations waiting to be built at £100 per MWh. However in the longer term, a cost of around £1bn per GW. interconnection needs to be RenewableUK is the trade Wind power is often increased. The UK already body representing wind power This is all financed by the described as “intermittent”. This imports power from France and generation. private sector. is misleading. It suggests that the Netherlands, and future the power is switched on and The UK currently has The Department for Energy connections to countries such as off at a whim. 5,000MW (5GW) of onshore and Climate Change (DECC) Norway will allow us to share wind power capacity installed. has recently published its targets The correct description is surpluses and shortfalls to the Together with 2,700 MW for 2020. These are 13GW of “variable”. The important point is mutual benefit of all. (2.7GW) of offshore, this onshore capacity, and at least that too little (and also too generated 5% of the country’s 18GW offshore. The industry is much – in excess of 25m/sec) Further information is electricity in 2011. This totally confident that these are is predictable many hours in available at increased by 30% during 2012, achievable. advance, and therefore http://www.renewableuk.com/ and it is anticipated to have contingency alternatives can be Onshore wind generated 7GW and 4GW respectively made available. Building a electricity is the cheapest low Alan Malcolm available by 2014. “spare” gas fired plant is not carbon source. Offshore wind’s Editor, Science in Parliament expensive. There is also a significant present cost is £140 per MWh, backlog of approved onshore but the target is to reduce this to

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WHAT NEXT FOR BIOSCIENCE BUSINESS INCUBATORS?

It is ten years since BASF to more specialist pharma £250,000-£500,000 in spin- gifted their research facility in service companies, new models outs. University Challenge Funds Nottingham to Nottingham Trent for R&D collaboration and the were a good idea but limited in University to seed a bioscience introduction of new funding what they could achieve. Rather business incubator, BioCity initiatives. than create a substantial fund to Nottingham; and one year since target investment in the best However, there has been a MSD handed their 23 acre site spin-outs, small, regional funds reduction in the formation of at Newhouse in Lanarkshire over were created which had to get university spin-out companies. to the BioCity team for the rid of small amounts and many Interestingly, this trend is bucked creation of BioCity Scotland. sub-optimally capitalised in Scotland where the increase What motivated us to take on businesses were created. Dr Glenn Crocker in start-ups is entirely accounted CEO, BioCity Nottingham and otherwise redundant buildings for by increased university spin- Despite the drop in university BioCity Scotland and equipment was a vision to outs, up 47% in the study activity, the demand for physical build centres of life science period. Scotland emerges as the space and business support excellence, in which new Dr Glenn Crocker is CEO of leading location for life science provided by the UK network of companies can thrive. BioCity is BioCity Nottingham and BioCity start-up companies, assisted in business incubators is on the home to over 85 life science Scotland, and author of the UK part by strong public sector increase. Over a quarter of the companies, by far the largest Life Science Start-up Reports. support and investment as well most recent life science start- concentration in the UK, and has Having overseen the as an extensive Angel investor ups are located in a established a business model foundation and development of network. bioincubator with another 15% two bioscience business which provides an ecosystem for in bio or science parks. BioCity incubators, as well as the company formation and growth. This raises the question as to Nottingham, the UK’s busiest Mobius Life Science Fund, Dr We need to know what’s going where the new generation of life bioscience start-up incubator, is Crocker shares some of the on with life science start-ups in science companies will come at 85% capacity and by June lessons of the past decade. He the UK, and so we initiated the from. Universities are no longer 2013 BioCity Scotland is describes how a careful UK Life Science Start-up reports, driven by government imposed expected to have over balance between partnership, designed to tell us what spin-out metrics, and are more 30,000 sq ft of space occupied. creativity and risk management companies are being formed; circumspect when it comes to A glance at the membership is crucial for business where they are located and determining whether to spin-out of UKSPA, the UK Science Parks incubation success. He draws what the funding climate is like. or license a technology. Too Association, reveals a wealth of on the findings of the 2012 UK many universities jumped onto HEADLINE FINDINGS locations, configurations, Life Science Start-up Report the spin-out bandwagon without management styles and service (pub. Dec 20121) to reflect on This is the third the wherewithal to produce offerings. However, at BioCity the changing pressures in the comprehensive study of early- good quality businesses. Many we emphasise the quality of bioscience market place, and stage life science firms across spin-outs failed to take off or services beyond a mere where public and private sector the UK covering the period deliver any returns. However landlord-tenancy agreement. intervention may be required. 2007-2011. there is a balance to be struck. Occupancy is one thing; The pendulum may have swung An optimistic picture of the engagement in a community of too far, and the pool of UK life sciences sector emerges like-minded, ambitious innovative companies needs to with 291 new firms launched in companies surrounded by a be refreshed. the study period. At the same support infrastructure capable of time, shock waves from the Reinforcing this decline has seeing them over the early- seismic shifts in the way been the exhaustion over recent growth hurdles is crucial. BioCity pharmaceutical companies years of the University Challenge Nottingham was gifted to operate have led to a Funds, which invested Nottingham Trent University in realignment in the industry’s business model. The picture is . . . the pool of innovative companies of an industry shaping up to capitalise on the strengthening needs to be refreshed. . . . UK bioscience clusters, the shift

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companies across the UK, 86% brief investors about new . . . lack of appropriate investment of investment into life science opportunities and the potential start-ups went to companies in returns. Despite much hand- funding . . . London, the South East and wringing in the UK, we have an East of England. excellent research base and a strong entrepreneurial

2001 for the establishment of a facility dedicated to the creation and nurture of new bioscience companies. The University of Nottingham and the then Regional Development Agency emda joined NTU as Members of BioCity and a unique support ‘ecosystem’ was built.

Bioscience incubators need to get the tenancy offering right by understanding the often complex needs for labs, access to expensive equipment on a lease agreement, as well as offices and business support. It is possible to develop an ecosystem to nurture new companies which allows access to central services such as book- keeping and PR, catering facilities, meeting rooms, social events and clubs. In other words, building a business community others want to join.

The bioscience incubator Catalyst initiative, there remains Clearly success relies on ecosystem. We can be looks and feels like the different a need for early-stage risk companies attracting the right encouraged by renewed divisions found in a global funding. According to the 2012 level of funding; building strong government interest in the life pharmaceutical giant, only made report, 24% of start-ups management teams, and sciences as well as the up of smaller, independent obtained investment in the exploiting the latest technology. emergence of new funding companies more adaptable and period 2007-11, compared to We can expect more focused streams. We have grounds for less vulnerable to shifting tides. 37% in the period 2005-09. activity between big optimism. BioCity is self-financing, including This decline could reflect a the investments it makes in greater use of funding from start-ups; however, public sector grants, friends and family but . . . renewed government interest funding support is also vital if we the largest fall in investment are going to leverage medical activity was seen in smaller- in the life sciences . . . and life sciences innovation for scale sub-£500k amounts, the benefit of the UK. down by 23% in number and pharmaceutical companies and Reference: The area of most concern to 17% in value. This is possibly investors working together on 1 ‘Realignment’ UK Life Science Start-up those of us supporting new caused by the end of the specific projects. This will require report 2012. Published by Mobius Life companies is the continued lack regional venture capital funds Sciences Fund 2012. Copies available the involvement of universities, of appropriate investment (RVCF) and the University for download from www.biocity.co.uk. partnerships with venture capital funding. Despite the introduction Challenge Funds. Despite funds, the provision of of the £180 million Biomedical opportunities to invest in sophisticated incubation facilities, sharing of R&D expertise and . . . beyond a mere landlord-tenancy Open Innovation. agreement . . . It is our role to help start-ups to spot the opportunities and to

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ASH TREES – EFFECT OF CHALARA FRAXINEA Meeting of the Parliamentary and Science Committee on Tuesday 27th November ASH DIEBACK – THE BIOLOGY AND SPREAD OF Chalara Fraxinea/Hymenoscyphus Pseudoalbidus

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is defoliation, cankers on branches anamorph of H.albidus, but was one of only about 30 major tree and stems resulting in crown the asexual phase of a newly species native to the British Isles. dieback. Affected trees usually identified fungus It is thus a significant die although the period between Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus component of native woodlands early symptoms and tree (Queloz et al 2010). being important in woodland mortality can be several years. In H.pseudoalbidus is identical to regeneration and succession 2006 the causal agent of this H.albidus in appearance and the dynamics. Ash is often a new ash dieback was identified two can be distinguished only component of mixed as the fungus Chalara fraxinea by DNA analysis. However it Professor Peter Freer-Smith broadleaved woodlands and (Chalara) which was considered appears that only Forestry Commission Chief Scientific pure ash stands occur naturally to be new to science (Kowalski, H.pseudoalbidus has the Adviser, Forest Research in the uplands. Britain has a 2006). Three years later it was pathogenic asexual phase now number of Special Areas of suggested that Chalara was a known as Chalara. The lag Conservation which are stage (the asexual form or between arrival of the disease designated because of the tilio- anamorph) in the life cycle of and the identification of the acerion woodlands of ash and the cup fungus Hymenoscyphus causal agent and the time taken other species. Ash is the second albidus, which had been known to sort out its taxonomy have most planted broadleaved tree since 1851. H.albidus is a been factors in the lack of action of managed woodlands making saprophytic ascomycete which over this new ash dieback as it up about 5.4% of Great Britain’s lives on ash leaves without spread across mainland Europe. woodland cover. Its good ability causing harm and indeed being to regenerate naturally means responsible for leaf decay and We know that Chalara has a that it is also an important and nutrient release from fallen life-cycle which is unique but valued hedgerow and urban leaves on the forest floor. It is not unlike that of a number of tree. . . . identified as the fungus As with other trees, dieback is known to occur in ash and work Chalara fraxinea. . . has been done in the UK over indigenous across Europe. other ascomycetes. The cup the years to determine its extent, However as a result of the severity and causal mechanisms fungus or fruiting body spread and severity of Chalara- (Hull & Gibbs, 1991). However (apothecia) of H.pseudoalbidus related ash dieback across from the early 1990s onwards is c 3mm across and grows on Europe with some 60 to 90% more serious and spreading ash the midrib or rachis (central of trees infected in many dieback was reported across stem of the compound leaf of countries, Chalara was added to mainland Europe. Dieback was ash) of fallen leaves. Each the European & Mediterranean first noticed in or around Latvia midrib may have many fruiting Plant Protection Organisation and Poland in c 1990, since bodies and each produces a alert list in 2007. In 2009 Forest then it has spread westwards large number of ascospores over Research published on its being reported in Germany in a period of about two weeks at website a description of 2002, Denmark in 2003, some time between July and symptoms and the UK forestry Belgium in 2010, Northern October. Spores are shed from and land management sector France in 2012. Symptoms were the fruiting body around dusk were asked to be alert for leaf wilt then necrosis, and are small (17 x 4µ) floating symptoms. freely in the wind. When . . . Ash is the second most planted Molecular studies conducted sufficient spores are intercepted broadleaved tree . . . in 2010 showed that the by ash foliage and twigs, they pathogen responsible for ash develop as Chalara infection dieback (Chalara) was not the which grows slowly, the leaves

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. . . a systemic infection which investigated and some result in spread of the disease as well as the identification of infected the ascospores produced by discolours the wood . . . sites. H.pseudoalbidus? How will the fungus and the relationship For nurseries and recently between it and its host (ash) wilt and develop areas of black five years. A Pest Risk planted sites there are good now evolve? Can we deal with necrosis. The fungus spreads Assessment (PRA) on Chalara prospects for elimination of the the recently planted sites which down the shoots infecting the was published and a formal infection by destroying infected are infected before they become inner bark and xylem causing consultation on its management material. The wider environment lesions and shoot dieback. In was held during September and sites will inevitably prove more sources of infection in branches and eventually the October 2012. However difficult to manage. However established woodlands? If so can main stem, Chalara spreads as a infection was found in an these sites are clustered on the we develop and implement the systemic infection which established woodland in late east side of England (131 sites) control strategy so that it is more discolours the wood. It may take October 2012 and by the end and Scotland (only four wider effective in slowing the spread several years for the tree to die of October it had been found to environment sites at November of Chalara? but the discolouration of infected be present in over 40 woodland 28 2012), and ascospore There is some evidence to wood reduces its value. Mortality sites in East Anglia and Kent. production will not occur from suggest that ash in GB may occurs more quickly on saplings. The UK Government took the fallen leaf litter of these sites survive the arrival of Chalara. Chalara persists over winter on emergency measures on 29th until May 2013 giving a short There are a number of fungal fallen leaves on the forest floor October banning the import of window during which a control pathogens present in our until the fruiting bodies of the woodlands which can be sexual phase (H. pseudoalbidus) . . . ash in GB may survive the arrival tolerated through good are produced in the following biosecurity and appropriate summer. Critically, spread of the of Chalara . . . management (forest infection is by two mechanisms operations). For a small number – the movement of windblown ash and imposing movement strategy or plan can be drawn of fungal pathogens biocontrol spores and transportation of restrictions in the UK. A rapid up based on the best available systems have been developed. young plants with infected survey of ash was conducted by evidence. The Chalara control Lastly it is known that there is a foliage. The disease has spread the Forestry Commission in the plan will be published in early range of susceptibility of in Europe at rates of c 20 to 30 first week of November 2012 December 2012 along with km per year and this is mainly different ash species to Chalara, with three sites being inspected supporting biosecurity and Fraxinus excelsior, F.angustifolia associated with the first of these in every 10Km grid square of operational guidance. two mechanisms; windblown (narrow-leaved ash), F.nigra GB. During November as ascospores. These life cycle There remain a number of (American black ash) are the samples from this survey were details have important important gaps in our most susceptible. F.ornus analysed the presence of consequences for the control of knowledge of the biology and (flowering ash from mainland Chalara across Great Britain and the outbreak and the longer- epidemiology of Chalara Europe) and F.pennsylvanica Northern Ireland has become term prospects for adapting ash fraxinea / Hymenoscyphus (Green ash) are of moderate more clearly understood. By silviculture to the presence of pseudoalbidus which need to susceptibility while F.americana 28th November the disease was Chalara in Britain. be addressed as quickly as (American ash) and known to have been present in possible to inform the control F.mandschurica (from North In 2009 the Forestry 17 nurseries, 105 recently Commission conducted a planted sites and 135 sites in . . . the relationship between it limited survey of ash in GB to the wider environment look for Chalara infection and (woodland, hedgerow and and its host . . . did not identify the disease as amenity trees). In addition to the being present. Chalara was first rapid survey an important plan and its implementation. eastern Asia) are the least found in the UK in February source of information is the Critical questions are: How susceptible. In addition, 2012 in a forest nursery which observations of the forestry and common are incidences of observations in Europe have had imported young trees from land management sector and ascospore arrival from Europe shown that some 1 to 2% of the Netherlands. Since then it the wider public. At the time of with sufficient inoculum F.excelsior – our native ash – has been found in a number writing the Forest Research potential to infect trees in the show some level of useful and variety of locations in Britain Disease Diagnostic and Advisory UK? Will such incursions resistance. Useful meaning – initially all these were sites Service has received a large diminish in frequency and resistance which could be which had received young ash number of enquiries about ash intensity of inoculum potential exploited in a breeding plants from nurseries in the last health. These reports are as ash dies in Europe and programme. The Future Trees Scandinavia? Do the conidia Trust (www.futuretrees.org/) is . . . banning the import of ash . . . (spores) produced by the an organisation with a range of asexual phase (Chalara) result in partners in the UK and The Irish

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Republic which has made real of Chalara has proved to be a . . . new pests are likely to arrive progress in broadleaved tree further reminder of the breeding and which has a importance of proactive work to occasionally . . . number of ash collections that protect trees, woodlands and will make an excellent starting the natural environment from pathogens. However effective which optimise resilience to point for the breeding of Chalara plant pests and diseases. Good our border controls, new pests pests and pathogens.

resistant or tolerant F.excelsior. biosecurity measures and an and pathogens are likely to References effective plant health regime are arrive occasionally, and we know Hull S.K., and Gibbs J.N. 1991. Ash that pathogenicity can develop Dieback: A Survey of Non-woodland . . . resistance which could be through evolutionary change to Trees. Forestry Commission Bulletin 93, non pathogenic, indigenous HMSO. exploited . . . fungi. Fungi and invertebrates Kowalski T. 2006. Chalara fraxinea sp. will remain as components of nov. associated with dieback of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in Poland. Forest The risk from tree pests and forest ecosystems. Tree species clearly essential. For woodlands, Pathology 36, 264-270. pathogens is growing with the trees and the natural selection, regeneration methods, Queloz et al 2010. Cryptic speciation of expansion of international trade environment there is an ongoing silvicultural systems and Hymenoscyphus albidus. Forest Pathology and the transport of live trees need to manage established woodland management overall 41, 133-142. and timber products. The arrival and emerging pests and need to be undertaken in ways

ASH TREES – EFFECT OF CHALARA FRAXINEA CHALARA ASH DIEBACK IN CONTEXT

Chalara fraxinea is one selected and applied, and the of many organisms form of phytosanitary certificate which threaten our trees, to be used for trade. The “phyto” represents a statement crops, gardens and from the plant health service in ecosystems. In 2012 it the exporting country to the was found established in importing country that a woodland in eastern consignment of plants or England, probably produce meets import Martin Ward through aerial spread of requirements and is free from UK Chief Plant Health Officer, Defra spores from the quarantine pests. continent. It has also A quarantine pest is defined been introduced on by the IPPC as “A pest of infected young plants. It Symptoms of ash dieback, with potential economic [including some regrowth from new shoots is likely that Chalara environmental] importance to the area endangered thereby originally arrived in to facilitate safe trade. Under the and not yet present there, or Sanitary and Phytosanitary Europe on imported present but not widely Agreement (SPS) of the World plants from the Far East. distributed and being officially Trade Organisation countries controlled”. “Pest” covers fungal may take measures to protect and bacterial pathogens, viruses There are standards and human, animal or plant health. and nematodes, as well as legislation to reduce the risk of Standards agreed under the insects. such organisms spreading. International Plant Protection These are currently under review Convention (IPPC) set out how Low grade wooden packing to see how they can be made risks should be assessed, how material, with bark attached, has more effective, while continuing risk management measures are proved an effective pathway for

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. . . eradication campaigns for pests protected zone (PZ) status, and longhorn beetle was detected in take measures to stay free, even Kent in March 2012 Fera and of arable crops . . . if the pest is present in the rest Forestry Commission of the EU. The UK has more PZs collaborated on the basis of the moving pests around the world, much of its work on panels of than any other Member State, different capabilities of the two and difficult to regulate at a experts drawn from member including for Colorado beetle organisations, without letting national level. International countries. Much of the EU plant and 11 forestry pests. Some PZs discussion of remit become a Standard 15 requires wooden health regime derives from only cover Northern Ireland distraction. We are cautiously packaging material to be treated horizon scanning and risk (with the Republic of Ireland) optimistic that the outbreak has (usually by heating) and assessment carried out by EPPO because the pest is already been eradicated, but further survey work over several years branded with an internationally over its sixty year history. More established in GB. recognised mark. The recent recently the European Food will be needed to confirm that. Within the UK the Plant outbreak of Asian longhorn Safety Authority, an EU agency, Steps have been taken over beetle in Kent is likely to have has established a plant health Health Act 1967 allocates the last two years to formalise been caused by import of panel, which considers scientific responsibility for forest trees to governance of plant health. A infested wooden packaging questions and risk assessments the Forestry Commissioners and Plant Health Strategy Board has material before this standard referred to it by the European for other plants to the been established, chaired by was implemented. Commission. Agriculture Departments: Defra Defra, and comprising International standards do representatives from Fera, not set out lists of quarantine Forestry Commission, JNCC, and pests: a quarantine pest in one the Devolved Administrations. region is often unregulated in Alongside the Plant Health some other part of the world. Strategy Board an Advisory This may be because it Forum has been convened, with originates there, and natural stakeholders representing enemies limit its impact, or its different sectors. The Forum has host plants have evolved helped to develop and promote resistance over many years. UK lines on review of the EU Pests introduced into new areas plant health regime. A Risk can be very damaging. However, Management Workstream once they are widespread they Countries of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation commissions and prioritises pest no longer meet the definition of risk assessments, consults on a quarantine pest and regulation The EU Plant Health Directive in the case of England. It does appropriate measures based on may no longer be appropriate. (2000/29) sets out lists of not define “forest trees”. Defra’s the assessment, and prepares Hundreds of years of food regulated pests, and measures Food and Environment Research UK positions for the Standing imports and plant collection applied to imports of plants and Agency (Fera) carries out Committee. have brought to the UK many plant produce from outside the research, risk assessment, pests which are now well There are around 250 pests EU. diagnosis, import and export established. Farmers, growers, listed in the Plant Health inspections and eradication foresters and gardeners manage For some types of plant Directive and a further 25 on campaigns for pests of arable them routinely, though at a which represent a risk of moving EPPO’s Alert List. New pests are crops, nurseries and gardens. continuing cost. specific pests within the EU, it listed after a process of pest risk prescribes the use of plant Fera’s Inspectors operate across assessment (PRA) according to The European and passports. These are issued England and (under a concordat international standards. Fera Mediterranean Plant Protection under official supervision by the with the Welsh Government) in publishes 10-15 PRAs each year Organisation (EPPO) has fifty nursery where the plants were Wales. as part of an ongoing process of member countries, including all grown. Amendments to the consultation on new risks. EU Member States. Unlike the Many pests affect both forest detailed lists in the Directive are IPPC, EPPO does list the pests it trees and other plants, and in Damage now believed to considered each month at a recommends for regulation by practice Forestry Commission have been caused by Chalara Standing Committee on Plant its members, and maintains an and Fera work closely together. fraxinea was observed in Poland Health, at which all Member “alert list” of new threats The five year programme to in the early 1990s but it was not States are represented. drawing on reports from reduce the level of inoculum of until 2006 that the causal agent member countries, from other Risks are very different in Phytophthora ramorum, by was isolated, 2010 that its Regional Plant Protection different parts of the EU, and removing hosts such as identity was clearly established, Organisations, scientific literature some regionalisation is rhododendron from woodland, and 2012 that a PRA was and other sources. EPPO has a permitted. Areas which are free has been a joint endeavour. carried out. The reasons for small secretariat and relies for from a pest can apply for When an outbreak of Asian those delays need to be

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baseline against which the UK for over a hundred years impact of necessary partly by ensuring that enough improvements can be assessed. people know what it looks like, and report findings. In October 2012 Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor One of the key shortcomings Ian Boyd, was asked by the of the current EU plant health Secretary of State to convene an regime is that new trades in Expert Task Force to advise on plants from other continents Defra’s response to recent tree develop without any form of risk and plant disease outbreaks. assessment being carried out. It Interim recommendations were is often only when a problem published at the beginning of has been found on such a trade December, and the final report that measures are put in place, Asian Longhorn Beetle – cautiously will be available this spring. Colorado beetle – continuing and this is too late. A more optimistic that an outbreak in Kent exclusion from the UK is a precautionary approach would last year has been eradicated Two areas where progress longstanding success of citizen require that trades of which should be achievable are early science. there is no significant experience understood in order to learn the detection of outbreaks and technology: remote sensing, are subject to an assessment right lessons about how the assessment of risks from new acoustic signals (larvae before they start. That will be European and UK plant health trades. The first of these is a munching inside trees), and one of the main points for regimes can be improved. It is technical issue, the second spore trapping. We have found negotiation when the also important that experience about strengthening the EU and that by going back through old Commission publishes formal with other pests is taken into international regime. pollen traps we can detect DNA proposals very soon. account in learning and applying Outbreaks detected early can from Chalara spores. In future lessons from Chalara. Successes be dealt with at lower cost, and that approach might give us in preventive work tend to be with more chance of successful early warning about a pathogen, inconspicuous. Research has eradication. Fera and Forest even when symptoms have not been commissioned to quantify Research are working with yet been seen. Citizen science the benefits associated with the partners in other countries to has a lot to contribute. Colorado current plant health regime, as a improve detection through beetle has been kept out of the

ASH TREES – EFFECT OF CHALARA FRAXINEA ASH DIEBACK: Resources at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew available to research the disease

Dr Monique Simmonds, Director, Kew Innovation Unit, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

and

Tony Kirkham, Head of the Arboretum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Images of Fraxinus excelsior Copyright RBG,Kew

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BACKGROUND Chalara dieback of Ash is . . . dying in large numbers in Poland . . . caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea and was first recorded in the UK in February 2012 and on the continent indicates that it species of Fraxinus and the with Chalara fraxinea. Although is thought to have entered UK in kills young ash trees very quickly, damp woodland areas of the our knowledge about plant- a consignment of nursery stock while older trees tend to resist it Loder Valley Nature Reserve and fungal diseases has increased imported to an English nursery for some time until prolonged other outlying woodlands have a since Dutch elm disease from the Netherlands. It has exposure causes them to high proportion of ash amongst devastated the elms in Britain, since been found in several succumb as well. the native vegetation. every pathogen usually requires locations in England, Wales, Researchers in Europe have These living collections, as a new solution. It takes time to Scotland and Northern Ireland. It shown that the common ash well as over 2,700 herbarium mobilise resources to tackle a is believed that many sites have tree Fraxinus excelsior and the accessions (dried plant samples) new disease and this is why the had imports from the continent narrow-leaved ash at Kew, provide a rich resource collections at Kew are important. of young ash transplants over F. angustifolius are the most to further our knowledge about The collections are there to be the past 5 years. However, there susceptible to the fungus, as is the factors that influence the used. Currently, Kew is looking have also been an increasing the American black ash, F. nigra. susceptibility of ash to attack by at how the horticultural and number of cases of ash dieback Other species of Fraxinus vary in the fungus. For example, the scientific staff at Kew can work in trees which have no links to their susceptibility. herbarium collection contains with others to maximise the use the nursery trade. Thus it is Understanding why there is this 293 specimens of Fraxinus that of these important collections. important that we have a better variation in susceptibility, include samples from “wild” As part of these collaborations understanding of how the especially why some individual populations from different parts the Millennium Seed Bank fungus is being dispersed so trees of F. angustifolius appear that measures to control the to be resistant, whereas others spread of the fungus are are very susceptible should . . . these collections are taxonomically informed by sound scientific provide clues as to how to verified . . . evidence. There is a lot to learn control the fungus.

of Europe. A key to the Partnership, which is run through . . . variation in susceptibility . . . importance of these collections Kew’s Seed Conservation is that they are taxonomically Department at Wakehurst Place, verified (that is they are the will be working with the Forestry about the life cycle of the RESOURCES AT ROYAL correct species) and the Commission and others to fungus, how it is spread and BOTANIC GARDENS, providence for them is known. collect seeds from different why trees vary in their KEW So if resistant traits are identified populations of ash so that the susceptibility to the fungus. then researchers can go back to seeds can be screened for the The Royal Botanic Gardens, the area the plants came from presence of any resistance traits. Ash trees suffering with C. Kew has a diverse collection of and hopefully collect more Having seeds available from fraxinea infection have been over 500 ash trees at both the material and evaluate whether resistant plants will enable plants found in many parts of Europe Kew Gardens and Wakehurst the plants in these areas are still to be grown that could decrease since they were reported dying Place sites that currently show resistant. the spread of the disease. in large numbers in Poland in no signs of ash dieback. The ash Currently there are no 1992. These have included collection at Kew Gardens Often the traits associated collections of wild populations of forest trees, trees in urban areas comprises 43 different species with resistance to fungal viable ash seeds that represent such as parks and gardens, and of Fraxinus from Europe, Asia pathogens are present in nature. the diversity of elms in the UK. also young trees in nurseries. It and North America. This It is our ability to identify them is potentially a very serious includes 18 different cultivars that can take time! A fungus Meanwhile staff at the Kew threat to ash trees in the UK. As grown for their horticultural becomes a pathogen on a plant sites will be actively monitoring it has caused widespread merit. For those that know the because it shuts down in some the collections for any signs of damage to ash populations in gardens, the majority of the way the plant’s natural defence the disease. parts of Europe, including trees are growing either side of mechanisms or exploits some estimated losses of between 60 Princess Walk. At Wakehurst other weakness in the plant. and 90 per cent of Denmark’s Place there are 16 different This seems to have happened ash trees since 2007; the consequences of it entering the natural environment in Britain . . . The collections are there to be used.. . . could be as serious. Experience

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ANNUAL LUNCHEON OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE The Annual Lunch of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee was held on Wednesday 31st October 2012 in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, House of Lords.

Lord Jenkin of Roding said he was delighted to see so many friends and supporters and extended a particular welcome to two of his predecessors, Lord Waldegrave of North Hill and Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, and to former Chairman, Ian Taylor.

He said that it was no secret that the Committee had found it more and more difficult to attract MPs and Peers to meetings. One reason was undoubtedly the proliferation of other channels for engaging Parliamentarians with science and engineering: the increasing influence of Select Committees, the development of POST, and the huge expansion of all-party groups – many covering aspects of science and technology.

He continued, “All this has prompted the P&S to decide to take a good look at ourselves in this developing environment. We asked Lord Oxburgh to lead an inquiry, and he agreed his mission – ‘how to improve engagement of Parliament in Science and Engineering’. Ron Oxburgh’s report contains a lot of wise thoughts and recommendations and Council has been taking this forward.”

He introduced Professor John Womersley, Chief Executive Officer of the Science and Technology Facilities Council – “a post he has held for exactly one year today. Prof Womersley is well known to many here as one of the UK’s most distinguished scientists in the field of Particle Physics. Many here will have met him in September

Lord Jenkin of Roding

when he spoke at the Parliamentary exhibition which gave MPs and Peers an opportunity to learn about the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, and to hear about the discovery of what he described as ‘the Higgs-like particle’ on July 4th this year. This event was well reported in Science in Parliament. Professor Womersley has been a key figure in the development of this branch of Physics for many years, and we are delighted to have him with us today.” PROFESSOR JOHN WOMERSLEY: “Thank you for that warm introduction. Firstly, I would like to say a few words about what the Science and Technology Facilities Professor John Womersley Council is and what we do. STFC is one of the UK’s seven

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Research Councils and our particular remit is to support research in scientists were first seeking funding to build this £1bn experiment. Particle and Nuclear Physics, Astronomy and Space Science. In The winner of that particular competition was as follows: Imagine a addition we run major national facilities such as the Rutherford cocktail party of political party workers distributed across a room, all Appleton Laboratory – home to the Diamond Light Source – in talking to their nearest neighbours. Mrs Thatcher enters and crosses Oxfordshire, and the Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. We are also the room. All of the workers in her neighbourhood immediately responsible for managing the UK’s involvement in major start to cluster round her. As she moves through the room, she international collaborations such as the European Southern continues to attract a knot of people always clustered around her Observatory, the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) and the European and this has the effect of slowing her down, giving her essentially a Sychrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble. greater mass. Once moving she is harder to stop, and once stopped she is harder to get moving again because the clustering Perhaps the most well-known of these collaborations, of course, process has to be restarted. is CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, based in Geneva. You will all be aware that this has been a momentous year Without going too far into the details, the universe is filled with a for CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), from which on 4 July field of Higgs particles which act like the party workers in this there was the announcement of the discovery of the Higgs Boson analogy – they are responsible for the creation of mass, and stop – or rather ‘a particle consistent with that predicted by Professor everything from just zipping around at the speed of light. This Peter Higgs in 1964’ – I have to be careful how I phrase this and makes it possible to combine all the fundamental forces of the my colleagues in CERN will be quick to admonish me! universe in a single unified mathematical framework which we call the Standard Model – a comprehensive and remarkably successful What does this mean? Well, the Higgs boson is a fundamental explanation of the basic building blocks that make up our universe. particle responsible for the origin of mass. It is famously difficult to explain how this works in lay terms. I see Lord Waldegrave in the It is important to note that the United Kingdom has been at the audience who is rightly acclaimed, when Science Minister in 1993, forefront of this discovery – of course Peter Higgs is an emeritus for setting the challenge to explain the Higgs particle when Professor at Edinburgh, and UK scientists and engineers have also

Lord Jenkin, Dr Stephen Benn, Professor John Womersley, Philip Wheat Lord Walton of Detchant and Andrew Miller MP Stephanie Fernandes

Dr Stephen Keevil, Ms Rosemary Cook and Sarah Newton MP Stephen Metcalfe MP and Lord Broers

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been central to designing, building, operating and performing the We understand that communicating discoveries such as the experiments on the LHC. The UK is one of the leading nations in Higgs effectively is an obligation for scientists who are supported terms of volume of papers published in Nuclear and Particle from the public purse – and just one aspect of this in recent Physics and we rank number one in quality as measured by citation months has been a small exhibition including a replica of a section rates. of the LHC tunnel which STFC has been touring around the UK, including Westminster, the devolved administrations, and science Scientifically, then, this was a major breakthrough. However, it is festivals. The statistics I set out show that there is a real public very important – especially at a time of economic difficulty, and for hunger for science and this is supported by other trends: 90 per a political audience like this one, that I also have a good answer to cent of physics graduates cite inspirational fundamental science the question ‘why should we care?’ Aside from Mrs Thatcher’s advances in physics and astronomy as the reasons they decided to observation on the expense of the LHC ‘isn’t it interesting, though?’ study the discipline. In the past year, University applications in which is difficult to disagree with, the huge resonance of the physics have increased by eight per cent at a time when overall general public to this year’s Higgs announcements goes some way applications fell by eight per cent, so we may well be seeing an to answering the question. On the day of the announcement the impact. news in the UK alone reached an audience of 12 million on TV and 14 million on radio. There were more than 1,200 stories in Attracting young people into STEM careers is hugely important broadcast media within 24 hours and it was mentioned every 1.1 for our future competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. seconds on Twitter, with 8 of the top 10 ‘trending’ topics being However, the cover of The Economist gives us another hint as to Higgs related. Internationally there were more than 4,500 print why supporting science is so important. Aside from helping articles, it made the front page of major newspapers and even The humanity gain a more complete understanding of our place in the Economist. universe, the technological innovation and skills that need to be developed to carry out this research feed straight back into the economies and the Governments which support it. The US Census

Past and present Directors of POST: Dr Richard Worswick and Lord May of Oxford Andrew Miller MP with Dr Tom Price, a Professor David Cope and Dr Chris Tyler Research Fellow at the Institute of Integrative Biology at the University of Liverpool, his pair in the Royal Society Pairing Scheme

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Bureau estimated in 2002 that the value of a single science PhD designed to help support small, UK-based businesses to student to the economy over their lifetime was an additional $2.2M, commercialise the technologies coming out of these projects. roughly £1.8M today. This is a tangible measure of what the ‘knowledge economy’ really means and I would like to expand on WHAT ARE THE BIG SCIENCE PROJECTS OF THE this. FUTURE THAT WILL BRING MORE SUCH ADVANCES? George Bernard Shaw famously said that ‘The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists to Let me start with what’s next for the LHC. During 2013 the adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the experiment will cease operations to undergo a major new upgrade unreasonable man.’ Fundamental research, like particle physics and that will see its energy doubled and the rate of data acquisition astronomy, plays the role of the unreasonable man – it makes increased. This will enable us to investigate the properties of the demands on technology and engineering which require new Higgs boson in detail, and also allow us to extend the search for inventions, new technologies, new capabilities to be developed. new physics, for example, to address the nature of dark matter, These advances then feed back into the broader economy to the which is thought to constitute 84 per cent of the Universe. benefit of everyone. Fortuitously, this year-long shutdown will allow visitors to enter the tunnel 100 metres beneath Geneva once again and STFC is For example, in order to collide particle beams at very high particularly keen to encourage UK policy makers and general public energies, physicists needed ways of generating very high magnetic to do this. If you are interested in taking this opportunity please fields. This led to a series of technology breakthroughs in contact my office. superconducting magnets going back several decades. The large hadron collider magnets are based on this technology but so are The next big new fundamental project that we hope will capture the magnets used for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Two and everyone’s imagination and inspire future generations is the Square a half million MRI scans were performed in the UK in 2010, Kilometre Array, or SKA. This is a radio telescope consisting of equipment manufacture contributes £100m to the UK’s GDP each around 3,000 dishes distributed over a huge geographical area year and a further £100m is saved every year just through the across South Africa and Australia. Mapping the sky precisely with improved treatment of spinal disc herniation – slipped discs. I am this huge array and bringing together the data collected on this told that MRI scanners helped the TeamGB cycling team achieve enormous scale will allow us a completely new view of the golds in the Olympics through its application to their training universe. We will be able to look back in history to a time before regime! the first stars formed, investigate the nature of gravity and challenge the theory of general relativity, study magnetic fields in space and The same particle accelerator technology used in the LHC is even search for extra-terrestrial signals that might be broadcast from what drives the Diamond Light Source and ISIS neutron source at other civilisations. the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. The ISIS machine – still on a vast scale and housed in a hangar sized facility – is used to create SKA is a global project but we are particularly proud that Jodrell neutrons which are uniquely valuable in analysing the internal Bank in the UK hosts the SKA’s international headquarters which structure of materials. ISIS has many collaborations with industry. will be inaugurated in 2013. The initial stages of work on this One recent example has been work done with EDF where we decades-long project demonstrate clearly how the experiment will looked at the integrity of the welds and materials within nuclear drive the need to develop new technologies that will bring benefits power stations. These studies showed that the materials were across the economy. Key to the design of SKA is the acquisition sound and gave confidence that the safe working lives of the plants and processing of vast quantities of data from the thousands of could be extended by five years, leading not only to continued distributed telescope dishes – more information than is currently security of energy supply but also deferment of £3bn transmitted across the entire global internet today. Supercomputing decommissioning and replacements costs. and e-Science teams from Cambridge, Oxford and Manchester universities and from STFC’s Hartree Centre at our Daresbury I am also pleased to see Richard Worswick in the audience. This Laboratory are already working on how to solve these challenges, in gives me the chance to mention Cobalt Light Systems, an extremely collaboration with companies like IBM and Intel who can see how promising spin out company from STFC’s Central Laser Facility. this science is going to drive innovation in their sector. Cobalt uses a technique known as spatially offset Raman spectroscopy which was developed for scientific analysis; Cobalt has I hope my talk has demonstrated that there really should be no been able to commercialise the application to the stage where distinction between ‘basic’ and ‘applied’ research – even the most prototypes are now being used at airports to scan containers of fundamental research about the nature of the universe has a huge liquids to identify if they contain illicit or dangerous substances. This impact on everyday life, both in terms of attracting people into technique can lead to a lifting of current restrictions for taking STEM careers and in creating new inventions because of the way liquids onto flights. Cobalt is just one example where STFC’s that it makes ‘unreasonable’ demands on technology. Organisations development of Science and Innovation Campuses at our Harwell such as the Research Councils work hard to maximise these and Daresbury locations, and the innovation friendly ethos at the benefits to the economy through encouraging spin out companies STFC’s national facilities has helped enable such a successful and collaboration with industry. Most importantly there is very development. In fact we are now collaborating with both CERN and exciting science and many more challenges ahead with projects with the European Space Agency to operate business incubation such as the Square Kilometre Array, in which the UK is privileged to centres at Harwell and Daresbury. These centres are specifically be playing a leading role.”

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ENERGY – HOW TO USE LESS Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 6th November ENERGY EFFICIENCY SOLUTIONS FOR BUILDINGS BASF is the world’s leading chemical company. Its chemical products are used in almost all industries, from electronics and agriculture to consumer goods and construction.

By 2050 it is estimated that and taking social aspects into The first principle was to the world population will grow account. design the fabric of the house to to about nine billion and 75 per be well insulated to minimise As a result, BASF construction cent of those will be urban energy loss. A combination of experts are actively engaged in dwellers. This is a challenge that insulation materials Gill Kelleher, BASF Sustainable Green Building Councils and demands new concepts for demonstrated the range that construction advocate work closely with architects, housing and construction. exist in today’s market. planners and urban developers As a leading provider of raw to create housing for all types of Since its completion in 2008 materials, systems and solutions climates and diverse the house has been occupied to the construction industry, architectural traditions. In the UK by both University staff and BASF is working with industry to we have partnered a number of students and has been carefully increase the energy efficiency organisations to provide data monitored as part of the and lifespan of buildings, and evidence for industry to University’s research into developing solutions that reduce demonstrate the savings which building with low carbon the amount of resources can be achieved from adopting solutions and the impact of needed for construction and energy efficiency measures. occupier behaviour. Data from contribute to greater living the building’s sophisticated comfort. Our insulation UNIVERSITY OF monitoring equipment have materials, concrete admixtures NOTTINGHAM CREATIVE evaluated energy consumption, and many other products help ENERGY HOMES and a range of climatic significantly to reduce carbon PROJECT: AFFORDABLE, conditions in the house from emissions generated by LOW CARBON HOUSING the temperature and relative buildings over the course of The objective for the BASF humidity to the lighting, solar their lifecycles. According to the House, Nottingham, was to radiation and ventilation. The Intergovernmental Panel on design an affordable, practical, occupants were electronically Climate Change, by 2030 low Carbon home. At the outset tagged to create a record of their around 6.5 billion metric tones the target was for the house to living patterns. An important of CO2 emissions could be have an energy consumption of aspect of the house’s evaluation saved globally in the area of 15kWh/m2 (meeting Passivhaus was to test the general comfort housing and construction as a standards). The highly insulated and practicalities of the house result of investment in efficient fabric of the building (specified and how it affects the technologies. As a reliable U-value for walls of occupants. partner to the construction 2 0.15W/m K) is considerably in Initial monitoring data industry, it is our goal to help advance of current Building indicate that the house is increase this contribution to Regulations and the structure beating the target of 15kWh/m2 climate protection. was designed to demonstrate a and achieving as little as We understand sustainable cost-effective approach to 10kWh/m2. construction as the process of meeting Level 4 of the Code For developing built environments Sustainable Homes. that balance economic viability . . . savings from adopting energy with preserving resources, reducing environmental impacts efficiency measures . . .

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SIPS was chosen because of value of 0.15W/m2K combined the high insulation factor, with high air tightness. The outstanding air tightness, light South facing aspect of the weight and the ability to house consists largely of glazing prefabricate off-site non- in order to capitalise on passive rectangular shapes – ie for the solar gain. gable walls. The roof was also The structure also considers constructed of SIPS to the important issue of heat demonstrate the versatility of management. As new buildings BASF heat management have to be highly insulated to solutions used within the steel meet the Code for Sustainable coatings. Homes, the energy required to The result is that the walls cool these houses down is a and roof structures have a U- concern. SUMMARY OF MATERIALS USED The lower floor and foundations were built using the BASF Neopor® insulated concrete formwork (ICF) system to provide high thermal mass. Neopor, a lightweight, expandable polystyrene (EPS) contains graphite, which considerably enhances the insulation capacity. Blocks of Neopor were assembled to create the shape of the building, including window and door openings. The core was then filled with a pumpable concrete.

For the first floor a prefabricated timber insulated sandwich panel system (SIPS) was used, containing BASF rigid polyurethane insulation.

To overcome this issue a modified plasterboard incorporating Micronal® Phase Change Material (PCM) has been used internally within the house. Micronal PCM is made of polymer capsules containing a special wax mixture which stores latent heat. When the temperature rises above 23°C, the wax melts and the phase change material absorbs heat. When the temperature drops, the wax solidifies and heat is emitted.

This innovative material enables a 1.5cm thick plasterboard to contribute a

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thermal storage capacity efficient terraced homes fit for . . . refurbishment of the oldest identical to that of 7cm concrete 21st century living. The target or 9cm brickwork. It allows a was to improve the energy housing stock is essential . . . lightweight construction to performance rating of the 100mm without the need for The floor was therefore capitalise on the temperature building from band F to band primer or levelling coat. The made fully waterproof using stability benefits of high thermal A/B. mass – contributing to more strength of WALLTITE helped to BASF’s Thoroseal® Super which comfortable living conditions INTERNAL AND consolidate this very unsound was lapped up the walls to and better energy efficiency. EXTERNAL INSULATION surface. WALLTITE is a closed form a damp proof course. SOLUTIONS cell foam. Its structure helps to Styrodur® C, an insulation The first floor and roof area control the movement of vapour board, was chosen to meet the Over a third of the energy required a lightweight, durable, and moisture throughout the thermal insulation requirements, heating a property escapes waterproof cladding. Colorcoat building, reducing the risk of with the substrate then being through the external walls. Old Urban® by Corus was selected. mould and condensation. At a finished with PCI Novoment® Traditional roofing materials solid wall, hard-to-treat buildings thickness of 100mm, WALLLTITE Z3, a fast track screeding absorb solar energy, generating such as the BRE Victorian achieved a U-value of solution with rapid cure heat that is transported by Terrace are most affected. 0.25W/m2K. capabilities. The result is an thermal conduction into the roof Through participation in this overall floor U-value An added performance and by convection to the project, BASF has demonstrated considerably less than the target property of WALLTITE is the air surrounding air. The Colorcoat innovative products and of 0.22W/m2K in the Building tightness of the system. Air Urban steel cladding system solutions that tackle a number Regulations. uses BASF’s coil coating of the issues facing the leakage accounts for 25-50% of PLASTICERAM®, this has superb refurbishment market. heat loss. WALLTITE has no BASF’s Micronal phase joints and has a measured air change material (PCM) was leakage value of 0.0033 @ 50 incorporated into the ground . . . glazing to capitalise on passive pascals m3.h-1.m-2 per BSRIA. floor presentation room to Further performance was contribute to the temperature solar gain . . . achieved by eliminating thermal management of the space. In UV durability and corrosion The finished development bridging via studwork or framing. this installation, the PCM was protection while also achieving now houses an Information The whole surface area of the incorporated into a suspended wall was sprayed seamlessly and ceiling tile system. maximum solar reflectance. Centre where Visitors are able to then finished with gypframe learn about best practice These projects are designed THE BRE VICTORIAN studs before applying refurbishment, including the to demonstrate how energy TERRACE PROJECT plasterboard. latest processes, materials and efficiency can be built into the The UK Government has a technological advances to treat Three of the walls were structure of homes – whether legally binding commitment to existing homes. insulated with an External at the construction stage or as reduce CO emissions by 80% Thermal Insulation Composite part of refurbishment projects. 2 One of the walls of the by 2050. To meet this target it System (ETICS) consisting of Visitors are welcome to both presentation room was internally has to ensure that existing 150mm thick insulation boards sites. These are two projects in lined with rigid polyurethane buildings are made more energy made of BASF’s Neopor which BASF has collaborated insulation. Magnesium oxide efficient. The UK’s housing stock expandable polystyrene (EPS) and research continues to boards were adhered to an releases 150 million tonnes of and the Heck® external render provide evidence of how carbon dioxide per year, with 80mm Polyisocyanurate (PIR) system. Neopor insulation chemical solutions can older buildings contributing insulation board consisting of a boards were fixed to the outside contribute to sustainable disproportionately. The foam core with two low of the building and covered with buildings – whether they are for Government has therefore put emissivity facers. This achieved a an alkali resistant reinforcing commercial, industrial or 2 in place a country-wide energy U-value of 0.22W/m K. mesh, scrim adhesive and a final domestic use. efficiency programme, decorative finish. This layered The South wall of the For further information on recognising that refurbishment method reduces heat loss and presentation room presented this and other demonstration of the oldest housing stock is prevents water ingress. additional challenges. The wall projects, go to www.basf.co.uk/ essential. was very unstable so a number It is not only the walls that ecp1/Solutions_UK_Ireland/ In collaboration with BRE of structural repairs had to take need consideration. Uninsulated Construction (Building Research place before all the existing floors can produce as much as Establishment) at its plaster was removed. 15% of heat loss from a headquarters in Watford, BASF WALLTITE® spray foam building, while effective materials were used to insulation was then sprayed waterproofing is essential for a transform a disused Victorian directly onto the rough, bare building of this age. stable block into three energy brick substrate to a thickness of

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ENERGY – HOW TO USE LESS ENERGY EFFICIENCY: THE ROLE OF SMART METERS

The Meeting also heard from benefit is that it will no longer be needed. Since the largest Ashley Pocock, Head of be necessary to have estimated proportion of domestic energy is Regulation for Smart Metering bills – a great source of used for heating, consumers at EDF Energy. customer dissatisfaction. may have to get used to lowering thermostats, and of Among the points he made For most consumers £ is course improving insulation. were the following: more intelligible than kWh, and Even where families are living The target is for the so this is how the information in identical houses, there can be installation of smart meters in all will be displayed. There will not significant variation in patterns of homes and small commercial be an output revealing the CO2 Ashley Pocock footprint of generation. energy consumption. For Head of Industry Change, businesses to be completed example retired people have a Regulation and External Affairs, between 2015 and 2019. When the customer signs up Smart Metering Project, comparatively flat pattern Transformation, EDF Energy This will involve 34m to acquire a meter, there will be throughout the day. A family properties, over 50m gas and three phases – a pre-installation using, for example, hair dryers electricity meters, and 50m consultation, then the installation will have a noticeable peak early other technical devices, including itself, and a follow-up later to in the day. displays and communications ensure comprehension and Finally, although the benefits equipment. satisfaction. should be clear, no one will be The Government has It is clear that tariffs affect compelled to accept such pledged to deliver a National demand, but nonetheless an meters if they do not wish. Communication Network, impact assessment suggests that Additionally, there will be strict combining 3 super-regional savings overall will be small – regulation to control external networks a central data hub. less than 3% anticipated from access to domestic data and to increased sensitivity by The meters will allow for a ensure both privacy and security consumers to the energy they seamless transition between are maintained by all providers use. different energy suppliers, and and users of this unique, will support different payment In order to achieve more, complex and extensive modalities. One immediate further changes in behaviour will infrastructure.

ENERGY – HOW TO USE LESS ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy policy in the UK is creates unwelcome headlines had destroyed many North faced with three conflicting and consumer protests. All European forests, as well as demands: security of supply, recent governments have ground level pollution in cities. affordability and environmental committed to reducing carbon impact: politically, all are dioxide emissions, as well as the The scale of the challenge important. Failure to keep the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, faced by policymakers in lights on or shortages at petrol blamed for the acid rain that resolving this trilemma can be stations can be toxic to any . . . shortages at petrol stations can government. A sudden rise in Roger Kemp Lancaster University electricity, gas or road fuel prices be toxic . . .

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If the political challenge of decarbonising the transport sector at an acceptable cost is “difficult”, the problems with domestic heating are even greater. In the last 50 years we have moved from homes in which we switched on heaters only in occupied rooms and it was normal to wear a sweater indoors to the expectation that buildings are centrally heated and our choice of indoor clothes is dictated by fashion, not the weather.

i Figure 1: UK energy flow diagram 2008 When constructing new buildings it is possible to build in seen in Figure 1, which shows impossibility of this approach. increasingly commonplace. high-performance insulation and the supply and demand of The peak load (heating and heat exchangers to warm Although we can envisage a energy in the UK when the electricity) in winter is 250GW incoming fresh air from the air technical solution to Climate Change Act 2008 was which is equivalent to 100 being extracted. With good decarbonising transport, the passed. nuclear power stations or design it is possible to build 100,000 large wind turbines. As politics and economics would homes that require almost no On the left are the four main well as changing the source of not be straightforward. We are external sources of heat. sources of energy – fossil fuels, supply, we have to reduce the accustomed to owning a car that nuclear power, renewables and However, there are no readily- biomass. On the right are the available technical solutions for uses made of energy – . . . peak load can be more than three installing low-carbon heating in existing buildings and most of transport, furnaces and other times the average . . . high temperature uses of heat, the houses that will be in use in electrical appliances and low 2050 have already been built. amount of energy we use – is used daily for a 20 mile temperature heating. It can be hence the importance of energy commute but that can also be Attempting to balance the seen that the major energy efficiency. used for a 200 mile weekend trilemma of security of supply, flows are from fossil fuels to trip to a remote farmhouse or a affordability and environmental transport and heating. If the UK is to get near the 2000 mile family holiday. Asking impact has resulted in more targets in the 2008 Act, we have The diagram shows average people to reorganise their lives than a decade of policy to tackle the two big sources of values throughout the year; to use short-range EVs for the paralysis, punctuated by CO2 – transport and heating. although many uses of energy daily commute and public occasional bursts of political Both are hugely challenging but are reasonably constant, most of transport for longer trips might hyperactivity in pursuit of one of transport is probably the easier the heating load is taken during not be a vote-winner. Expanding the three, while conveniently of the two. One could envisage the winter months and, the rail system to cope with ignoring the others. In 2008, the widespread adoption of electric predominantly during the early greatly increased peaks of Climate Change Act prioritised vehicles and a major shift to morning and early evening, the Christmas and holiday travel, reductions in CO emissions – electrically-powered trains and 2 peak load can be more than while maintaining subsidies at Coalition promises to be “the trams, all powered by renewable three times the average. an acceptable level and greenest government ever” or nuclear energy. Aircraft and providing a financial incentive for followed this line. Five years ago, From the point of view of the the remaining HGVs, which people to use the low-carbon new nuclear power stations consumer, it would be require more energy than could alternative to a car, would be were seen as crucial to keeping convenient to be able to keep be stored in batteries, could be more challenging. the lights on; legal challenges, the utilisation side of the fuelled by biofuels derived from diagram the same but to change agricultural waste and algae or the supply side to more secure other plant material that do not . . . a major shift to electrically-powered low-carbon sources. A glance at compete with food crops when the numbers shows the food shortages will be trains and trams . . .

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the repercussions of the tsunami . . . Asking people to reorganise their importance, government needs deluging Fukushima, together to have a coherent vision of with private sector reticence to lives . . . what it wants to achieve in carry financial risk ensured none terms of security of supply, has been started. Recent the objectives of the 2008 manufacturers have been forced affordability and emissions and campaigns to cut prices by Climate Change Act and other to improve the fuel efficiency of a long-term strategy to

opening up the energy market measures to reduce CO2 cars so there is now a range of implement this vision: how and encouraging consumers to emissions and the Climate vehicles with emissions below many days demand of gas

switch suppliers seem to have Change Committee (CCC) 100gCO2/km. Engineers in the storage, how many power forgotten last year’s plan, which produces carbon budgets for industry reckon that further stations of what types, what encouraged suppliers to form years ahead which represent improvements to 80 or even proportion of electric vehicles,

long-term relationships with increasingly incredible 60gCO2/km might be possible what penetration of district customers, investing in insulation extrapolations of current policies. but, if this is not to lead to long heating, etc, etc. This is a and energy saving measures, With more than 100 MPs term increased car use, this has national strategy, requiring recouped by lower energy use formally opposing wind farms, to be accompanied by a agreement between ministries, over the following years. and growing support for shale gas, it is increasingly difficult to Since the Energy white paper . . . more than 100 MPs opposing see a consensus supporting the 2003: Our energy future: CCC plans. wind farms . . . creating a low-carbon economy there have been half a dozen Recent government initiatives comparable fuel price increase. which cannot be left for the major restatements of energy have been to reduce retail markets to decide. Once the policy but little to show on the energy prices and to improve If holding down gas use by strategy is determined, the ground; we still burn large the efficiency with which it is increasing prices is not politically private sector can deliver what amounts of coal and run our used. The Khazzoom-Brookes acceptable, the alternative could is needed and would be cars on petrol and diesel, much postulate (sometimes referred include more intrusive expected to bear the risk if they as in 2003. Energy infrastructure to as the Rebound Effect) states regulation, perhaps by individual fail to deliver. However, what is a long-term business; power that if energy prices do not carbon allowances or the the private sector cannot be stations cost many millions, take change, cost effective energy imposition of maximum asked to do is to carry the risk several years to build and have efficiency improvements will thermostat settings, or more of the government’s strategic a life of 40 years. Companies inevitably increase energy draconian and retrospective vision. considering whether to invest consumption above what it building standards. If neither regulation nor price increases is Creating coherent energy . . . more than a decade of policy acceptable, we are running out policies requires an of options to limit energy use understanding of how the

paralysis . . . and CO2 emissions. different components of energy systems interact and how these For the last decade politicians relate to other policies, including seek a degree of policy would be without those have talked about taking “tough those on land use, transport continuity. If companies are improvements. The corollary of decisions”: in energy policy they and taxation. In the absence of expected to fund the massive this is that, to use the market have studiously avoided taking coherent policies, we risk investment needed in new mechanism to reduce CO2 any decisions. Partly this policy missing all three of the energy infrastructure from their emissions, inflation-adjusted vacuum is based on a objectives of security of supply, own resources, they need energy prices (including misguided belief that “the affordability and environmental assurance of future profits. taxation) have to rise faster than market” will make sound impact and simply increasing efficiency improves. strategic decisions in the One of the largest areas of energy efficiency will not deliver absence of government policy. contention is the extent to which If governments oppose the policy objectives we seek. policy should focus on reducing energy price rises, what What should an energy policy i Diagram from: Generating the Future, CO2 emissions. Most people alternatives are there to reduce include and what should be the accept the fact of climate overall energy use? One The Royal Academy of Engineering, dividing line between the public 2010. change, although the extent to mechanism, which has been and private sectors? Of critical which this is caused by successful in reducing car

anthropogenic CO2 emissions emissions, is regulation. Under . . . imposition of maximum thermostat may be open to debate. The EU rules, supported by UK government has signed up to taxation policy, car settings . . .

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SUPPORTING GOOD PRACTICE IN UNIVERSITY MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENTS Sean McWhinnie, Oxford Research and Policy

The London Mathematical Society (LMS) is launching a new report on Good Practice in UK University Mathematics Departments on 27 February 2013 at an event in the House of Commons. This highlights good working practice found in UK university mathematics departments with an emphasis on improving the recruitment, retention and progression of women.

Around 40% of graduates from UK first degree mathematical sciences courses are female. However, there is a Figure 1 The mathematics pipeline for all nationalities in UK Higher Education Institutes - proportions of the populations at different stages who are male or female in 2011. significant drop-off in the proportion of women who people of all nationalities who senior lecturers/lecturers that are professors is much smaller than become academic study mathematics or hold female is the same. the corresponding proportion of mathematicians, and only academic posts in mathematics men. For example, considering It is sometimes suggested around 6% of professors of in UK higher education. that the reason that there are permanent academic staff in mathematics in the UK are The data illustrate that a lower proportions of women at mathematics aged between 51 female. Although all Science, smaller proportion of female more senior academic grades is and 60 years in 2010/11, 58% Technology, Engineering, students progress from first because there was a lower of the male academics were Mathematics and Medicine degree programmes to masters proportion of women graduating professors compared with 22% (STEMM) subjects suffer a drop or doctoral programmes in UK in the past. However, as of the female academics. The in the proportion of women in higher education institutions illustrated in Fig 2, within a implication is that a smaller senior positions, the fall off is (HEIs). 38% of mathematics particular age range, the proportion of professorial-calibre particularly bad in mathematics. staff who have only a teaching proportion of women academic women than men achieve their The LMS Women in function in UK HEIs are female. staff in mathematics who are potential. Mathematics Committee set out If staff who have a research to support mathematics function as part of their contract departments to improve working are considered, the proportion practices and the recruitment, of senior lecturers/lecturers that retention and progression of are female is 21%. In other women in academic words, women are significantly mathematics, for example by more likely than men to have working towards an Athena teaching-only mathematics roles. SWAN award. The discontinuity illustrated in THE ACADEMIC Fig1 is explained by the MATHEMATICS PIPELINE numbers of women in teaching- only roles: if teaching-only roles Figure 1 presents a snapshot are excluded then the Figure 2 For each gender, the proportion of permanent mathematics staff of the mathematics pipeline for proportion of researchers and in a specific age range who are professors (2010/11).

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This shows that within mathematics departments that up incrementally over the described in the checklists were mathematics a smaller hold Silver awards: the course of a career resulting in scored to benchmark each proportion of women progress Universities of Reading and a smaller proportion of department. These were used to from undergraduate study to Leeds. women than men reaching produce individual reports for higher level study and that, their potential. departments, and to produce an The LMS Women in among staff who gain academic overall summary for the LMS. Mathematics Committee 5. Leadership from the top, with posts, women are more likely to decided to engage with the head of department The departments that be in teaching only roles than mathematics departments to acting as champion, is critical completed the questionnaires men, and are less likely to be at improve their interaction with to changing culture, to making are at very different points in more senior grades. This Athena SWAN. The LMS also the changes stick and to their Athena SWAN journeys and underlines the need for action wanted to provide guidance on changing behaviour. Simple had varying working practices. to encourage a higher the Athena SWAN process and changes to processes, which proportion of talented female If we take the example of to disseminate examples of deliver clear benefits to staff, mathematicians to stay in how a mathematics department good working practice already in can start to change policy and academia and to support those ‘ensures that the arrangements place. behaviour, but without a head women to stay in research and made for career breaks can of department prepared to progress in their careers. Similar enable individuals to maintain a GOOD WORKING introduce changes and patterns in respect of the career trajectory, which meets PRACTICES AND monitor adherence, little will progression of men and women their circumstances, abilities and WOMEN IN SCIENCE change. are evident in other STEMM ambitions’. Departments with disciplines irrespective of the Research carried out looking 6. The age profile of the the best working practices proportion of undergraduates at working practices in science, department, and the diversity demonstrate their ability to who are female. technology, engineering and of its staff, makes a difference. support staff to cope with the technology departments 1 Young men and women with THE ATHENA SWAN practicalities before, during and makes it clear that: families have different after a career break. Before a CHARTER AND AWARDS expectations and needs from 1. Good working practices break, the best departments their older colleagues. Those The Athena SWAN Charter is benefit all, staff and students, arrange a meeting to check that younger staff’s careers cannot a scheme that recognises men and women. However, individuals are getting the thrive unless the culture of excellence in STEMM bad practices adversely affect support, advice and information the department reflects the employment for women. It women’s careers more than they want and the department reality of dual career provides awards and men’s. helps with support opportunities to share good partnerships. arrangements before, during and 2. The best university practice. 7. Successful action is based on after the career break. departments do not target good planning, which takes Departments also recognise The Athena SWAN process measures specifically at account of the department’s returners’ needs, including ensures that all aspects of women because improved academic plan and which is flexibility, personal support, and academic progress and careers working conditions benefit all evidence based. mentoring. The head of are examined, with a focus on and make for a happy department holds a meeting gender equality and opportunity, department. Good practice is THE LMS PROJECT some weeks after an individual developing good practice in the not about how many women recruitment, retention and The LMS distributed a returns to discuss what support are in the department, it is promotion of women in questionnaire to all UK university is needed. about processes that are fair, university STEMM departments. mathematics departments, flexible, accessible and The questionnaires revealed Any HEI committed to advancing which requested information transparent to all. a division between those the careers of women in and examples of working departments which had good 3. Departments with good STEMM can become a member practices around a number of systems in place and those that working practices are able to of the Charter, accepting and key processes such as had little experience of staff attract and retain women promoting the six Charter recruitment, induction, taking career breaks and better than other principles. The Athena SWAN promotion, training, flexibility and therefore took less formal departments. Charter awards are for both career breaks, including approaches. A number had institutions and departments. maternity leave. Thirty 4. There is no evidence that the visible role models with There are three levels of award departments returned introduction of good practices experience of career breaks who Bronze, Silver and Gold. completed questionnaires. adversely affects the were available to give advice, Currently there are 85 HEIs excellence of the science These were analysed to although there was also a view that are members of the Charter carried out. Good practice identify examples of good that expecting people in this and although almost 80 equates with good science. In practice. These were used to position to support others was departments hold Bronze or contrast the detrimental provide the main content of the unreasonable. A few Silver awards, there are only two effects of bad practice build report. In addition, the practices departments had formal

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arrangements in place for cover, produced a good practice through, for example, being working arrangements. while some left it to the document on maternity given a term’s grace from The LMS hopes that by individual to make returners. A number of teaching responsibilities or being disseminating and highlighting arrangements, and others dealt departments work with granted a period of study leave the best working practices with it informally, reallocating individuals to ensure that they immediately following a period currently in place in responsibilities to others in their are given support. In one case of maternity or adoption leave. mathematics departments, all group. The best practice was staff were encouraged to meet Some departments also had in departments will be encouraged where departments received a with their line managers, as well place arrangements to monitor to learn from the best and in budget from the university for as the head of department, returners on an ongoing basis. In doing so improve the position of cover from sessional lecturers before their return to discuss one example during the phased women in mathematics. either during the maternity leave arrangements. In another case return period the head of References or for the period just after individuals taking parental leave department met the member of maternity leave, and where the 1 Planning for Success - Good Practice in were expected to have a staff staff weekly, to assess progress University Science Departments, Royal arrangement was discussed in development review on their and identify any problems and Society of Chemistry, London, 2008 advance. return. There were examples of to discuss future career (www.rsc.org/diversity); Women in University Physics Departments, progression. A number of There were examples of returning staff being given time Institute of Physics, London, 2006 good practice to support to readjust to the workplace and departments also encouraged (www.iop.org/diversity). returners. One university had to catch up with research returners to take up flexible METHANE: THE UNNATURAL GAS

Methane (commonly known been) changing. This change over long timescales. The as “natural” gas) is one of the has historically been the result number of weather records major greenhouse gases of natural perturbations, often broken in the UK over the past (GHGs) recognised by the (but not always) over long 7 years (and in 2012 alone) Intergovernmental Panel on timescales. However, in recent should not be forgotten, nor Climate Change (IPCC). history, mankind has been should similar statistics reported Molecule-for-molecule, methane speeding up this pace of change around the world. Whilst still the

(CH4) is 23 times more potent with uncertain consequences. subject of debate, a growing than CO2 and it accounts for Whilst the general premise that number of meteorologists and Dr Grant Allen ~7% of all GHG emissions in climate-change-equals-global- climatologists are beginning to Lecturer in Atmospheric Physics, the UK (in 2009). Luckily, there warming is widely publicised, talk about climate change as University of Manchester the more localised and extreme is much less CH4 in the something that has been having atmosphere (on average) than impacts implicit to climate a growing impact on our change are often missed. For there is CO2 – about 200 times weather (and our lives and less. However, although the the UK alone, these impacts are economies) for many years. absolute concentration of CH is thought to be more frequent 4 The principal driver of climate currently relatively small, its extremes in weather of all types, change is an increased potency means that even a hot and cold, dry and wet, windy greenhouse effect driven by small change in the total and stagnant. This is because increases in the amount of amount of methane in the we are an island in the middle GHGs in the atmosphere, which atmosphere could be of the North Atlantic storm track trap infrared radiation (heat comparable to the global- – where energy is often racing energy) near the Earth’s surface. warming impact of its more fast from the equator to the Various feedback processes, well-known counterpart. Just as poles. While no single weather event can ever be directly tipping points and buffers are importantly, CH4 changes the known (or thought) to exist, way in which the atmosphere attributed to climate change (by which may exacerbate or limit can naturally cleanse itself of virtue of the way climate and changes in surface temperature pollutants, which can result in weather are necessarily treated differently within mathematical (eg cloudiness, ice cover), yet poorer air quality. Such changes models), we rely on statistics the underlying response of the could be under way. One thing is certain – the . . . speeding up this pace of change . . . atmosphere is (and always has

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atmosphere can be linked to the Fig 1 changes in global average CH4, concentration of GHGs. as well as seasonal cycles and Monitoring (and predicting) the other modes of variability (see concentration of GHGs in the Figure 2). It is the subtlety within atmosphere and how they are these modes of variability and changing is therefore key to their potential causes (and understanding the global (and uncertainties) that are the local) consequences of climate source of much important change. While much successful scientific effort. This article effort has been put into better highlights this and also the work global monitoring of GHG that remains to be done. concentrations in the Among the sources of atmosphere (eg through the WMO-led Global Atmospheric atmospheric CH4 are many so- Watch programme and EU-led called natural ones. These Integrated Carbon Observing include geological seepage of System), the various sources fossil-CH4, anaerobic microbial and sinks of these gases remain activity in the near-surface, and the subject of study which Atmospheric concentrations of important long-lived greenhouse gases over animals. However, these are the last 2,000 years. Concentration units are parts per million (ppm) or dwarfed by the various bridges the many academic parts per billion (ppb), indicating the number of molecules of the disciplines required to greenhouse gas per million or billion air molecules, respectively, in an “unnatural” sources that can be understand the Earth system. atmospheric sample. Source: The Fourth Assessment Report of The linked to human activity, which Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Chapter 2, FAQ 2.1, Figure 1. include livestock, agriculture, These include branches of The source of this image is a PDF file that can be downloaded at physics, chemistry, biology and http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-chapter2.pdf fossil fuel burning and direct geology – all of which are emission from natural gas required to assess how GHGs exploration (and lines of are emitted and/or deposited Fig 2 transmission). As we can see into the atmosphere from their from Figure 1, the concentration various reservoirs (land, of methane has more than biosphere, ocean and the deep doubled since pre-industrial earth). Once in the atmosphere, times. Furthermore, new

we need to know how they additional sources of CH4, which evolve chemically as they are are being driven by climate transported on the wind all change, are a key cause for around the planet. Furthermore, concern. Chief among these is

to make longer-term forecasts the unquantified release of CH4 and attempt to mitigate changes trapped in frozen methane in the future, we must also hydrates in the permafrosts and include sociology, economics ice of the Arctic and sub-Arctic and engineering. This is because (see “Arctic Methane the Earth’s atmosphere (and its Emergency” in SiP Spring 2012). composition) is a dynamic Atmospheric methane concentration measured at Ocean Station M, Together with rising Arctic system driven by different Norway, between 1983 and 2009. Figure created using public archive temperatures and increasing processes on different temporal data from the Cooperative Atmospheric Data Integration Project – Methane, NOAA ESRL, Boulder, Colorado; available via FTP to microbial activity in Arctic tundra, and spatial scales. To make ftp.cmdl.noaa.gov emissions in the area are matters even more complex, hypothesized as one of the local monitoring alone cannot understood. What we know is continues to the present. This contributory causes of sudden address remote inputs and that CH4 is on the rise. Figure 1 pattern is typical of many of the increases in global methane impacts. This interdisciplinary shows ice core data from gases in the atmosphere that seen in Figure 2 in recent years. activity must be coordinated Antarctica, which can be used to can be traced to manmade Other contributing sources are internationally. Much progress track globally averaged CH4 (anthropogenic) activity, whether thought to be the continued has been made but more still concentration in the directly or indirectly. With the reliance on fossil fuels for needs to be done. atmosphere. What we see is a benefit of plurality and accuracy energy generation, particularly in Whilst much press is given to general pattern of a steep and of modern measurement rapidly growing nations and the

the rise of CO2 in the accelerating rise in concentration techniques, we now know that recent growth in natural gas atmosphere, the sources and since the industrial big bang at within this upward trend, there exploration and transmission

sinks of CH4 are less well around 1800 AD, which are significant and sudden lines.

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therefore be controlled, the UK and improved landfilling Government is committed to technologies (Methane UK – . . . increasing microbial activity . . . reducing methane emissions Environmental Change Institute, under the Kyoto Protocol as one Oxford University). of a basket of four compounds We should recognise the GHG concentrations with The method by which these (the others being CO , N O and world-class research by the UK unprecedented sensitivity while 2 2 figures are calculated is far from SF ). To meet these targets, the academic community in this mapping wide areas. Early data 6 ideal and relies on a bottom-up UK must reduce total carbon important area, enabled by show that the wetlands of approach of summing a large emissions by 12.5% (when funding through the Natural Finland represent an important number of emissions reports averaged over the period 2008- Environment Research Council source of methane locally, whilst and estimates (often compiled 2012) versus 1990 emissions. (NERC) and DECC. Recently, the methane over the ocean can be within industries with vested Currently, the UK is performing NERC Arctic programme has dominated by a mix of signals interests), rather than hard extremely well in meeting those funded a number of projects both local and remote (with measurement and direct that will tackle Arctic change and inputs from forest fires as far targets, with total carbon attribution. To validate (and the issue of methane emissions away as Canada). Further field emissions down by 29.6% improve on) this approach, we in the region. Chief among campaigns throughout 2013 will (excluding emissions trading) by must compare these emissions these, a consortium of UK help to place these data in both this measure in 2011 (DECC, estimates with those derived universities and international using a top-down approach, partners led by Prof John Pyle of . . . largest source of CH4 remains where direct measurement is the University of Cambridge, employed to attribute better entitled Methane in the Arctic: anthropogenic . . . emissions sources at high spatial Measurement and Modelling resolution. This is critical to (MAMM), is currently a wider and seasonal context 2012). This is significantly better providing accurate emissions investigating local and remote such that regional emissions than the EU-15 member group, data under our regulatory impacts of methane in the Arctic estimates may be extrapolated which achieved an average obligations and to the by studying the land surface and economics of any future and used to improve models of reduction of just over 10% over atmosphere over an area from emissions trading schemes. To how climate change takes place. the same period. However, Sweden and Finland to Svalbard. this end, NERC have recently although significant reductions I am the coordinator of an Given the importance of the commissioned the Greenhouse have been made since 1990, aircraft-based study with the role of CH4 in climate change, Gases: Emissions and Feedbacks UK’s Facility for Airborne and in recognition of the fact these have been largely programme, which has funded

Atmospheric Measurement that the largest source of CH4 fortuitous due in part to a three national academic (FAAM), which can measure remains anthropogenic and can decline in the UK coal industry, consortia to investigate this

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Once again, it is CH4 that monitoring as this industry . . . measurements in flights around carries the most uncertainty in expands. A safety hazards the UK’s GHG emissions assessment has been reported the UK . . . inventory and the GAUGE by DECC in May 2012, yet that project will strive to better assessment did not seek to problem from both sides, with what comes in and what goes constrain it. The exploratory assess environmental hazards, the ultimate aim of better out in the air that passes over hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) which would include the climate constraining and predicting UK the UK. These so-called licences recently granted to impacts of fugitive emissions GHG emissions. One of these “boundary conditions” are Cuadrilla for shale gas extraction and implications for regional air consortia, the Greenhouse gAs important in understanding what in the North West, warrant close quality. It is my hope that DECC UK and Global Emissions the relative impacts of emissions attention. This industry could will commission such an (GAUGE) project is a four-year within the UK are versus what represent an additional new assessment before any larger measurement and data analysis comes in from further afield. For source of methane through scale roll-out of fracking and that programme beginning in example, it is currently well what are known as fugitive the academic community is January 2013, which involves six known that days of poor London emissions, or unintended properly engaged in that UK universities led by Prof Paul air quality are often exacerbated venting of CH4 to the assessment. atmosphere. The routes of Palmer at the University of by polluted Continental air The UK has risen to the emission are not fully Edinburgh, and includes national entering the UK. By continuous challenge of meeting its Kyoto understood or quantified but agencies such as the Met Office, and direct measurement across pledge and fostered a world- may include localised emissions in collaboration with DECC and the UK, models of atmospheric class academic community and at the drill site or diffuse other agencies. GAUGE has transport and chemistry can be infrastructure fit for the purpose emission through potential been designed to measure used to determine not only of understanding and monitoring geological fractures far away. directly GHG concentrations what the UK emits en masse, of GHGs both nationally and These hazards are not over the UK in order to but also to disaggregate these internationally. Methane remains unrecognised and Cuadrilla has characterise and quantify the emissions between specific a significant source of plans to capture any vented variety of sources that determine areas and industries thus uncertainty and work must be methane at drill sites. What is the UK’s contribution to the providing the acid test of the continued to monitor and called for is appropriate trend and variability of current approach. understand how the atmospheric concentrations of concentration of this important GHGs globally. I will lead the gas is changing in the airborne measurement package . . . These hazards are not atmosphere both within the UK of GAUGE by recording unrecognised . . . and globally if we are to provide measurements in flights around the best possible forecasts of the UK mainland to measure climate change in the future.

HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE

The members of the Committee Open access submissions was 20 September 2012. The (appointed 16 May 2012) are Lord Broers, Lord Cunningham of Felling, The Committee has recently launced a short inquiry will cover current research in regenerative Lord Dixon-Smith, Baroness Hilton of inquiry into the implementation of the medicine and potential treatments which could Eggardon, Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, Lord Krebs (Chairman), Government’s open access policy. It has issued be developed in the next 5-10 years, barriers to Lord Patel, Baroness Perry of translation of this research to applications and Southwark, Lord Rees of Ludlow, the a targeted call for evidence to key stakeholders Earl of Selborne, Baroness Sharp of for this short inquiry. The Committee will publish commercial products, and compare the UK’s Guildford, Lord Wade of Chorlton, efforts with international examples. The Lord Willis of Knaresborough and its findings in February 2013. Lord Winston. Lord Lucas of Crudwell Committee expects to report in Spring 2013. and Dingwall and Baroness Neuberger were co-opted to Sub- Regenerative medicine Higher Education in Science, Technology, Committee 1 for the purposes of the The Committee launched an inquiry into inquiry on higher education in STEM Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects subjects. regenerative medicine. The deadline for In September 2011, the Select Committee

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appointed a Sub-Committee, chaired by Lord Willis of generally. The Committee held a seminar on 29th May 2012, and Knaresborough, to conduct an inquiry into higher education in took oral evidence during June from sports and exercise scientists STEM subjects. The inquiry considered how the UK can ensure and clinicians, UK Sport, and officials and Ministers from the that the supply of graduates in STEM subjects meets future needs, Department of Health and the Department for Culture, Media and looked at 16-18 maths provision, and undergraduate and Sport. The Committee published its report on 17 July 2012. The postgraduate education. Oral evidence sessions began in Government response was received in October 2012. The report December and finished in April 2012. The Committee published will be debated in the House. its report on 24 July 2012. The Government response was received in November 2012. The report will be debated in the FURTHER INFORMATION House. The written and oral evidence to the Committee’s inquiries Sports and exercise science and medicine mentioned above, as well as the Calls for Evidence and other In May 2012, the Select Committee launched a short inquiry documents can be found on the Committee’s website. Further into sports and exercise science and medicine to consider how information about the work of the Committee can be obtained the legacy of London 2012 could be used to improve from Chris Atkinson, Committee Clerk, [email protected] or understanding of the benefits exercise can provide for the wider 020 7219 4963. The Committee Office email address is public, and in treating chronic conditions. The Committee explored [email protected] . how robust this science is, and how lessons learnt from the study of athletes can be applied to improve the health of the population

SELECTED DEBATES

Agriculture and Animal Health Health Common Agricultural Policy: 1.11.12 HoC 133WH Cancer: 9.10.12 HoL GC438 Animal Welfare: 13.12.12 HoC 479 Health: Active Lifestyles: 17.12.12 HoL 1439 Listed opposite (grouped by Badger Cull: 25.10.12 HoC 1095 Mobile Technology (Health Care): subject area) is a selection of Zoos: 8.10.12 HoL GC388 21.11.12 HoC 207WH debates on matters of scientific Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 interest which took place in the Amendment Regulations 2012: Industry House of Commons, the House 13.12.12 HoL GC379 Britain’s Industrial Base: 9.10.12 HoL 986 of Lords or Westminster Hall Industrial Policy and Manufacturing: between 8th October and 20th Education 22.11.12 HoC 795 December 2012 Education: Development of Excellence: 18.10.12 HoL 1567 International Development Education: Further Education Colleges: Access to Sanitation: 26.11.12 HoC 113 9.10.12 HoL GC405 Millennium Development Goals: Higher Education: EUC Report: 22.11.12 HoL 1938 11.10.12 HoL 1203 HIV (Developing Countries): Higher Education: Reform: 12.11.12 HoL 1340 19.12.12 HoC 270WH

Energy Science Policy Energy and Climate Change Committee Report: Antarctica: Centenary of Scott Expedition: 20.12.12 HoC 1015 18.10.12 HoL 1612 High Carbon Investment: 18.12.12 HoC 821 Chief Scientific Advisers: S&T Committee Report: Onshore Gas: 24.10.12 HoC 1037 17.10.12 HoL GC513 Shale Gas Profits: 19.12.12 HoC 293WH HoC Administration and Savings Programme (POST): 8.11.12 HoC 1057 & 1064 Plant Health Ash Dieback Disease: 12.11.12 HoC 49 Water Trees: British Ash Tree: 5.11.12 HoL 861 EUC Report: EU Freshwater Policy: 5.12.12 HoL 721 Fisheries Fisheries: 6.12.12 HoC 323WH

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HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Science and Technology CURRENT INQUIRIES Professor Keith Hayward, Head of Research, Royal Committee is established under Aeronautical Society; Henner Wapenhans, Head of Standing Order No 152, and Bridging the “valley of death”: improving the charged with the scrutiny of the Technology Strategy, Rolls Royce; Dr Ruth Mallors, commercialisation of research expenditure, administration and Aerospace, Aviation and Defence KTN; and Sir policy of the Government Office for On 16 December 2011, the Committee Science, a semi-autonomous John Chisholm, Engineering the Future. organisation based within the announced an inquiry: Bridging the “valley of On 5 September 2012, the Committee took Department for Business, death”: improving the commercialisation of Innovation and Skills. evidence from: Tim Crocker, SME Innovation research. The Committee invited written Alliance; Dr Tim Bradshaw, Head of Enterprise The current members of the submissions by 8 February 2012. Science and Technology Committee and Innovation, CBI; Fergus Harradence, Deputy are: On 18 April 2012, the Committee took Director, Innovation Policy, Department for evidence from: Professor Luke Georghiou, Vice- Business, Innovation and Skills; Iain Gray, Chief Caroline Dinenage (Conservative, Gosport), Jim Dowd (Labour, President (Research and Innovation), University of Executive, Technology Strategy Board; and Sir Lewisham West and Penge), Manchester; Dr Paul Nightingale, Science and John Savill, Research Councils UK. Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative, Technology Policy Research, University of Sussex; South Basildon and East Thurrock), On 12 September 2012, the Committee took Andrew Miller (Labour, Ellesmere David Connell, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for evidence from: Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister Port and Neston), David Morris Business Research/UK Innovation Research Centre, (Conservative, Morecambe and of State for Universities and Science. Lunesdale), Stephen Mosley Judge Business School, University of Cambridge; (Conservative, City of Chester), and Dr Douglas Robertson, Chair, Praxis-Unico. The The written and oral evidence received in this Pamela Nash (Labour, Airdrie and Committee also heard from: Dr Ted Bianco, inquiry is on the Committee’s website. A Report is Shotts), Sarah Newton (Conservative, Truro and Falmouth), Director of Technology Transfer, Wellcome Trust; Dr being prepared. Graham Stringer (Labour, Blackley Ian Tomlinson, Senior Vice President, Head of Engineering Skills and Broughton), Hywel Williams Worldwide Business Development and (Plaid Cymru, Arfon) and Roger On 30 April 2012, the Committee announced Williams (Liberal Democrat, Brecon Biopharmaceuticals R&D, GlaxoSmithKline; Dr and Radnorshire). David Tapolczay, Chief Executive Officer, Medical an inquiry: Engineering Skills. The Committee invited written submissions by 18 June 2012. Andrew Miller was elected by the Research Council Technology; Dr Gareth Goodier, House of Commons to be the Chair Chair, Shelford Group (Chief Executives of ten On 24 October 2012, the Committee took of the Committee on 9 June 2010. leading Academic Medical Centres and large The remaining Members were evidence from: Steve Radley, Director of Policy, formally appointed to the teaching hospitals) and Chief Executive, Cambridge Engineering Employers Federation (EEF); Lynn Committee on 12 July 2010. University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and Dr Tomkins, UK Operations Director, Sector Skills Caroline Dinenage, Gareth Johnson, Andy Richards, serial biotechnology entrepreneur Sarah Newton and Hywel Williams Council for Science, Engineering and were formally appointed to the and business angel. Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA); Richard Committee on 27 February 2012 in Earp, Education and Skills Manager, National Grid; the place of Gavin Barwell, Gregg On 25 April 2012, the Committee took McClymont, Stephen McPartland evidence from: Katie Potts, Herald Investment and Andrew Churchill, Managing Director, JJ and David Morris. Jim Dowd was Churchill Ltd. formally appointed to the Management; Anne Glover, Amadeus Capital Committee on 11 June 2012 in the Partners Ltd; Matthew Bullock and Stephen Welton, On 7 November 2012, the Committee took place of Jonathan Reynolds. David Business Growth Fund. The Committee also heard Morris was formally re-appointed to evidence from: Georgia Turner, Student, JCB the Committee on 3 December from: Dr Richard Worswick, Cobalt Light Systems; Academy; Georgie Luff, Student, Newstead Wood 2012 in the place of Gareth Dr Peter Dean, Cambio; and Dr Trevor Francis, School; and Kirsty Rossington, Substation Johnson. Technical Director, Byotrol Technology Ltd. Apprentice, National Grid. The Committee also On 20 June 2012, the Committee took heard from: Jim Wade, Principal, JCB Academy; evidence from: Sir David Cooksey and Sir Peter Liz Allen, Headteacher, Newstead Wood School Williams; David Sweeney, Director (Research, and Maggie Galliers, President, Association of Innovation and Skills), Higher Education Funding Colleges. Council for England (HEFCE); Professor Ian Haines, On 21 November 2012, the Committee took UK Deans of Science; and Professor Nick Wright, evidence from: Dr Bill Mitchell, Director, BCS Russell Group. Academy of Computing; Nigel Fine, Chief On 2 July 2012, the Committee took evidence Executive, Institution of Engineering and from: Rees Ward CB, Chief Executive Officer of ADS; Technology; and Dr Matthew Harrison, Director of Education, The Royal Academy of Engineering.

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The Committee also heard from: Carole Willis, Chief Scientific Clinical Trials. The Committee invited written submissions by 22 Adviser, Department for Education; Elizabeth Truss MP, Parliamentary February 2013. The Committee expects to hold oral evidence Under Secretary of State (Education and Childcare), Department for sessions in 2013. Education; and Matthew Hancock MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary Water Quality of State (Skills), Department for Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills On 19 December 2012, the Committee announced an inquiry: Water Quality. The Committee invited written submissions by 8 The written and oral evidence received in this inquiry is on the February 2013. The Committee expects to hold oral evidence Committee’s website. A Report is being prepared. sessions in 2013. Marine Science REPORTS On 4 July 2012, the Committee announced an inquiry: Marine Science. The Committee invited written submissions by 19 Science and International Development September 2012. On 26 October 2012, the Committee published its Fourth Report of Session 2012-13, Building scientific capacity for development, HC On 28 November 2012, the Committee took evidence from: 377 Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas, The Wildlife Trusts; Alec Taylor, Marine Policy Officer, RSPB; and Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, Senior Policy Proposed merger of the British Antarctic Survey and National Officer, Marine Conservation Society. Oceanography Centre On 5 December 2012, the Committee took evidence from: Phil On 31 October 2012, the Committee published its Sixth Report Durrant, Managing Director, Gardline Environmental Limited of Session 2012-13, Proposed merger of the British Antarctic Survey (representing the North Sea Marine Cluster); Professor Ralph Rayner, and National Oceanography Centre, HC 699 Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST); Regulation of Medical Implants and Richard Burt, Chair, Association of Marine Scientific Industries On 1 November 2012, the Committee published its Fourth (AMSI) Council. The Committee also heard from: Dr Phillip Report of Session 2012-13, Regulation of medical implants in the Williamson, Science Coordinator, UK Ocean Acidification Research EU and UK, HC 1163 Programme; Professor Jonathan Sharples, Research Centre for Marine Sciences and Climate Change, Liverpool University; and GOVERNMENT RESPONSES Stephen Dye, Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP). Government Response to the Science and Technology On 12 December 2012, the Committee took evidence from: Committee report ‘Devil’s bargain? Energy risks and the public’ Professor Alan Rodger, Interim Director, British Antarctic Survey; and On 1 November 2012, the Committee published the Professor Ed Hill, Director, National Oceanography Centre. Government Response to the Committee’s Report on Devil’s On 20 December 2012, the Committee took evidence from: Dr bargain? Energy risks and the public, HC 677. Matthew Frost, Deputy Director, Policy and Knowledge Exchange, Government Response to the Science and Technology Marine Biological Association; and Professor Stephen de Mora, Chief Committee report ‘Regulation of medical implants in the EU and Executive, Plymouth Marine Laboratory. UK’ The Committee held further oral evidence sessions on 9 and 16 On 18 December 2012, the Department of Health published the January 2013. The written and oral evidence received in this inquiry Government’s Response to the Committee’s Report on Regulation of is on the Committee’s website. medical implants in the EU and UK, Cm 8496. Proposed merger of the British Antarctic Survey and National FURTHER INFORMATION Oceanography Centre On 31 October 2012, the Committee took evidence from: Rt Further information about the work of the Science and Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science; Technology Committee or its current inquiries can be obtained from Professor Ed Hill, Interim Director of British Antarctic Survey and the Clerk of the Committee, Stephen McGinness, or from the Senior Director of National Oceanography Centre; Edmund Wallis, Committee Assistant, Darren Hackett, on 020 7219 2792/2793 Chairman, and Professor Duncan Wingham, Chief Executive, Natural respectively; or by writing to: The Clerk of the Committee, Science Environment Research Council. and Technology Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Enquiries can also be e-mailed to The written and oral evidence received in this inquiry is on the [email protected]. Anyone wishing to be included on the Committee’s website. A Report was published on 31 October 2012. Committee’s mailing list should contact the staff of the Committee. Forensic Science Services (FSS) follow-up Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee is strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the guidance note first. Guidance On 22 November 2012, the Committee announced an inquiry: on the submission of evidence can be found at FSS Follow-up. The Committee invited written submissions by 10 www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm. The Committee January 2013. The Committee expects to hold oral evidence has a website, www.parliament.uk/science, where all recent sessions in 2013. publications, terms of reference for all inquiries and press notices are Clinical Trials available. On 13 December 2012, the Committee announced an inquiry:

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HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION

Scientists and other staff in the RECENT PUBLICATIONS housing planning obligations; postponement of a Science and Environment Section planned revaluation of business rates; and on the provide confidential, bespoke Energy Bill briefing to Members and their proposed new employment status of employee- Research Paper 12/79 offices on a daily basis. They also owner. provide support to Commons The Energy Bill 2012 seeks to implement Select Committees, and produce Some substantive Government amendments longer notes and research papers ‘electricity market reform’. The aims of this are for were made to the Bill on clause 5, the which can be accessed on line at ‘secure, clean and affordable’ energy supplies. http://www.parliament.uk/topics/to modification or discharge of affordable housing The Bill introduces a new system of support for pical-issues.htm requirements. Two new clauses were added by low-carbon generation, called ‘Contracts for Opposite are summaries of some the Government to the Bill: new clause 3 to Difference’ which will encompass nuclear as well recently updated published remove the requirement for Planning Act 2008 briefings. as renewable generation. It allows for other consent and certification that currently needs to measures to reform the electricity market, such as For further information contact Dr be acquired alongside development consent; and capacity auctions, and measures to support Patsy Richards Head of Section Tel: new clause 14 on prior approvals related to 020 7219 1665; email: routes to market for independent generators [email protected] permitted development right change of use. The should such powers be needed. However, it does Government also made a number of technical not include all of the recommendations made by amendments. the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee following its pre-legislative scrutiny of Scrap Metal Dealers Bill: Committee Stage the draft Bill. The Committee also said that Report certainty and stability were needed urgently for Research Paper 12/66 investors, but several consultations associated The Bill, which has Government support, is a with measures in the Bill are on-going. Private Member’s Bill sponsored by Richard Ottaway. It would introduce additional regulatory Other provisions in the Bill include placing the controls on scrap metal dealers in order to Office for Nuclear Regulation on a statutory reduce the opportunities for thieves to sell stolen footing, allowing for the sale of the Government material. Pipeline and Storage System, and ‘consumer redress’ powers, allowing Ofgem to require A number of amendments were made to the energy companies to pay compensation to Bill in Committee. Government amendments consumers. included: changes to the definition of scrap metal to include platinum; the removal of a national cap Growth and Infrastructure Bill on scrap metal dealer licence application fees; Research Paper 12/61 and provisions for a defence against certain Growth and Infrastructure Bill: Committee offences where all reasonable steps had been Stage Report Research Paper 12/78 taken. The Opposition amended the Bill to The Bill seeks to reduce delays in the planning require scrap metal dealers to keep records for system through various means, and to make it three years, rather than two. easier for new developments to be built. To Ash dieback disease: Chalara fraxinea promote development, the Bill would allow for SN/SC/6498 planning obligations (section 106 agreements) relating to affordable housing to be renegotiated Chalara fraxinea is a fungus which is causing a to make a development economically viable. To serious disease known as ash dieback. The promote economic growth, it makes provision for infection causes wilting leaves and crown die a planned revaluation of business rates in back and it usually leads to tree death. The ash England to be postponed and to create a new tree is one of Britain’s few native tree species and employment status of employee-owner. has important conservation value. There are approximately 80 million ash trees in the UK Significant areas of debate at Committee Stage representing 5% of Britain's woodland cover. included: proposals to allow applications for Ash dieback was confirmed in the UK in planning permission to go direct to the Planning February 2012 and a ban on imports introduced Inspectorate; the renegotiation of affordable

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on 29 October 2012 after a voluntary moratorium by the industry. Food Prices and Affordability SN/SC/6436 The Horticultural Trades Association had asked for a ban back in Food commodity prices have hit historic peaks in the last few 2009, having seen the impact of the disease in Denmark. Much of years. There have been three big price spikes in the last five years the immediate debate on the issue therefore focused on how the suggesting a trend in rising prices. Most commentators are now UK Government reacted to these warnings, and why it did not act speculating that it is the end of the cheap food era, although falling sooner to ban imports. prices at the end of 2012 eased food crisis fears.

Now that the disease has been confirmed in established trees in A number of factors have come together to bring about the the UK, the focus has shifted to informing and developing action recent price spikes but their contribution is variable and the relative plans to deal with the disease. In addition, a Tree Health and Plant impact of each factor is hard to determine. They relate to Biosecurity Taskforce has been established to review the UK's unfavourable conditions in some major producing countries leading strategic approach to tree health and biosecurity. Its report is due in to less than expected harvests, against the background of growth of Spring 2013. It published an interim report on 6 December 2012 demand. In addition, export barriers have added uncertainty and along with Defra’s Interim Chalara Control Plan. driven prices for wheat higher.

The current approach is to slow the spread of the disease and In the UK, all foods have risen in price since 2007 with to minimise its impact to gain time to find trees with genetic processed foods and fruit showing the biggest increases. Charities resistance and to restructure our woodlands to make them more reported a 100% increase in the use of food banks in 2012. The resilient. UK response is to work at international level, with the G8 and G20, Underground power lines and health SN/SC/6453 to address price volatility and to discourage inappropriate reactions to market events such as the use of export bans. At domestic level, Power lines give rise to electric and magnetic fields which fall off the Government has said that it is “highly attuned” to the need to with distance. Burying power lines underground effectively shields increase high-quality food production to ameliorate the impacts of the electric fields but less so the magnetic. It is the latter which high food prices. have given rise to health concerns. Current exposure restrictions are based on limiting the electrical currents that time-varying magnetic A 2011 Foresight report on food and farming noted the fields induce in the brain. difficulties of formulating a response to food price volatility without distorting markets. It suggested that food affordability issues were Epidemiological studies have suggested that exposure to best dealt with by creating safety nets for those most impacted. magnetic fields could increase the risk of contracting childhood leukaemia. However, a biological mechanism has not been ACTIVITIES established. The evidence for a carcinogenic effect is still too weak Visit to Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to influence exposure restrictions recommended by the Health Protection Agency. These in turn follow the advice of the In September 2012 two specialists from the section spent a day International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire to learn more about the major scientific research facilities. They met a number of There are sometimes aesthetic and practical reasons for scientists and were given a tour of the facilities. The day culminated replacing overhead power lines by underground ones. However, with a discussion on science and science policy with Dr Andrew undergrounding power lines in response to health concerns would Taylor, Executive Director of STFC National Laboratories. be a precautionary measure. Presentations Export of Live Animals within the European Union SN/SC/6504 Staff members addressed various groups of visitors to Parliament The transport and export of live animals within the European during Autumn 2012, including scientists undertaking the Royal Union is regulated by Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005 on the Society pairing scheme and Industry and Parliament Trust fellows. protection of animals during transport. This sets out a series of They also made a Library presentation alongside Department of measures, including requirements for transporters to be authorised, Energy and Climate Change (DECC) officials on smart meters. This vehicle and container requirements, limits to time in transit and was accompanied by a practical demonstration of smart metering requirements for authorised rest stops. by industry representatives and DECC in the Portcullis House Atrium In the UK the Regulation is implemented through the Welfare of on 5 December, which the Library organised. Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006. The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency is responsible for carrying out inspections of animals at point of loading and at ports. Trading Standards also has powers to inspect animals during transport, and is responsible for carrying out any prosecutions under the regulations.

Within the EU, Ireland received by far the largest number of exported live animals from the UK in 2012, mainly sheep. Cattle are the second largest export, the two main destinations being Spain and Ireland.

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PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST)

RECENT POST PUBLICATIONS CURRENT WORK Mental Health and the Workplace Biological Sciences – Review of Stem Cell Research, HIV – November 2012 POSTnote 422 Developments in Prevention and Detection, Managing Online Identity, Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility, Preventing Poor mental health in the workplace is detrimental to individuals Mitochondrial Disease, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from and businesses. This note summarises how the workplace affects Livestock. mental health and vice versa. It describes the barriers to gaining and retaining employment and looks at ways of tackling mental health Environment and Energy – Biodiversity and Planning Decisions, in the workplace and through healthcare services. Non-native Invasive Plant Species and Schedule 9, Environmental Impacts of Tidal Barrages, Selection of Marine Conservation Zones, Machine-to-Machine Communication Intermittent Electricity Generation. December 2012 POSTnote 423 Physical sciences and IT – Opening Up Public Sector Data, Machine to machine (M2M) communication will allow the Accessing Public Transport connection of billions of ‘smart’ devices and enable new ways of living and working. This note examines the potential of M2M, the Science Policy – STEM Education for 14-19 years old common infrastructure that underlies many applications and the Science, Technology and the Developing World – Uncertainty in technological barriers to implementation. Population Projections. Plant Made Pharmaceuticals December 2012 POSTnote 424

The use of genetically modified (GM) plants to produce CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines is an emerging technology that Valuing Resources: The Science and Economics of Recycling offers a low-cost, large-scale alternative to current methods. This On 15th January, POST and the Associate Parliamentary note looks at recent advances in, and the benefits of, the Sustainable Resource Group hosted an event to discuss the technology, and analyses the associated biosafety and regulatory significant challenges remaining in exploiting the economic value of issues. the materials in used products and packaging, particularly where Maximising the Value of Recycled Materials several different materials are mixed together. This event gave January 2013 POSTnote 425 parliamentarians and their staff together with other invited guests Recycled materials are increasingly attractive as a source of raw the opportunity to hear from experts in recycling and product material, due to insecure supplies of primary resources. This note design on the challenges in generating a high quality of product provides an overview of the way materials are recycled in the UK from recycled materials, and the potential value that could be and how their economic value can be exploited. It examines the captured from waste. They also had the chance to view exhibits challenges faced by the sector and the policy initiatives aimed at and network with representatives from charities, academia, overcoming them, including the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) government and industry. Speakers included Chris Dow, Chief Code of Practice currently in consultation. Executive Officer, Closed Loop Recycling; Marcus Gover, Director of Closed Loop Economy, WRAP, Nat Hunter, Co-Director of Design, Residential Heat Pumps The RSA; Ian Hetherington, Director General, British Metals January 2013 POSTnote 426 Recycling Association.

Heat pumps capture ambient heat from the air or the ground A Seeping Canker? Tree Disease Biosecurity and transfer it inside a building. They provide an efficient alternative On 28th November, POST and the Parliamentary and Scientific to conventional methods of heating, such as boilers. This note Committee organised a seminar to discuss the growing threat to describes heat pumps for residential buildings and the constraints plant biosecurity from the expansion of international trade and to their uptake in the UK. travel and transport of live trees and timber products. This event Biodiversity in UK Overseas Territories gave parliamentarians and their staff together with other invited January 2013 POSTnote 427 guests the opportunity to hear from experts:

The UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) support a diverse variety of • what will be the impacts of tree disease epidemics on urban habitats ranging from ice fields and rocky islands to coral reef atolls and rural constituencies and tropical forests. This note summarises the challenges to • how an integrated approach to managing tree biosecurity could biodiversity conservation in OTs required under international be developed agreements.

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• look at developments in the recent science behind the Council England, King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ pathology and control of tree disease Charity.

• the opportunities for reforming EU and International plant The Third Industrial Revolution: Industrial policy and disruptive health regulatory frameworks to address future risks. technologies

This meeting, chaired by Lord Clark of Windermere, heard from On 11th September, POST and the Associate Parliamentary Dr Joan Webber, Principal Pathologist and Head of Tree Health Manufacturing Group hosted a seminar to discuss the relationship Research Group; Martin Ward, Chair of European and between Government policy and cutting-edge technologies that are Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation, Head of Plant Health soon to change the face of manufacturing in the UK. Much UK Policy, The Food and Environment Research Agency; Hillary Allison, manufacturing is now characterised by innovation: the use of Director of Policy, Woodland Trust and Dr Steve Woodward, Co- cutting-edge technologies, ultra-modern and efficient processes, and ordinator of the EU ISEFOR project (Increasing Sustainability of new kinds of business models that give companies competitive European Forests: Modelling for Security Against Invasive Pests and advantage and help bring growth to the wider economy. On the Pathogens under Climate Change), Institute of Biological and immediate horizon are a number of technologies that are set to Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen change the face of UK manufacturing for good and will fundamentally change the kinds of supportive policy landscapes Foresight Project on the Future of Computer Trading in the that Government needs to provide for industry. This meeting was Financial Markets - an International Perspective an opportunity for parliamentarians to discuss what these On 23rd October, POST hosted the Government Office for technologies are, how they are applicable across sectors, and Science parliamentary launch of the most recent foresight project. question whether or not Government policy is keeping up with the There is increasing debate over whether computer trading helps or pace of change in industry. Guests heard from Fergus Harradence, hinders financial markets, but scientific analysis has been thin on Deputy Director of Innovation Policy, BIS; Clive Hickman, Chief the ground. Drawing on input from 150 academics in over 20 Executive, Manufacturing Technology Centre; Richard Hague, countries, the Foresight report is the most comprehensive study of Director, EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive its kind. The report also assessed the costs and benefits of EU Manufacturing and Phil Goodier, CEO, Plaxica Limited. policies related to computer trading, as the EU revises the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) which sets out how financial markets are regulated. This was to provide a more STAFF, FELLOWS AND INTERNS AT POST informed platform for understanding policy implications and for developing possible responses. This meeting, chaired by Professor Conventional Fellows Sir John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser, was an Ian Passmore, Cambridge University, Biotechnology and Biological opportunity for parliamentarians to discuss the project’s final Sciences Research Council conclusions and options for policy in the UK and internationally with key experts from the project. Invited guests heard presentations Laura Harrison, Leeds University, Natural Environment Research from Dr Jean Pierre Zigrand, Reader in Finance, London School of Council Economics; Professor Oliver Linton, Chair of Political Economy, Lisette Sibbons, University of Hertfordshire, Science and Technology Cambridge University and Professor Dave Cliff, Professor of Facilities Council Computer Science, University of Bristol. Kathryn Wills, University of Bath, Engineering and Physical Sciences Breathe Research Council On 16th October, POST and the Environmental Audit Committee James Lawrence, University College London, Institution of Chemical hosted an event on the effects and artistic depiction of invisible air Engineers/Ashok Kumar Fellowship pollution. Famously, artists, including Monet and Turner, have painted the effects of air pollution over the Thames. In this event, Tessa De Roo, University of Cambridge, Arts and Humanities chaired by Joan Walley, MP, Chair of the EAC, internationally Research Council acclaimed artist Dryden Goodwin explored his new work entitled Victoria Charlton, Imperial College MSc Course on Science Breathe, a large scale video projection on the roof of St Thomas’ Communication Hospital, opposite the House of Commons. The Breathe video projection took place at night during 8th to 28th October 2012. Daniel Amund, London Metropolitan University, Institute of Food Goodwin’s scientific collaborator, Professor Frank Kelly, King’s Science and Technology College London, who chairs COMEAP, the Government medical Alexandra Ferguson, Imperial College, Royal Society of Chemistry advisory committee on air pollutants, discussed the effects of air pollution on children’s health. Professor Kelly leads the EXHALE Staff study which is investigating the implications of the Low Emission Dr Aaron Goater, previously working at the British Geological Survey, Zone on the lung health of 8 year olds in East London, funded by joined POST as Energy Adviser the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London. Turner Updated is part of Invisible Breath a project exploring air pollution and breathing by Invisible Dust supported by The Wellcome Trust, Arts

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SCIENCE DIRECTORY THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS HAVE ENTRIES IN THE SCIENCE DIRECTORY:

The Academy of Medical Sciences EngineeringUK Met Office Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Association of the British Pharmaceutical The Food and Environment Research Agency MSD The Welding Institute Industry GAMBICA Association Ltd National Physical Laboratory AIRTO The Geological Society Natural History Museum Research Councils UK AMPS Institute of Food Science & Technology NEF: The Innovation Institute Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Biochemical Society Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Nesta Research Council (BBSRC) The British Ecological Society Technology (IMarEST) The Nutrition Society Economic and Social Research Council British In Vitro Diagnostics Association The Institute of Measurement & Control PHARMAQ Ltd (ESRC) (BIVDA) Institute of Physics The Physiological Society Engineering and Physical Sciences Research British Nutrition Foundation Institute of Physics and Engineering in Prospect Council (EPSRC) British Pharmacological Society Medicine The Royal Academy of Engineering Medical Research Council (MRC0 British Psychological Society Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Natural Environment Research Council British Science Association Institution of Civil Engineers The Royal Institution (NERC) British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Institution of Engineering Designers The Royal Society Science and Technology Facilities Council British Society for Immunology The Institution of Engineering and Technology The Royal Society of Chemistry (STFC) Cavendish Laboratory Institution of Mechanical Engineers Society for Applied Microbiology Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys LGC Society for General Microbiology Clifton Scientific Trust The Linnean Society Society of Biology The Council for the Mathematical Sciences L'Oréal Society of Cosmetic Scientists Eli Lilly and Company Ltd Marine Biological Association Society of Maritime Industries

Association AIRTO of the British Contact: Professor Richard Brook OBE FREng Pharmaceutical AIRTO Ltd: Association of Independent Contact: Dr Helen Munn, Industry Research & Technology Organisations Limited Executive Director c/o The National Physical Laboratory Contact: Dr Louise Leong Academy of Medical Sciences Hampton Road Head of Research & Development 41 Portland Place Teddington 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London W1B 1QH Middlesex TW11 0LW London SW1E 6QT Tel: 020 3176 2150 Tel: 020 8943 6600 Tel: 020 7747 7193 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7747 1447 Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk Website: www.airto.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.abpi.org.uk AIRTO – The Association for Independent Research and Technology Organisations – is the foremost The Academy of Medical Sciences is the The ABPI is the voice of the innovative pharmaceutical membership body for organisations operating in the independent body in the UK representing the industry, working with Government, regulators and other UK’s intermediate research and technology sector. stakeholders to promote a receptive environment for a diversity of medical science. Our mission is to AIRTO’s members deliver vital innovation and strong and progressive industry in the UK, one capable of knowledge transfer services which include applied and promote medical science and its translation into providing the best medicines to patients. collaborative R&D, frequently in conjunction with benefits for society. The Academy’s elected Fellows The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical universities, consultancy, technology validation and industry operating in the UK in a way that: are the United Kingdom’s leading medical scientists testing, incubation of commercialisation opportunities • assures patient access to the best available medicine; and early stage financing. AIRTO members have a from hospitals, academia, industry and the public • creates a favourable political and economic environment; combined turnover of over £2Bn from clients both at service. • encourages innovative research and development; home and outside the UK, and employ over 20,000 • affords fair commercial returns scientists, technologists and engineers.

AMPS The British Ecological Contact: Tony Harding Contact: Kate Baillie, CEO Society Biochemical Society 07895 162 896 for all queries whether for The British Ecological Society membership or assistance. Charles Darwin House 12 Roger Street Contact: Ceri Margerison, Policy Manager Branch Office Address: British Ecological Society Merchant Quay, London WC1N 2JU Tel: 020 7685 2433 Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, Salford Quays, London, WC1N 2JU Salford Email: [email protected] Website: www.biochemistry.org Email: [email protected] M50 3SG. Tel: 020 7685 2500 Fax : 020 7685 2501 The Biochemical Society exists to promote and Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org Website: www.amps-tradeunion.com support the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. We Ecology into Policy Blog have over 6000 members in the UK and abroad, http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/ We are a Trades Union for Management and mostly research bioscientists in universities or in Twitter: @BESPolicy Professional Staff working in the pharmaceutical, industry. The Society is also a major scientific chemical and allied industries. publisher. In addition, we promote science policy The British Ecological Society’s mission is to advance We also have a section for Professional Divers working ecology and make it count. The Society has 4,000 debate and provide resources, for teachers and members worldwide. The BES publishes five globally. We represent a broad base of both office and pupils, to support the bioscience curriculum in field based staff and use our influence to improve internationally renowned scientific journals and organises the largest scientific meeting for ecologists in working conditions on behalf of our members. schools. Our membership supports our mission by organizing scientific meetings, sustaining our Europe. Through its grants, the BES also supports We are experts in performance based and field related publications through authorship and peer review ecologists in developing countries and the provision of issues and are affiliated to our counterparts in EU fieldwork in schools. The BES informs and advises Professional Management Unions. and by supporting our educational and policy Parliament and Government on ecological issues and initiatives. welcomes requests for assistance from parliamentarians.

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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 British In Vitro Diagnostics Association 15-19 Kingsway 16 Angel Gate, City Road (BIVDA), 1 Queen Anne’s Gate, London WC2B 6UN London EC1V 2PT London SW1H 9BT Tel: +44(0) 20 7557 7930 Tel: : 020 7417 0110 Tel: 020 7957 4633 Email: [email protected] Fax: 020 7417 0114 Fax: 020 7957 4644 Email: [email protected] Websites: www.nutrition.org.uk Website: www.bps.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] www.foodafactoflife.org.uk Website: www.bivda.co.uk The British Pharmacological Society has been supporting pharmacology and pharmacologists for BIVDA is the UK industry association representing The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) was over 80 years. Our 3,000+ members, from companies who manufacture and/or distribute the established over 40 years ago and exists to deliver academia, industry and clinical practice, are trained diagnostics tests and equipment to diagnose, authoritative, evidence-based information on food to study drug action from the laboratory bench to monitor and manage disease largely through the the patient’s bedside. Our aim is to improve quality NHS pathology services. Increasingly diagnostics are and nutrition in the context of health and lifestyle. of life by developing new medicines to treat and used outside the laboratory in community settings The Foundation’s work is conducted and prevent the diseases and conditions that affect and also to identify those patients who would millions of people and animals. Inquiries about benefit from specific drug treatment particularly for communicated through a unique blend of drugs and how they work are welcome. cancer. nutrition science, education and media activities.

British Science The Association British Contact: Sir Roland Jackson Bt, Psychological Chief Executive Contact: Judith Willetts, CEO British Science Association, Vintage House Society Wellcome Wolfson Building, 165 Queen’s Gate, 37 Albert Embankment London SW7 5HD. London SE1 7TL. Contact: Tanja Siggs E-mail: Tel: 020 3031 9800 Policy Advisor - Legislation [email protected] Fax: 020 7582 2882 The British Psychological Society Website: www.britishscienceassociation.org E-mail: [email protected] St Andrews House Imran Khan will be Chief Executive from 2.4.13 Website: www.immunology.org 48 Princess Road East Leicester LE1 7DR Our vision is a society in which people are able to access The BSI is one of the oldest, largest and most active Tel: 0116 252 9526 science, engage with it and feel a sense of ownership immunology societies in the world. We have over Email: [email protected] about its direction. In such a society science advances 4,000 members who work in all areas of Website: www.bps.org.uk with, and because of, the involvement and active support immunology, including research and clinical of the public. practice. The British Psychological Society is an organisation Established in 1831, the British Science Association is a The BSI runs major scientific meetings, education of over 48,000 members governed by Royal registered charity which organises major initiatives across programmes and events for all ages. We Charter. It maintains the Register of Chartered the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, disseminate top quality scientific research through Psychologists, publishes books, 11 primary science the British Science Festival, programmes of regional and our journals and meetings and we are committed to local events and the CREST programme for young people Journals and organises conferences. Requests for bringing the wonders and achievements of in schools and colleges. We provide opportunities for all information about psychology and psychologists immunology to as many audiences as possible. from parliamentarians are very welcome. ages to discuss, investigate, explore and challenge science.

British Society Cavendish Chartered for Antimicrobial Laboratory Institute of Chemotherapy The Administrative Secretary, The Cavendish Laboratory, Patent Attorneys Mrs Tracey Guise J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Contact: Lee Davies – Chief Executive E-mail: [email protected] Executive Director The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT Griffin House The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics Tel: 020 7405 9450 53 Regent Place of the University of Cambridge. Fax: 020 7430 0471 Birmingham B1 3NJ The research programme covers the breadth of E-mail: [email protected] T: 0121 236 1988 contemporary physics Website: www.cipa.org.uk W: www.bsac.org.uk Extreme Universe: Astrophysics, cosmology and high CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, Founded in 1971, and with 800 members energy physics especially patents, trade marks, designs, and worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the Quantum Universe: Cold atoms, condensed matter theory, copyright, either in private partnerships or industrial acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in the scientific computing, quantum matter and semiconductor companies. Through its new regulatory Board, CIPA field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The BSAC physics maintains the statutory Register. It advises publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial Materials Universe: Optoelectronics, nanophotonics, government and international circles on policy Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for detector physics, thin film magnetism, surface physics and its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of the Winton programme for the physics of sustainability issues and provides information services, promoting educational activities, awards grants for research Biological Universe: Physics of medicine, biological the benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP and has active relationships with its peer groups systems and soft matter protection, and to overseas industry of using British and government. The Laboratory has world-wide collaborations with other attorneys to obtain international protection. universities and industry

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Clifton The Council Eli Lilly and Scientific for the Company Trust Mathematical Sciences Ltd Contact: Dr Eric Albone Contact: Lindsay Walsh Contact: Thom Thorp, Senior Director, Clifton Scientific Trust De Morgan House Corporate Affairs 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA 57-58 Russell Square Tel: 01256 315000 Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 London WC1B 4HS Fax: 01256 775858 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7637 3686 Eli Lilly and Company Ltd, Lilly House Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Fax: 020 7323 3655 Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hants, Email: [email protected] RG24 9NL Email. [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, Website: www.cms.ac.uk Science for Life, Science for Real Website: www.lilly.co.uk

We build grass-roots partnerships between school and The Council for the Mathematical Sciences is an Lilly UK is the UK affiliate of a major American the wider world of professional science and its authoritative and objective body that works to develop, pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company applications influence and respond to UK policy issues affecting of Indianapolis. This affiliate is one of the UK’s top • for young people of all ages and abilities mathematical sciences in higher education and pharmaceutical companies with significant research, and therefore the UK economy and society by: • experiencing science as a creative, questioning, investment in science and technology including a • providing expert advice; human activity neuroscience research and development centre and • engaging with government, funding agencies and bulk biotechnology manufacturing operations. • bringing school science added meaning and other decision makers; notivation, from primary to post-16 • raising public awareness; and Lilly medicines treat schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, • locally, nationally, internationally • facilitating communication between the osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity (currently between Britain and Japan) mathematical sciences community and other disorder, erectile dysfunction, depression, bipolar Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 stakeholders disorder, heart disease and many other diseases.

The Food and GAMBICA Environment Association Ltd Research Agency

Contact: Miriam Laverick Contact: Professor Robert Edwards Contact: Dr Graeme Philp PR and Communications Manager Chief Scientist Broadwall House EngineeringUK The Food and Environment Research Agency 21 Broadwall Weston House, 246 High Holborn Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ London SE1 9PL London WC1V 7EX Tel: 01904 462415 Tel: 020 7642 8080 Tel: 020 3206 0444 Fax: 01904 462486 Fax: 020 7642 8096 Fax: 020 3206 0401 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.defra.gov.uk/fera Website: www.gambica.org.uk Website: www.EngineeringUK.com The Food and Environment Research Agency’s over EngineeringUK is an independent organisation that GAMBICA Association is the UK trade association arching purpose is to support and develop a for instrumentation, control, automation and promotes the vital role of engineers, engineering sustainable food chain, a healthy natural laboratory technology. The association seeks to and technology in our society. EngineeringUK environment, and to protect the global community promote the successful development of the industry partners business and industry, Government and the from biological and chemical risks. and assist its member companies through a broad wider science and technology community: range of services, including technical policy and producing evidence on the state of engineering; Our role within that is to provide robust evidence, standards, commercial issues, market data and sharing knowledge within engineering, and rigorous analysis and professional advice to export services. inspiring young people to choose a career in Government, international organisations and the engineering, matching employers’ demand for private sector. skills.

The Institute of Food Institute of Geological Science & Marine Engineering, Science and Society Technology Technology (IMarEST) Contact: Angela Winchester Contact: Nic Bilham 5 Cambridge Court Contact: John Wills Head of Strategy and External Relations 210 Shepherds Bush Road Institute of Marine Engineering, Science Burlington House London W6 7NJ and Technology (IMarEST), Aldgate House, Piccadilly Tel: 020 7603 6316 33 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1EN London W1J 0BG Fax: 020 7602 9936 Tel: +44(0) 20 7382 2600 Tel: 020 7434 9944 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44(0) 20 7382 2667 Fax: 020 7439 8975 Website: www.ifst.org E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.imarest.org Website: www.geolsoc.org.uk IFST is the independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe. Membership is drawn from Established in London in 1889, the IMarEST is a The Geological Society is the national learned and all over the world from backgrounds including leading international membership body and learned professional body for Earth sciences, with 10,000 industry, universities, government, research and society for marine professionals, with over 15,000 Fellows (members) worldwide. The Fellowship development and food law enforcement. members worldwide. The IMarEST has an extensive encompasses those working in industry, academia IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge marine network of 50 international branches, and government, with a wide range of perspectives affiliations with major marine societies around the and views on policy-relevant science, and the relating to food science and technology and promoting its application. Another important world, representation on the key marine technical Society is a leading communicator of this science to committees and non-governmental status at the government bodies and other non-technical element of our work is to promote and uphold standards amongst food professionals. International Maritime Organization (IMO) as well audiences. as other intergovernmental organisations.

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The Institute of Institute of Measurement Physics and and Control Contact: Joseph Winters 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Engineering Contact: Mr Peter Martindale, Tel: 020 7470 4815 CEO and Secretary E-mail: [email protected] in Medicine The Institute of Measurement and Control Website: www.iop.org Contact: Rosemary Cook CBE (CEO) 87 Gower Street, London WC1E 6AF Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, Tel: +44 (0) 20 73874949 The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific York, YO24 1ES Fax: +44 (0) 20 73888431 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 E-mail: [email protected] society. We are a charitable organisation with a E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.instmc.org.uk worldwide membership of more than 45,000, Website: www.ipem.ac.uk Reg Charity number: 269815 working together to advance physics education, IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the The Institute of Measurement and Control provides a research and application. advancement, in the public interest, of physics and forum for personal contact amongst practiioners, engineering applied to medicine and biology. It publishes learned papers and is a professional We engage with policymakers and the general accredits medical physicists, clinical engineers and examining and qualifying organisation able to confer clinical technologists through its membership register, the titles EurIng, CEng, IEng, EngTech; Companies and public to develop awareness and understanding organises training and CPD for them, and provides Universities may apply to become Companions. of the value of physics and, through IOP opportunities for the dissemination of knowledge through publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is Headquartered in London, the Institute has a strong Publishing, we are world leaders in professional regional base with 15 UK, 1 Hong Kong and 1 Malaysia licensed by the Science Council to award CSci, RSci and Local Section, a bilateral agreement with the China scientific communications. Visit us at RSciTech, and by the Engineering Council to award Instrument Society and other major international links. www.iop.org. CEng, IEng and EngTech.

ADVANCING CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Institution Institution of WORLDWIDE of Civil Engineering The Institution of Chemical Engineers Engineers Designers Contact: Joanna Gonet, With over 35,000 members in 120 Public Affairs Manager, Contact: Libby Brodhurst countries, IChemE is the global One Great George Street, Westminster, Courtleigh membership organisation for London SW1P 3AA, UK Westbury Leigh chemical engineers. A not for profit Tel: 020 7665 2123 Westbury organisation, we serve the public E-mail: [email protected] Wiltshire BA13 3TA Website: www.ice.org.uk Tel: 01373 822801 interest by building and sustaining Fax: 01373 858085 an active professional community The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is an independent, E-mail: [email protected] and promoting the development, charitable body, representing over 80,000 professional civil Website: www.ied.org.uk engineers around the world. Our vision is to place civil understanding and application of engineering at the heart of society, delivering sustainable chemical engineering worldwide. development through knowledge, skills and professional The only professional membership body solely for expertise. those working in engineering and technological Established in 1818, the ICE is recognised worldwide for its product design. Engineering Council and Chartered Alana Collis, Technical policy officer excellence as a centre of learning, as a qualifying body and as a Environmentalist registration for suitably qualified +44 (0) 1788 534459 public voice for the profession. Our members design, build and members. Membership includes experts on a wide maintain the infrastructure that keeps our country running. [email protected] range of engineering and product design Under our Royal Charter, we have an obligation to provide www.icheme.org independent expert advice on infrastructure issues, and we are disciplines, all of whom practise, manage or seen by Government and industry alike as the independent voice educate in design. Kuala Lumpur | London | Melbourne | Rugby | Shanghai | Wellington of infrastructure.

Institution of LGC Mechanical Queens Road, Teddington Engineers Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Kate Heywood Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Contact: Paul Davies 1 Birdcage Walk E-mail: [email protected] IET, London SW1H 9JJ Website: www.lgcgroup.com Michael Faraday House, Tel: 020 7973 1293 Six Hills Way, LGC is an international science-based company and E-mail: [email protected] market leader in the provision of analytical, forensic Stevenage, Website: www.imeche.org SG1 2AY and diagnostic services and reference standards to Tel: +44(0) 1438 765687 customers in the public and private sectors. Email: [email protected] Under the Government Chemist function, LGC Web: www.theiet.org The Institution provides politicians and civil servants fulfils specific statutory duties as the referee analyst and provides advice for Government and the wider with information, expertise and advice on a diverse analytical community on the implications of The IET is a world leading professional organisation, range of subjects, focusing on manufacturing, analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards sharing and advancing knowledge to promote energy, environment, transport and education and regulation. LGC is also the UK’s designated science, engineering and technology across the policy. We regularly publish policy statements and National Measurement Institute for chemical and biochemical analysis. world. Dating back to 1871, the IET has 150,000 host political briefings and policy events to establish members in 127 countries with offices in Europe, With headquarters in Teddington, South West a working relationship between the engineering London, LGC has 36 laboratories and centres across North America, and Asia-Pacific. profession and parliament. Europe and at sites in China, Brazil, India and the US.

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Marine Biological Association

Contact: Dr Elizabeth Rollinson, Contact: Julie McManus Contact: Dr Matthew Frost Executive Secretary 255 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8AZ Marine Biological Association, The The Linnean Society of London Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB Burlington House, Piccadilly, Tel: 020 8762 4489 Tel: 07848028388 London W1J 0BF E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01752 633102 Tel: 020 7434 4479 ext 12 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.loreal.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: mba.ac.uk Website: www.linnean.org For over 125 years the Marine Biological The Linnean Society of London is a professional L’Oréal employs more than 3,500 scientists Association has been delivering its mission ‘to learned body which promotes natural history in all around the world and dedicates over 500 promote scientific research into all aspects of life in its branches, and was founded in 1788. The Society the sea, including the environment on which it is particularly active in the areas of biodiversity, million euros each year to research and conservation and sustainability, supporting its innovation in the field of healthy skin and hair. depends, and to disseminate to the public the knowledge gained.’ The MBA has extensive mission through organising open scientific The company collaborates with a vast number meetings and publishing peer-reviewed journals, as research and knowledge exchange programmes well as undertaking educational initiatives. The of institutions in the UK and globally. and a long history of providing evidence to support Society’s Fellows have a considerable range of policy. It represents its members in providing a clear biological expertise that can be harnessed to inform independent voice to government on behalf of the and advise on scientific and public policy issues. marine biological community. A Forum for Natural History

Met Office National Physical Contact: Rob Pinnock Laboratory Contact: John Harmer Licensing & External Research, Europe Met Office Hertford Road Contact: Fiona Auty 127 Clerkenwell Road Hoddesdon National Physical Laboratory London EC1R 5LP. Herts EN11 9BU Hampton Road, Teddington Tel: 020 7204 7469 Tel: 01992 452850 Middlesex TW11 0LW E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01992 441907 Tel: 020 8977 3222 Website: www.metoffice.gov.uk e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.npl.co.uk/contact-us www.merck.com The Met Office doesn’t just forecast the weather on The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the United television. Our forecasts and warnings protect UK MSD is a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., with Kingdom’s national measurement institute, an communities and infrastructure from severe internationally respected and independent centre of headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. weather and environmental hazards every day – excellence in research, development and they save lives and money. Our Climate Programme MSD is an innovative, global health care leader that knowledge transfer in measurement and materials delivers evidence to underpin Government policy. is committed to improving health and well-being science. For more than a century, NPL has Our Mobile Meteorological Unit supports the around the world. MSD discovers, develops, developed and maintained the nation’s primary measurement standards - the heart of an Armed Forces around the world. We build capacity manufactures, and markets vaccines, medicines, overseas in support of international development. infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, and consumer and animal health products designed All of this built on world-class environmental consistency and innovation in physical to help save and improve lives. science. measurement.

Natural NEF: The Nesta History Innovation

The Science of Nature Museum Institute Contact: Cordia Lewis Contact: Joe Baker Contact: Robyn Burriss Head of External Affairs and Events The Director’s Office Bective House, 10 Bective Place, London, 1 Plough Place Natural History Museum SW15 2PZ London EC4A 1DE Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Tel: 0208 786 3677 Tel: 020 7438 2697 Fax: 0208 271 3620 Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5478 Fax: 020 7438 2501 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)20 7942 5075 Website: www.thenef.org.uk Nesta is the UK’s innovation foundation with a mission to E-mail: [email protected] help people and organisations bring great ideas to life. Website: www.nhm.ac.uk The Innovation Institute is the leading provider of innovation and We do this by providing investments and grants and growth solutions to business, education and government. mobilising research, networks and skills. Through our strategic programmes we help our clients and We maintain and develop the collections we care for and Nesta doesn’t work alone. We rely on the strength of the stakeholders to: use them to promote the discovery, understanding, partnerships we form with other innovators, community responsible use and enjoyment of the natural world. I Achieve performance excellence organisations, educators and investors too. I Drive entrepreneurship We are part of the UK’s science base as a major science I Diversify products and markets We are an independent charity and our work is enabled infrastructure which is used by our scientists and others from I Develop innovative cultures by an endowment from the National Lottery. across the UK and the globe working together to enhance I Influence policy to stimulate innovation knowledge on the diversity of the natural world. Nesta Operating Company is a registered charity in Our charitable arm, the New Engineering Foundation, supports England and Wales with a company number 7706036 Our value to society is vested in our research responses to and charity number 1144091. Registered as a charity in challenges facing the natural world today, in engaging our vocational scientific and technical skills development at strategic visitors in the science of nature, in inspiring and training the level. In addition, our Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Scotland number SC042833. Registered office: 1 Plough next generation of scientists and in being a major cultural Exchange is a professional body and “do tank”, led by the Place, London, EC4A 1DE. tourist destination. Innovation Council to support the role of innovation in society. www.nesta.org.uk

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The Nutrition Society Contact: Frederick Wentworth-Bowyer, PHARMAQ Ltd Chief Executive, The Nutrition Society, 10 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road Contact: Dr Philip Wright London W6 7NJ Contact: Dr Benjamin P North Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0)20 7602 0228 PHARMAQ Ltd Fax: +44 (0)20 7602 1756 Hodgkin Huxley House Email: [email protected] Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Estate 30 Farringdon Lane www.nutritionsociety.org Fordingbridge London EC1R 3AW Hants SP6 1PA. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7269 5711 Founded in 1941, The Nutrition Society is the premier scientific body dedicated to advance the scientific study Tel: 01425 656081 E-mail: [email protected] of nutrition and its application to the maintenance of E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.physoc.org human and animal health. Website: www.pharmaq.no Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society The Physiological Society brings together over 3000 is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. PHARMAQ is the only global pharmaceutical company scientists from over 60 countries. Since its Membership is worldwide and is open to those with a with a primary focus on aquaculture. We provide foundation in 1876, our Members have made genuine interest in the science of human or animal environmentally sound, safe and efficacious health significant contributions to the understanding of nutrition. Principal activities include: products to the global aquaculture industry through biological systems and the treatment of disease. The 1. Disseminating scientific information through its targeted research and the commitment of dedicated Society promotes physiology with the public and programme of scientific meetings and publications people. Our product range includes vaccines, anaesthetics, Parliament alike, and actively engages with policy 2. Publishing internationally renowned scientific learned antibiotics, sea lice treatments and biocide disinfectants. makers. It supports physiologists by organising journals, and textbooks We also recently acquired a diagnostics company, world-class conferences and offering grants for 3. Promoting the education and training of nutritionists PHARMAQ Analytiq, which offers a range of diagnostics research. It also publishes the latest developments in 4. Engaging with external organisations and the public to services that help to safeguard fish welfare and improve the field in its two leading scientific journals, The promote good nutritional science productivity in the global aquaculture industry. Journal of Physiology and Experimental Physiology.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Prospect Contact: Director’s Office, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB Contact: Sue Ferns, Tel: 020 83325112 Director of Communications and Research, Fax: 020 83325109 New Prospect House Email: [email protected] Contact: Iffat Memon Website: www.kew.org 8 Leake St, London SE1 7NN Public Affairs Manager Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 The Royal Academy of Engineering RBG Kew is a centre of global scientific expertise in plant E-mail: [email protected] and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable use, 3 Carlton House Terrace housed in two world-class gardens. Kew is a non- www.prospect.org.uk London SW1Y 5DG departmental public body with exempt charitable status Tel: 020 7766 0653 and receives approximately half its funding from Prospect is an independent, thriving and forward- government through Defra. Kew’s Breathing Planet looking trade union with 120,000 members across E-mail: [email protected] Programme has seven key priorities: the private and public sectors and a diverse range of Website: www.raeng.org.uk • Accelerating discovery and global access to plant and occupations. We represent scientists, technologists Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering fungal diversity information and other professions in the civil service, research • Mapping and prioritising habitats most at risk councils and private sector. promotes the engineering and technological welfare • Conserving what remains of the country. Our activities – led by the UK’s most • Sustainable local use of plants and fungi Prospect’s collective voice champions the interests of eminent engineers – develop the links between • Banking seed from 25% of plant species in the the engineering and scientific community to key engineering, technology, and the quality of life. As a Millennium Seed Bank Partnership opinion-formers and policy makers. With national academy, we provide impartial advice to • Restoring and repairing habitats • Inspiring through botanic gardens negotiating rights with over 300 employers, we seek Government; work to secure the next generation of to secure a better life at work by putting members’ engineers; and provide a voice for Britain’s Kew’s mission is to inspire and deliver science-based plant conservation worldwide, enhancing the quality of life. pay, conditions and careers first. engineering community.

The Royal The Royal Institution Society The Royal Society Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Contact: Dr Peter Cotgreave Director of Science and Education Director of Fellowship and Scientific Affairs of Chemistry The Royal Institution The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS London SW1Y 5AG. Contact: Parliamentary Affairs Manager Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Tel: 020 7451 2502 Fax: 020 7930 2170 Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA Websites: www.rigb.org, www.richannel.org Website: www.royalsociety.org Tel: 020 7440 3306 Twitter: ri_science Fax: 020 7440 3393 Email: [email protected] The Royal Society is the UK academy of science The core activities of the Royal Institution centre around four main themes: science education, comprising 1400 outstanding individuals Website: http://www.rsc.org science communication, research and heritage. It is representing the sciences, engineering and http://www.chemsoc.org perhaps best known for the Ri Christmas Lectures, medicine. It has had a hand in some of the most The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, but it also has a public events programme and an innovative and life-changing discoveries in scientific professional and scientific body of over 48,000 online science short-film channel, as well as a UK- history. Through its Fellowship and permanent staff, members with a duty under its Royal Charter “to wide Young People’s Programme of science and it seeks to ensure that its contribution to shaping serve the public interest”. It is active in the areas of mathematics enrichment activities. Internationally education and qualifications, science policy, recognised research programmes in bio- and the future of science in the UK and beyond has a publishing, Europe, information and internet nanomagnetism take place in the Davy Faraday deep and enduring impact. services, media relations, public understanding of Research Laboratory. science, advice and assistance to Parliament and Government.

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Society for Society Applied of Biology Microbiology Contact: Dariel Burdass Contact: Dr Stephen Benn Head of Communications Contact: Philip Wheat Director Parliamentary Affairs Society for General Microbiology Society for Applied Microbiology Charles Darwin House Bedford Heights, Brickhill Drive Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. 12 Roger Street Bedford MK41 7PH London WC1N 2JU Tel: 01234 326661 Tel: 0118 988 1802 Fax: 0118 988 5656 Fax: 01234 326678 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7685 2550 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sgm.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sfam.org.uk SGM is the largest microbiological society in The Society of Biology has a duty under its Royal Europe. The Society publishes four journals of Charter “to serve the public benefit” by advising SfAM is the oldest UK microbiological society and international standing, and organises regular Parliament and Government is a single unified voice aims to advance, for the benefit of the public, the scientific meetings. for biology: advising Government and influencing science of microbiology in its application to the policy; advancing education and professional environment, human and animal health, agriculture SGM also promotes education and careers in development; supporting our members, and and industry. microbiology, and it is committed to represent microbiology to government, the media and the engaging and encouraging public interest in the life SfAM is the voice of applied microbiology with public. sciences. The Society represents a diverse members across the globe and works in partnership membership of over 80,000 - including, students, An information service on microbiological issues with sister organisations to exert influence on practising scientists and interested non- policy-makers world-wide. concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, food safety, biotechnology and the environment is professionals - as individuals, or through learned available on request. societies and other organisations.

Society of Society of Universities Cosmetic Maritime Federation Scientists Industries for Animal Welfare Contact: John Murray Contact: Dr James Kirkwood Contact: Gem Bektas, Society of Maritime Industries Chief Executive and Scientific Director Secretary General 28-29 Threadneedle Street, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Society of Cosmetic Scientists London EC2R 8AY Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. Langham House West Tel: 020 7628 2555 Fax: 020 7638 4376 Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Suite 5, Mill Street, Luton LU1 2NA E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 01582 726661 Website: www.maritimeindustries.org Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Fax: 01582 405217 Registered in England Charity No: 207996 E-mail: [email protected] The Society of Maritime Industries is the voice of the UFAW is an international, independent scientific Website: www.scs.org.uk UK’s maritime engineering and business sector and educational animal welfare charity. It works to Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary promoting and supporting companies which improve animal lives by: objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide design, build, refit and modernise ships, and supply • supporting animal welfare research. range of disciplines from organic and physical equipment and services for all types of commercial • educating and raising awareness of welfare chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, issues in the UK and overseas. microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. and naval ships, ports and terminals infrastructure, offshore oil & gas, maritime security & safety, • producing the leading journal Animal Welfare Members are scientists and the SCS helps them and other high-quality publications on animal progress their careers and the science of cosmetics marine science and technology and marine care and welfare. ethically and responsibly. Services include renewable energy. publications, educational courses and scientific • providing expert advice to government meetings. departments and other concerned bodies.

Contact: Chris Eady The Welding Institute, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL

Tel: 01223 899614 Fax:01223 894219 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.twi.co.uk The Welding Institute is the leading engineering institution with expertise in solving problems in all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life integrity management. Personal membership provides professional development for engineers and technicians, and registration as Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, or Engineering Technician. Industrial membership provides access to one of the world’s foremost independent research and technology organisations. TWI creates value and enhances quality of life for Members and stakeholders through engineering, materials and joining technologies.

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Research Councils UK Contact: Alexandra Saxon Head of Communications Research Councils UK Polaris House North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1ET

Tel: 01793 444592 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcuk.ac.uk

Each year the Research Councils invest around £3 billion in research covering the full spectrum of academic disciplines from the medical and biological sciences to astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering, social sciences, economics, environmental sciences and the arts and humanities. Research Councils UK is the strategic partnerships of the seven Research Councils. It aims to: • increase the collective visibility, leadership and influence of the Research Councils for the benefit of the UK; • lead in shaping the overall portfolio of research funded by the Research Councils to maximise the excellence and impact of UK research, and help to ensure that the UK gets the best value for money from its investment; • ensure joined-up operations between the Research Councils to achieve its goals and improve services to the communities it sponsors and works with.

Biotechnology Economic and and Biological Social Research Sciences Research Council Council (BBSRC) Contact: Jacky Clake, Head of Communications, Contact: Sarah Cooper, Economic and Social Research Council, Public Affairs Manager, Contact: Matt Goode Polaris House, North Star Avenue, EPSRC, Polaris House, Head of External Relations Swindon SN2 1UJ North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Tel: 01793 413117 Tel: 01793 442892 Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413299 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] http://www.esrc.ac.uk Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training EPSRC is the UK’s main agency for funding research agency addressing economic and social concerns. BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research in engineering and physical sciences, investing We pursue excellence in social science research; and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is around £800m a year in research and postgraduate work to increase the impact of our research on training, to help the nation handle the next to further scientific knowledge to promote policy and practice; and provide trained social generation of technological change. economic growth, wealth and job creation and to scientists who meet the needs of users and The areas covered range from information beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the economic improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. BBSRC technology to structural engineering, and research is helping society to meet major competitiveness of the United Kingdom, the mathematics to materials science. This research effectiveness of public services and policy, and challenges, including food security, green energy forms the basis for future economic development in quality of life. The ESRC is independent, established the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, and healthier, longer lives and underpins important by Royal Charter in 1965, and funded mainly by lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, government. Research Councils with responsibility for other areas industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. of research.

Medical Natural Science & Research Environment Technology Council Research Council Facilities Council Contact: Louise Wren, Public Affairs and Contact : Judy Parker Mark Foster Stakeholder Engagement Manager Head of Communications Public Affairs Manager One Kemble Street, London WC2B 4AN. NERC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Tel: 020 7395 2277 Swindon SN2 1EU Harwell Science & Innovation Campus E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 Didcot OX11 0QX Website: www.mrc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01235 778328 Fax: 01235 445 808 Website: www.nerc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Over the past century, the MRC has been at the forefront Website: www.stfc.ac.uk of scientific discovery to improve human health. Founded The NERC invests public money in cutting-edge research, in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests training and knowledge transfer in the environmental The Science and Technology Facilities Council is one of taxpayers’ money in the highest quality medical research sciences – through Universities and our own research Europe’s largest multidisciplinary research organisations across every area of health. Twenty-nine MRC-funded supporting scientists and engineers world-wide. The researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of centres. We work from the poles to the ocean depths Research Council operates world-class, large-scale disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such and to the edge of space, researching critical issues such research facilities and provides strategic advice to the diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and as biodiversity loss, climate change and natural hazards. UK Government on their development. The STFC the link between smoking and cancer, as well as Through collaboration with other science disciplines, partners in two of the UK’s Science and Innovation achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised with UK business and with policy-makers, we deliver controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the Campuses. It also manages international research development of therapeutic antibodies. We also work knowledge and skills to support sustainable economic projects in support of a broad cross-section of the UK closely with the UK’s Health Departments, the NHS, growth and public wellbeing – reducing risks to health, research community, particularly in the fields of medical research charities and industry to ensure our infrastructure and supply chains, and the natural astronomy, nuclear physics and particle physics. The Council directs, co-ordinates and funds research, research achieves maximum impact as well as being of environment on which we all depend. excellent scientific quality. education and training.

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SCIENCE DIARY

THE PARLIAMENTARY AND Friday 22 February 13:00 Monday 15 April and Tuesday 16 April SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Public lecture by Neil Calver on Karl Popper Cellular polarity: from mechanisms to FRS, Peter Medawar FRS and the ‘two disease Tel: 020 7222 7085 cultures’ debate. Scientific discussion meeting organised by [email protected] Dr Rafael Edgardo Carazo Salas, Dr Attila www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Monday 25 February 18:30 Csikasz-Nagy and Dr Masamitsu Sato How can the Arctic help find life on other Tuesday 26 February 17.30 planets? Wednesday 17 April Extreme Space Weather; Space Weather: Café Scientifique with Professor Liane Kavli Lecture by Professor Neil Greenham impacts on engineered systems and Benning infrastructure Wednesday 17 April and Thursday 18 April Speakers: Professor Paul Cannon FREng, Friday 1 March 13:00 Cell polarity in the Systems Medicine era: Senior Fellow, Radio Science and Systems, Public lecture by Dr Greg Lynall on Jonathan the next 10 years QinetiQ; David Wade, Space Underwriter, Swift’s satires against scientists. Satellite meeting organised by Dr Rafael Atrium Space Insurance Consortium; and Edgardo Carazo Salas, Dr Attila Csikasz-Nagy Chris Train, Network Operations Director, Friday 8 March 13:00 and Dr Masamitsu Sato National Grid. Public lecture by Professor Felix Driver on 19th century maritime science and the Friday 19 April 13:00 Monday 18 March visual culture of exploration. Public lecture by Dr Diane Johnson on the SET for BRITAIN potential influence of meteorites on ancient Friday 8 March Egyptian culture. Thursday 21 March 10.00 Media training course for scientists National Science and Engineering Week Wednesday 1 May - Friday 3 May Seminar Monday 11 March 18:30 Space in the brain: cells, circuits, codes The theme is Speed Bakerian Prize lecture given by Professor and cognition David Leigh FRS Theo Murphy international scientific meeting Dates for future meetings: organised by Dr Tom Hartley, Professor John Tuesday 23 April 17.30 on Skills Monday 11 March and Tuesday 12 March O’Keefe FRS, Professor Neil Burgess and Dr Tuesday 14 May 17.30 on Water Purity Characterising exoplanets: detection, Colin Lever. Tuesday 11 June 17.30 on Antibiotics formation, interiors, atmospheres and Tuesday 9 July 17.30 subject to be habitability Friday 3 May 13:00 confirmed Scientific discussion meeting organised by Public lecture by Dr Neil Tarrant on 16th Professor Athena Coustenis, Professor Steve century science and the church. ______Miller, Professor Peter Read and Professor Jonathan Tennyson FRS Monday 13 May and Tuesday 14 May THE ROYAL SOCIETY eFutures: beyond Moore’s Law Website: royalsociety.org Thursday 21 March Scientific discussion meeting organised by Communication skills course for scientists Professor David Cumming, Professor Steve The Royal Society hosts a series of free Furber CBE FREng FRS and Professor events, including evening lectures and Friday 22 March Douglas Paul conferences, covering the whole breadth of Conference on the life and work of John science, engineering and technology for Lubbock FRS, 1st Baron Avebury – Liberal Wednesday 15 May and Thursday 16 May public, policy and scientific audiences. politician, scientist, banker, and inventor of eFutures: beyond Moore's Law – satellite Highlights in the next few months include the bank holiday. meeting the following. Details of how to attend all Satellite meeting organised by Professor these, plus information on many more Friday 22 March 13:00 David Cumming, Professor Steve Furber events can be found on our website at Public lecture by Dr Sachiko Kusukawa on CBE FREng FRS and Professor Douglas Paul royalsociety.org/events: scientific image-making in the 17th century. Wednesday 29 May Tuesday 19 February 17:30 Monday 25 March 18:30 Croonian Lecture by Professor Frances Making Britain the best place in the Is growing old an illness? Ashcroft FRS world to do science Café Scientifique with Dr Matthew Piper Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture by Details of these, and further events in press, Professor Brian Cox OBE will be available on our website at royalsociety.org/

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THE ROYAL INSTITUTION Wednesday 6 March 19.00-20.30 Friday 22 March 20.00-21.15 21 Albemarle Street Business success: what’s luck got to do The race to be the ‘cell therapy nation’ London W1S 4BS. with it? Fierce competition to be the ‘cell therapy Debate to determine if businesses succeed nation’ is under way. Chris Mason explains All events take place at the Royal Institution. by being in the right place at the right time why. Details of future events can be found at or through sheer determination. Hosted by www.rigb.org Vivienne Parry, with Richard Wiseman, Tuesday 16 April 19.00-20.30 For more information and to book visit Matthew Syed, Stephann Makri and Sarah Creation: the origins and future of life www.rigb.org Curran. Adam Rutherford. There is a charge for tickets. Members go free. Wednesday 13 March 19.00-20.30 Wednesday 24 April 19.00-20.30 Project sunshine: how science can use The quantum Universe Thursday 21 February 19.00-20.30 the Sun to fuel and feed the world Join Jeff Forshaw to talk about the real Anatomies: the human body, its parts Professor Tony Ryan, University of Sheffield. science and the profound theory that allows and the stories they tell for concrete, yet astonishing predictions Hugh Aldersey-Williams. Monday 18 March 19.00-20.30 about the world. The Internet tells us nothing Friday 22 February 20.00-21.15 The Internet is not just a series of tubes (or Friday 26 April 20.00-21.15 Strange material physical networks); it’s also a series of ideas. Our dynamic Sun What materials innovations are on the Celebrated author Evgeny Morozov Helen Mason will explore what causes solar horizon? Mark Miodownik investigates. discusses. activity and what we are learning about the Sun from space observations.

SET for BRITAIN Presentations by Britain’s Early-Stage Researchers In Science, Engineering, and Technology at the House of Commons Monday, 18th March 2013 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm Physical Sciences Exhibition (Chemistry and Physics) 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm Engineering Exhibition 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Biological and Biomedical Science

SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT 3 Birdcage Walk OFFICERS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY London SW1H 9JJ & SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE T: 020 7222 7085 sip F: 020 7222 7189 President: The Rt Hon the Lord Jenkin Dr Desmond Turner www.scienceinparliament.org.uk of Roding Mr Paul Ridout Editor: Professor Alan Malcolm Chairman: Mr Andrew Miller MP Mr Philip Greenish CBE Editorial Assistant: Annabel Lloyd Deputy Chairman: Mr Tom Blenkinsop MP Mr John Slater Hon Treasurer: The Lord Willis of Advisory Panel: Dr Stephen Benn The production of this issue has been supported by Knaresborough Mr David Youdan contributions from the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Dr Stuart Taylor Hon Secretary: Mr Stephen Mosley MP Council for the Mathematical Sciences, NEF: the Innovation Vice-Presidents: Dr David Dent Secretariat: Professor Alan Malcolm Institute and those organisations who have entries in the Professor Peter Saunders Mrs Annabel Lloyd Science Directory (pages 51-58). Mr Robert Freer Dr Douglas Naysmith

Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Published four times a year. The 2013 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 ©2013 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. Typeset and printed by The Bridge Press. sip SPRING 2013 4/2/13 12:25 Page 64