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Annual Lunch SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Global Water Security Engineering Better Healthcare Synthetic Biology Public Dialogue sip Spring 2011

Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Science Minister, launches the UN International Year of Chemistry at a unique event organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry on the House of Commons Terrace Log on to www.rsc.org for the edited webcast highlights

The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee www.scienceinparliament.org.uk 9348 SIP SPRING 2011 8/2/11 09:30 Page 2

MAKING BRITAIN HEALTHY: UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF IN VITRO DIAGNOSTICS IN THE NHS

Seventy percent of clinical decisions are based on an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test. These have an increasing role to play to deliver cost effective healthcare and improve outcomes for patients.

However, to fully realise these patient benefits and cost efficiencies we need the Government to: • Encourage increased access to point of care diagnostics in the community - allowing more rapid treatment of patients in a setting convenient for their daily lives • Address the way money flows within the NHS to reduce perverse incentives which block the use of new tests or better use of existing tests • Ensure that the DH supports NHS organisations in embedding recommendations and guidance for diagnostics from NICE

About BIVDA BIVDA is the national trade association for the manufacturers and distributors of IVD products in the UK. We currently represent more than 95% of the industry and over a hundred organizations ranging from British start-up companies to UK subsidiaries of multinational corporations. BIVDA members employ over 8,000 people in this country including in manufacturing and R&D, with a total industry turnover of approximately £900 million of direct sales.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Director General, Doris-Ann Williams if you would like any further information about any of the aspects of this issue or about in vitro diagnostics in general. She is always more than willing to visit you in Westminster.

British In Vitro Diagnostics Association · 1 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9BT Telephone: 020 7957 4633 · Fax: 020 7957 4644 · Email: [email protected] · Website: www.bivda.co.uk 9348 SIP SPRING 2011 8/2/11 09:31 Page 3

Parliamentarians with a background in or dedication to Science and SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Technology are at the forefront in the efforts to encourage and support all those concerned with ensuring that the high quality R&D undertaken in the UK is put to the best possible use, be it fundamental research or applied science. It is probably no surprise to UK and EU Parliamentarians with S&T backgrounds that the German economy has recently rebounded so rapidly, when compared with the UK, as so much effort is placed not just on “Blue Skies” research but also on those areas where the results of fundamental research are applied directly to ensuring that the industrial base, and especially manufacturing, are both fully supported to ensure global market sip competitiveness. The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Unfortunately, the UK currently generally recognises only one internationally Andrew Miller MP Committee. accepted level of attainment in science, and not surprisingly that is where Chairman, Parliamentary The Committee is an Associate Parliamentary those with the ability to do so have for obvious reasons naturally tended to and Scientific Group of members of both Houses of direct their full attention. Those with the ability to turn new discoveries into Committee Parliament and British members of the economic benefits for the whole of society on the other hand, normally do European Parliament, representatives of not receive anything like the attention or recognition devoted to their pure scientific and technical institutions, industrial science counterparts. organisations and universities. Martin Rees, the outgoing President of the Royal Society has however made an enormous contribution in advancing the cause for long term planning for R&D in the UK backed up by some of the best scientific brains the world can muster, many of them based at the UK’s world class Universities. How can we begin to put this matter right before it is too late if our economy is to be prevented from sliding down a slippery slope? Who will be primarily responsible for ensuring that the full integration of science, technology and engineering takes place throughout the UK’s educational and industrial landscape? History has shown us with painful results for every one of us that reliance Science in Parliament has two main objectives: on service industries alone, including high risk banking, will not, as previously 1. to inform the scientific and industrial thought, provide the basis for a stable long term future for Western style communities of activities within Parliament of a scientific nature and of the progress of economies. The US and UK have both been vulnerable in this respect. relevant legislation; Much attention is currently being devoted to investigating the need for and 2. to keep Members of Parliament abreast of future development of Technology Innovation Centres as a way to ensure scientific affairs. that the UK considers all the options before us. There is both an urgent need and new opportunity to help supply the Developing World with the products they require from us and to help manage their increasing demands for improved infrastructure and their burgeoning human populations. This is one important area where a new generation of Technology Innovation Centres based in the UK could really make a difference if we get the funding and structures right. CONTENTS TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION HOW ENGINEERING PROVIDES BETTER SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY PUBLIC CENTRES 2 HEALTHCARE 19 DIALOGUE 40 Opinion by Professor Richard Brook Addresses to the P&SC by Professor Molly Stevens, Addresses to the P&SC by Dr Brian Johnson, CHALLENGE OF RESPONSIBLE Professor Lionel Tarassenko and Professor Douglas Kell and Professor David Delpy INNOVATION 5 Professor John Fisher EFFECTIVE PUBLIC DIALOGUE 45 Opinion by Professor Richard Owen THE CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES Suzannah Lansdell A WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTION Karen Smith 24 HERPES VIRUS’ TACTICAL MANOEUVRE TO CLIMATE CHANGE 7 TESTING TIMES – NEW IDEAS 25 46 Michael Norton, Dr Richard Harpin and Dr Steve Thompson EVOLUTION OF ANIMAL LIFE 47 Alexander Lane BUILDING BRIDGES 26 HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR A Dr Michael W Elves COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND BETTER RAILWAY 8 SOLAR ENERGY AND FUEL CELLS 27 TECHNOLOGY 48 John Amoore MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY 28 PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE UN INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF Dr Ralph Rayner AND TECHNOLOGY 50 CHEMISTRY 2011 10 AUTISM: A DIFFERENCE OR A HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SEMTA SUPPORTS SCIENCE SKILLS 12 DISORDER? 30 SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION Philip Whiteman Dr Ellie Dommett 52 IN VITRO DIAGNOSTICS IN THE NHS 14 DEMAND FOR HUMAN BODILY HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND Doris-Ann Williams MATERIAL 31 TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE 54 ANNUAL LUNCHEON OF THE Catherine Joynson SELECTED DEBATES 55 PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COLD WINTER IMPACT ON WILDLIFE 32 COMMITTEE 16 SCIENCE DIRECTORY 56 Dr Andy Clements Guest of Honour Rt Hon David Willetts MP SCIENCE DIARY 65 IS GLOBAL WATER SECURITY ACHIEVABLE? 34 Addresses to the P&SC by Professor Roger Falconer and Michael Norton Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 1 Spring 2011 1 9348 SIP SPRING 2011 8/2/11 09:31 Page 4

OPINION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION CENTRES

AIRTO has long argued for a UK equivalent of the technological support infrastructure represented by the Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany. This would address a long standing problem with the UK’s underperformance in converting world class research into economic growth. The problem stems from a perception at policy level that investing in universities and encouraging closer working with business and industry will of itself bring about significant economic growth. This falls quite a long way short of what’s needed in relation to a) boosting research based innovation by facilitating industry to industry working Professor Richard Brook OBE FREng President AIRTO and b) making available a full spectrum of specialised skills and support at every stage of the journey from research through innovation to This article reflects the oral successful commercialisation. evidence from the author to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Adding dedicated research and wider economic A previous attempt to Committee into Technology and and enterprise resources to development and by the need emulate Fraunhofer style Innovation Centres in December universities achieves a measure for these companies to leverage institutes gave rise to the 2010. of success, but struggles to new technology. Faraday Partnerships that came address several important into being in the 1990s. I ran This isn’t the first attempt to aspects of the challenge, one of the first of these. Why enhance the industrial uptake of particularly where collaboration didn’t they last? new technology in the UK. New and partnership between centres were brought into being The Faraday Partnerships multiple parties is concerned. after both world wars and, started up very unevenly. First of More extensive support is together with Public Sector all, a number of Post-graduate required, particularly to help Research Establishments and Training Partnerships were match demand side pull from privately formed research established between individual business and industry with organisations, these comprise a RTOs and research intensive scientific and technological considerable network of universities. This was modelled expertise; to co-ordinate access technologically highly skilled on one element of the for industry to multiple sources resources across the UK. Fraunhofer system. Those of us of scientific and technological involved felt that they were very development; and to proactively SO WHAT IS THE successful. Later in the decade stimulate collaborative PROBLEM? the Faraday Partnerships proper enterprise, foster technology Governments have were launched as the EPSRC development and support repeatedly tried to make these provided an initial tranche of business incubation. centres financially self-sufficient. ring-fenced research money for Until very recently, this had This inevitably changed their university partners. The not been recognised; but in late business models, away from Department of Trade and 2009 Lord Mandelson was generic research serving the Industry could not find the budget at the time to provide introduced to the Fraunhofer national interest and working what would be the core funding system. Taking the message with SMEs, towards services and for the partnership seriously, he instigated the less risky work for larger infrastructures; that eventually Hauser Review. This has moved enterprises worldwide, thereby came somewhat later. us a long way forward, helped moving them away from the considerably by the increasing purpose for which they were When the ring-fenced emphasis on high-growth established. research money was exhausted, companies to drive job creation the Faraday Partnerships were

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directed to apply through normal activities to the detriment of the research grant application Centre’s mission. processes to be peer-reviewed Any new Centres must fill competitively, along with the gaps in what is currently . . . The facilitation skills to join main body of university available from the networks of researchers. As industry began push and pull are key. . . existing organisations (RTOs, to call for the initial ground- PSREs, universities), otherwise breaking work to be pursued there will duplication of the further, the rankings from the expertise and support that is peer review system declined, in already available to industry. The many instances because, defining the above parameters for which there is no customer. TICs must utilise this existing although fundamental to the in a business-like way is entirely SMEs were brought in by expertise and capability, both technological foundations of applicable. Such a plan should ensuring that large enterprises up-stream to additional sources industry’s development underpin each TIC. (their potential customers) were of innovation and research and programmes, it was no longer present. The facilitation skills to downstream to new business Industry wants TICs to be the glamorous or break-through join push and pull are key. It is and industrial constituencies in a able to take apart their research traditionally used to important for TICs to be open to hub and spoke model, to deliver problems, source the science benchmark academic research all sources of invention and new outcomes that cannot and technology from the best proposals. innovation; although universities currently be achieved. The available and put it all back contribute a lot, many more There was (deliberately) no Technology Strategy Board must together as a solution. To innovations come from industry specific or well-defined avoid duplication and ensure facilitate this there may well be itself. This too needs TIC governance model; some that the new outcomes are students, professors and support, across the many Partnerships were run by delivered. The funding should academics on secondment from players in the supply chains, universities and some by not be used just to continue a number of different calling on university science intermediate organisations. Most what’s already being done. universities. There is a where needed. resulted from open calls for compelling argument therefore The TSB will need to map proposals, rather than for TICs to be independent of a A TIC’s precise mode of the capabilities that already exist developing from a strategic particular university or operation and the push/pull and to identify, against the UK perspective on the UK’s universities, so that they can go balance will depend on the strategic needs, what of the innovation landscape. There was current capabilities can form the to as many world leading maturity of the relevant little support for brand starting point for TICs and what scientists as necessary. Centres technology and supply chains. development in the way now is missing. AIRTO’s members should look to strong Inserting innovation into existing being proposed. Eventually, as already do quite a lot of what is international networking as well supply chains requires a policies and responsibilities needed. But they don’t currently as strong connections in the UK. particular approach with much within government changed, the have the core funding to This approach also permits emphasis on licensing. If the Partnerships evolved into the operate in the manner greater choice of geographical market isn’t fully matured and Knowledge Transfer Networks envisaged for the TICs. They location. Perhaps the most supply chains haven’t evolved, a which, although extremely mostly have to behave very sensible place to locate a TIC different mode of operation is useful, do a very different job. It commercially, prioritising large hub is within a concentration of necessary, with more emphasis was a valiant effort, but too company clients for research the industry that it will serve. on start-up companies. The piecemeal, not helped by and providing mainly routine latter needs technology push, Demand pull and technology difficulties in co-ordinating public services for smaller companies. but also a lot of push need to work together to funding for them. entrepreneurialism. The key is There is merit in preparing a deliver the TICs’ mission. Some finding entrepreneurs whom The proposals for Technology business plan for each TIC, Faraday Partnerships successfully investors can back to build Innovation Centres have taken much along the lines of brought industries together to businesses into spaces where on board many of the lessons investing in a business. This articulate their needs. That was supply chains don’t yet exist. from that era. Most importantly, means identifying market needs; the pull. Academics were the core funding must be routes to market; strengths and brought together, in the same Intellectual property needs maintained in a consistent weaknesses of existing players; meeting, to describe where their careful handling. Formalised fashion to anchor each Centre in resources that can be brought to research was going. That was invention disclosure procedures a strategic role serving the bear; competitive edge; how the push. Partnership staff then are increasingly being used in national interest with an activity much it will cost and return on facilitated consortia to take universities and elsewhere, plan that is not deflected by investment, all with supporting forward work of common helping to determine when and disproportionate pressures from evidence. Clearly, TICs, given interest. Without push, what to patent (and what not to short term financial imperatives; their remits, are broader opportunities for innovation will patent) and there is exchange of such pressures will otherwise enterprises than typical be missed; without pull, best practice between AIRTO’s override other longer term companies, but the process of technology may be developed members and universities and

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Governance could be based work do not provide the on a number of alternative necessary headroom to reinvest models. AIRTO members a really substantial proportion of embody several of them. revenues (ie the 50% that However, particularly when would be required for a purely . . . A clear, shared vision for trying to bring something new, private sector TIC) on such what the TIC is trying to like the TICs, into existence, it’s activities. important to keep clear of TICs, over time, will probably achieve is crucial . . . vested interest and to avoid also move towards majority suspicion between potentially private funding as they grow, but competing stakeholders. The through continuing core funding model that generally works best will be able to maintain the in these circumstances is the resources to keep up the public between the universities that they will invest considerable Company Limited by Guarantee service element of their work, at themselves. However, the effort in applying and then be (CLG). A CLG is not driven to least until the market failure is Research Assessment Exercise unsuccessful in obtaining satisfy a particular group of no longer so pressing. If core (now Framework) complicates funding. TICs can do a lot of the shareholders. It re-invests funding is removed prematurely, the position for university work, reducing risk for surpluses rather than distributing TICs will move towards more partners. Academic researchers participants and championing them. Its assets cannot be commercial models, abandoning strive to produce publications the effort to increase the UK’s acquired, except by another the behaviour that supports the because that is the primary industrial return. CLG; and it positions the national interest and SMEs, and measure of university organisation in the ‘centre A clear, shared vision for what an enduring engagement with performance. Delaying ground’, albeit without the ability the TIC is trying to achieve is research. If this happens, all we publication does not go down to raise funds in the way that a crucial, and this must remain will have done is set up another well, but it is generally possible shareholder-owned company consistent for a good period of SME. to produce a respectable time and not ‘creep’ because would. This is probably the publication while not disclosing new people with different visions structure most appropriate for TICs should also be information that may prejudice become involved. It will need a the TICs. measured against the additional the potential to patent. The more funding they recover from strong drive from the TSB to set The main measure of partners involved, the more European programmes; against up the appropriate terms of success has to be impact on complicated the handling of numbers of patents and reference and success criteria. economic development. The these matters becomes. TICs can successful spin-outs; and TICs may come under pressure third/third/third funding mix and reach out across the cultural development of skills and career to address a variety of national, the amount of private sector bridges, between universities and paths – TICs are potentially regional, technological, socio- funding leveraged is a small businesses in particular. routes for a valuable economic and even global goals. performance target that TICs This is a good reason for apprenticeship from which to It is very important to keep in have to go for very hard. This positioning and equipping the move on, either to set up a mind that it is economic growth, won’t be achieved overnight if TICs to serve as brokers in such business or to take up a role in wherever that takes place in the they are starting from scratch, matters. UK, that justifies the investment. an industrial supply chain. and this is a reason for utilising Individual regions come into play There are a number of other existing organisations as the The TIC concept has when looking at where new important roles for TICs. One is starting point for TICs, wherever enormous potential and enterprises associated with the helping to incubate and attract possible and appropriate. The longevity, but each individual TIC hubs and spokes become investment to SMEs aiming for private funding provides the Centre needs to perform at the established. Schemes to support rapid growth. Another is helping benchmark that says that the highest level. The consequences early-stage companies outside companies access European TIC is fulfilling a real need. Most of non-performance should be a the South East are well funded to funding, through Framework AIRTO members started out change of management, merger help attract such enterprises and Programmes for instance. The being publicly funded but have with another TIC or even promote growth in these regions. UK does well here on the moved progressively to a dissolution. academic front, but industry The TIC brand will need position where they are privately It is critical that this new does proportionately less well. managing. If performance funded for the majority of their initiative is well managed and The TICs can help correct the among the TICs is variable, work. As noted earlier, this is at maintained over time, because it balance by increasing the return industry may start to regard the expense of providing some will take several years for the to industry. Applying for some of them as failing. At the of the service characteristics that true economic benefit to Framework projects is difficult highest level, the TSB needs to can only be sustained with emerge. and bureaucratically painful in look after the brand and make consistent public funding, ie many respects and industry is sure that the TICs’ image and engaging heavily in research and But this is a great start. frequently deterred. SMEs find it their performance reinforces the dedicating significant time to particularly hard to bear the risk brand. SMEs. The margins from other

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OPINION RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION

Our capacity for creativity and a deep and meaningful way. wider impacts to justify this, for innovation is limited only by our What has been described as example through new imagination. The society in ‘divided attention disorder’ led regulation. Later on however, which we live is the cumulative one broadsheet to suggest email once the technology is more product of thousands of years of is making us become ’lab rats fully developed, there may be human innovation. This has craving pellets of social enough evidence of wider continuously shaped society interaction’. Now whether or not impacts to make the case for since the dawn of Civilization, this is the case, it serves to regulatory control. But now it is from the first flint tools to the illustrate two important things too late: the technology is plough, from the printing press about innovation, particularly locked in to society, it has Professor Richard Owen to the internet. I remember that which we call ‘disruptive’: become indispensible and the Chair Innovation, Environment when I was studying for my PhD the future wider impacts of investment losses would be too and Health University of Exeter Business in the early nineties a new science and technology are great. A ban on mobile phones School technology called ‘email’: it was always uncertain, and they are may have been possible back in slow, with dial up connection usually unpredictable. Who the days when they were the and no ability to send would have guessed that email size of a brick. But now? They attachments. But we academics might result in divided attention are as locked into society as the loved it: it was cheap and great disorder, or that coal fired power internet. if you needed to communicate stations and cars would have Reflecting this, over the years almost instantaneously with significant impacts on global regulation has attempted to another isotope chemist in the climate? Or that CFCs in our ’move upstream’. We now have US or Japan (I’m sure many of refrigerators would cause a large ‘data before market’ legislation you reading this have had this hole in the ozone layer? Or that for things like industrial need). Now I can pick up and a neat little piece of financial chemicals and pharmaceuticals. respond to a work email while innovation called securitisation Regulation is quite good for shopping in Sainsbury’s. There’s would cause global chaos in the controlling the type of thing it no going back, it’s here to stay, banking sector. ‘We didn’t see it already knows about eg the at least until something better coming’ a former PM remarked. registration of a new comes along. This is what we The uncertainty and pharmaceutical active. But it call ‘technological lock in’, when unpredictability of the wider struggles with things it hasn’t new innovations become impacts of innovation present a encountered before, for indispensible to our modern problem for Governments, example a carbon nanotube, or lives. particularly if they place a synthetic organism. These But here’s a question: while innovation as a central pillar in types of innovation increasingly you are working how often do their economic growth policy. occur at the convergence of you quickly check your email? Back in the 1980’s David established scientific disciplines Will you take a quick peek at Collingridge called it the such as chemistry, biology and your Inbox before you finish this ‘dilemma of control’. In essence engineering and at the margins article? Some are concerned the dilemma is this: at the early of current regulation. They do that by continuously stopping to stages of innovation there is not intentionally set out to check our email we are sufficient opportunity for control transgress the law. It’s more that damaging our ability to think in but insufficient evidence of such innovations happen precisely where the law is not well established, where it is incomplete or unclear, where . . . People get concerned about the sanctity of life, there is a ‘regulatory gap’. The when the boundaries of what is natural and what is result is that innovation leaps ahead, and evidence based synthetic become blurred. . . regulation follows, years and even decades later.

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I can remember the first misused? What is its purpose? their research, to think about the only synthetic combinatorial discussions about regulation of Who benefits? What will the questions that always crop up, chemists but social scientists nanotechnology in 2004 after a wider impacts be in the future? and for those that fund them, and environmental scientists major report by the Royal Are these acceptable? Is it particularly with public money, to working as a team, beginning to Society and Royal Academy of ethical, are they playing God?’ play an active role. Responsibility think these issues through at the Engineering. Here the concerns Sometimes, as in the case of cannot be outsourced to outset of their planned research. were (and arguably still are) nanotechnology, these questions someone else at some future Building on this the whether, if materials radically take the form a low background point. Economic and Social Research change their properties when hum, but sometimes, as in the But what in practice does this Council and EPSRC are manufactured at the ‘nanoscale’, case of nuclear power, they can mean? In 2009 I began to beginning to think about how (a billionth of a meter) they also be far more audible. This seems explore this with the Engineering we could develop a Responsible present radically different risks. to be particularly the case when and Physical Sciences Research Innovation Framework, which Carbon as graphite we think of scientists delve into the genetic Council (EPSRC), the largest could eventually be used by as being rather benign, but what machinery that is the basis of public funder of innovation Research Councils and those about a carbon nanotube, life on this Planet, as we saw research in the UK. I had been who apply to their funding calls. described by some as ‘the with GM. People get concerned invited to scope a major Some very progressive thinking hottest thing in physics’ and about the sanctity of life, when research funding call at the is being done about this. My others as having ‘asbestos-like the boundaries of what is convergence of two major fields hope is that this could provide properties’? Questions were natural and what is synthetic of disruptive innovation: the guidance and tools to asked: is this technology safe? Is become blurred. nanoscience and ensure we are in a better it properly regulated? These are These questions are central geoengineering. It was a call for position to ensure that yet to be fully answered. to people’s hopes and fears for proposals to investigate the innovation is, and is seen to be, So it was with a great sense new technologies. Wonderment potential for nanoscience to responsible, acceptable and of déjà vu that I heard these at the potential for innovation to facilitate carbon capture from ultimately sustainable. Not only questions come up again at a improve our lives is tempered the atmosphere, an ideal that, but if we are clever and recent Parliamentary and by anxiousness about whether it opportunity to trial something ensure there is good Scientific Committee meeting is safe and ethical, about rather different1. For the first communication between this concerning another radical new whether we will actually benefit time we asked scientists process within the Research technology, synthetic biology. or simply be burdened with the applying for funding to submit a Councils and those developing Synthetic biology uses risks. These questions need to ‘risk register’ in which they policy we stand the best chance developments in engineering be addressed early on, at a time documented what they saw as of developing regulation that is and biology to synthesise when there is an opportunity to being the potential wider proportionate and shaped by genetic material that can be shape and influence the impacts and risks of their debate in an inclusive, open and used to create new organisms, trajectory of science and proposed research, how these timely way. or useful parts of them, or to innovation. As Jeff Goldblum would be managed and by who. A new model of responsible redesign existing organisms. Our famously said in the film Jurassic This began to get them to think innovation needs to include ability to synthesise and Park: ‘scientists were so about the questions ‘is it safe, regulation, but it needs to manipulate DNA, the building preoccupied with whether or not are there any wider risks?’ Some acknowledge the issues that blocks of life, moves us from (as they could, they didn’t stop to of them thought very carefully radical innovation poses for it. It Craig Venter described it) think if they should’. about these, and when I challenges us as scientists, as ‘reading the genetic code to interviewed them all the This is not, I stress, funders of science, as Members writing it’. From the creation of applicants said it was something synonymous with stifling high of Parliament, as citizens, to face artificial chromosomes to they should be doing. They just adventure science and creativity. the questions that come up ‘viruses from scratch’, the ability needed the mandate and This is a very important point. time and time again and think to engineer life has huge guidance to do it properly. It’s about constructively about what our roles and potential benefits, from biofuels supporting it in a way that To my surprise (because they responsibilities are in answering to antimalarial drugs. A recent demonstrates a genuine and had not been explicitly asked to these. Rising to this challenge is public dialogue highlighted that, visible commitment to do so) some of them began to not easy but is critical for like nanotechnology, while responsible innovation, opening think about the other questions shaping future society and the people could see these potential it up in a way that promotes too, proposing public dialogue World we will live in. It is a benefits, they also have some trust and ultimately means that exercises around the innovation challenge well worth rising to. big questions: Is it safe? Is it innovation is sustainable. This is research core, building in properly regulated? And some exactly what the public want: a mechanisms to identify wider others that come up time and 1 Owen R and Goldberg N (2010) clear message from the impacts as these emerged and Responsible Innovation: A Pilot Study time again when new synthetic biology dialogue was feed these back into the with the UK Engineering and Physical technologies emerge in the that the public want scientists to direction of their research. There Sciences Research Council. Risk public consciousness. Should Analysis, Vol 30, No 11, 2010 DOI: think about the wider impacts of were grant proposals with not they be doing it? Could it be 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2010.01517.x

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ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTION?

Michael Norton MBE The growing appreciation of storing excess winter water for Managing Director, Water & Power Business UK water stresses coupled to use in summer, and also Group, Halcrow the fact that domestic increasing the resilience of the consumption dominates built environment to other Dr Richard Harpin abstracted water has led to a potential future impacts such as Global Business Leader – Water Security, Halcrow focus on reducing this demand. flooding. The proliferation of metering • Reservoir construction enables Alexander Lane and efficiency initiatives is now the storage of excess water Engineer, Water & Engineering Management, widespread and growing; and therefore permits Halcrow however do such measures maintenance of supply during represent a suitably holistic periods of relative water solution? Whilst the Environment scarcity. Whilst large dams and Water is our most basic need, essential for Agency Water Resources reservoirs have traditionally Strategy (2009) advocates a life and intrinsically linked with many of our been opposed by large ‘twin-track’ approach, it is made critical national interests. Future climate proportions of society, their clear that demand suppression change and population pressures present construction can have multiple measures should be considered benefits, not just for water significant challenges for those tasked with as a priority. UK citizens currently resource security, but also for ensuring security of supply. However is the use an average of 148 litres of the environment and water per day (l/p/d) compared current preoccupation with demand economy. Many water to 493 l/p/d Australia, and 575 suppression inhibiting a fully holistic companies identify reservoir l/p/d in the USA. Defra’s approach? Should greater consideration be construction as essential to aspiration is to reduce this meet future water demands directed towards supply enhancement further, to 120 l/p/d. schemes that both take advantage of and corroborate their Water storage represents an economic viability against a climate change, and help increase resilience often overlooked option. By variety of alternative measures. to its effects? capturing the predicted • Smaller scale water storage increases in excess winter river can also provide broad flows, schemes that store more Public health and well-being, landscape. Assessments of benefits, especially within the water take advantage of future food production, energy supply, future climate projections by the agricultural sector. Whilst climate change. By slowing industry and the environment all Environment Agency (2008) generally constituting only a down water transfer across the require a reliable supply of water have shown that by 2050, small proportion of total water landscape, they also act against and whilst total available water annual average river flows may use, on hot summer days in England and Wales is reduce by up to 15%. Local the trends of climate change, sufficient to meet total demand, reductions in summer and geographic and temporal autumn flows could reach 80% variations in availability mean whilst flows in winter could that significant regional water increase by 15%. In addition, stresses exist, especially in the depending on Government South East. Added to this action, social mindset and problem is the need to plan for lifestyle choice, water demand in an uncertain future. Projections 2050 could be between 15% of UK climate predict reductions less and 35% greater than that in summer river flows and experienced today. Clearly these increases in winter flows, which extremes need to be built into is a similar effect to quicker future planning. Farm storage - Mullens irrigation Large scale storage - Graig Goch lagoon, Wiltshire (Source: Halcrow) reservoir, Mid-Wales passage of water across the (Source: Halcrow)

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agricultural use can dominate. pumping excess surface water outgoings, notably those for The above discussion Small reservoirs permit the flows below ground to be energy, water comprises such a demonstrates how consideration capture of excess winter flows utilised in the future, often in small proportion that for all but of water storage measures and therefore ensure summer response to droughts. Several the poorest, any incentive to provides a viable means of supply without environmental schemes exist, contributing reduce usage is small or absent. increasing water resource conflict. The farmer can then small additions to the supply An increase in annual household security and resilience to future plan cropping and product resource, although larger bills of £100, whilst pricing water climate change. Furthermore, by supply with far greater schemes are present in the still a long way short of its true combining intervention certainty. Lee Valley and at Enfield- economic value, would provide measures that act at different Harringey in London. additional potential annual geographic scales, alignment can • Sustainable drainage systems investments to the water be achieved both with the (SUDS) comprise a variety of A primary constraint upon the industry of £2.4 billion, an general concept of slowing localised interventions that application of supply amount not inconsistent with down water throughout the mimic natural catchment enhancement measures is the infrastructure investments in catchment, and with the widely responses. In order to slow common requirement for high other sectors. Clearly, the value prophesised aim of a ‘big water passage over seasonal upfront investments that may of safeguarding our future water society’ in which integrated time frames to provide benefit initially outweigh financial gain. security is incalculable. However, communities consider their for water resources, SUDS that Securing funding is therefore of as an indicator it is estimated wider environment. In view of direct runoff into the ground key importance, and in this that the Environment Agency’s the long time that storage such as permeable paving, respect consideration should be regulation of abstraction protects projects take to promote we should be prioritised. given to the price we assign to resources worth some £72 should be considering options water. When compared against • Aquifer storage and recovery billion. now. the cost of other household (ASR) describes the process of

RESEARCH AND TRAINING: UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR A BETTER RAILWAY

DEVELOPING A LONG • COST: improving the overall economic output of £5.9 billion, TERM RESEARCH cost effectiveness of the six times its direct turnover. STRATEGY railway. Commuter demand is expected to increase by at least 22% by The railway is an industry The railway is already much 2014 and passenger growth of where long term forward improved on where it was, but 39-54% is expected in major planning is essential. Short-term, keeping up with growing northern cities over the next incremental work only gets the demand for travel and delivering decade. Rail demand is industry so far; by investing in value for money needs us to projected to grow by 30% over longer term research we can keep pushing ahead. Rail is John Amoore the next decade and up to deliver a much improved railway carrying record numbers of R&D Specialist, Network Rail 140% over 30 years. in the future. passengers and freight on a network that is safer and more Research helps Network Rail Britain’s railway is a All Network Rail’s research reliable than ever. take costs out of the industry by world leader in and development and delivering efficiency savings. In research and innovation activities address at Passenger demand has the last 5 year regulatory period innovation. The least one of the major grown by 40% and freight by (2004-9), Network Rail reduced company is advancing challenges facing the industry, 60% over the last decade. Of costs by 27%. In the next 5 research and known as the ‘four Cs’: 1.3 billion annual passenger years up to 2014 we are developing journeys, 1 billion are by • CAPACITY: increasing the required to build on this by engineering talent at commuters and business capacity of the railway; meeting a 22% efficiency target, all levels – all in the travellers, almost all on the key which amounts to a saving of £4 cause of delivering the • CUSTOMERS: delivering a networks vital for the economy billion. Network Rail is railway Britain needs. service to meet the rising and into or between the urban committed to driving costs down expectations of passengers; centres in which many of the further, in line with the current most productive parts of the • CARBON: improving rail’s Value for Money inquiry by Sir economy are located. The rail environmental performance; Roy McNulty. Research and freight industry supports

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technology will be a key part of Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF), addition to funding from the signalling and telecoms; or this. essentially wear and tear caused Engineering and Physical electrification and plant. by vehicles going over rails. This Sciences Research Council. Network Rail has trained RESEARCH led to a contract with the Rail Future projects include work 1,250 skilled maintenance PARTNERSHIPS WITH Technology Unit at Manchester to increase the resistance of engineering technicians since it UNIVERSITIES Metropolitan University to track to loads from vehicles launched in 2005. Our scheme produce software capable of Network Rail’s commitment which would reduce will train a further 1,200 replicating the design and track to research has led us to maintenance needs, and apprentices in the next five years quality of any track route. When develop strong links with British automating maintenance and this year’s intake of 201 used with a detailed computer universities. This includes processes, with significant cost apprentices have just begun simulation of train design, it will funding Professorial chairs at and safety benefits. These two their three year programme. three universities, funding PhD predict suitability of a train for a projects have received over €9 specified route. This is used to Over the past three years students and leading bids for million EU funding. We are also evaluate all new train designs Network Rail has also recruited funding from the Research hoping to take forward ‘On-time’, and determine where vehicles 469 graduates, 28% in an Councils and the EU. In fact, which will explore real-time may need to be modified. We engineering discipline. Our Britain now receives more EU rescheduling of trains when are currently funding testing of graduate engineering research funding for rail than delays occur. This will start in an innovative suspension spring development programme, with any other country, in no small late 2011 if funding is approved which is able to provide ‘soft’ an intake of around 50 per part due to the strength of by the European Commission. collaboration between Network and ‘hard’ characteristics to both annum, is accredited by leading Rail and British universities. reduce forces on the track and TRAINING THE NEXT engineering institutions, IMechE, give passengers a comfortable GENERATION OF IET, and ICE. Network Rail has established ride at speed. ENGINEERS three strategic research chairs at Network Rail has developed the Universities of Nottingham, We have also used our RCF In addition to our high-level a Foundation Degree and BEng Sheffield and Imperial College research to develop analysis research, Network Rail is one of degree in rail engineering in London, recognising the tools to predict where and when the country’s biggest investors in partnership with Sheffield advantages of longer term rail failures will occur, reduce vocational training and Hallam University and launched relationships and allowing the their severity and extend track development. This is because an MSc in project management universities to build a centre of asset lives. Reduced rail we have a continuing need for in partnership with University excellence in railway degradation means a safer, young rail technicians and College London and the engineering. Each University has more reliable and lower cost engineers to help deliver the University of Warwick. railway. a specific theme of schemes and develop the Network Rail also assists specialisation although they may We have also supported PhD technological advances needed universities in running seminars propose a research project on projects, with some very to deliver a high-performing and international conferences on any subject where they have a interesting outputs. One recent railway safely and efficiently to railway engineering. Some also capability. thesis on the effects of climate meet strongly growing demand have laboratory facilities from passengers and freight. From the start of its research change on the rail network was specifically for railway programme, Network Rail has done at Birmingham. It has Our further and higher engineering. These activities collaborated with the University informed a lot of our adaptation education programmes range increase student awareness of of Birmingham to develop plans, as well as developing new from apprenticeships through to the challenges and opportunities remote monitoring systems for relationships on this subject with post-graduate qualifications to offered by rail engineering. a range of universities. We are railway track-side assets, such as train the technicians, Network Rail’s research, currently supporting one of point machines, level crossing incorporated and chartered innovation and education Network Rail’s staff in his PhD barriers and track circuits. Failure engineers that Network Rail and programmes are vital to driving work on sustainable station of track circuits and point the broader industry will need in up the safety, performance, building, in the Department for machines are two of the largest future. efficiency and economic causes of train delay. In the Built Environment at Network Rail’s award winning contribution of the railway in this partnership with Japan’s Central Nottingham University. advanced apprenticeship country and abroad. For the Railways and Deutsche Bahn, Perhaps more important than scheme is one of the largest in wider economy and Birmingham is also further directly providing funding, the country. It is based at a further/higher education sectors, developing expertise in Network Rail is able to use its residential facility at HMS Sultan these schemes are crucial in advanced algorithms for unique position and expertise to in Gosport, Europe’s largest equipping a new generation of detecting incipient failure as part work with universities to engineering training facility, and young people with STEM skills of Network Rail’s Intelligent leverage large amounts of combines high quality technical and providing and leveraging Infrastructure project. research funding for rail. The UK training with personal much needed research funding One of the early themes of is now the largest recipient of development. The apprentices and expertise for some of our research programme was EU funding for rail research, in specialise in one of track; Britain’s leading universities.

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LIGHTS! CHEMISTRY! ACTION!

The Royal Society of Chemistry launched the United Nations International Year of Chemistry 2011 [IYC 2011] at the House of Commons on Monday 24 January with the help of the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science.

IYC 2011 is a worldwide display in Parliament of the IYC 2011 range of interactive, entertaining celebration of the considerable wonders of chemistry. and educational activities for all IYC 2011 aims to increase achievements of chemistry and ages will take place, allowing For the first time ever, a live the public’s appreciation of its contributions to the wellbeing children and adults alike to webcast was made from the chemistry in meeting world of humankind. explore the critical role of Terrace of the House of needs, to engage young people chemistry in our lives. For But it wasn’t the usual kind of Commons enabling people in chemistry and to generate example, on 22 June teachers reception or the usual kind of throughout the UK and around enthusiasm for chemistry’s and pupils from constituencies launch. It was something the world to see the launch in creative future. all across the UK will be taking completely different. Parliament, the speeches and Chemistry – the science of part in a global chemistry the experiments via the RSC The Commons Terrace matter, its properties and experiment into the properties website. Marquee was packed to the hilt reactions – lies at the heart of and quality of water. It will be and there was a palpable sense The launch was co- the most promising multi- the largest chemistry experiment of occasion and anticipation – sponsored on an All-Party basis disciplinary research. Whether it ever conducted. because everyone knew that by Mark Lancaster TD MP, Dr is in nanotechnology, catalysis or two little pieces of Parliamentary Julian Huppert MP and Andrew tissue engineering, chemistry is PARLIAMENTARY history were about to be made. Miller MP, Chair of the involved in new exciting LAUNCH Commons Select Committee on discoveries with the greatest For the first time ever, a Andrew Miller chaired the Science and Technology. They potential to benefit our society. series of live chemistry proceedings and introduced the also jointly sponsored EDM The need for these discoveries experiments were performed on President of the Royal Society of 1324 on the Commons Order has never been greater. the Terrace of the House of Chemistry, Professor David Paper. Commons in a pioneering Throughout the year a wide Phillips OBE CChem FRSC, who

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referred to the centenaries of engineers to make this change transforming himself, along with The third experiment was the the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to possible. Inspiring them with a his Parliamentary colleagues, so-called Floating Boat where a Marie Curie for her discovery lifelong interest in science was a into high-powered laboratory lightweight tinfoil craft – and work on Radium and the top priority and hence IYC 2011 assistants. launched by Dr Julian Huppert – discovery of Polonium, and of will explore how people can floated magically in thin air on Ernest Rutherford’s revolutionary work together to demonstrate THE CHEMISTRY the top of an apparently empty theory of the atom. the vital role of chemistry. EXPERIMENTS fish tank.

Professor Phillips explained There was also a contribution The experiments were all All three MPs then that the ground-breaking from Ethiopia given by Professor conducted by Professor Hal participated in the next discoveries made by Curie, Temechegn Engida, President of Sosabowski and his team from experiment which featured the Rutherford and many of the the Federation of African the University of Brighton. All the manufacture of clouds with the other great minds at the turn of Societies of Chemistry, a body experiments had been use of solid carbon dioxide in the last century had sparked which was instrumental in exhaustively approved and hot water. The film camera huge advances in human securing the UN resolution authorised well in advance by caught the drama of this development: in terms of life which declared that 2011 would the House authorities under the experiment. expectancy and quality of life, be the International Year of helpful guidance of the Serjeant- The final experiment was personal mobility, the ability to Chemistry. at-Arms who was present at the performed outside on the feed humanity, and, more event to see them conducted. Terrace solely by Professor recently, in the number of ways David Willetts inaugurated the Sosabowski (to the dramatic to communicate. But what many first experiment which involved accompaniment of the music people didn’t realise was how Chemical Luminescence used in 2001: A Space the pace of change is designed to illustrate a reaction Odyssey) while the crowd inside accelerating. He drew attention that gives out light rather than pressed their faces to the glass to the fact that the discoveries of heat (which some people doors. Called The Barking Dog it the past enabled us to find ways occasionally argue is the reverse featured a series of perfectly of producing more while of Parliamentary debate!). The timed controlled explosions in a consuming ever increasing effect, which was instant and number of different tubes – and amounts of materials and spectacular, was created by it brought the official opening energy. The challenge now was pouring a liquid from one test In his address the Minister formalities to a spectacular end. to build on this knowledge and tube into another. paid tribute to the role and to produce more of the things IYC 2011 was well and truly importance of chemistry which The second experiment was we need while consuming less launched. he described as “so a Pulsing Reaction – for which of our scarce natural resources. fundamental to everything that Andrew Miller was the laboratory This required a whole new way enables us to lead civilised lives” assistant – and featured a large To watch the edited webcast of doing things and a whole and made such a vital test tube whose liquid content highlights (speeches and new way of thinking. contribution to the UK economy. magically changed from clear to experiments) please log on to It would also require a new He then declared himself ready coloured and back again www.rsc.org and follow the generation of scientists and to help launch IYC by repeatedly. directions.

Professor Hal Sosabowski is flanked by RSC President David Phillips, Andrew Miller and the Science Minister

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SEMTA SUPPORTS SCIENCE SKILLS

With an annual announced funds for 75,000 adult apprenticeship places per year, reiterating measures outlined in the last Comprehensive Spending turnover of over £32 Review. This is good news for the science sector, where new billion, the science technical skills are crucial for growth and for filling skills gaps caused industry is hugely by retirements. important to the UK Ultimately, more places will assist in the provision of the additional skilled people that will be needed in the future to ensure economy but its future the sector remains strong and continues to grow and compete on growth may be limited the global trade stage. by skills gaps. Other changes in the skills landscape, such as the rising cost of Philip Whiteman Chief Executive, Semta university courses, will serve to increase the key role of apprenticeships in ensuring businesses have the skills they need to DEMONSTRATING THE NEEDS OF SCIENCE succeed. This is particularly important given the high proportion of EMPLOYERS professionals (25 per cent) and managerial roles (23 per cent) working in the sector. As we look to the UK’s economic recovery, much emphasis has been placed on the importance of training investment and the APPRENTICESHIPS IN ACTION value of transferable skills that are needed to secure the future of Our role is to stimulate businesses to invest in skills that make UK companies. According to the UK Science Industries (Bioscience) them more competitive. So part of our success comes from Report published by Sector Skills Council, Semta, the UK’s 191,000 developing solutions that employers value because they give a real science employees produce an average of £76,500 Gross Value bottom line return. Added (GVA) – a figure vastly higher than the UK average of just £35,500 per employee. The data reiterates the important Apprenticeships not only develop higher level skills, they also contribution the sector is making – and can make in the future – in provide a healthy return on investment so Semta is helping drive rebalancing the UK economy. growth in apprenticeship numbers by developing frameworks that meet the needs of employers. These frameworks set out all the The report reveals that science employers need to recruit elements individual apprenticeships should contain under the 50,000 people between now and 2016. That is the estimated Government’s new Specifications for Apprenticeship Standards for number required to cater for the sector’s projected growth and to England and Wales (SASE/W), ensuring the quality and integrity of replace those retiring. The largest demand will be for people qualifications is upheld. qualified to National Qualification Framework Level 4 and for managers. With employers and science sector stakeholders, Semta developed a Life Sciences Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland. Semta’s research indicates a 14 per cent increase in Designed with career progression in mind, the Life Sciences employment over the last 12 months, with 48 per cent of Modern Apprenticeship Framework allows candidates to progress employers recruiting during that period. The report also reveals that from Technician to Assistant Scientist through higher levels of 31 per cent of graduates, postgraduates and doctorates taken over working responsibility and educational achievement, up to a the last 12 months were recruited from outside the UK. Science degree. According to the Semta report, the introduction of new products Introduced in Scotland last year, employers have already spoken and services, along with new technologies, are key drivers. Over the out in praise of the new apprenticeship and the support they next few years they will call for new working practices which will received from Semta. HR Director at BioReliance, Louise Rice increase the need for highly skilled employees. In addition, new commented: legislative or regulatory requirements will require good management and leadership skills and flexibility within the workforce. “BioReliance are excited about the exceptional efforts and contribution made by Semta. We’ve seen significant progress and THE IMPACT OF THE POLITICAL AGENDA increased confidence addressing the life science educational gaps Bearing in mind Semta’s insight data, the new government between academia, government and the commercial industry. This strategy for skills and skills investment is vitally important to the drive and support is so important for life science businesses and sector and the 6,500 science employers we represent. We will allow us to continue to address skill gaps and the importance of welcome many elements of the plans. In particular, the review science across the country.”

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The Life Sciences Modern Apprenticeship has the full support Understanding the sector’s need for higher level skills Semta and and endorsement of the Scottish Government. To date over 70 Cogent are partnering on a Working Higher Project which is candidates have been registered and 26 organisations have developing a Foundation Degree for Bioscience, leading to further employed apprentices, ranging from small to global companies and academic and career progression opportunities. NHS to universities. HOW SEMTA CAN HELP YOU The success of the Life Sciences Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland has already led to the launch of an apprenticeship Semta is supporting businesses and the Government, working framework for Laboratory Technicians in England in partnership with with the National Apprenticeships Service and the Skills Funding Cogent, the Sector Skills Council for chemicals, nuclear, oil and gas, Agency, to put businesses in its sectors at the forefront of a petroleum and polymers. In addition, Semta is working on a rebalanced economy. broader Science Apprenticeship to be launched in England this year. Businesses working with Semta’s National Skills Academy for Manufacturing have seen, on average, a 6:1 ratio of return on their Carolyn Mason, Semta UK Policy Implementation Manager, said: skills investment. The National Skills Academy offers a wider range “Semta is taking the lead in driving common working between of quality approved programmes specifically designed to deliver real stakeholders and partners to ensure that science employers get benefits to individuals and their companies. There are programmes the most effective and efficient support. Our apprenticeship and qualifications in Business Improvement Techniques (B-IT), frameworks are a great example and cover the specific skills Leadership and Management, Employability, Health and Safety and employers are asking for as well as building transferable Technical skills. To support individuals there is an e-learning centre competence.” with over 1,000 courses ranging from How to Make Presentations, through to Environmental Legislation and Policy, to Six Stigma. The SIMPLIFYING THE SKILLS LANDSCAPE cost of e-learning modules starts at £5 - £10.

To simplify the skills landscape for its employers, Semta is Huntingdon Life Sciences achieved immediate cost savings of leading a science cluster of Sector Skills Councils. What this means £250,000 after implementing B-IT training with the National is that key organisations are brought together to plan and review Skills Academy for Manufacturing. Over 150 employees targeted activity across sectors using science, technology, engineering and process improvements as part of their NVQ programme. They mathematics skills. The science cluster is advised by a high delivered bottom-line benefits through the rationalisation of powered STEM skills forum which includes representatives from laboratories, better organisation of storage, reduction of floor industry, academia and government who agree and prioritise action space and reduced inventory. proposals. Changing standard operating procedures from paper to The Science Cluster has four key goals and areas of focus for electronic format alone saved at least £50,000; the cost of activity: archiving was reduced by 85%; rework was reduced, and 20% was taken out of QA auditing costs. 1. Research/Labour Market Intelligence (LMI), 2. 14-19 STEM Education, Jane Pearse, Director of Special Projects, said: “I’ve never seen 3. Higher Education, such empowerment as I’ve seen with B-IT. Staff are telling 4. Workforce Development. senior managers about the success of their projects, as they are now able to measure success and demonstrate savings. The sense of ownership has been superb. Lean is now firmly part of In essence, the Science Cluster of Sector Skills Councils is active our culture.” in representing the employer voice to those responsible for educational policy. Recent activities include working with awarding bodies to review draft GCSEs in Science, to ensure they are rigorous Semta works with individual employers to identify and support and more oriented to eventual future employment. Individual their individual skills needs. There are four simple steps: Sector Skills Councils are also encouraging a more practical, 1. Make an appointment with one of our sector experts innovative style of teaching for the delivery of qualifications in their 2. With Semta’s advice and guidance, create a plan which: sectors. a. Addresses the skills needs of the individual business A key function of the cluster is sharing good practice, and Semta b. Identifies sources of training to meet these needs is collecting data on members’ current activities. This includes c. Helps them access any available funding to support the exploring ways in which Sector Skills Councils can work with training STEMNET to recruit STEM ambassadors. Here, Semta is targeting 3. Implement the plan newly-qualified apprentices and their employers by sending out 4. Evaluate the success of the training and consider further skills STEMNET leaflets with apprenticeship certificates through leading needs. awarding bodies such as EAL. Within the Science Cluster, Semta is driving work to ensure that Higher Education providers have To find out how employee skills training can boost your accurate intelligence on employer demand and to increase the business, contact Semta Customer Services on 0845 643 9001, number of work placements, particularly among small and medium email [email protected] or visit www.semta.org.uk sized employers.

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How In Vitro Diagnostics can realise cost savings and improve patient outcomes for the NHS

The Department of Health estimate that 4% of the NHS budget is spent on the provision of pathology services which contribute about 70% of the information used in making clinical decisions. This already represents a great value for money proposition but it is clear that there are opportunities for achieving even more than this.

In Vitro Diagnostics, or IVDs, outcomes and patient safety. In to play in making cost Doris-Ann Williams are the tests performed on the final report of the review of efficiencies and this is Director General, British In Vitro Diagnostics Association clinical samples to provide pathology services by Lord something which BIVDA and its information for diagnosing and Carter of Coles (from 2005- member companies have screening for disease. The tests 2008) it was identified that viewed as a real opportunity for can also be used to monitor there could be significant our sector. We have long been therapy or rule out putative savings made by the re-design concerned that the laboratory is diagnoses and have an of pathology services. There has usually viewed as an overhead increasing role to play alongside been a tremendous amount of by hospital management and drugs. There are a growing work done in England in the last that the tests provided are mere number of diagnostic eighteen months to do just this, commodities. This is far from dependent drugs which should led by the National Clinical the truth and IVD companies in only be prescribed for patients Director for Pathology Services, the UK have been very eager to where a parallel test has shown Dr Ian Barnes. This has seen participate in the QIPP initiative the drug will be effective for that improved utilisation of by providing examples on tests patient based on the genetic networked laboratories and a which can save money and make-up of the individual or the range of other innovations improve patient outcomes. For disease they are suffering from. including the joint venture medical technologies this is It is likely that many more drugs between Guys and St Thomas’s largely being achieved through will routinely be used with IVDs NHS Trust and Serco to provide the iTAPP programme. iTAPP is in this way in the future, a more commercialised service particularly for cancer. There also under the name of GSTS will be IVDs which show if an Pathology. This is a model which individual is responding to a is starting to appear across the specific therapy. country in other hospitals and there are also other private Of immediate concern is the providers with an interest in ability of IVDs to play their role doing similar activities. in cost savings for the NHS over the next few years. Pathology However that is the work services have been in the being done to streamline and headlights of the QIPP initiative improve efficiency of the service. of the Department of Health Of the total expenditure on since its inception in September pathology, just under a quarter 2009. QIPP is the acronym for of the money is actually used to Quality, Innovation, Prevention purchase the reagents and and Procurement, an ongoing equipment to perform the project to identify budgetary testing. So industry has savings while maintaining health recognised that it also has a role

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the Innovative Technology patient safety by using less Adoption Procurement invasive technology. So there is Programme and is being run by an urgent need for hospital the Procurement, Investment finance managers to re-engineer and Commercial Division of the their systems so that testing is Department of Health (PICD) provided to allow greater saving and now under QIPP. It is an in other areas. activity reviewing submissions Increasingly testing is being from industry for technologies done outside of the laboratory with potential for costs, systems using technology developed by and patients benefits, were they IVD manufacturers to be smaller, to be more widely adopted. often portable, straightforward to iTAPP is working also with NHS use but still utilising the science Technology Adoption Centre on within the equipment that is developing adoption strategies. used in a laboratory setting. It is There are currently 100 different now relatively common for medical device and IVD much testing to be done in technologies being examined wards, operating theatres, critical with a top tier which alone could care units etc within a hospital. represent savings in the The best scenario for this is hundreds of millions of pounds where the testing and related annually. equipment is centrally managed However adoption of new by the pathology staff so that setting to prevent referral to hospital. Another example is in IVD technology is very complex they can ensure the correct hospital in many cases. This is the management of people with due to how the money moves maintenance, staff training and already making significant chronic obstructive pulmonary around the NHS. For example, quality assurance is used. It also savings in some areas of disease (COPD) who are often Payment by Results incentivises offers better financial England – for example in the admitted to hospital at night hospitals to perform invasive management as the same East of England where many when there is often no real tests or procedures which could equipment can then be GPs use a point of care test for clinical reason to do so. Portable be replaced by a more provided across the hospital site D-dimer to rule out a diagnosis blood gas meters can now allow minimally invasive test using rather than each department of deep vein thrombosis in a fingerprick of blood to be blood or another biological making their own procurement people presenting with clinical tested in the patient’s home by sample. Sometimes these aren’t decisions in an area where they signs of this condition. This a community nurse or pleasant but, as an example, will have less expertise than saves the cost of an admission paramedic and if the gas levels providing a faecal sample must their scientific colleagues. when the condition is not are normal then the patient can be less upsetting to individuals Another area for present and speeds up be reassured and settled without than having to go through a improvement is in the utilisation treatment for the people who being taken into hospital. As colonoscopy unnecessarily. of testing in the community may have DVT when they reach confidence in the use of these There is also an increase in technologies grows and with adoption being supported appropriately then patient outcomes and care can be increased while saving money on hospital admission and interventional procedures.

For more information please contact Doris-Ann Williams MBE Director General British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) 1 Queen Anne’s Gate London SW1H 9BT Tel 020 7957 4633 www.bivda.co.uk e-mail [email protected]

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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, 27th October 2010 in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, House of Lords. The President, The Rt Hon Lord Jenkin of Roding, opened proceedings with a warm welcome to all present.

“At a time when there are close on 400 All-Party Groups in account, and helping to ensure that Ministers are kept aware of Parliament, I always like to remind people that we were the first trends and discoveries in S and T. such Group. However valuable all this has been and is, we have to recognise Founded in 1939 amid the perils of the threat of war, this that, as a consequence, the P & Sci no longer occupies the central unique institution came into being as a crucial necessity to guide role it once had – particularly in holding Ministers to account. Parliament and the Government on the role of science and Yet, successive Officers and Councils have successfully ensured technology. that we continue to have a really worthwhile role. We are a unique In its early years, after the war, it was responsible for securing a focus and think-tank for science and technology. We are an number of innovative changes in the relations between science, important bridge between, on the one hand, scientists, engineers Government and Parliament. For instance, it was this Committee and technologists in industry, academia, the professions, and on the which started the process that eventually led to the formation of other, Members of both Houses. We can be a platform for those POST. It also was very influential in the establishment of the Science able to put forward new ideas which need consideration in and Technology Select Committees in both Houses of Parliament – Parliament; for those who have new scientific advances to report, Committees which have a vital role in holding Governments to and for those seeking to influence the research policies of

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assume that there was Although we have yet to recognition, with war looming, decide on the breakdown of the that investing in, and figures, as a rough indication I understanding, science and can tell you in the current year technology was going to be we give Research Councils crucial. As we all know, the role £2.75bn, HEFCE £1.6bn for QR of British scientists in the war funding for universities, the was crucial. The extraordinary Academies £0.1bn and the productivity and creativity of that Higher Education Innovation period is something that still Fund £0.15bn, which adds up to amazes us. £4.6bn. That gives you a rough sense of the scale of the flows Well, we now have a different of funds that we’re talking about. type of challenge, it’s an Departments. These are matters recognised in Whitehall, and economic challenge, and it’s It is ring-fenced, it is secure of importance to Governments increasingly outside, that it was one where we have to but, of course, the protected of all persuasions. David’s influence and arguments recognise that our competitors cash settlement that we now It is significant that our in the CSR which won such a are themselves investing. As have presents us all with a Chairman, Andrew Miller MP, good settlement for Science. He Martin Rees pointed out so challenge – a challenge to was elected to this post shortly is currently involved, together persuasively in the weeks and deliver efficiency savings. If we before he was elected by the with his Secretary of State, Vince months running up to the can offset much of the effects of House of Commons to be the Cable, in working out how the science settlement, we had to inflation at 9 or 10% over the Chair of the Select Committee recommendations of the take into account what was next four years, by delivering the on Science and Technology. His Browne Committee can be happening in other countries. kind of efficiency savings that Bill dual role, though no doubt time- carried forward into policy I’m very pleased that with the Wakeham has identified in his consuming, is very valuable in both jobs. decisions on the future financing new kind of challenges that we very useful report, for example, of the Universities. He is right at face, in the CSR settlement, the then we really will be able to Enough about us! My main the centre of the issues that are Coalition Government did ensure we have a stable and duty today is to welcome David of great interest to this indeed recognise the enormous secure science base. Willetts MP, Minister of State for Committee, and we very much importance of science and Universities and Science, as our So the funding is important. look forward to hearing what he research. guest speaker. But other things are important has to say to us. Over to you, And so it is not so much a as well. And I just wanted to After leaving university, he David!” began his career in the Treasury, great pleasure as a great relief touch on two others. One thing progressed to further senior DAVID WILLETTS MP that we got the settlement we that matters is being able to posts near the centre of did. Just to take you through the convert that science spending David Willetts thanked Lord Government; and entered figures, we have a commitment into economic activity and Jenkin for the introduction. “It’s a Parliament in 1992 as the MP to a ring-fenced budget each economic benefit. great pleasure to be here to for Havant. His great abilities – year of £4.6bn. So it’s a secure, celebrate what has been a great That does not mean that the media do not call him ‘two- ring-fenced budget for the next brains’ for nothing! – led to early year for British science. When individual scientists carrying out four years. We still have to front bench appointments – he one thinks of all those Nobel their research have to be decide on the exact breakdown did time as a whip, then a Prize winners, it is an expected to behave as if they’re of the figures. Minister in the Cabinet Office, extraordinary recognition of the businessmen. They are not, they then Paymaster General, all in strength of our science base. It his first term in the House. is also a year where we mark a When David Cameron became new vigour in the relationships Leader of the Opposition, David between the scientific Willetts was appointed shadow spokesman on Education and community and both Houses of Skills, later being promoted to Parliament. spokesman, shadowing that The Parliamentary and curious but short-lived Scientific Committee is hugely Department of Innovation, important. I only realised when I Universities and Skills. read Andrew Miller’s excellent Following the 2010 election, piece in the most recent edition David was made Minister of of Science in Parliament that the State for Universities and group was founded in 1939. Science. In that capacity he Lord Jenkin touched on this in attends Cabinet. It is widely his introduction. One can only

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that George is here today. Although it went very much against the grain, we actually commissioned a small bit of empirical research on this. I can report to this group that before May, based on the calculations we made, there were 65 Members of Parliament who had a degree level qualification in science or engineering. Since the election in May there are still approximately 65 Members of Parliament with a degree in science or engineering. have a different set of skills, and going to be crucial as we Parliamentary and Scientific they have a different set of develop our plans and I very Committee, the Parliamentary So we have at least interests. We should not expect much welcome any input we Office of Science and maintained what I can only call a scientists carrying out their may have from the Technology and the Select protected base. We have research to be thinking of some Parliamentary and Scientific Committees all ensure that we secured, once again, stability. We commercial application or other Committee, or from the Science do that. may wish to have an increase every day. That is bad for and Technology Select but at least we have stability. We Finally, there have been science, and in the long run it’s Committees, as we develop our have frozen it at that nominal some rather pessimistic bad for the economy as well. specific proposals. level of 65. I hope you comments that we are losing appreciate what an achievement But we do need people with So as well as science, there is parliamentarians with scientific that is! Of course if we can build broader skill sets who then think a technology and commercial knowledge and understanding. I on that base it would be about how the ideas emerging agenda. My third point is the want to take you through this, excellent, but at least we have from our very productive science importance of ensuring that because we have to look at the that as a secure base from and research base themselves those of us in the House of picture in the round. Of course which we can start. Thank you have a practical industrial Commons and House of Lords there are very distinguished very much indeed. application. Last week we have proper access to scientific parliamentarians, with a close announced the CSR settlement advice and information. interest in science, who have Following a brief discussion, for science. This week we’ve sadly stood down. I saw Ian the Chairman, Andrew Miller MP, We cannot be accused of been able to announce funding Taylor here for example, who then proposed a vote of thanks slavish devotion to empirical for Technology and Innovation made a fantastic contribution to David Willetts for this evidence in day to day politics. Centres, as proposed by both over the years in the House of demonstration of his unfailing Just occasionally the argument Herman Hauser in his report for Commons and who is no longer confidence in and strong runs free, and perhaps runs the previous Government and a colleague. encouragement and support for rather ahead of the evidence also by James Dyson in his Science, Technology, Engineering base that one might require. But at the same time we report for my Party. We hope and Mathematics and all those Fortunately, our speeches do not have new members of that the £200m or so that we who contribute towards this aim have to appear in peer reviewed parliament joining us with an have identified to fund those will as key components in the journals. Indeed, I even interest in science. I see opposite also help tackle one of the great recovery of the UK from the remember the arguments when me George Freeman, who really challenges we’ve always faced in depths of the economic there was the suggestion that knows about this and it’s great Britain; ensuring that we can downturn. basic standards set by the move through those technology Advertising Standards Authority readiness levels from the scientific research to genuine should apply to political commercial applications. speeches. Even that we had a bit of a problem with. That is a crucial challenge. I invite the different experts that I So I have to accept that in see here today to start thinking politics we don’t always match and advising us on the sectors the high standards of rigour and where we need these evidence that the scientific Technology and Innovation community expects. However, it Centres and how we define is very important that we have their role. Come forward with the opportunity to draw on ideas. The next few months are scientific evidence. The

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HOW ENGINEERING PROVIDES BETTER HEALTHCARE Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 16th November 2010 ENGINEERING IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

There are few things more half of it has been removed. engineering that are likely to fascinating, and more difficult to Bone, skin and several other prove very powerful in the recreate, than the natural tissues are also able to self- engineering of large quantities of processes involved in the regenerate to fill injuries up to a human mature bone for growth and development of critical size, often aided by stem transplantations in which the animal and human life. From the cells present naturally in the donor is also the recipient, as embryo, cells grow and divide, body. These stem cells can be well as other vital organs such transforming into a myriad of stimulated in the presence of as liver and pancreas. Such different cells types defined by the correct conditions to grow targets have proven elusive with molecular and cellular signals into multiple different cell types. other approaches. To achieve

Professor Molly M Stevens and events (differentiation). Thus complex tissue can be these diverse aims we employ Department of Materials, produced by using and collaboration with numerous The goal of tissue Department of Bioengineering & enhancing the body’s own partners and have a Institute for Biomedical engineering (TE) is to replicate systems. multidisciplinary team consisting Engineering, Imperial College some of these complex London of members with backgrounds processes to replace and As well as requiring across: regenerate lost tissue. Decades information from each other, of research now seem set to cells derive information from • Biomedical Engineering pay off in the treatment of a their environments, including the • Bioengineering multitude of debilitating and material that surrounds them • Materials Engineering deadly conditions such as within tissues, namely the extra • Chemical Engineering myocardial infarction, spinal cellular matrix (ECM). A TE • Electrical Engineering injury, osteoarthritis, material scaffold must take on • Mechanical Engineering osteoporosis, diabetes, liver this instructive role to maintain • Surgery cirrhosis and retinopathy. cell viability and control cell • Chemistry behaviour. Mechanisms for such • Cell biology The general strategy is to instruction can be both chemical • Physics seed cells within a scaffold, a and physical, and include the structural device that defines the With the combined degree of physical support, geometry of the replacement knowledge from all of these geometry, and directional tissue and provides diverse fields, successful flexibility, as well as numerous environmental cues that development of tissue chemical signals that lead to promote tissue regeneration. TE engineering is greatly facilitated. cascades of intra- and skin equivalents have been in extracellular events. clinical use since 1997 and REGROWING BONES other TE devices currently in THE VALUE IN TAKING A Bone tissue is of particular clinical trials or in use include MULTIDISCIPLINARY interest due to its highly those for cartilage, bone, blood APPROACH complex architecture that vessel and pancreas. TE contains many blood vessels Research in regenerative bladders and sections of the and covers several length scales medicine within the Stevens trachea have been successfully (macro to nano), important group at Imperial College employed in humans. structural function, regulation London includes the directed role of calcium and phosphate Even without intervention differentiation of stem cells, the levels within the body, and its from scientists, human tissue design of novel bioactive high regenerative capacity. The has a staggering capacity to self- scaffolds and new approaches majority of bone fractures heal regenerate. For example, a towards tissue regeneration. We themselves without the need for human liver can regrow to its have developed novel medical intervention, however in previous size when as much as approaches to tissue

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some cases such as removal of or “bioreactor” in the body implanted into a bone defect, RepRegen have shown that tumours, this self-regeneration between a bone and the the released strontium strontium is highly beneficial to must be supplemented with periosteum (a membrane that stimulates osteoblasts (bone bone cells and enhanced grafted cells from elsewhere in surrounds all the major bones). cells) to make new bone and mineralisation and have also the body. Harvesting of such A cavity is first created between prevents it from being resorbed demonstrated this in vivo with autologous bone tissue is the bone and periosteum by the by osteoclast cells. The new rapid formation of high quality, limited by supply and by injection of a salt solution. This bone is significantly stronger and mechanically competent bone. negative effects on the donor cavity is then filled with a of higher quality than if In fact significantly higher quality site, which make TE of bone bioactive gel containing calcium strontium is not incorporated bone is formed with the highly desirable. to trigger the production of fresh into the material. incorporation of strontium into layers of bone in the in vivo the biomaterial. Bone repair and replacement bioreactor. New bone tissue FROM BENCH TO is also an important There are over 50 synthetic grows from stem cells in the BEDSIDE consideration in an ageing products on the market with periosteum into the bioactive gel population. The number of age- Repregen™ Ltd, formerly little to distinguish them from and rapidly fills the bioreactor related bone replacements such BioCeramic Therapeutics Ltd each other. RepRegen’s products space. The new bone can then as primary knee arthroplasties is until March 2010, is a spin-out offer a number of firsts which be easily harvested and increasing rapidly; already 16% company from Imperial will clearly distinguish them in transplanted elsewhere in the of the US population is over 65 Innovations plc co-founded in the market. If the NHS were to body without major trauma to years of age and this looks set 2006 with Professor Stevens adopt these products, this would the harvest site unlike with to rise. Overall, globally, there and headquartered within the result in worldwide exposure traditional bone harvesting from are around 1 million bone Imperial College Incubator. and also result in the significant body sites such as the iliac crest. defects annually that require RepRegen Ltd is a medical cost savings outlined above. This reduces long-term morbidity grafting to repair. device company that uses RepRegen’s StronBone™ is and pain for the patient. patent-pending repair and significantly cheaper to Bone has specific Cartilage can also be produced regeneration technology manufacture than biologics such requirements that differ from using a similar concept using a platforms designed to mend as Bone Morphogenetic those of other bodily tissues, different biomaterials gel and regrow hard tissue such as Proteins. Adoption of StronBone which must be considered in formulation. bone and soft tissue such as in the NHS would aim to result the engineering of bone tissue. cartilage. in faster patient recovery, fewer Ideally, the template or scaffold STRONTIUM – THE VITAL complications and implant for bone TE should be bioactive, INGREDIENT An ageing population and an increase of high risk sports have failures due to infections, contributing actively towards cell Bioceramics form a led to a surge of bone-related reducing costs to the NHS and differentiation, encouraging particularly strong bond with diseases and bone fractures. As burden on society and the directional bone growth and living tissue by formation of a a result, the use of bone graft economy in general. afterwards being reabsorbed or hard bone-like layer on the substitutes has dramatically Select bibliography: replaced by the body. Materials surface, and they have been increased in the last decade. for such scaffolds used used to repair hard tissue in a Complexity in biomaterials for tissue There are currently no synthetic engineering, E. S. Place, N. D. Evans, and commonly include bioactive variety of craniofacial, products on the market with M. M. Stevens, Nature Materials, June glasses, bioceramics, or maxillofacial and periodontal 2009, 8, 457-470. performance that is comparable polymers in the form of applications. We have recently to biologics such as Bone Biomaterials for bone tissue engineering, nanofibres or composite shown that if the bioceramic Morphogenetic Proteins and the M. M. Stevens, Materials Today, May materials; they must be porous, used contains strontium then it 2008, 11, 5, 18-25. functional, and, of course, gold standard autograft. has the potential to combine the In vivo engineering of organs: The bone biocompatible. Biological known bone regenerative RepRegen Ltd’s platform of bioreactor, M. M. Stevens, R. P. Marini, D. components from the ECM such properties of such glasses with strontium bone graft substitutes Schaefer, J. Aronson, R. Langer, and V. P. as proteins that “switch on” for hard tissue regeneration Shastri, Proceedings of the National the positive effects on the Academy of Sciences, August 2005, 102, certain cellular signals are often metabolism (anabolic) and offers improved performance 32, 11450-11455. incorporated into the scaffolds. slowing of tissue-breakdown over conventional bone graft The effects of strontium-substituted materials. The first product, SIMPLE MATERIALS CAN (catabolic effects) demonstrated bioactive glasses on osteoblasts and SOMETIMES by strontium cations. StronBone™, recently received osteoclasts in vitro, E. Gentleman, Y. C. EU regulatory approval for Fredholm, G. Jell, N. Lotfibakhshaiesh, M. REGENERATE EVEN It is thought that this result is orthopaedic, spinal and dental D. O’Donnell, R. G. Hill, and M. M. COMPLEX TISSUES caused by a synergistic effect of Stevens, Biomaterials, 2010, 31, 3949- bone grafting indications. The strontium on the action of the 3956. Our developed concept that company has a series of bioceramics, which release allowed the engineering of large strontium bioceramic products in For more information go to calcium, silicon, and other vital volumes of bone in a the pipeline which will build on www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/m. bone-growing minerals to predictable manner relied on this first product including a stevens and www.repregen.com encourage bone growth. When the creation of an artificial space putty and porous bone graft.

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HOW ENGINEERING PROVIDES BETTER HEALTHCARE mHEALTH – MOBILE PHONES FOR HEALTHCARE

glioma in adults: case-control conditions (also called chronic HOW ENGINEERING IS study) showed that there were diseases) are defined by the HELPING minimal health risks associated World Health Organisation as The challenge today is to with mobile phone use, although health problems that require create sustainable, large-scale children under the age of 16 are ongoing management over a programmes that can support still advised to limit the time they period of years or decades. self-management of long-term spend on calls. Innovative methods are required conditions without being a drain to address this challenge, and The introduction of GPRS on healthcare resources. Patients mHealth is highlighted in the (General Packet Radio Service), with a mild or moderate form of report as having the potential to sometimes known as 2.5G, in a long-term condition expect to achieve significant reductions in Professor Lionel Tarassenko, FREng 2002 made it possible to have lead a normal life and do not Professor of Electrical Engineering the cost burden of long-term two-way real-time transfer of want to change their routine or Director, Institute of Biomedical conditions. Engineering data to and from a remote be confined to one location for University of Oxford computer server. Today, mobile In the UK there are 17.5 self-monitoring. The mobile INTRODUCTION telephony, which includes voice, million people with a long-term phone can be used not only to text messaging (SMS) and data condition. Some 12 million of transmit self-monitoring data and Developments in the last services, has become the most these suffer from the most patient diaries to a remote server decade have led to mobile widespread communication common conditions, namely but also to provide real-time communications technologies infrastructure in the world, with diabetes, hypertension, asthma feedback, which increases becoming a new tool for the 80% of the world’s population or chronic obstructive pulmonary patient compliance. Transmission delivery of healthcare. It is only living within range of a cellular disease – COPD. In the United of the encrypted data from the 25 years since the UK cellular network. The mobile phone is States, long-term conditions affect phone to the server using GPRS telephony service, as it was both a data entry device with a 130 million people, generating or 3G is a secure process. called then, was launched. As keyboard and a data review healthcare costs of approximately Algorithms running on the server recently as 10 years ago, the link device with a colour screen. $1.4 trillion per annum overall. can then prioritise patients for between mobile phones and Mobile phones have now Around 80% of GP consultations “telehealth nurses” to review and relate to long-term conditions health was seen in an entirely become tools to facilitate the call on their mobile phone, and patients with these negative light. Exposure to delivery of healthcare services, whenever appropriate, without conditions or their complications electromagnetic radiation close based on the secure exchange the costs of frequent visits to the use over 60% of hospital days. to the brain, through the use of of medical data, and leading to a patient’s home. a mobile phone, was perceived Type 2 diabetes is the fastest new term, “mHealth”, the use of Telehealth services (or as giving rise to an increased risk growing disease in the mobile communications “remote health monitoring”) are of developing a brain tumour, developed world as a result of technologies in health solutions. focused mainly on two types of and all mobile phones had to be poor diet and obesity, and the populations, with different switched off inside hospitals LONG-TERM World Health Organisation has economic cases. One type because of “possible interference CONDITIONS predicted that long-term targets patients with COPD or with medical equipment”. conditions will be the leading A 2010 report from McKinsey chronic heart failure, for example, cause of disability by 2020. What changed between 2000 (mHealth: A new vision for those who have a high risk of and 2010? A number of studies, healthcare) warns that, if current Improved self-management, experiencing an expensive care for example the report from trends continue, spending on coupled with regular education episode, such as an unplanned Professor Sir William Stewart in healthcare will consume an and support, is seen as the best hospital admission. The second 2000 as well as two reports unsustainable proportion of the means of slowing the inexorable type is more concerned with the from the World Health wealth of developed nations, up rise of healthcare spending on long-term benefits of self- Organisation and a paper in the to 25% of gross domestic long-term conditions, through a management for conditions such British Medical Journal in product (GDP), with the reduction in the number of as diabetes. Here the target January 2006 (SJ Hepworth, MJ management of long-term unplanned hospital admissions, population is more likely to be Schoemaker, KR Muir et al conditions accounting for 80% of emergency visits to the GP younger, more active and early Mobile phone use and risk of the growth in costs. Long-term surgery or days off work. adopters of new technology.

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The concept of mHealth can OTHER APPLICATIONS developing world, albeit mostly several thousand healthcare benefit both groups, although it OF MHEALTH through pilot projects at this applications for the iPhone. has so far been mostly deployed stage. Three quarters of mobile Other mHealth services are But the sustained use of among the second group. One phone users are in developing also being developed in markets mobile phones for healthcare of the main barriers to the countries. Making sure that there outside the management of will depend on evidence adoption of mHealth by the first is the right amount of malaria long-term conditions. For gathered in clinical studies group has been the small and drugs at the hospital or the example, the automatic sending demonstrating improved patient difficult-to-use keyboards of health centre where they are of text messages to remind outcomes, for example an today’s mobile phones, but this dispensed is a hard logistical patients of appointments is increase in the long-term control is being eroded by the problem in sub-Saharan widespread within the NHS. of blood glucose levels in introduction of the new countries, which mobile phone Similarly, text-message people with diabetes or fewer generation of smart phones with technology is helping to solve. reminders can help promote exacerbations in people with large icons on touch-sensitive Mobile phone applications have adherence to medication respiratory conditions such as screens. It is essential that also been developed to regimens, by prompting asthma or COPD. mHealth solutions are designed empower community health individuals to take their for the requirements of their workers, allowing them to record The new generation of smart medication and encouraging target population, which can vary medical information in patients’ phones and tablets (iPads) them to complete their widely: an application to help homes and uploading it to a based around either the iPhone treatments. The Pill Phone, a teenagers manage their diabetes basic electronic health record. Operating System (OS) or its mobile medication reminder will be very different from one open-source alternative, the from a US company, tells used by elderly patients to FUTURE WORK Android OS, has the potential to patients when they should take monitor their blood pressure Before any new drug or provide a generic mHealth their medicine. Medication following their discharge from medical device can be platform, usable across the long- Tracker, MedsLog and Pillbox are hospital after a stroke. Both of introduced into the market- term condition spectrum. With among the most popular these have been successfully place, evidence is required of its the computing power available medication trackers in the developed at the University of safety and efficacy. Because on these new devices, mHealth iPhone store. Text messaging Oxford and adopted by mHealth is a technology based will deliver software applications has also been used to improve hundreds of patients (see on self-monitoring, there are no which can be optimised for the success rates in smoking http://www.ibme.ox.ac.uk/bsp safety implications as it is individual and integrated into cessation programmes. and www.obsmedical.com/ generally accepted that the use care pathways so as to products/telehealth/). Recently mHealth has begun of a mobile phone carries no maximise the productivity of to have an impact in the health risks. There are now healthcare workers.

HOW ENGINEERING PROVIDES BETTER HEALTHCARE MEDICAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR “FIFTY ACTIVE YEARS AFTER FIFTY” How can we be more active and live more healthily for the second half of our lives?

Advances in modern medicine have led to increased life expectancy and we all expect to live longer. A fifty year old today may well live for another fifty years and may well walk up to another 100 million steps in the second half of their lifetime. Our musculoskeletal system starts to age and degenerate at around the age of fifty. As we age, we need to keep active in order to avoid other co-morbidities, remain healthy and

John Fisher and Eileen Ingham continue to contribute to society and the economy. The ageing Institute of Medical and Biological population, the so called “silver tsunami” is now one of the Engineering University of Leeds major societal challenges.

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For example, it is estimated We have also researched and that the number of joint developed replacement heart replacements implanted valves. Chemically treated worldwide will increase fivefold bioprosthetic heart valves which to 5 million by 2030. These were researched, designed and . . . we have developed the largest joint replacements will have to developed in the University, last longer and meet higher were licensed to a local startup simulation facility in the world for patient expectations and company and have been demand. Medical engineering manufactured in the UK for over artificial joints . . can provide solutions for repair, twenty years. These traditional restoration and replacement of medical devices have provided tissues in the musculoskeletal effective technology solutions and cardiovascular systems to for the elderly, but do not help keep the ageing population address the needs of the healthy and provide “fifty active current ageing population. evaluate new technology patented. Research work is years after fifty”. This paper Over the last twenty years, solutions and designs, thus ongoing for blood vessels, summarises past medical one area of our research has improving performance, cartilage and bone and other engineering achievements, focused on reducing wear and reliability and safety of devices soft and hard tissue composite recent advances in longer lasting improving the longevity of joint that are implanted in the body. grafts. This family of joint replacements and research regenerative biological scaffolds replacements. We have Our current and future into the future potential of represents a paradigm shift in researched novel hard on hard research is focused on regenerative biological scaffolds. medical technologies and tissue bearings, and our unique regenerative biological scaffolds. The examples cited demonstrate replacement, directly addressing ceramic-on-metal hip joint has These are scaffolds of biological the importance of integrating the needs of the ageing demonstrated extremely low origin, which uniquely replicate research, innovation and population. wear and extended life times. It the structure and function of the commercialisation, and has been licensed to a global tissue from which they are The Institute of Medical and partnership working between company and is now sold derived. When implanted in the Biological Engineering and its universities, industry and worldwide for use in young patient they regenerate with the partners in the WELMEC Centre healthcare providers. active and high demand patients own cells. We believe of Excellence in Medical Total artificial hip joint patients. In the knee we have that by replicating tissue specific Engineering, the IKCRTD replacements were invented in redefined the scientific laws of architecture, structure and Innovation and Knowledge the UK in 1960 and have been the wear of polyethylene, and function, that the cells are Centre in Regenerative manufactured here for over 50 this has led to the subjected to the appropriate Therapies and Devices, years. The traditional designs, understanding of lower wearing tissue specific environment, regeNer8 Centre for made from metal on design solutions, which are now signals and strains, which will Translational Regenerative polyethylene, provide pain relief marketed worldwide. One drive them to differentiate down Medicine integrate and mobility for the elderly example, the partial knee the correct tissue specific multidisciplinary research, population, over 65 years. Our replacement, which allows early lineages. innovation, translation and research has shown that when intervention and preserves product development, with 200 Research on biological used in younger more active natural tissue, has been shown research staff, 50 industry scaffolds is being translated patients, the conventional design to have tenfold less wear than partners and 50 clinical through University spin out results in long term failure due conventional knee designs. collaborators addressing the company Tissue Regenix Group, to adverse reactions to the During this period we have challenges of “50 active years recently listed on AIM and also increased load of polyethylene developed the largest simulation after 50”. With our academic, through NHS Blood & Transplant wear products. This has defined facility in the world for artificial clinical and industry partners we Tissue Services. Current clinical the need for lower wearing and joints, which allows us to study are developing a novel products include the dCELL® longer lasting joint replacements. new materials and pre-clinically approach to establishing a vascular patch for blood vessel research led technology and repair, a pulmonary valve innovation centre in medical replacement scaffold currently in technologies. . . . Our current and future research clinical studies, and a dermal product for skin repair. Biological Research and innovation is is focused on regenerative biological scaffolds for meniscus repair are supported by EPSRC, the currently under commercial Wellcome Trust, Technology scaffolds. . . development by Tissue Regenix Strategy Board, BBSRC, EU, Group. Unique biological NIHR, NIH, MRC, DOH, NHSBT, scaffolds for ligament and CHSF, FCRF, Arthritis UK and bladder repair have been over 30 industry partners.

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THE CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES St John’s Vicarage, Wembley for the London Diocesan Fund

Karen Smith What is a Code 6 dwelling? photovoltaic arrays. Grey-water What site considerations are London Diocesan The Code is an environmental harvesting was not necessary. applicable for a Code 6 assessment method developed The success of the design very dwelling? Fund for the Department for much depends on the attention A Code 6 dwelling is likely to Communities and Local to detail from the main be more readily achievable on a Government in 2007 for new- contractor, Galliford Try brown-field site with low or little build dwellings. It is now Partnership, and rigorous existing ecological value and mandatory to assess all new monitoring of the construction minimal solar shading. An The London Diocesan dwellings in England under this processes is ongoing in assessment of the intended Fund, in partnership scheme. The Code rates the conjunction with BSRIA Limited, technologies on the surrounding environment is also important with ASRA Greater sustainability of the dwelling by the Fund’s appointed Code awarding credits across a number consultant. High standards of requiring particular attention to London Housing of categories including energy insulation and air-tightness are ground conditions and water Association, have usage, pollution and waste, and key to minimising heat loss. permeability. commissioned a new health and wellbeing. It The Church Commissioners’ This vicarage site proved vicarage in the parish addresses both construction and publication, Parsonages: A particularly challenging in relation of Wembley, St John ‘in-use’ aspects of the dwelling; Design Guide, details the to building aspect and solar Code 1 being the lowest level recommendations for vicarage shading but notwithstanding as part of a mixed use and Code 6, the highest, development including design and performance but these conditions, a solution has achieving a sustainable zero differs slightly in emphasis to the been developed through the social housing and a carbon home. Code. However, there is sufficient employer’s agent, Cyril Silver & church hall. This Partners LLP, and architects, What makes this a Code 6 flexibility within the interpretation Calford Seaden LLP. vicarage is one of the dwelling compared to a of both requirements to procure an acceptable design solution. first in the country standard new-build dwelling? Could anyone build it? designed to comply The Code 6 detailed vicarage What are the planning A Code 6 dwelling can be with Level 6 of the specification by Wilson Stephen considerations? constructed by any competent Associates, the Fund’s project Code for Sustainable The Code 6 dwelling created contractor; however extensive managers, required the energy Homes (the Code) planning benefits. The retention technical knowledge and rating of the dwelling to have of the existing ecological experienced design and and demonstrates the more than a 100% infrastructure along with construction management are Fund’s commitment to improvement above the Building enhanced landscaping provisions essential. The process typically sustainability and the Regulations notional building as and sustainable on-site energy involves extensive administration defined in Approved Document environment. This generation was well received. including construction material Part L and the SAP calculation Such proposals along with source certification, design paper explores key methodology. The required CO2 compliance to Lifetime Homes assessments, CO2 monitoring, issues relating to the emissions are zero, necessitating standards are likely to find favour SAP production and analysis and Code and the renewable technologies designed with the published policies of waste recycling. The Galliford Try experiences of this to offset all the emissions most planning authorities. Partnership’s in-house project produced from the heating, hot project. However, early consultation with team enables them to deliver the water systems and occupant’s planning authorities is essential required holistic construction appliances. as the physical characteristics of approach. The vicarage includes the technologies required to Do Code 6 properties have to controlled water usage, rainwater achieve Code 6 affect a wide be new-build? harvesting, vertical-bore ground range of parameters including The Code is designed for source heat pumps, whole-house roof design, aspect, impact of new-build dwellings only. ventilation with heat recovery and local environment and day- lighting. Refurbished properties use the

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BRE EcoHomes 2006 scheme, constraints, ground conditions rate is anticipated to be - 5.25 Kg 14193kWh/yr for a Part L 2010 although a Domestic and renewable technologies CO2/m²/yr. dwelling or 164193 kWh/yr for a Refurbishment Assessment installed. Part L 2006 dwelling. scheme is currently being trialled. How much energy does a What would the carbon Code 6 dwelling save? For more information contact: What is the percentage of footprint be of a Code 6 A Code 6 vicarage should London Diocesan Fund: additional costs to build a Code dwelling? produce significant energy Michael Bye 6 over a standard dwelling? A Code 6 dwelling is zero savings compared to a standard [email protected] A straightforward new vicarage carbon operationally with the dwelling. However, most London Diocesan Fund: would normally equate to Code 3 predicted occupancy energy load electricity-generating renewable Karen Smith level. The financial uplift to being displaced through technologies cannot operate at [email protected] achieve the vicarage Code 6 is renewable technologies. Carbon peak generation throughout the Wilson Stephen Associates: 22%. Clearly, each project will footprints, however, will vary but year. This vicarage energy target Ryan Bunce, [email protected] differ depending on site the vicarage dwelling emission is 5072 kWh/yr compared to t: 020 7803 0450

TESTING TIMES - NEW IDEAS Dr Steve Thompson, Science and Innovation Promoter, British High Commission, New Zealand

Policy directions in many Ag/Bio/Food area, Clean Energy principles has been evolved over who might benefit from, and countries are moving to link and Technology, Textiles, Sensors time: be chargeable for, its services. science closely with innovation and Extremophiles (organisms If an investment angle 1. The SIP’s remit starts at the and commercial exploitation. which live in extreme emerges from an R&D visit, research end of the spectrum New Zealand and Britain are no conditions). Results over the this is passed to UKTI to in order not to invade UKTI exceptions and both countries three years to date have reaped follow through. space, but the focus is on are strengthening their incentives over 50 “Significant Assists”, and commercially-orientated Concrete collaborations are for adding commercial value 7 concrete collaborations research - ie collaborations the name of the game, but from science. There is a natural instigated by, plus a further 5 which stand a good chance of behind the scorecard, much fit between New Zealand’s collaborations assisted by, the developing exploitable IP. This work goes into nurturing practical creativity and the UK’s SIP. may involve research promising linkages in both the own innovation system, which Times are tough in both organisations with a UK and New Zealand. Seminars can combine to access capital countries right now, and commercial orientation and/or and workshops give New and penetrate world markets. redoubled efforts are needed to the research arms of Zealanders an up-to-date picture The UK added build new collaborations. Close companies. of UK capabilities, but UK encouragement to UK-NZ links liaison with UKTI’s New Zealand organisations are often unsure of 2. The SIP can bid for BIS with the creation in 2007 of a team ensures that these NZ capabilities and are unwilling funding to assist visits, as long Science and Innovation Promoter missions are jointly advertised to to visit unless some brokering as the visitors a) can (SIP) position at the High cover the spectrum from R&D has taken place beforehand. A demonstrate their interest at Commission in Wellington. The through to investment, and new initiative this year will be to the research end of the SIP’s aim is to develop practical trade, with UKTI being twin UK S&I organisations with spectrum, b) are seriously and commercialisable research responsible for trade and their counterparts in New interested in collaboration, and collaborations between the UK investment. The SIP is able to Zealand, so that a natural stream c) couldn't come without and New Zealand. bid for BIS funding to assist of information flows between assistance. missions, while UKTI must the two countries. The first year of operation charge for many of its services. It 3. The SIP keeps UKTI Auckland was characterised by start-up And on top of that, there’s has thus been important to informed as ideas for missions and two missions to NZ: the rugby world cup towards the define the area(s) of common are developed. As the interests Greenhouse Gases and Ag/Bio. end of 2011. Now that’s a good interest and the point at which of mission participants Subsequent missions have reason to visit! the research role hands over to become clear, UKTI Auckland concentrated on the UKTI, and a set of liaison identifies those participants

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BUILDING BRIDGES – LAYING DOWN SOME FOUNDATIONS

Developments in Science, Engineering and Technology have much to offer Society yet many of the difficulties of transferring scientific evidence into strategies, policies and regulations still remain.

Newton’s Apple Foundation the Women in Science – Policy academia, including Research was founded in 2006 with the and Networking Conference. It Council HQs and Learned objective of acting as a bridge provides a forum in which Society staff and from industry. between the science and scientists and engineers at the Dr Michael W Elves Each workshop provides Chairman engineering communities and beginning of their careers can participants with a brief Newton’s Apple Foundation policy makers in Government meet those involved in the introduction to the way that and Parliament (Science in processes of developing and Government and Parliament are Parliament (2008) vol 65 page implementing policies that are, structured, and how the policy 4). We believe that such bridges or should be, underpinned by and legislative processes are are even more important today scientific evidence. We have run operated. Participants hear talks than they were in 2006. a series of these workshops over from a panel of experts in the Developments in Science, the last two years and have various fields of policy Engineering and Technology been encouraged by how the formulation including an MP, have much to offer society yet scientific community has someone with experience of a many of the difficulties of responded to them. Government Department transferring scientific evidence Most workshops were held in (usually a civil servant) and a into strategies, policies and London, often in the Palace of representative of a Learned regulations still remain. We saw Westminster, but also in venues Society, with sometimes a it as a particular challenge to provided by Learned Societies speaker from industry with encourage younger scientists and Trade Associations. It is not experience of science policy and engineers to engage with surprising therefore that the issues. In addition each is policy issues which affect the great majority of the participants provided with copies of our way they work, or to which their came from institutions and three booklets “Science Policy own research could make a organisations in London and the Explained and Explored” and contribution; and to understand Home Counties. However we “How Policy is made – a Short the governmental and also had delegates from as far Guide” and “A Directory of parliamentary structures and afield as the West Country, the useful Science Policy Websites.” processes involved. Midlands, Scotland and Wales. In The latter was created in We therefore established a addition to the London-based response to requests from group of relevant experts events two workshops participants in the first workshop charged with the task of looking sponsored by the University of and includes web addresses for at how we could meet this East Anglia were held in Government Departments, challenge. They devised the Norwich and a further two Parliamentary Select “Newton’s Heirs Introduction to workshops were run as part of Committees, the major Learned Science Policy Programme.” This the NESTA Crucible Lab Societies and other relevant programme, launched in programme. In all over 380 bodies. An important part of the Westminster in October 2008, people have attended one of workshop is the discussion delivers workshops and was these workshops the great period which provides an informed by our experience of majority (70%) being young opportunity for questions to be running science policy events for researchers – PhD students and raised and issues discussed with the annual NESTA Crucible Lab Post-doctoral fellows – but they the panel members. The projects, the British Association also attracted a significant discussion period is so popular Communication Conference and number of people from outside that it often continues informally

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with individual speakers after the involved in research and the more detailed report on the in the building of the bridge meeting has ended. interpretation of scientific data. workshops may be found on between scientists and policy our website (www.newtons- makers. We are therefore greatly The workshops highlight Participant feedback provides apple.org.uk) encouraged as we move channels through which us with information about the forward with our third scientists and engineers may impact the workshops have on We have discovered that programme of workshops in engage with policy formulation their understanding of policy there is a real and growing 2010/11 and as we start to processes by providing their formulation and implementation interest amongst the younger develop further programmes to views, expert opinions and processes. Participants are asked generation of scientists in policy provide some more in-depth evidence when scientific issues to place their understanding of matters and a thirst for experience for young scientists are raised, or matters affecting science policy and the processes knowledge about the processes, and encourage a deeper the way science is conducted into one of four levels before and how they may become engagement in the field of are involved; and after the event: involved. All of our events have science policy. We are always been greatly oversubscribed • By responding to Government 1. No understanding open to ideas as to how this within a few days of being Consultations, Green Papers may be done as Newton’s 2. Some understanding advertised. It is of particular and Inquiries; Apple is committed to 3. Good understanding interest that we have found an consolidating the progress we • By providing evidence to increasing number of questions 4. In-depth understanding have made and to forming yet relevant Select Committee at these events which centre stronger foundations. Inquiries; The majority of participants around careers in the policy arena. A small number of • By supporting Policy Groups (over 90%) came to the participants have even gone on within their Learned Societies workshops claiming no, or only to take up temporary jobs as and becoming involved with some, knowledge of science Dr Michael Elves was a Former interns, fellows, etc in the production of ‘position policy and the policy processes. Director of Scientific and organisations that provide them papers’; and At the end of the event the Educational Affairs, Glaxo majority felt that their with some hands-on experience. Wellcome and a specialist • By acting as mentors to understanding had increased by The workshops are therefore adviser to the House of constituency MPs helping at least one level (72%) and in meeting a real need in the Commons Select Committee on them understand the scientific some cases (17%) by two scientific community and are Science and Technology 1997- method, the processes levels – or even three levels! A laying down some foundations 2005

Business Secretary announces joint UK/China Investment in Solar Energy and Fuel Cells Business Secretary Vince Cable announced a joint investment priorities and strengths of the two countries, the capacity to deliver project between the UK and China on solar energy and fuel cells. excellent research and the potential for co-investment from China (and from other UK sources) to support the delivery. As in science, The Research Councils UK Energy Programme will invest £2.45 we think that excellence and openness are vital for success in million and will work together with the Chinese Academy of international innovation.” Sciences to provide equivalent resources to fund the research. Dr Cable also announced that British company MRCT has signed Vince Cable’s speech outlined the UK’s ambitions for building on agreements with Chinese companies to connect innovative its science and innovation relationship with China and his ambition research in the UK with development capabilities in China. This for an open international framework to promote innovation. includes jointly developing a new drug for cancer. Extracts from the speech include the following: Dr Cable highlighted the UK plans to promote technology-based “The UK envisages an ambitious programme of research innovation as a key driver of growth, as set out in the UK’s Blueprint engagement with China over the next five years. This recognises the for Technology, launched by the Prime Minister on 4 November.

1. The UK Blueprint for Technology was published on 4 November. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Nov/blueprint-for-technology

2. The new collaboration in Solar Energy and Fuel Cells has been agreed between Research Councils UK Energy Programme and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The UK will provide £2.45m, with matched resources from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This new research initiative will fund five research projects which will address challenges in solar energy and fuel cells and contribute to tackling energy security and climate change. The successful UK recipients are Ifor Samuel, University of St Andrews, Wen-Feng Lin, Queen's University Belfast, Bryce Richards, Heriot-Watt University, Anthony Kucernak, Imperial College and Richard Catlow University College London. The Research Councils UK Energy Programme's total portfolio of collaborative energy research with China now stands at approximately £20m.

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MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY

Dr Ralph Rayner Sector Director, Energy and Environment, BMT Group Limited Member of the Executive Council of the SMI Association of Marine Scientific Industries

Realising the promise of abundant marine renewable energy has The acceptance that large scale use of fossil fuels is leading to had a long gestation. For decades, there have been attempts to dangerous levels of climate change and a growing recognition of capture the power of ocean winds, waves, tides, currents and the finite nature of hydrocarbon reserves, as well as energy security temperature differences as a source of renewable energy. Until concerns, has led to a resurgence of interest in renewable energy. recently, few of the promising technologies for doing so had Nations around the planet are progressively committing to reached commercial viability or significant delivery of their potential ambitious targets for renewable power generation. contribution to energy supplies. Granted, there are a few notable In Europe, the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive sets a binding exceptions, such as the La Rance tidal barrage, which has been requirement that 20% of energy across the EU is to be from successfully delivering about 600 million KWh of electrical power renewable sources by 2020. For the UK, this EU Directive translates from the rise and fall of the tides every year since 1966. More into a legally-binding target of 15% of energy from renewables. This generally, until the end of the twentieth century, the majority of ambitious target will require a seven-fold increase in UK renewable activity in marine renewable energy was experimental, conducted energy from 2008 levels. Under its lead scenario the Department with limited budgets, and with little government support or of Energy and Climate Change suggests we could see more than encouragement. 30% of UK electricity being generated from renewable sources,

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compared with 5.5% today. Much of this is expected to come from Engineering skills are needed to design and build highly reliable wind power, on and offshore, with biomass, hydro, wave and tidal and robust structures and machinery capable of operating in the also performing an important role. demanding and sometimes very hostile marine environment. Scientific knowledge is needed to identify optimum locations, The announcement of successful negotiations for leases to determine design criteria, minimise impact on the environment and develop UK offshore wind farms with a potential capacity of up to plan installation operations and through life maintenance. Novel 25 GW takes offshore wind energy onto a path to meeting this technologies are needed to optimise power outputs and efficiently target. Other nations are also expanding commitments to offshore transmit electricity to shore for connection to the grid. Specialised wind energy and more plan to do so. 2010 marks a turning point vessels are needed for construction and maintenance. for offshore wind energy and sets a massive challenge for delivery of increased UK capacity over a single decade. Realising the potential of marine renewable energy draws on knowledge, skills and experience that Society of Maritime Industries’ Although less mature, other marine renewable energy sources members have in abundance. Our collective understanding of the are emerging from experiment and prototype to become unique engineering, scientific and technical challenges of operating commercially viable technologies. The installation of the world’s in the maritime environment gives us a major part to play in largest commercial tidal current turbine in the narrow entrance to building a low carbon economy and a sustainable basis for meeting Strangford Lough in 2008 marked the start of serious exploitation the world’s energy demands. of tidal stream energy in the UK. More schemes are to follow soon, including the installation of a novel tidal stream generating system in Ramsay Sound.

Wave power is another potentially huge renewable energy source. Many different systems have been developed to exploit wave energy but none have yet demonstrated viability at a truly commercial scale. A number of prototype and pre-commercial systems are under test and clear winners are likely to emerge in the coming few years.

Over the coming decade, investment in marine renewable energy will be substantial. Offshore wind is already creating some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the world with a potential investment of over £100 billion.

This rapidly growing market creates exciting opportunities for members of the Society of Maritime Industries with their wealth of knowledge and experience in marine engineering, science and technology.

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AUTISM: A DIFFERENCE OR DISORDER? IMPLICATIONS FOR ACCESS TO SERVICES

The meeting heard from sympathy for them. Howlin route to adulthood may be Professor Simon Baron-Cohen concluded by stating that whilst counter-productive. Perhaps (Cambridge University) and the term disorder may be more provocatively he Professor Patricia Howlin unpalatable to some, it is likely suggested that everyone falls on (Institute of Psychiatry, London). to be of help to many by a continuum for autistic traits, Howlin opened by stating that to providing them with appropriate, with those with a diagnosis call Autism a difference or and much needed, support. typically, but not always, having disorder is more than a debate a higher autistic spectrum Baron-Cohen began by over semantics and is, in fact, quotient. He even proposed that stating that Autism and critical in enabling access to it is not the score that Asperger’s Syndrome are support services. Although determines diagnosis but rather Dr Ellie Dommett unambiguously medical acknowledging that the debate the environment, with some Department of Life Sciences, conditions and that ‘condition’ or The Open University people finding themselves in a is not black and white and that, ‘disability’ may be more more supportive environment in reality, Autism may be both appropriate terms than ‘disorder’. not needing help or diagnosis, these things, Howlin presented He reasoned that disorder whilst others greatly need the persuasive arguments for seeing implied something was broken The APPG on Scientific diagnosis to access support Autism as a disorder including and had a known cause, whilst Research in Learning and services. Baron-Cohen closed by that such an approach is likely to both ‘condition’ and ‘disability’ Education was re-launched in suggesting that both a disability lead to improvements in give access to support if October to continue exploring and difference approach remain therapy. She stated that even needed, without implying issues at the interface useful. children with High Functioning something requiring fixing. between scientific research Autism, can find adulthood very Nevertheless, he noted that low- In conclusion, both speakers and education. The most hard thus warranting the functioning Autism may co-exist agreed that the situation was recent meeting, chaired by disorder label, for what appear with disabling characteristics, in not clear-cut and that whilst Baronesses Warnock and the more mild cases. She stated addition to social and Autism does produce Greenfield, focused on that, as adults, less than 10% of communication problems, such differences in functioning, this whether Autism is best such individuals live as epilepsy, gastrointestinal label alone however could described as a disorder or a independently, less than 1% has problems and anxiety. He went preclude access to services. difference. Autism is a high quality of life and around on to argue that those with high- Both speakers also supported characterised by social and 25% develop psychiatric functioning Autism and more research with girls and communication problems problems. She also suggested Asperger’s Syndrome, whilst adults with Autism, which have along with restrictive or that there are dangers of suffering from disabling social received less funding to date. repetitive behaviour and labeling Autism as a difference, and communication problems, They also suggested that, given interests. It affects about 1% including the risk of teasing, will show key differences to the the prevalence of Autism, of the population and can be rejection and bullying. Howlin general population, which may schools should expect to have divided into high- and low- acknowledged that in an ideal be advantageous. These include children with Autism in each functioning Autism, which are world we should be more excellent attention to detail and year group and must show marked by impaired language tolerant of difference, but the ability to gain a deep flexibility in supporting the development and reality of the situation, especially understanding of a particular heterogeneous group with both differentiated by IQ; and in the current economic climate topic, such that they could be disabilities and differences. In Asperger’s Syndrome in which where services are stretched, is seen as specialists rather than sum, the debate raised many language development and IQ that a difference will not be generalists. Baron-Cohen went valuable questions and may be normal but social and treated with empathy. Given that on to suggest that the current addressed key considerations in communications problems an individual with Autism may focus on weaknesses associated how nomenclature can impact persist. appear healthy and highly with Autism rather than on societal views and access to educated, society and those in strengths, together with the idea support services. frontline health services will lack that there is a single, normal

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HOW FAR SHOULD WE GO TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR HUMAN BODILY MATERIAL?

Catherine Joynson despite encouraging trends, HOW FAR CAN WE GO Incentives there is a continuing need to be Communications IN ENCOURAGING When the Council published met. Eight thousand people are Manager, Nuffield PEOPLE TO DONATE? a public consultation in 2010, waiting for an organ transplant Council on Bioethics the media coverage focused and 1700 more egg and sperm Raising awareness heavily on the question of donors are wanted. whether providing further Following a public The reasons why this is a incentives would encourage consultation which asked how controversial problem are clear. more people to donate. Many ethical it was to encourage Body parts can only come from donors regard altruism as the people to donate their body people, and people often feel highest incentive, and it can also parts, The Guardian newspaper very strongly about donating a be an effective way of ensuring proclaimed that the Nuffield part of their body or a relative’s high quality donations. But it Council on Bioethics “never body. Increasing the ‘supply’ can may be that others are shrinks from the unthinkable”. therefore mean increasing encouraged by financial or other It is true that the Council’s pressure on potential donors. types of rewards. Payment is not inquiry on the donation of allowed for most types of Professor Dame Marilyn human material touches on We can all donate bodily donation in the UK at the Strathern, chair of the inquiry, some extremely sensitive issues. material, but the majority of us moment, although women can outlined that this led the Council It is also true that the Council fail to take action. Raising get reduced-cost IVF treatment to two key ethical questions: is it sees its role to confront these awareness of the need could in return for egg donation. always right to try to meet issues openly and rigorously. help, suggested presenter and Increased financial incentives demand, and how far can we go Hence, it chose to discuss the broadcaster Tessa Dunlop could take the form of more in encouraging people to shortage of human bodily (above). In 2010, Tessa made a generous reimbursement of donate? By looking at all kinds of material in medicine and film for BBC1’s The One Show expenses, a donation to the donation, the Council is research at its annual ‘Bioethics about her father’s decision to donor’s charity of choice, or considering these questions from in Parliament’ seminar, this year donate his body to a local payment towards funeral the perspective of the potential hosted by Professor Lord Harries medical school after a diagnosis expenses for donation after donor and the complex range of of Pentregarth and attended by of terminal cancer. ‘The carcase death. options that each person faces in MPs, peers and key is an unattractive thing, you life. Consent organisations in the field. won’t want mine hanging around,’ he informed Tessa. Her Gaining consent from the TAKING A BROAD VIEW IS IT ALWAYS RIGHT TO MEET DEMAND? father’s decision to ‘carry on donor is a key principle in the The Council’s inquiry is working’ after his death provided donation and use of bodily The question of whether we considering and comparing all her family with great comfort. material, but the regulations on should be trying to meet kinds of bodily donation, consent vary. Participants at the demand at all may depend on Following the broadcast there including donation during life of seminar were keen for the what the donation is for. Bodily was a significant rise in enquiries blood, organs, tissue, sperm, Council to review whether material is needed for medical about body donation to medical eggs and embryos, and donation current consent rules are fit for treatment that could enhance, schools. Yet she found that after death of tissue and body purpose, particularly in the area prolong, save or even create a some members of the medical parts, as well as whole bodies of consent to use human tissue life, and for research which may profession were reluctant to be for medical training. involved in the programme. for research. The Council is in lead to new scientific the process of doing this, and There have been several Improving communication understanding and treatments. will publish its conclusions on inquiries focusing on specific between doctors and families Some uses of bodily material the whole range of ethical issues types of donation in recent years, about donation could help may result in commercial gain, raised by demand for human such as the Organ Donation increase awareness of the need such as in the case of fertility bodily material in autumn 2011. Taskforce, which have led to clinics or research. It could be and understanding of what is improvements in NHS transplant argued that it is more important involved, said Dr Vivienne Find out more: services and high-profile public to meet some types of demand Nathanson from the British www.nuffieldbioethics.org/ awareness campaigns. Yet than others. Medical Association. human-bodies

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AS THE CLIMATE CHANGES, WHAT’S THE EFFECT OF THIS UNUSUALLY COLD WINTER WEATHER ON OUR WILDLIFE?

This has been an The BTO’s work, partnering broader measure of extraordinary winter for birds, the observations of 40,000 environmental health using the with extreme weather-related volunteer bird recorders with Wild Bird Indicator (Fig 1). movements of many species. rigorous survey design, and BTO scientists not only work Already there are indications that intelligent, modern data analysis with volunteers to monitor bird some species are faring badly – and interpretation by our trends, as reflected in the reports of dead Barn Owls to professional scientists, means Farmland Bird Index, we also our Ringing Office are twice we can contribute solid undertake research to what they would be in an evidence-based science to understand the causes of average winter, as these birds Government and society in a change. Working alongside a find it difficult to feed when remarkably cost-effective Dr Andy Clements range of NGO, academic and snow cover hides small manner. It was the BTO Atlas of Director, British Trust for Ornithology government partners, we were mammal prey – whilst anyone Breeding Birds in Britain and at the heart of the planning interested in birds in even the Ireland during the 1980s that process to devise wildlife-friendly Birds are important most urban environment will, demonstrated marked declines prescriptions to use in the Entry barometers of change – they with luck, have noticed in farmland birds, first noticed in Level and Higher Level are colourful, vocal and highly Waxwings, those rather exotic earlier BTO surveys during the Environmental Stewardship visible components of British looking crested berry-eaters, that 1970s. This led to the design of schemes. We are now wildlife which respond, have arrived from Scandinavia in the BTO/RSPB/JNCC Breeding completing the circle by helping through the timing and unusually large numbers this Bird Survey that collects data to to monitor the effectiveness of success of breeding attempts, year. inform the Farmland Bird Index. the Entry Level Scheme. A their migration patterns and By extending the measure to recent paper in the BTO journal, their survival rates, to changes encompass other types of land- Bird Study, shows that field in the conditions they cover the BBS survey provides a boundaries managed under ELS encounter. The British Trust for provide benefits for the red- Ornithology (BTO) draws on listed Yellowhammer. The long- people’s inherent interest in term, extensive datasets for birds to underpin our scientific research into the populations and ecology of birds. With climate change high on political agendas world-wide, the long term study of bird populations puts Britain firmly at the leading edge of climate research.

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Fig 1 Fig 2

which we are the guardians are invaluable, recording the evidence of Out of Africa project is run in collaboration with RSPB and local change and providing a resource that helps us to address key partners in West Africa to build on information like this, and questions through more intensive research. undertakes extensive survey and ringing work to find where migrant species spend the winter and what pressures (for example by quality We’ve further capitalised on the enthusiasm of our ever-increasing of life development for the rural poor) are placed on the habitats and community of citizen scientists by providing opportunities to record food resources they require. other taxa too. The Breeding Bird Survey collects data on mammals as part of the Tracking Mammals Partnership so, for example, we can But let’s return to this cold winter. We will only gain a sound view present results showing how deer populations are growing and of the fate of our resident birds after many thousands of volunteers expanding their range (Fig 2). Linked, intensive research have undertaken their summer counts, returning to the same sites demonstrates the effects large numbers of deer are they surveyed in 2010, or through ringing studies having on woodland structure and how this, in looking at adult survival. Our experience tells us turn, affects Nightingales. We know that this is to expect declines in the populations of a species that has declined dramatically Fig 3 small birds, herons and Kingfishers that and we now know that, where they require open unfrozen waters, and occur as breeding birds, they birds of prey. It may be that some of selectively prefer habitats where there the dramatic spreads and is thick understorey in which to hold colonisations of southern species territory and to nest – habitats seen in recent years, and no doubt without deer. assisted by climate change, may stall. The BTO long running As a ‘birds-first’ organisation, the Heronries census data from 1929 whole life cycle approach to shows well the effects of hard winters understanding what is happening to our (Fig 4). bird populations is important. Escaping cold winters, like the one we are currently So, how does our contribution sit within experiencing, is the strategy adopted by our long- current Government priorities? An impartial, policy- distance migrant birds, of which Nightingale is a classic relevant evidence base is undoubtedly an asset. BTO has a example. So, if we want answers about their migration and wintering strong partnership with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee areas, then we have to follow them – and new technology allows us (JNCC), the Government agency which is itself an impartial evidence to do this. Working with colleagues in Switzerland, we showed that a provider on biodiversity, supporting BTO core surveys that contribute single data-logged Nightingale travelled as far as Guinea-Bissau to the Government’s environmental surveillance requirement. BTO during the autumn and winter of 2009/10, before returning to its raises some £5m annually from contracts, donations and breeding woodlands in the fenland of Cambridgeshire (Fig 3). Our membership to fund our research and survey work. But that is not the whole story. With a volunteer workforce of 40,000, contributing the equivalent of £36m of survey work annually, and frameworks that reliably scale-up local effort to the national scale (our ‘super- volunteer’ Regional Representatives that encourage and support the troops), the BTO model looks like the Big Society in action. Our volunteers think that too, and one of the commonest reasons they give for making an effort, is to see their own individual records become part of a significant body of scientific work. As their records come in this year, you will be able to track the growing knowledge about how our birds have fared this winter – check out our science at www.bto.org.

Fig 4

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IS GLOBAL WATER SECURITY ACHIEVABLE? AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE GLOBAL WATER SECURITY: AN INTRODUCTION

In April 2010 the Royal Academy of Engineering published a report entitled Global Water Security – An Engineering Perspective. This report was produced by the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, through a Steering Group of 12 specialists working in the field. The Steering Group took evidence (in hearing and written) from a wide range of UK and international experts covering all aspects of water security.

Roger A Falconer FREng Halcrow Professor of Water The main drivers for the people aspiring to want to save So the challenges of water Management report were concerns from lives or improve the quality of security are immense and Britain Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University numerous sources from within life of our fellow citizens living does, and can continue to do, government, the professions on this earth today. so much to help the rest of the and learned societies etc, about world in addressing some of the There are 2.4 billion people the increasing challenges arising massive challenges of water who do not have basic water relating to water security (ie security. sanitation and 1 million die security of supply) and the annually of hepatitis A. Women Along with these challenges implications for Britain, both in developing countries have to there are two further issues that within the UK and walk typically 3.7 miles to carry are exacerbating the current internationally. Some of these water for the family; again threats to water security. Firstly, challenges, threats and engineers could make a huge there is climate change, where opportunities are introduced contribution to the quality of life average global temperatures are below. for these women. Floods often expected to rise by at least 2°C There are 1.2 billion people cause significant loss of life and by the end of this century. If the living on this earth today with destroy homes, with this year’s temperature increases between no access to safe drinking water Pakistan floods leading to 21 2 and 5°C there will be major and 2 million people die million people being homeless. water resources problems annually of diarrhoea – still one However, the disease associated globally, also resulting in of the biggest causes of infant with the after effects of such significant sea water level rise mortality on earth today and I floods can often bring far more and causing catastrophic coastal tell my first year students that it loss of life to communities and flooding in many parts of the is engineers that hold the key to countries than the floods world, such as Bangladesh. reducing significantly this sad themselves. It is estimated that Secondly, we are encountering statistic, rather than the medical at any one time more than half ‘the Perfect Storm’ in the form profession. Engineering offers the hospital beds worldwide are of global population growth rewarding career opportunities occupied by people with water expected to rise by 2030 from 6 second to none to those young related diseases (BMJ, 2004). to 8 billion. Associated with this population growth we can expect the demand for food, . . . half the hospital beds worldwide are occupied by energy and water to increase by 50%, 50% and 30% people with water related diseases. . . respectively. The water, food and energy nexus is crucial to our existence, with water being at the heart of everything; it is

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controlling. Integrated water management requires a Cloud to Coast (C2C) approach that treats the water cycle as an . . . countries become richer they will change their integrated system, bringing diets, as typified for example by the big increase together the professionals who currently specialise in modelling in meat consumption in China. . . various components of the system, including: hydraulic engineers, hydrologists, biologists etc and with the distribution from the cloud to crucial for our energy supply, 1,300 litres of water, whereas in Egypt, for example. the coast, through the food, health, industry, trade etc. contrast to produce 1 kg of beef catchment, groundwater, sewers, Desalination is one possible If we look at the water stress requires 15,000 litres of water, rivers, estuaries, needing to be solution in large coastal cities, globally (defined as millions of ie over 10 times as much water. treated as one. Our research but this process is still relatively litres of water available per centre at Cardiff is currently Looking at other com- expensive and imposes a large person per year) from 1960 to developing such an integrated modities, it takes 140 litres of carbon footprint, through large 2010, we find that even in the approach with consultants embedded water, nearly a bath energy demands. Research southeast of England water Halcrow. full (150 litres), to produce one studies being undertaken within supply is currently particularly cup of coffee, and that water is our Hydro-environmental In addressing some of these stressed. If we predict forward to used in another country – such Research Centre at Cardiff challenges global actions are the 2050s and beyond we see as Brazil – when the coffee is University have found that needed; in particular, we need that even the whole of the UK drunk in Britain. One pair of salinity levels along the Arabian the water footprint and the will be facing problems towards cotton jeans requires 73 baths coast of the Persian Gulf are concept of embedded or virtual the end of this century. full of embedded water, which increasing slowly, potentially due water to be better understood Problems in water supply will are attributable mainly to the to the rapid growth in and more widely promoted. relate not only to the 50% cotton production, and that desalination plants and this must Better technologies and further increase in human population water is likely to be used in have long term impacts for the research is needed for more over the next 30 years; countries such as Egypt, where hydro-ecology of this highly efficient agriculture. New urbanisation is occurring all over there are already serious water stressed water body. sustainable sources of water are the world, which will tend to shortages. The embedded water needed from desalination, Conservation and water re- exacerbate this effect. In footprint of the 25 European recycling and water harvesting. use is often a short term countries such as China, for Union countries bears most Inter-governmental bodies, such solution to a longer term example, people are moving heavily on countries such as as the WTO, must elevate issues problem. Storage involves water into the major cities while in the India and Pakistan, which are of water security further up their transfer and better integrated UK people are moving more the primary sources of cotton agenda. The public must water management, with a and more to the southeast of supply to the EU. The drying up become more engaged in the much more holistic approach to England, which is not of the Aral Sea is one example challenges we all face with river basin management being sustainable. which can be partly attributed to regard to water security; this is a required than used hitherto. To cotton production, though this is global problem which affects Food production is also rising, increase global water security, not the only cause of the drying every nation. along with industrial production, improved water quality in river up of this water body. The point and new energy sources will be basins and coastal waters is There are also key water to appreciate, however, is that required to support this required, along with a reduction security Challenges and the demand for embedded industrial production and feed in global water pollution. It also Opportunities for the UK. For water products in one country the population growth. As goes without saying that global example, population growth is can have very serious impacts countries become richer they population growth needs not just a challenge for elsewhere in the world, such as will change their diets, as developing countries; it is also typified for example by the big increase in meat consumption in China. If we now look at the consequences of changing diets we can expect the demand for food, energy and and food consumption etc in water to increase by 50%, 50% and 30% the context of embedded or virtual water, the global respectively. implications are considerable. To produce 1kg of wheat requires

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be considered as more than a renewable energy project; this project offers the opportunity to create a large water body 1.5 times the size of Lake Garda, with much reduced tidal currents than now, reduced turbidity, and much clearer water; thus creating a huge resource for recreational opportunities etc. This large water body would then provide a great catalyst to encourage more of the UK’s population and industry and commerce to re-locate from the South East to an issue that concerns the UK. Water stress in the UK is not with East Anglia and the East the South West of England, The population is predicted to distributed evenly, with the and West Midlands. River making Bristol a larger city, and grow by nearly 16% over the southeast of England, including transfers offer a solution to encouraging some of the next 22 years, from 61.8m in London, subjected to serious water shortages in the South population to move from a high 2009 to 71.6m by 2033. This levels of water stress, while low East of England by raising dams (SE) to a low (SW) water implies a yearly average growth water stress is located in both in Wales and transferring water stressed region of the UK. One rate of 718,000 per annum and the north and southwest of via networks of rivers and canals thing is for certain; the current will probably continue to England, but not including as shown in the illustration level of population migration to increase at a comparable rate Cornwall, which has moderate provided. Alternatively, the the South East of England is not thereafter unless action is taken. water stress levels comparable proposed Severn Barrage must sustainable – at least in terms of water security! Corlan Hafren Ltd

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IS GLOBAL WATER SECURITY ACHIEVABLE? AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 19th October 2010 GLOBAL WATER SECURITY Is it achievable? What are the consequences of failure?

In his Reith Lectures this year Professor Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, said “This is a crucial century. The Earth has existed for 45 million centuries. But this is the first when one species, ours, can determine for good or ill – the future of the entire biosphere.”

Though Earth is 4/5ths This limited volume, which is Even though 13% of water covered with a thin layer of salty not uniformly distributed in time abstractions in Europe are for water, human life depends on or space provides a wide range drinking, the largest withdrawals Michael Norton MBE CEng freshwater, as does Earth’s of functions: are for irrigated agriculture; for Managing Director, Water and incredible biodiversity, a crucial food production. There is limited • to sustain human life Power, Halcrow Group Ltd component of human well- scope to increase global area (consumption and sanitation) being. That freshwater comes under irrigation – therefore we courtesy of Earth’s greatest • with nutrients and sunlight for need higher yielding crops or engine, the water cycle, but food production improved irrigation to meet now, in Earth’s 45th million future food demands. • to support energy production century, a global crisis of Alternatively we need to seek to freshwater scarcity is on our • to sustain industry grow more food in those parts doorstep; a crisis that is • to maintain our ecosystems, of the world with sufficient land accelerating through our biodiversity environment and and rainfall. In any case we unbridled development, landscape need to produce food in a way burgeoning demand for food that protects the natural and energy, and the effects of Increasing attention is now resources it depends on – soil, climate change. being paid to the Water-food- nutrients and water – and on energy nexus, a nexus overlain which we rely for other services Only 0.01% of the total by competition for finance, the – drinking water, climate global water volume of 1.4 impact of international trade regulation, flood protection, billion cubic kilometres is flows and climate change filtering of pollution. freshwater, and only 105 impacts. thousand cubic kilometres is One fifth of the world’s easily accessible. population, 1.2 billion, live in areas of physical water scarcity (not enough water to meet all . . . Population growth means that the earth will have demands). About 1.6 billion live in basins affected by economic to sustain 2 billion more people in the next 20 years. . . scarcity (lack of investment in water or lack of human capacity to satisfy the demand for water). Lack of adequate water and

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sanitation causes 5-10 million wetter winters, more extreme deaths annually; 80% of all rainfall events and a rise in sea sickness and disease is levels. Our eastern counties will . . . Lack of adequate water and attributable to inadequate water see summer evaporation exceed and sanitation. The MDGs of rainfall and that is going to sanitation causes 5-10 million hunger alleviation, poverty change our landscape. If we alleviation, sanitation, water experience an average deaths annually . . . supply and environmental temperature rise of 4 degrees, it sustainability are all linked to is quite possible that our cities water-related issues. will experience 10 degrees rise often linked closely to trade. UK rain fed crop production. Green and that will have significant Conflicts over water have national footprint is water already comprises the water and energy implications. taken place and seem set to 102Gm3/year of which 38% is majority of virtual water but We will have up to 20 million increase. “The fighting in Darfur, internal (water in the UK), and virtual water trade can do more extra people in England and Sudan resulted from water 62% external (water in other to reduce irrigation water Wales by 2050’s, and over 3 shortage and subsequent countries).The UK average demand. Unlike blue water, million more homes mostly in fighting between farmers and footprint per person is 4.5m3 green water cannot be the southeast, where water herders” (Ban Ki-moon 2008). per day; thirty times the 150 reallocated to other uses. Green resource zones are already Water may be key to solving litres supplied by our water water also has relatively few classified as water stressed. Middle eastern conflict. company. The remainder is the environmental externalities In my personal view virtual water embedded in the whereas blue water use is linked Recent work by a group of adaptation to the impacts of food we eat, the beverages we to water depletion, salinisation, researchers led by Professor climate change in the UK will drink, the clothes we wear, the water logging and soil Vorosmarty from New York and only be achieved through a cars we drive and so on. The UK degradation. Green water trade published in September 2010 national programme of water is the sixth largest net importer is constrained by: international has shown that richer nations storage; from water harvesting, of water in the world. trade agreements and subsidies have been able to improve their green roofs and infiltration (in the USA and Europe, these water security through Work on virtual water flows devices, to major projects of are leading to increased blue investment in more storage and between the world’s regions Aquifer Storage and Recharge water use); land availability; supply infrastructure. Rich reveals some interesting insights. and impounding reservoirs in technology eg agricultural nations tolerate high levels of Some water scarce areas of the our wet regions. The cost will be efficiencies. water stress and reduce their world are net exporters, such as tens of billions of pounds but negative impacts through Australia. Why? Because they By importing from USA, Egypt put that alongside the major 3 infrastructure development. wish to trade on the global saves 930m /ton of water, but investments in energy £200 market their products such as its trade with the USA results in Lack of water infrastructure in billion over the next ten years, or wine and fruit. This means that a net global water loss of Ethiopia plus its climate and HS2 £35 billion or even 3 international trade has the 777m /ton, because more hydrological vulnerability take a Crossrail at £20 billion. It is a potential to save water globally if water is used in USA to grow 38% toll on GDP. While cost we must face. a water intensive commodity is wheat. However, based on blue Cambodia, Indonesia, the If we look at the water cycle, traded from an area where it is water only, this trading saves Philippines and Viet Nam lose we see that for every 100 rain produced with high productivity 251m3/ton. an estimated $9 billion a year drops, only 36 reach the ocean. to an area with lower because of poor sanitation Water scarcity is being The competing uses for green productivity. However, there is a (2005 prices), or 2% of their recognised as an increasingly and blue water on its journey for continuing lack of correlation combined GDP. critical issue for sustainability of “Cloud to Coast” need us to between countries hydrologically life on our planet. Six high Climate change will affect the understand better these best suited to grow food and profile reports and papers have amount of rain and when it falls, competing uses and the impacts those that actually do. This has been published in the last 18 the demand for water, water of exporting virtual water in led to a view that virtual water months: quality, and land use. Population goods and food. We need more might have a sub-optimizing growth means that the earth will simple and yet more flexible characteristic in that its • Global Water Security, prepared have to sustain 2 billion more simulation models to allow us to availability slows down adoption for John Beddington by an people in the next 20 years. The optimise the use of water for of water policy reform. alliance of RAEng, ICE and number of people affected by society. CIWEM. But where does the water water scarcity may increase from Virtual water can be used in production come from? • Water in a Changing World, the 1.7 billion to 5 billion by 2025 expressed as water footprint; by Though there has been an third report of UN Water. irrespective of climate change; person, nation, industry or emphasis on blue water through 60% of the world’s people. • Charting our Water Future, by product. Applied to nations, the irrigation, there is now more World Bank, McKinsey and the Here in UK we will see concept permits assessment of focus on the potential of 2030 WRG. warmer and drier summers, external and internal footprints, improving water security through

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• Water: Our Thirsty World, in quality for consumptive use. through re-designing of discourage conflicts National Geographic. breweries and investment in • Regulatory services include • Mobilisation of the substantial equipment with efficient • Innovative Water Partnerships, buffering of flood flows and volumes of public and private consumptions of water and by the World Economic Forum. climate regulation funds, via transparent and fair energy. regulatory regimes which • For Want of a Drink, a special • Cultural services include Governments can provide a correctly value water feature in the Economist. recreation and tourism facilitating role, ensuring The consequences of failure are • September issue of Nature • Support services include engagement of all very grim. We will see: with the work of Vorosmarty nutrient cycling and ecosystem stakeholders and promoting a and others on the links resilience to, for example, shared resource which makes • more people without safe between water security, loss of climate change misuse less likely. Through drinking water and sanitation. biodiversity and GDP. which measures The report Charting our demonstrating • food security endangered in have the greatest impact, this Economic theory tells us that Water Future uses so-called nations which are water can spur investment from the it is easier to encourage funding “cost curves” to prioritise water scarce. private sector. if true economic value of water sector interventions to close the • more pollution in developing is realised. Without it, we get supply-demand gap. The curve UK government aims to nations. price-cost differential and long- for India turns around traditional ensure UK food security through term sustainability becomes thinking by showing that a suite strong UK agriculture, and • more conflict over water which unlikely. However, to what extent of measures starting with those international trade links that crosses boundaries. is water a human right and if so that improve the efficiency of support developing economies. The potential for water whose responsibility is it to water in agriculture would make However, high reliance on scarcity or lack of water security deliver it and who should meet more sense, leaving major international trade for our food to destabilise the world is high. the costs? True water pricing and supply measures until later. In security means high reliance on trading is rare, but Australia and China, the work shows that a water management in the I will conclude by saying that Chile have introduced it in their focus on improving industrial nations which are supplying the we need to widen and deepen water scarce regions. efficiency may mean that closing food. the debate around the the gap could be achieved at a fundamental role played by On average in the UK we pay The concepts of blue and cost benefit. water in all human activity on around £3 for each cubic metre green water, virtual water and our planet; social, cultural and of water we buy from our water The Innovative Water water footprint, and of water economic. We know there are company; and that serves our Partnerships work of the WEF scarcity are not yet taught many innovative ways to close drinking, washing, cooking, suggests that communities, effectively within the education the supply demand gap, it isn’t garden, car washing, and industry and government can curriculum – anywhere. There is that difficult in theory, but this sewerage needs for a whole work successfully together to a pressing need to promote the requires multiple stakeholder week! It is interesting to find win-win solutions. For idea of water as a shared and engagement and this is where compare what we get for that example treated municipal valued resource in our schools. government can do much to £3, with other everyday things wastewater can be a resource So, is global water security facilitate and catalyse innovative such as a sandwich, a coffee or for industry and agriculture, as achievable? And if so, how water partnerships which have a pint of beer. are the biosolids which the would we know that we had long term benefits and which treatment process produces. I believe that until we value achieved it? What would it look overcome corporate, political, Traditionally, the private sector water appropriately, we will not like? Here are five “tests” which I and financial timescales was never present at water be able to face some of the propose: policy discussions. However, There is enough water, challenges that I am describing things are changing and water • Affordable drinking water for probably enough to sustain 10 today. The value of water in our risks are faced by many all, to promote public health billion people on Earth. We just ecosystems is taken for granted, businesses and those that are need to use it wisely especially and includes: • Sustainable sources of water realising this first are taking steps our precious green water. That for industry and its supply • Provisioning services include to secure their water. SAB Miller means growing food where chain, to promote economic controlling water quantity and improved water efficiency there is reliable green water. health Finally, water professionals • Integrated management of like me need to take this water in all its forms and for all message outside of their cosy . . . the demand for embedded water its users group – the “water box”. Today, I products in one country can have very • And linked to this, policy and am doing just that! serious impacts elsewhere . . . trade reforms which encourage sustainable water resources development and which

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SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY DIALOGUE AND WHAT IS THE PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE? Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 7th December 2010 SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY PUBLIC DIALOGUE

People have always been that working viruses can be issues might be, so in 2007 curious about how living things assembled using gene BBSRC’s Bioscience in Society work. For centuries humans sequence templates stored on Panel commissioned social have studied micro-organisms, computers, and a team led by scientists Andy Balmer and Paul plants and animals (including of Craig Venter in America this year Martin at the University of course ourselves) to try to find demonstrated that bacterial Nottingham to give us a view of out how they are constructed chromosomes can be the societal and ethical issues and how they work. In the past synthesised from scratch and that might arise from synthetic 50 years this scientific successfully transplanted into biology. Their excellent and endeavour has been extended cells. Synthetic biology has widely-read report1 confirmed to the molecular level, with reached a new and important that there would be significant Dr Brian Johnson Chair, BBSRC/EPSRC spectacular advances in our developmental stage, because in issues arising from synthetic Synthetic Biology Public knowledge of how genes work, the near future we will be able biology and recommended that Dialogue how they are translated into to design and assemble micro- we engage with the public at an cellular components, and how organisms to carry out a early stage in the development they control the whole multitude of tasks currently done of synthetic biology, before organism. More recently using rather crude and energy- commercial products appeared, researchers have been able to intensive industrial processes. and that public engagement store genetic information on On a longer timescale it should should involve scientific computer databases that can be be possible to design and build researchers, social scientists, accessed by the global scientific higher organisms and other NGOs and ethicists. community. At the same time biologically-based systems to Partly as a response to that molecular biologists have learnt produce fuel, industrial raw report, the societal and ethical how to synthesise the basic materials, engineering issues panels of BBSRC and genetic components of cells, components, drugs and perhaps EPSRC combined forces to RNA and DNA, with great food more sustainably. Several initiate the public dialogue that accuracy; we can now assemble eminent scientists have started in 2009 and has long lengths of these molecules, described synthetic biology as produced the report published which are of course the the “second industrial this year 2. TNS/BMRB were blueprint for life, and we can do revolution”. Undoubtedly there is commissioned as the main this increasingly rapidly and great potential in this new contractor and Laura Grant cheaply. scientific culture. Associates as evaluators, with About 20 years ago, groups Like all new science and Sciencewise providing valuable of biologists, chemists, technology, beside potential advice and funding. We set out engineers and computer benefits, societal and ethical to capture a wide range of scientists realised that it was issues will emerge from the use public views, including people’s now possible to radically of synthetic biology. The aspirations for synthetic biology, redesign biological components Research Councils, especially and their concerns. Most of all such as DNA, proteins and BBSRC and EPSRC, who fund we wanted this dialogue to be molecular modules that most synthetic biology research the first phase in an ongoing assemble and run cells. The in the UK, together with the conversation between the culture of synthetic biology was learned societies (especially the research community and born, and multidisciplinary RAEng and Royal Society), members of the public, teams set out to make the realised several years ago that employing innovative techniques aspirations real. this was potentially a such as video ethnography, controversial scientific area. We where researchers record their Pioneering researchers in the could only guess at what these daily lives to show public last decade have demonstrated

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participants the world of science researchers as incremental or whether current regulatory This dialogue breaks new and scientists. routine, and the field overall, systems were adequate. ground in public engagement, viewed by the public as not only in terms of how it is TNS/BMRB interviewed 41 People were concerned that transformative. One of the key planned and conducted but also stakeholders with a professional scientists should afford dignity, issues to emerge was the need because it is taking place at a interest in synthetic biology, and responsibility and respect when for scientists to consider the very early stage in the science. then ran a series of three intervening in the natural world. wider implications of their work This presents some real workshops at four locations Perhaps surprisingly, there was more effectively and to show challenges, not least because at involving 160 public participants general agreement that creating the public that they had done the start most public participants and a number of researchers, life was acceptable when so. were completely unaware of including synthetic biologists and balanced with the benefits that synthetic biology, and as yet social scientists. Public The dialogue reveals that synthetic biology could bring. there are no tangible products. It participants were drawn from a both professional stakeholders However, people found is perhaps a measure of the wide range of backgrounds, and public participants found problematic the idea of treating success of this stage in the ethnicity, faiths and abilities, the technology fascinating and nature as parts to be dialogue that many participants making the group a were excited by its potential, for assembled. Nature was seen as are now keenly interested in representative sample of society. example, to help us tackle some too complex with genetic and synthetic biology and have said The whole process was of the big challenges society environmental interactions too that they want to continue their overseen by a lively and diverse faces, such as global warming, dynamic and stochastic to dialogue with researchers. oversight group, including serious diseases, energy predict in a precise way. Despite sociologists, NGOs and problems and food security. The voicing these concerns, I hope we can enable them scientists, who were charged prospect of being able to make participants did not divide into to do this, because as chair of with acting as ‘critical friends’ to progress towards these goals ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ groups. Typically, the steering group, I would like the contractors. was a significant factor in public excitement and trepidation to see the dialogue continue acceptability of the research. But resided within each individual. within institutions and through When first introduced to coupled with this recognition of public debate; in other words synthetic biology public Public participants felt that potential was a strong sense of become embedded in the participants mentioned that the the Research Councils, as major trepidation and concern, for business of science and ability to design and assemble public funders of synthetic instance around the suitability of technology. To my mind it is novel biologically-based systems biology research, should take current regulations to cope with only right and proper that gave synthetic biology a the lead in making sure the this new field, and for wider members of the public are able “uniqueness” that both discussions, concerns and impacts of the technology. to make their views directly fascinated and excited them, not hopes that the report highlights Concerns included the pace of available to scientists and not only because they could see the have real influence on Research development in the field, the just via the media, for those potential in this scientific area Council policies and those of idea that the science may be views to be taken into account, but they also felt that the others; for instance regulators progressing too quickly when and for researchers to be able to science was “unimaginable”, far and the private sector. One of long term impacts were engage easily and openly with removed from science with the key issues to emerge was unknown. Other significant the society within which they which they were familiar. what was meant by funding concerns focused on where operate. ‘good science’. Currently, this Participants were, as we synthetic biology was going, and process is focused on technical Finally, I would like to thank expected, excited by potential what it might look like in the excellence, but participants the steering and oversight outputs from synthetic biology, future, together with potential for wanted to see a broader groups for their hard work and but were also deeply interested uncontrolled release of synthetic definition of good science, professional stakeholders for in the process of science. organisms into the environment. perhaps in a normative or social their input. I also especially want Scientists’ motivations and The need for effective sense. They also wanted scope to thank our public participants, aspirations were the subjects of international regulation and to feed public aspirations and some of whom are here today, much deliberation and debate, control was one of the most concerns into research funding for the time and effort they put generating a series of questions important issues flagged up by strategy. To enable this it should into the workshop discussions. that participants felt should be participants, but a significant be incumbent on the Research addressed by the scientific number also felt that 1. Synthetic Biology: Social and Ethical Councils to make the science Challenges. Balmer, A. & Martin, P., community. Amongst these overregulation could slow down publicly accessible. For certain University of Nottingham. 2008. were “Why are you doing this important research especially in grant applications, people felt Available at: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/ research?”, “What do you hope the medical field. There needed web/FILES/Reviews/0806_synthetic_bi that a more iterative process is to achieve?” and “What sort of to be greater capacity for ology.pdf needed not only involving technology is produced when regulators to be able to 2. Synthetic Biology Dialogue. scientists, but also the public, you are respectful of nature?” anticipate scientific BBSRC/EPSRC 2010. Report available social scientists, ethicists and at: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/ People also felt there was a developments. Given the others to feed in views, with web/FILES/Reviews/1006-synthetic- disconnect between individuals’ novelty of synthetic pathway or ideas shaped through debate. biology-dialogue.pdf own science, seen by micro-organism there was doubt

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SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY DIALOGUE AND WHAT IS THE PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE? SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY PUBLIC DIALOGUE

BBSRC and EPSRC marketplace and consumers, it response sets out our recognised several years ago is vitally important that we stay commitment to do much more. that synthetic biology was an engaged with those who have a It is not necessary to repeat emerging area of science that stake in synthetic biology – that what is laid out in the response had great potential both to includes the public but also letter, but it may be helpful to generate exciting beneficial special interest groups such as outline the thinking behind the outputs and to raise social and NGOs, industrialists, actions and illustrate it by pulling ethical concerns. In 2009 we environmental groups and out one or two examples. commissioned a dialogue to others.

Tim Gander Tim The report highlights that begin to explore the diversity of Professor Douglas Kell There are many ways of there are some issues that are Chief Executive, views around this novel area of Biotechnology and Biological having these conversations and particularly acute in synthetic science so that our future policy Sciences Research Council, multiple routes for them to biology: the juxtaposition of The University of Manchester and dialogue activities could be influence not just the Research ‘synthetic’ and ‘biology’; of better informed. Workshops with Councils, but others such as ‘artificial’ and ‘natural’: and, the members of the public took scientists and policy makers. To potential for synthetic biology to place in early 2010 and a report facilitate ongoing discussion we have industrial scale impacts was published later in the year will be producing a reader and so to be both very exciting highlighting a number of friendly digest of the report to and yet also very ‘scary’, are two recommendations for the help get its messages to a wider that stick in my mind. This Research Councils and others to audience. In BBSRC we draw on means that we do need to be consider when thinking about the expertise of our Bioscience particularly vigilant and attentive synthetic biology. Here, I will for Society Strategy Panel (BSS), to synthetic biology as a take the opportunity to explain with its diverse membership that scientific area. It is why we have some of the actions the includes social scientists, committed to working hard, with Research Councils have bioethicists and consumer our synthetic biology research committed to in our response to groups. It was this panel who community, to ensuring that we those recommendations. A first highlighted the potential for are open and engaged. I know number of the actions will be synthetic biology to raise social that our Networks in Synthetic carried out jointly between and ethical issues to the Biology are already doing a great BBSRC and EPSRC but, Research Councils and in doing deal to talk about their research recognising that the so sparked this whole exercise. and to bring in outside communities of scientists that BSS helps us to include perspectives to their work. But we fund are different from one perspectives in our policy we can do more which is why, another, we will also be working making from beyond those of with funding from Sciencewise, on some actions separately. the close-knit scientific we will be holding a workshop Firstly, it is important to community and they will with the synthetic biology convey that we view this continue to keep a close eye on community not only to discuss dialogue as the foundation for this area as the science the report and its messages but an ongoing conversation about develops. also to share best practice in synthetic biology. As the field public engagement and to begin Clearly, though, the report develops and matures and as to build a tool kit that will help and dialogue call for much more applications begin to reach the researchers talk about their than a watching brief, and our

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research and explore the issues time expressing anxiety about applied to any area of research Of course, the report touches around it. regulatory and societal issues. that we fund. In fact, BBSRC’s on areas that are beyond the Clearly discussion and debate Bioscience for Industry Strategy Research Councils’ sphere of The headline message from about synthetic biology is not Panel has recently been influence. Far from ignoring the report is, “conditional either black or white, nor should discussing just these issues and these issues we are actively support of synthetic biology”. It’s it be depicted or treated as has helped us put together a working to ensure that the striking that for all four such. Each new advance and Knowledge Exchange and report has influence beyond our applications discussed in the novel application of synthetic Commercialisation policy that walls, we know it is important workshops each time at least biology will prompt a aims to shift the focus of that the messages from this half of people thought research conversation to explore the grey knowledge exchange towards report reach all those who have should be encouraged. areas and to try to decide recognising social goods as well a stake in them. But it would be a grave whether the potential risks are as commercial potential research Finally, I would like to thank mistake to interpret this or are not outweighed by the and its outputs. This work has all those who’ve taken part so simplistic top line message as potential benefits. the support of our Research far in this discussion, either as meaning that we need do Council colleagues. The report has real value to advisors or participants and by nothing. The report really brings us because as well as helping The dialogue and report has inviting those of you haven’t yet out the plurality of voices and us understand people’s attitude also prompted us within BBSRC been involved to join in the views that were expressed to synthetic biology it also tells to review how we monitor the ongoing discussion around this during the dialogue. It was us about issues that stretch right ethics of all our grant potentially life changing striking to me how people’s across our work and indeed that applications and to think about technology. views were nuanced, for of government and industry. For how we can encourage instance the same people would The recommendations that have arisen instance, there are messages researchers right across the piece recognise the potential for from the dialogue and the response that about how innovation happens to consider the motivations for BBSRC and EPSRC have made to those synthetic biology to tackle global recommendations are available through that are not just relevant to their work and to look at it in the challenges whilst at the same our website (www.bbsrc.ac.uk/ synthetic biology but can be wider social context. syntheticbiologydialogue).

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY DIALOGUE AND WHAT IS THE PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE? SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY PUBLIC DIALOGUE

Synthetic biology provides us platform for ongoing REGULATION with a unique opportunity to communication with the public The issue of regulation for engage the public early on in about important scientific synthetic biology is a the future direction of an advances – getting issues out in problematic one as framing emerging and potentially the open and engaging a wider regulation when hypothesizing revolutionary area of research. audience in the debate. about future technology is The synthetic biology public Two of the main themes fraught with difficulties. However, dialogue, commissioned by emerging from the dialogue strong concerns were expressed Professor David Delpy EPSRC, BBSRC and Sciencewise, responses, which I will explore by all participants in the dialogue Chief Executive, Engineering has been an extremely valuable further here, were regulation and Physical Sciences about the need for effective Research Council and positive experience for the and an approach to responsible regulation and adaptive Research Councils. We hope this science and innovation. governance, with regulators is the first step in building a seeking to anticipate and

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respond to scientific impacts of emerging innovation in research applications and impacts of their developments. Doubts were technologies (on society, health underpinned by a commitment science, and helping to inform also expressed about the ability and the environment) and in so to its responsible development. policy and regulation of the current regulatory systems doing inform regulatory discussions. to cope if a breakthrough led to decisions. The researchers we DEVELOPING A an increase in synthetic biology fund should form the first link in FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONCLUSION applications. an anticipatory and adaptive FUTURE We have embarked on the governance partnership. If these issues are not Through a pilot project in first step in establishing a route satisfactorily addressed then partnership with the Economic to responsible innovation, but RESPONSIBLE SCIENCE there could well be a public and Social Research Council there is much left to do. If AND INNOVATION reaction against synthetic (ESRC) we have been exploring successful we believe this will biology, limiting our ability to A key message from the ways to encourage and embed lead to a positive culture change realise the potentially huge dialogue is that the public have such ‘upstream’ reflection. As for research and innovation benefits of the technology. an interest not just in the part of the pilot EPSRC included funders and those who are outcomes of research, but in the a specific section on responsible funded by them. It will be an Much of our existing process and conduct of the innovation for the first time important start to translating the regulation uses conventional risk research itself. The public rightly within a major funding call. concepts of adaptive and assessment to assess the safety expect to be able to trust anticipatory technological of, for example, a genetically For more detail on the pilot funders to ensure that scientists governance into practice at an modified (GM) organism by project see Rising to the think about the potential impacts early stage in the innovation comparing it with that of a Challenge of Responsible of their research and act process. predecessor. If synthetic biology Innovation by Professor Richard responsibly, and that were to create totally new Owen on page 5 of this I would like to thank all those government puts in place entities without provenance or publication. who contributed to the dialogue, appropriate and timely predecessors this approach especially the members of the regulatory processes. In conjunction with ESRC we would not necessarily work. To public and the scientists who are looking at how we might complicate things further, These are generic issues that found time to participate. Special build on this pilot and develop research is still in its infancy and are not limited to synthetic thanks should go to BMRB who an outline Responsible Science the hypothetical applications biology, but apply across the conducted the exercise and also and Innovation Framework as a cross over the boundaries of whole spectrum of research and to Sciencewise whose resources basis for a wider discussion and different Government innovation. and wealth of expertise to explore how we might Departments, potential contributed so much to the Research Councils have a develop a unified, consistent regulators, and international process. responsibility to scrutinize the approach across Research bodies. potential impacts and risks of Councils and other partners. 1 EPSRC’s Societal Issues Panel is chaired This is an area where the emerging technologies, and Although any potential by Professor Lord Robert Winston. The Research Councils have limited encourage the researchers we framework would be made current membership comprises: Professor Jim Al-Khalili (University of influence, but I have alerted Sir fund to do likewise. This is an available to all research areas, it Surrey and EPSRC Senior Media John Beddington in his role as area that EPSRC’s advisory body, would not be expected to be Fellow), Anita Charlesworth (Nuffield Trust and Chief Scientific Advisor to the 1 the Government’s Chief the Societal Issues Panel , is used in all cases. We must take Department of Culture Media and Scientific Adviser. We have considering closely. Such care not to be heavy handed Sport), Professor Richard Jones (University of Sheffield), Professor Phil discussed this and corresponded processes must not be about and force an approach on areas Macnaghten (Durham University), and I know he is giving this his necessarily stopping areas of where it might not be Professor Judith Petts (University of Southampton), Tim Radford (Freelance active consideration. research in response to potential appropriate. This is about Journalist), Professor Tom Rodden risk and uncertainty; we need to creating the opportunity for (University of Nottingham), Professor I do believe that the Kathy Sykes (University of Bristol) and identify how to proceed reflection within the whole life Professor Paul Younger (University of Research Councils and our responsibly. The challenge will cycle of research and innovation, Newcastle). research communities can and be to define an approach that encouraging researchers to think should seek to identify at an promotes creativity and imaginatively about the potential early stage the potential wider

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WHY WE NEED A GREATER DIVERSITY OF EXPERTS FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLIC DIALOGUE

Suzannah Lansdell Without faithfully providing as As far as possible, it is really full a picture as possible of the valuable to give participants the Dialogue and Engagement Specialist issues, the process becomes in opportunity to say which experts Sciencewise-ERC danger of being challenged for and/or viewpoints they would bias. want to hear.

“Debates about science One of the key outcomes the subject. Participants also FOR EXPERTS – should involve different from the ‘Use of Experts’ hear the views of different REFLECTING PUBLIC opinions/viewpoints and a workstream report was for the ‘experts’ as another way of HOPES, FEARS AND plurality of expertise and role of experts to be more enabling them to see through ASPIRATIONS recognition of other types of carefully considered in the and round the different aspects knowledge that take into There is another reason for planning and delivery of of an issue. account minority opinions” 1 wanting to include a diversity of public dialogues. This article And therein is the challenge experts in public dialogue – to looks at one aspect of that Obviously, each dialogue is that requires explicit provide greater opportunity for report – to advocate bringing specifically planned and factors consideration – who are the the experts themselves. Public in a greater number and such as purpose of the dialogue, ‘experts’ and how do we dialogue is, importantly (or diversity of experts in public and the issue being discussed faithfully and credibly cover the should be), about experts being dialogue and why that is are key to defining who the diversity of perspectives that able to discuss the issues with becoming even more experts may be. Inevitably, time may exist on an issue? public participants – to hear first pertinent. factors will also play a part hand the issues and concerns. somewhere along the line In the public dialogues WHY A DIVERSITY OF Giving experts an opportunity to restricting how much can be Sciencewise-ERC has funded EXPERTS? hear what the public thinks and achieved – which is why it is so feels about an issue is and advised on, a sample of I suggest there are two key important to think carefully important, and crucial in the members of the public is asked drivers for this diversity. Firstly, to about who is chosen to provide case of research, if we are to to deliberate on an issue, enable participants to deliberate ‘expert input’. truly embed societal thinking exploring their hopes, fears and as effectively as they can on the into future research trajectories. aspirations so that policy can be issue at hand and, secondly, Evaluations of dialogues better informed by those views. (and often not given enough show that a variety of viewpoints “I gained a lot from listening is always valued by participants Therefore, we give people emphasis) to provide an to the views of a very diverse – and, indeed, if the variety of quite a challenge – from opportunity for the experts to be range of members of the public input is not there, then knowing little, if anything, on a participants themselves in those who, by and large, were very participants often quickly pick up subject to, over the course of processes as a way of directly supportive of us, but had a few on its omission. two or three days, being hearing the issues from the areas where they weren’t immersed in subjects such as public and thus informing their “It was also particularly certain. I think it has allowed synthetic biology, own thinking and research valuable to have a variety of me to sort of set my barometer geoengineering, stem cells and trajectories. viewpoints among the speakers. at a more appropriate point.” (Professor Chris Mason, animals containing human FOR PUBLIC This helped ensure that University College London, an material, and then discussing the PARTICIPANTS – SEEING participants did not feel expert speaker and member of challenges, issues, benefits and THE WHOLE manipulated towards a pitfalls. Participants are taken particular conclusion, and also the Oversight Group in the Stem 3 through a range of information If we are expecting people to helped them feel there was no Cell Dialogue) make choices or express views and often in a spread of ‘right’ answer which, in turn, Not only does diversity on a subject, then we should different formats – information made them feel more enable richer public dialogues, it provide perspectives that enable sheets, videos, presentations comfortable about expressing also enables greater reflection of participants to get as holistic a and their own research – to their own views.” (HFEA Hybrid public thinking into future view as possible on the issue to 2 bring them up to speed with the & Chimera Embryos dialogue) science and technological help the process of deliberation. core aspects and narratives on developments.

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EXPERT – WHAT experience as users of a professional amateur, resourced - How can experts EXPERT? medical service and profiled by ever wider themselves be participants internet powered information in the process and become So, who exactly is an expert? BROADENING THE sharing, and it is likely that the more able to understand This, of course, will vary from NOTION OF WHO IS AN choice of which ‘experts’ and fully the thoughts of public subject to subject and process EXPERT perspectives are pertinent, participants so that, in turn, to process. In Sciencewise The notion of who might be challenging and appropriate in this can help develop dialogues, expert input has perceived as an expert is under public dialogue is sure to thinking, research and broadly fallen into the following constant debate. broaden. developments that are fit for categories: purpose and in line with a “…when it comes to the So, while advocating a much • Experts (scientific/technical/ society that ultimately gives future of an emerging stronger presence and number legal) provide technical and the ’licence to operate’ for technology, no one (or of scientists and academic scientific-based inputs from the many new technologies. everyone) is an expert.” experts to participate in public whole range of science – from http://www.nature.com/news/2 dialogue, it is also necessary to 1 Participatory Science and Scientific social science and philosophy Participation: The role of Civil Society 010/100804/full/466688a.html consider involving a much wider through to physical and life Organisation in decisionmaking about NatureNews: World View: Not by set of perspectives on an issue novel developments in biotechnology. sciences experts alone – David Sarewitz to equip public participants with http://www.participationinscience.eu/ps • Stakeholders largely provide the range of viewpoints on the x2/final/PSX2_final%20report.pdf As the Big Society starts to views and evidence based on subject at hand. 2 Warburton, Diane – Shared Practice play out, it is possible that, with a particular standpoint and (2007) - Evaluation of the HFEA public an emphasis away from In conclusion, the tips to bear consultation on hybrid and chimera often represent lobbying or centralised ‘power’ to more local in mind for every dialogue is to embryos special interest groups, eg the delivery, there will come a think carefully about which, and http://www.sharedpractice.org.uk/Down Renewable Energy Association, loads/HFEA%20Report.pdf greater recognition of the role in what way, experts are Greenpeace and experiences of those involved in public dialogue: 3 Mohr, Alison (2009) An independent evaluation of the BBSRC and MRC • Experiential publics are individuals and organisations - Are the range of Stem Cell Dialogue Project 2008. members of the public who delivering solutions. The perspectives faithfully University of Nottingham, Institute for have a specific knowledge, can Science and Society, P47, Final draft extension of this means a covered to give participants contribute by sharing their May 2009. widening of whom we might a holistic view of the issues? personal insights and stories perceive as experts in the future Contact details for further - Who is best suited to give into an issue, eg parents of – particularly to those with information below: those perspectives – children with a chronic medical increasing direct and practical, E: enquiries@sciencewise-erc. academics, NGOs, those condition, who have gained rather than academic, org.uk with experiences or stories considerable knowledge of that experience. T: 0870 190 6324 particular condition over time, to share – do we need to Couple this with the www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk but who also have direct look beyond the ’usual continued rise of the suspects’? RESEARCHERS VISUALISE HERPES VIRUS’ TACTICAL MANOEUVRE

For the first time, researchers The Biotechnology and develop a 3D model of this through to some quite serious have developed a 3D picture of Biological Sciences Research herpes virus protein interacting illnesses, such as shingles or a herpes virus protein Council (BBSRC)-funded team, with human protein. The even cancer. Viruses cannot interacting with a key part of the led by The University of research was published this survive or replicate on their own human cellular machinery, Manchester, have used NMR – evening in PLoS Pathogens on – they need the resources and enhancing our understanding of a technique related to the one 6 January. apparatus within a human cell to how it hijacks human cells to used in MRI body scanners and do so. To prevent or treat Lead researcher Dr Alexander spread infection and opening capable of visualising molecules diseases caused by viruses we Golovanov from Manchester's up new possibilities for stepping at the smallest scales – to need to know as much as Interdisciplinary Biocentre and in to prevent or treat infection. produce images of a herpes possible about how they do this Faculty of Life Sciences said, This discovery uncovers one of virus protein interacting with a so that we can spot weak points "There are quite a few types of the many tactical manoeuvres mouse cellular protein. These or take out key tactical herpes viruses that cause employed by the virus. images were then used to manoeuvres." problems as mild as cold sores

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The 3D model shows how cellular protein, the team has viruses use the human cell to pathogens – is a fundamental the viral protein piggybacks onto uncovered the mechanism by survive and replicate. This opens step toward successful the molecular machinery which the viral and cellular up the possibilities for asking strategies to minimise the components inside human cells, proteins work together to guide new questions about how to impact of infection. To study promoting virus replication and the viral genetic material out of prevent or treat the diseases host-pathogen relationships we spread of infection through the the cell's nucleus. Once there, they cause.” have to look in detail at the body. the genetic material can be smallest scale of molecules – as Professor Janet Allen, BBSRC utilised to make proteins that this study does – and also right “When you look at the Director of Research, said “This are used as building blocks for through to the largest scale of image, it's like a backpack on an new research gives us an new viruses. The researchers how diseases work in whole elephant: the small compact important piece of the jigsaw for have also confirmed that this systems – a crop disease in the fragment of viral protein fits how a particular viral infection relationship between the two context of a whole area of nicely on the back of the works on a molecular level, proteins exists for related herpes agricultural land, for example. human protein,” said Dr which is great news. viruses that infect monkeys. BBSRC’s broad portfolio of Golovanov. Understanding the relationship research into host-pathogen Dr Golovanov continued, between a human, animal or By studying the images along relationships facilitates this well.” “Our discovery gives us a whole plant – the host – and the with biochemical experiments step more detail on how herpes organisms that cause disease – using the human version of the 550 MILLION YEARS AGO RISE IN OXYGEN DROVE EVOLUTION OF ANIMAL LIFE

Researchers funded by the levels drove the very earliest to hypoxia, such as is caused by evolved at the same time as the Biotechnology and Biological stages of animal evolution. high altitudes or physical earliest multicellular animals. Sciences Research Council exertion, and is very important Professor Schofield said “It’s Defects in the most important (BBSRC) at the University of for the prevention of stroke and absolutely necessary for any human oxygen sensing enzyme Oxford have uncovered a clue heart attacks as well as some multicellular organism to have a can cause polycythemia – an that may help to explain why the types of cancer. sufficient supply of oxygen to increase in red blood cells. The earliest evidence of complex almost every cell and so the Trichoplax adhaerens is a tiny work could also open up new multicellular animal life appears atmospheric rise in oxygen made seawater organism that lacks any approaches to develop therapies around 550 million years ago, it possible for multicellular organs and has only five types of for this disorder. when atmospheric oxygen levels organisms to exist. cells, giving it the appearance of on the planet rose sharply from Professor Douglas Kell, Chief an amoeba. By analysing how 3% to their modern day level of “But there was still a very Executive, BBSRC said Trichoplax reacts to a lack of 21%. different physiological challenge “Understanding how animals – oxygen, Oxford researcher Dr for these organisms than for the and ultimately humans – The team, led by Professor Christoph Loenarz found that it more evolutionarily ancient evolved is essential to our ability Chris Schofield, has found that uses the same mechanism as single-celled organisms such as to pick apart the workings of our humans share a method of humans – in fact, when the key bacteria. Being multicelluar cells. Knowledge of normal sensing oxygen with the world's enzyme from Trichoplax was put means oxygen has to get to cells biological processes underpins simplest known living animal – it in a human cell, it worked just not on the surface of the new developments that can Trichoplax adhaerens – as well as the human enzyme organism. We think this is what improve quality of life for suggesting the method has been usually would. drove the ancestors of Trichoplax everyone. The more skilful we around since the first animals adhaerens to develop a system They also looked at the become in studying the emerged around 550 million to sense a lack of oxygen in any genomes of several other evolution of some of our most years ago. cell and then do something species and found that this essential cell biology, the better about it.” This discovery, published on mechanism is present in multi- our chances of ensuring long 17 December in the January The oxygen sensing process cellular animals, but not in the term health and well being to 2011 edition of EMBO Reports, enables animals to survive better single-celled organisms that were match the increase in average throws light on how humans at low oxygen levels, or ‘hypoxia’. the precursors of animals, lifespan in the UK and beyond.” sense oxygen and how oxygen In humans this system responds suggesting that the mechanism

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HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Science and Technology CURRENT INQUIRIES On Wednesday 17 November the Committee Committee is established under took evidence on cyber security from Professor Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies Standing Order No 152, and Ross Anderson, Professor of Security Engineering, charged with the scrutiny of the The Committee announced on 27 July 2010 University of Cambridge, Robert Hayes, Senior expenditure, administration and that it would examine the Government’s use of Fellow, The Microsoft Institute for Advanced policy of the Government Office for scientific advice and evidence in emergency Science, a semi-autonomous Technology in Governments, Malcolm Hutty, situations. The inquiry examined four case studies organisation based within the Head of Public Affairs, London Internet Exchange indicated below in italics. The Committee held Department for Business, (LINX), and Professor Peter Sommer, Visiting five oral evidence sessions. Innovation and Skills. Professor, London School of Economics; Dr Steve On Wednesday 20 October the Committee Marsh, Deputy Director, Office of Cyber Security The current members of the took evidence on Swine Flu from Professor Sheila and Information Assurance, Cabinet Office, Science and Technology Committee Professor Bernard Silverman, Chief Scientific are: Bird, Vice-President (2006-09), Royal Statistical Gavin Barwell (Conservative, Society, Professor Neil Ferguson OBE, Director, Adviser, Home Office, and Professor Mark Croydon Central), Gregg McClymont MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Welland, Chief Scientific Adviser, Ministry of (Labour, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Justin McCracken, Chief Executive, Health Defence. Kirkintilloch East), Stephen Metcalfe Protection Agency, and Dr Peter Holden, British On Wednesday 1 December the Committee (Conservative, South Basildon and Medical Association; Professor Sir Gordon Duff, East Thurrock), Andrew Miller took evidence from Professor Sir John Chair of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza (Labour, Ellesmere Port and Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser; Advisory Committee, Sir Liam Donaldson, Former Neston), David Morris Rt Hon Lord Adonis, former Secretary of State for Chief Medical Officer, Professor David Harper (Conservative, Morecambe and Transport, and Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, former CBE, Chief Scientist, Department of Health. Lunesdale), Stephen Mosley Secretary of State for Health; Rt Hon Baroness (Conservative, City of Chester), On Wednesday 3 November the Committee Neville-Jones, Minister of State for Security, and Rt Pamela Nash (Labour, Airdrie and Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Shotts), Jonathan Reynolds took evidence on volcanic ash from Ray Elgy, (Labour/Co-operative, Stalybridge Head of Licensing & Training Standards, Civil Universities and Science. Aviation Authority, Dr Guy Gratton, Royal and Hyde), Alok Sharma The written evidence received in the inquiry is (Conservative, Reading West), Aeronautical Society, Dr Sue Loughlin, Head of on the Committee’s website. The Report is Graham Stringer (Labour, Blackley Volcanology, British Geological Survey, and currently being prepared. and Broughton) and Roger Williams Captain Tim Steeds, Director of Safety & Security, (Liberal Democrat, Brecon and British Airways; Professor Brian Collins, Chief Technology Innovation Centres Radnorshire). Scientific Adviser, Department for Transport, Dr On 20 October 2010 the Committee Andrew Miller was elected by the Miles Parker, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser, announced an inquiry into Technology Innovation House of Commons to be the Chair Department for Environment, Food and Rural Centres. The Committee announced that it would of the Committee on 9 June 2010. Affairs, and Professor Julia Slingo, Chief Scientific examine the German Fraunhofer Institutes as a The remaining Members were Advisor, Met Office. model for Technology Innovation Centres in this formally appointed to the country and its validity in improving Committee on 12 July 2010. On Wednesday 10 November the Committee commercialisation of research in the UK. The took evidence on space weather from Professor Committee invited written submissions on the Paul Cannon FREng, Royal Academy of following issues by 2 December 2010: Engineering, Professor Mike Hapgood, Royal Astronomical Society, and Chris Train, Network 1. What is the Fraunhofer model and would it be Operations Director, National Grid; Professor Brian applicable to the UK? Collins, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for 2. Are there existing Fraunhofer-type research Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Phil Evans, centres within the UK, and if so, are they Director of Government Business, Met Office, effective? Paul Hollinshead, Director of Science and 3. What other models are there for research Innovation Group, and Phil Lawton, Downstream centres oriented toward applications and results? Gas and Electricity Resilience Manager, 4. Whose role should it be to coordinate research Department of Energy and Climate Change. in a UK-wide network of innovation centres?

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5. What effect would the introduction of Fraunhofer-type institutes the plans for the coming years. have on the work of Public Sector Research Establishments and 2. What do the four partners hope to achieve from the project other existing research centres that undertake Government and what new technologies and innovations are being sponsored research? considered? The Committee held three oral evidence sessions. 3. Is the financing of the UKCMRI robust and justified, with On Wednesday 15 December the Committee took evidence particular reference to the public support for the project and the from Dr David Bembo, Member of Council, Association for knock-on effect on budgets for other research? University Research and Industry Links, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Head of 4. What are the risk assessment arrangements to ensure the Enterprise & Innovation, Confederation of British Industry, Professor safety of the site? Ric Parker, Director of Research & Technology, Rolls-Royce Group, 5. What are the arrangements for the closure of the existing and Patrick Reeve, Chair of the BVCA Venture Capital Public Policy National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill? Committee, British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association. The written evidence received in the inquiry is on the On Monday 20 December the Committee took evidence from Committee’s website. The Committee plan to take oral evidence in Pam Alexander, Chief Executive, South East England Development early 2011. Agency (SEEDA), Richard Brook OBE, President, Association of ORAL EVIDENCE Independent Research and Technology Organisations, Nigel Perry, Chief Executive, Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, and Professor The transcripts of the evidence sessions described above and Keith Ridgway OBE, Research Director, Advanced Manufacturing below are available on the Science and Technology Committee’s Research Centre. website [www.parliament.uk/science]. Spending Review 2010 On Wednesday 12 January 2011 the Committee took evidence from Iain Gray, Chief Executive, Technology Strategy Board; Rt Hon On 24 November the Committee took evidence on the Spending David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science. Review 2010 from Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, and Professor Adrian Smith, Director General, Science The written evidence received in the inquiry is on the and Research, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The Committee’s website. The Report is currently being prepared. Committee held a further evidence session on 19 January 2011 Strategically important metals when it took evidence from Chief Executives of the UK Research Councils on their budget allocations and how they will meet the On 11 November the Committee announced an inquiry into Government’s priorities for science. strategically important metals. The Committee invited written submissions on the following issues by 17 December 2010: The Reviews into the Climatic Research Unit’s E-mails 1. Is there a global shortfall in the supply and availability of On 31 March 2010 the former Science and Technology strategically important metals essential to the production of Committee published a report on the disclosure of climate data from advanced technology in the UK? the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia (UEA) (HC (2009-10) 387-I). The Committee took evidence on The 2. How vulnerable is the UK to a potential decline or restriction in the Reviews into the Climatic Research Unit’s E-mails from Lord Oxburgh, supply of strategically important metals? What should the who headed the International Panel set up by the University of East Government be doing to safeguard against this and to ensure Anglia to examine the research of the Climatic Research Unit on 8 supplies are produced ethically? September 2010 and from Sir Muir Russell, who headed the 3. How desirable, easy and cost-effective is it to recover and recycle Independent Climate Change E-mails Review, Professor Edward metals from discarded products? How can this be encouraged? Acton, Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Trevor Davies, Pro Vice Where recycling currently takes place, what arrangements need to Chancellor for Research, University of East Anglia, on 27 October be in place to ensure it is done cost-effectively, safely and ethically? 2010. 4. Are there substitutes for those metals that are in decline in Government Office for Science Annual Review 2010 technological products manufactured in the UK? How can these On 27 October the Committee took evidence on the substitutes be more widely applied? Government Office for Science Annual Review 2010 from Professor 5. What opportunities are there to work internationally on the Sir John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Head, challenge of recovering, recycling and substituting strategically Government Office for Science. important metals? The written evidence received in the inquiry is on the Committee’s GOVERNMENT RESPONSES website. The Committee plans to take oral evidence in early 2011. Government Response to the Science and Technology UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation Committee report ‘The Regulation of Geoengineering’ On 18 November the Committee announced an inquiry into the On 28 September 2010 the Government published its Response UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI). The to the former Committee’s Report on ‘The Regulation of Committee invited written submissions on the following issues by 12 Geoengineering’ as a Command Paper (Cm 7936). January 2011: Government Response to the House of Commons Science & 1. Review the progress on the UKCMRI since 2008 and assess Technology Select Committee Report: “The disclosure of

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climate data from the Climatic Research Unit at the University FURTHER INFORMATION of East Anglia” Further information about the work of the Science and Technology On 28 September 2010 the Government published its Response Committee or its current inquiries can be obtained from the Clerk of to the former Committee’s Report on ‘The disclosure of climate data the Committee, Glenn McKee, the Second Clerk, Ed Beale, or from from the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia’ as a the Senior Committee Assistant, Andy Boyd, on 020 7219 Command Paper (Cm 7934). 8367/2792/2793 respectively; or by writing to: The Clerk of the As of January 2011 the Government response to one of its Committee, Science and Technology Committee, House of predecessor Committee’s Reports of Session 2009-10, is still Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Enquiries can also be e- outstanding: Bioengineering, Seventh Report (HC 220), published mailed to [email protected]. Anyone wishing to be included 25 March 2010. on the Committee’s mailing list should contact the staff of the Committee. Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee is strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the guidance note first. Guidance on the submission of evidence can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm. The Committee has a website, www.parliament.uk/science, where all recent publications, terms of reference for all inquiries and press notices are available.

PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST)

RECENT POST PUBLICATIONS over future availability. This briefing examines the debate on future supplies, and discusses the UK Indoor Air Quality and international response. November 2010 POSTnote 366 Biodiversity Offsetting It is well established that outdoor air pollution January 2011 POSTnote 369 is harmful to human health. However, less attention has been paid to the potential health Given growing recognition of the importance effects of indoor air pollution. This POSTnote of biodiversity, all sectors are looking for ways to describes sources of indoor air pollution, the mitigate the environmental costs of human evidence for adverse effects on human health activity. Biodiversity offsetting refers to market- and outlines possible policy responses. based schemes designed to compensate for losses of biodiversity due to human Biofortification development. The intention is to maintain or November 2010 POSTnote 367 enhance an equivalent amount of biodiversity at Breeding crops to enhance their nutritional an alternate location. This briefing summarises composition, known as biofortification, is one biodiversity offsetting and examines opportunities potential strategy for addressing certain forms of and risks of offsets within a UK context. undernutrition. This approach may be useful Environmental Limits where there is a dependence on calorie-rich but January 2011 POSTnote 370 nutrient-poor staple foods. This briefing describes developments in biofortification, examines its An environmental limit is usually interpreted as potential impact, and the implications for policy the point or range of conditions beyond which makers in the UK and abroad. there is a significant risk of abrupt, irreversible, or difficult to reverse, changes to the benefits Rare Earth Metals derived from natural resource systems with January 2011 POSTnote 368 impacts on human well-being. Natural resources Rapid global industrialisation and population such as land, water, soil, plants and animals growth are placing increasing pressure on should be used and managed within boundaries availability of raw materials. A group of elements that allow the resource to renew itself. Otherwise known as the Rare Earth Metals has become a well-being, for present and future generations, will highly sought-after resource for high-technology be impacted. This briefing summarises a longer and low carbon industries. Currently, global POST report on environmental limits, which sets demand is increasing, and there are concerns out the challenges to achieving this aim, while

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considering the complex trade-offs between social, economic and Opposition spokesperson on Energy and David Kennedy, Chief environmental objectives. Executive of the Committee on Climate Change. MEMBERS OF THE POST BOARD FOR 2010-15 Rare Earth Metals and Beyond On 12th January POST hosted a seminar on global mineral Officers resource availability, with a particular focus on “rare earth” metal Chair: Adam Afriyie MP supply issues relevant to the UK and EU. Rapid global Vice-Chair: Lord Winston industrialisation and population growth are placing increasing Director: Professor David Cope pressure on global mineral resources. For example, currently “rare Secretary: Mr Glenn McKee earth” metals, used widely in high-tech products and low carbon House of Lords: Lord Oxburgh of Liverpool; Lord Krebs; Lord Taylor energy technologies, are experiencing both increasing global of Warwick demand, and supply issues. This has caused as much as ten-fold House of Commons: Dr Therese Coffey MP; Mr Michael price increases over the last six months, giving rise to debate over Connarty MP; Dr Julian Huppert MP; Mr Philip Lee MP; Mr Andrew longer term security of supply. Lord Oxburgh chaired the seminar Miller MP; Mr David Mowat MP; Mrs Sarah Newton MP; which included presentations from Judith Chegwidden, Managing Miss Chinyelu Onwurah MP Director of Roskill Information Services Ltd, Dr Jonathan Di John, Non-Parliamentary Members: Professor Frances R Balkwill School of Oriental and African Studies, Andrew Gunn, British FMedSci; Sir David Davies CBE FREng FRS; Professor Jim Norton Geological Survey, and Nick Morley, Oakdene Hollins. FIEE FRSA; Professor Ekhard Salje FRS Staff, Fellows and Interns at POST Ex-officio Members Staff For the House of Lords Committee Office: Mrs Christine Salmon A new Physics and IT Adviser, Dr Mary Matthews, started at POST in For the Department of Chamber and Committee Services: November, following the secondment of Dr Martin Griffiths to the Mr Paul Evans Royal Statistical Society. For the Department of Information Services: Mr Christopher A new Biology and Health Adviser, Dr Ana Padilla, started at POST Barclay; Mr John Pullinger in January to cover for Dr Sarah Bunn who is on maternity leave. CURRENT WORK Conventional Fellows Beth Dyson, Manchester University, Natural Environment Research Biological Sciences – Deception Detection Technologies, Council Interpretation of the Mental Capacity Act, Review of Stem Cell Joanne Edgar, Bristol University, Institute of Food Science and Research. Technology Environment and Energy – Future Electricity Transmission, Eleanor Kean, Cardiff University, British Ecological Society Climate Change Adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa, Update to Carbon Benjamin O’Driscoll, University of Reading, Royal Society of Footprint of Electricity Generation (POSTnote 268), Unconventional Chemistry Gas, Energy Security, Future Landscapes, Evidence Based Dr Gareth Owen, Kings College London, Wellcome Trust Bioethics Conservation. Fellowship Physical sciences and IT – Solar Technologies, Technologies for Special Post-doctoral Fellow Clean Water, Opening up Public Sector Data. Dr Mara Almeida, Medical Research Council Functional Genomics CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS Unit, University of Oxford, on a special Portuguese government six- month scholarship to study the functioning of parliamentary science Health of Military Personnel offices. On 2nd November POST hosted a seminar in collaboration with the British Psychological Society on the health of military personnel. Hansard Society Intern Recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have highlighted the short Lindsay Amico, Northeastern University, Boston, USA and long-term impacts on the physical health and mental well- INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES being of personnel who have served in these theatres of war. Research in psychology and psychiatry is providing new Lectures and Presentations perspectives on which support strategies are most effective for On 25th/26th November the Director was invited to give a military personnel. James Arbuthnot MP, Chair of the House of keynote presentation in Brussels at a pan-European conference on Commons Defence Select Committee, chaired the seminar. “Undergrounding of Extra High Voltage (EHV) Power Lines”. The Political and Market Factors Affecting Developments in Energy driver for continental interest is that in various European countries, Technology and Climate Change in particular Germany and Austria, intense local opposition is occurring to planned new lines intended to bring renewable energy On 14th December POST hosted a Westminster Energy Forum from the Baltic and North Sea to southern demand centres. Some seminar to examine the political and market factors affecting technological advances are occurring in underground cable systems developments in energy technology and climate change. Speakers but these are unlikely to reduce their cost below being an order of included Oliver Graham of the Boston Consulting Group, Fiona magnitude greater than for overhead lines. Harvey, Environment Correspondent of the Financial Times, Adrian Haworth from GE Energy, Prof Sir Brian Hoskins, Director of the On 27th/28th November Dr Nath was invited to give a talk Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, about POST’s work with the Parliament of Uganda at a UNESCO

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sponsored conference on “Regional cooperation in science and MP-scientist pairing and the setting up of a “remote mentoring” technology: opportunity and challenges in the context of scheme for Ugandan parliamentary staff working on scientific issues. globalisation in New Delhi.” Discussions are also being held with the Parliament of Uganda and the Ugandan National Academy of Sciences about how to sustain POST African Parliaments Programme capacity building activities in science and technology when the Preparations for parliamentary and presidential elections are POST programme comes to an end in mid 2012. under way in Uganda so the programme is focusing on plans for activities in the new parliament, which will include a third round of

HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION

Research Papers produced for Daylight Saving Bill and regeneration functions in London. It will Members of Parliament are Research Paper 10/78 abolish the London Development Agency and summarised opposite. Papers can introduce a regime for Mayoral Development Over the past decade there have been several be accessed at Corporations. Changes to Greater London attempts to shift clocks forward for one hour http://www.parliament.uk/business/ Authority governance will allow the delegation of publications/research/research- throughout the year, so that more daylight would functions by Ministers to the Mayor. papers/ be experienced in the evenings rather than the mornings. There could be a range of benefits Cancun Climate Conference SN/SC/5772 The Section produces a series of from such a change including: fewer people killed The high expectations for the Copenhagen frequently updated notes on a wide on the roads; improved health and wellbeing; an Climate Conference (COP15) held in December range of topics. Opposite are economic stimulus; and reduced greenhouse gas 2009 were not met and agreement on the summaries of some recently emissions. successor to the Kyoto Protocol was not reached. updated notes. Instead a non-binding Copenhagen Accord was The notes can be accessed online A number of commentators are not convinced put together by some of the major emitting at http://www.parliament. by the supporting evidence and claims, or believe countries behind closed doors and agreed to at uk/topics/Topical-Issues.htm that more information is required before a decision can be supported. There are particular the last minute. After Copenhagen progress was For further information contact concerns in Scotland about the implications of slow with little movement from the various Christopher Barclay Head of Section the darker mornings that a change would cause. parties. Tel: 020 7219 3624 email: The Daylight Saving Bill 2010-11 is a Private Expectations were not high for any progress [email protected] Member’s Bill sponsored by Rebecca Harris MP. It during the next conference in Cancun (COP16). would require the Government to conduct a The outcome after two weeks of negotiations was cross-departmental analysis of the potential costs modest, but the meeting was considered a and benefits of advancing time by one hour for success on the basis that the negotiations did not all, or part of, the year. If this analysis found that a collapse as they did in Copenhagen. Although clock change would benefit the UK, the Bill there was little progress in negotiating a successor requires that the Government initiate a trial clock to the Kyoto Protocol progress was made on change to determine the full implications. several issues including technology transfer, funding and forestry. In addition, there was Localism Bill: Planning and Housing agreement (mediated by India) that both Research Paper 11/03 developed and developing countries would Part 5 of the Bill will abolish regional planning, commit to reduce emissions; and that both would introduce a neighbourhood planning regime and be subject to some form of monitoring and abolish the Infrastructure Planning Commission. verification. The Agreement was supported by all Part 6 of the Bill will make significant changes member countries, with the exception of Bolivia. to the way in which social housing is provided The Green Deal SN/SC/5763 and will also repeal the legislation governing the One of the main components in the Energy provision of Home Information Packs (HIPs). This Bill 2010-11 is the framework for a “Green Deal.” Part includes provisions that will enable the long The aim is to encourage home energy efficiency awaited reform of council housing finance. improvements, to be paid for by consequent Part 7 of the Bill will make changes to housing savings from energy bills. It will apply in England,

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Wales and Scotland and is a two-strand policy. proportion of the PFE. Powers to enable the sale are contained in The first strand is a pay-as-you save scheme whereby qualifying the Public Bodies Bill 2010-11. A public consultation was launched Green Deal customers would get the money upfront to make the on 27 January. Some are concerned that the sale of the PFE may energy efficiency improvements in the form of a loan. lead to the loss of public benefits and environmental damage. Others believe that the land could be managed better by other land The second strand is to replace the current obligations on owners such as charities and industry, in a way that preserves these energy suppliers, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from homes, benefits. with the new energy company obligation (ECO). The ECO would underpin the Green Deal. It would focus the obligation on those Animal cloning SN/SC/5798 properties and households which could not make energy savings Since 1997, when the first mammal was cloned from an adult without extra financial support, such as those with hard-to-treat cell at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, a number of commentators homes and the fuel poor. have raised concerns about the implications of animal cloning for The Green Deal is expected to be available to customers in the food safety, food supply and animal welfare. Others stress that latter half of 2012. This note examines the Green Deal proposals in animal cloning has the potential to improve animal welfare and more detail. farming productivity. It may even be used in the conservation of endangered species. Heating oil SN/SC/5806 The current preferred method of cloning, somatic cell nuclear Evidence suggests that the price of home heating fuel has transfer (SCNT), has a number of drawbacks. Cloned animals often increased substantially during winter 2010-11. The heating oil suffer significant health problems compared to conventionally bred industry has blamed the rise in prices on a combination of higher animals. The technology therefore has implications for animal crude oil costs and on cold, snowy weather in the UK making welfare. There do not appear to be food safety issues with this deliveries more expensive. Campaign groups have accused these technology. companies of profiteering and using the cold weather as an excuse to raise prices unnecessarily. EU Regulations mean that foods derived from cloned animals need to be scientifically assessed and specifically licensed. There is The home heating oil market is not regulated by Ofgem, but can a debate about whether regulations apply to the offspring of clones. be investigated by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) if there is In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) states that products evidence to suggest that competition laws have been infringed. from the offspring of cloned animals are also novel foods and Following representations from the Government, the OFT has now therefore they need to be specifically assessed and licensed. agreed to examine the supply of energy to consumers who are not European Commission proposals may ban the use of animal clones connected to the main gas grid. The study will launch formally in in food, although controls would not apply to the offspring of March 2011. clones. European legislation is likely to come forward in 2011. The Government has also said that it is keeping a careful watch HIV and Hepatitis C infection from contaminated blood and on the situation. The Government also has a number of policies blood products SN/SC/5698 and schemes to try to help the situation in the future. These include the Green Deal, social price support and the renewable During the 1970s and early 1980s some blood and blood heat incentive. This note sets out all these issues in more detail. products supplied by the NHS, mostly to haemophilia sufferers, were contaminated with HIV and Hepatitis C. More than 4500 Flood defence SN/SC/5755 patients contracted one or both of these diseases as a result, of Between May and June 2007 extreme rainfall led to widespread whom over 2000 are thought to have died. flooding in England and Wales. It was arguably the largest No-fault government payment schemes were established to peacetime emergency since World War II, causing 13 deaths and provide support for those affected. These have been criticised as £3.2 billion in damage. Average flood damage costs are currently in being insufficient but successive Governments have rejected calls the region of £1 billion per year, but these costs could rise to £27 for an independent inquiry and additional compensation. A non- billion by 2080. statutory inquiry funded from private donations, the Archer Inquiry, Maintaining existing levels of flood defence would require reported in February 2009. Amongst its recommendations was a spending on asset maintenance and construction to increase to call for reform of support for those affected, in line with a scheme over £1 billion per year by 2035. Given current budget constraints, used in the Republic of Ireland. national flood defence spending will reduce slightly from current The Irish scheme offers substantially higher payments than the levels over the next four years. Local sources of funding will UK schemes but successive Governments have rejected probably play a bigger role in coming years. comparability on the basis that the Irish scheme was established to The Forestry Commission and the sale of public forests in compensate victims for wrongdoing by a government agency but England SN/SC/5734 that no similar wrongdoing occurred in the UK. An April 2010 This note sets out information on the sale of the Public Forest judicial review of the previous Government’s response to the Archer Estate (PFE) in England, which is managed by the Forestry Inquiry questioned that assertion and the current Government Commission. The PFE currently provides multiple economic, social responded with a proposal to review aspects of support. and environmental public benefits, although it costs some £15 On 10 January 2011 the Government announced an increase in million per year to operate. Governments have been able to sell payments for some of those infected with Hepatitis C, and offered parts of the PFE since 1981. In the eighties thousands of hectares additional medical and psychological support. These new measures were sold. There was a change in policy following the 1997 general currently apply only to patients in England and are estimated to cost election when the sale of such land was restricted. £130M. While the measures were welcomed as a step in the right The Coalition has signalled its intention to sell a significant direction by some contaminated blood activists and their

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supporters, remaining concerns include the level of payments and sets out the Government’s response. relative to the Republic of Ireland, and whether the provisions will The National Security Strategy (October 2010) has categorised extend to the rest of the UK. “hostile attacks upon UK cyberspace by other states and large scale Cyber Security SN/SC/5832 cyber crime” as one of its priority risks alongside terrorism, major It is widely acknowledged that cyber attacks will increasingly be a accidents and natural hazards and military crises. The associated key aspect of future warfare and organised crime. This note explains Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) responds to this with the increasing threat to national security posed by the new “front” of a new “transformative” £650m Cyber Security Programme to protect the cyber realm of networked, digital activities (often internet-based) the UK from cyber attacks from both nation states and individuals. HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE

The members of the Committee BEHAVIOUR CHANGE POLICY January 2011. The Committee began taking oral (appointed 22 June 2010) are Lord INTERVENTIONS evidence in November 2010 and will finish in Broers, Lord Crickhowell, Lord March 2011. The Committee is due to report in The Select Committee has appointed a sub- Cunningham of Felling, Baroness the summer. Hilton of Eggardon, Lord Krebs committee under the Chairmanship of Baroness (Chairman), Baroness Neuberger, Neuberger to conduct an inquiry into the ONE-OFF EVIDENCE SESSIONS ON Lord Patel, Baroness Perry of effectiveness of behaviour change interventions in THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE Southwark, Lord Rees of Ludlow, achieving government policy goals and helping to COMPREHENSIVE SPENDING REVIEW the Earl of Selborne, Lord Wade of meet societal challenges. FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Chorley, Lord Warner, Lord Willis of As governments across the world attempt to On 16 and 23 November 2010 the Knaresborough and Lord Winston. meet societal challenges such as reducing carbon Committee took evidence on the implications of Lord Alderdice, Lord May of Oxford, emissions and alleviating the burden on health the Comprehensive Spending Review for Baroness O’Neill of Bengarve and services caused by smoking, drinking and the rise scientific research. Witnesses included Professor Lord Sutherland of Houndwood in obesity, more and more attention is being Sir John Beddington (Government Chief Scientific have been co-opted to Sub- focused on how behaviour can be influenced Committee I for the purposes of its Adviser), Professor Sir Adrian Smith (then Director inquiry into behaviour change policy using a range of behaviour change interventions General, Science and Research, BIS), Professor interventions. that rely on measures other than prohibition or David Delpy (Chief Executive of the Engineering the elimination of choice. The Committee will and Physical Sciences Research Council), Sir Alan consider the current state of knowledge about Langlands (Chief Executive of the Higher which behaviour change interventions are Education Funding Council for England), Mr Paul effective, whether the Government’s current Clark (Director of Policy at Universities UK) and behaviour change interventions are evidence- representatives from industry. The transcripts are based and subject to robust evaluation, and how available on the Committee’s website. such interventions are coordinated across PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AS A TOOL TO departments. The Committee will also be looking STIMULATE INNOVATION at the role of industry and the voluntary sector in shaping behaviour patterns and the social and The Select Committee, under the ethical issues surrounding behaviour change chairmanship of Lord Krebs, has launched a short interventions by government. inquiry into public procurement as a tool to stimulate innovation within industry. The inquiry is As part of its inquiry, the sub-committee is also focused, in particular, on the Department for conducting two case studies. The first will look at Transport and related public bodies, as a working behaviour change interventions designed to example of the current procurement practices reduce obesity. The second will focus on travel- within departments. The inquiry seeks to mode interventions to reduce car use in towns investigate the extent to which the current and cities. procurement practices and processes are A call for evidence was published on 28 July effective in encouraging innovation within industry 2010 with a deadline for submissions of 8 and supporting the development and diffusion of October 2010. A second call for evidence on the innovations. travel-mode interventions case study was A call for evidence inviting written submissions published on 10 December 2010 with a deadline was published on 22 October 2010 with a for submissions of 21 January 2011. The deadline of 13 December 2010. The Committee committee held a seminar as part of the obesity began taking oral evidence on 21 December case study on 19 October 2010 and a second 2010 and is due to report in the spring. seminar on travel-mode interventions on 26

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OUTSTANDING ACTIVITIES FROM THE PREVIOUS Radioactive Waste Management: a further update PARLIAMENT The Select Committee appointed a Sub-Committee to conduct a Setting Priorities for Publicly Funded Research short follow-up inquiry into the management of radioactive waste, following the Committee’s previous reports on the subject, the last An inquiry into the setting of science and technology research of which was published in session 2006-07. funding priorities was launched in July 2009. The inquiry was undertaken by the Select Committee under the chairmanship of The inquiry focused on the role and performance of the Lord Sutherland. Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) which provides independent scrutiny and advice on the implementation of Cuts in overall public spending due to the current economic the Government’s Managing Radioactive Waste Safely programme. climate will lead to some difficult decisions about how to allocate The sub-committee held a one-off evidence session with public funds for science and technology research. Effective representatives from CoRWM, Lord Hunt, (then) Minister of State mechanisms for allocating funds are vital if the United Kingdom for Energy and Climate Change, and representatives from the science base is to remain healthy, both now and in the future, and Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Nuclear is able to continue to meet societal needs. The Committee Decommissioning Authority in February 2010, and published its investigated a range of issues including how decisions about report on 25 March 2010. The Government’s response was funding research are made across Government and within received on 9 November 2010. It is anticipated that the report will Government departments and other public bodies, whether the be debated by the House during the current session. balance between funding for targeted research and unsolicited response-mode curiosity-driven research is appropriate, and how FURTHER INFORMATION research is commissioned. The written and oral evidence to the Committee’s inquiries The Committee published its report on 1 April 2010. The mentioned above, as well as the Calls for Evidence and other Government response to the report was published on 30 July documents can be found on the Committee’s website 2010. The report is likely to be debated in the House during the www.parliament.uk/hlscience. Further information about the work of current session. the Committee can be obtained from Christine Salmon Percival, Committee Clerk, [email protected] or 020 7219 6072. The Committee’s email address is [email protected].

SELECTED DEBATES

Opposite is a list of a selection of HOUSE OF COMMONS AND 2 Dec 2010 Fisheries HoC 341WH Debates on matters of scientific WESTMINSTER HALL 15 Dec 2010 Water Supplies (Developing interest which took place in the 12 Oct 2010 Offshore Wind Infrastructure World) HoC 1012 House of Commons, the House of Competition HoC 57WH Lords or Westminster Hall between 20 Dec 2010 Mobile Phones (Health) Tuesday 5 October and Wednesday 13 Oct 2010 Degree Validation (Univ of HoC 1284 22 December. London) HoC 460 HOUSE OF LORDS 13 Oct 2010 Onshore Wind Turbines 7 Oct 2010 Food: Regulation and Guidance From January 2011 a full digest of HoC 131WH HoL 263 Debates, Questions and Answers 13 Oct 2010 Coal-burning Power Stations 29 Nov 2010 Academic Health Partnerships on topics of scientific interest from HoC 140WH HoL 1340 both Houses of Parliament should 26 Oct 2010 Natural England HoC 46WH be available on the website: 6 Dec 2010 Arctic Ice Cap HoL 84 27 Oct 2010 Rarer Cancers HoC 126WH www.scienceinparliament.org.uk. 13 Dec 2010 Population Growth HoL 466 Please log in using the members’ 2 Nov 2010 SET (Women) HoC 251WH 20 Dec 2010 NHS: Global Health HoL 901 and subscribers’ password 3 Nov 2010 Higher Education HoC 293WH ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– (available from the Committee 9 Nov 2010 Clostridium Difficile HoC 260 PROGRESS OF LEGISLATION secretariat) and go to Publications: 9 Nov 2010 Food Security (Africa)HoC 56WH A comprehensive list of Public Bills before Digests. 10 Nov 2010 Science Research HoC 108WH Parliament, giving up-to-date information on their 10 Nov 2010 UK Software Industry HoC 75WH progress, is published regularly when Parliament 17 Nov 2010 Energy Efficiency Measures is sitting in the Weekly Information Bulletin, which HoC 308WH can be found at: 18 Nov 2010 Deep-Water Drilling Shetland http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cm HoC 1157 wib.htm 30 Nov 2010 Shoreline Management Plans HoC 221WH

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

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

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

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

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

Biotechnology Economic and and Biological Social Research Sciences Research Council Council (BBSRC) Contact: Jacky Clake, Head of Communications Contact: Jenny Aranha, and Public Engagement, Public Affairs Manager, Contact: Dr Monica Winstanley Economic and Social Research Council, EPSRC, Polaris House, Head of External Relations Polaris House, North Star Avenue, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1UJ Tel: 01793 442892 Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413204 Tel: 01793 413117 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk http://www.esrc.ac.uk EPSRC is the main UK government agency for BBSRC is the UK’s principal public funder of The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training agency addressing economic and social concerns. funding research and training in engineering and research and research training across the We pursue excellence in social science research; the physical sciences, investing around £850 million biosciences. BBSRC provides institute strategic work to increase the impact of our research on a year in a broad range of subjects – from research grants to eight centres, as well as policy and practice; and provide trained social mathematics to materials science, and information supporting research and training in universities scientists who meet the needs of users and technology to structural engineering. across the UK. BBSRC’s research underpins beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom, the advances in a wide range of bio-based industries, EPSRC’s investment in high quality basic, strategic effectiveness of public services and policy, and and applied research and training promotes future and contributes knowledge to policy areas which quality of life. The ESRC is independent, established economic and societal impact in the UK. include: food security, climate change, diet and by Royal Charter in 1965, and funded mainly by health and healthy ageing. government.

Medical Natural Science & Research Environment Technology Council Research Council Facilities Council Contact: Sophie Broster-James, Public Contact: Judy Parker Mark Foster Affairs and External Comms Manager Head of Communications Public Affairs Manager 14th Floor, One Kemble Street, London Polaris House, North Star Avenue Rutherford Appleton Laboratory WC2B 4AN. Swindon SN2 1EU Harwell Science & Innovation Campus Tel: 020 7395 2275 Fax: 020 7395 2421 Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 Didcot OX11 0QX E-mail: sophie.broster- E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01235 778328 Fax: 01235 445 808 [email protected] Website: www.nerc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Website: www.stfc.ac.uk The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council For almost 100 years, the MRC has been improving the funds and carries out impartial scientific research in Formed by Royal Charter in 2007, the Science and health of people in the UK and around the world by the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the Technology Facilities Council is one of Europe’s largest multidisciplinary research organisations supporting supporting the highest quality science on behalf of UK next generation of independent environmental scientists and engineers world-wide. The Council taxpayers. We work closely with the UK’s Health scientists. Departments, the NHS, medical research charities and operates world-class, large-scale research facilities and industry to ensure our research achieves maximum NERC funds research in universities and in a provides strategic advice to the UK Government on impact as well as being of excellent scientific quality. network of its own centres, which include: their development. The STFC partners in the UK’s two MRC-funded scientists have made some of the most British Antarctic Survey, British Geological National Science and Innovation Campuses. It also manages international research projects in support of a significant discoveries in medical science – from the link Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and broad cross-section of the UK research community. The between smoking and cancer to the invention of National Oceanography Centre. Council directs, co-ordinates and funds research, therapeutic antibodies – benefiting millions of people. education and training.

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Association AIRTO of the British Contact: Professor Richard Brook OBE FREng Pharmaceutical AIRTO Ltd: Association of Independent Contact: Dr Helen Munn, Industry Research & Technology Organisations Limited Executive Director c/o The National Physical Laboratory Contact: Dr Allison Jeynes-Ellis Academy of Medical Sciences Hampton Road Medical & Innovation Director 41 Portland Place Teddington 12 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY London W1B 1QH Middlesex TW11 0LW Tel: 020 7747 1408 Tel: 020 3176 2150 Tel: 020 8943 6600 Fax: 020 7747 1417 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 8614 0470 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.abpi.org.uk Website: www.airto.co.uk

The ABPI is the voice of the innovative pharmaceutical AIRTO represents the UK’s independent research The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes industry, working with Government, regulators and other advances in medical science and campaigns to stakeholders to promote a receptive environment for a and technology sector - member organisations employ a combined staff of over 20,000 scientists ensure these are converted into healthcare benefits strong and progressive industry in the UK, one capable of providing the best medicines to patients. and engineers with a turnover exceeding £2 billion. for society. The Academy’s Fellows are the United The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical Work carried out by members includes research, Kingdom’s leading medical scientists and scholars industry operating in the UK in a way that: consultancy, training and global information from hospitals, academia, industry and the public • assures patient access to the best available medicine; monitoring. AIRTO promotes their work by building service. The Academy provides independent, • creates a favourable political and economic closer links between members and industry, environment; authoritative advice on public policy issues in academia, UK government agencies and the • encourages innovative research and development; medical science and healthcare. European Union. • affords fair commercial returns

Association Biochemical British Science of Marine Society Association Contact: Sir Roland Jackson Bt, Scientific Industries Contact: Dr Chris Kirk Chief Executive CEO Contact: John Murray British Science Association, The Biochemical Society Association of Marine Scientific Industries Wellcome Wolfson Building, 165 Queen’s Gate, 28-29 Threadneedle Street, Charles Darwin House London SW7 5HD. London EC2R 8AY 12 Roger Street E-mail: Tel: 020 7628 2555 Fax: 020 7638 4376 London WC1N 2JU [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7685 2433 Website: www.britishscienceassociation.org Website: www.maritimeindustries.org Fax: 020 7685 2470 Our vision is a society in which people are able to The Association of Marine Scientific Industries The Biochemical Society exists to promote and access science, engage with it and feel a sense of (AMSI) is a constituent association of the Society of support the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. We ownership about its direction. In such a society Maritime Industries (SMI) representing companies in have nearly 6000 members in the UK and abroad, science advances with, and because of, the the marine science and technology sector, mostly research bioscientists in Universities or in involvement and active support of the public. otherwise known as the oceanology sector. Industry. The Society is also a major scientific Established in 1831, the British Science Association The marine science sector has an increasingly publisher. In addition, we promote Science Policy is a registered charity which organises major important role to play both in the UK and globally, debate and provide resources, for teachers and initiatives across the UK, including National Science particularly in relation to the environment, security pupils, to support the bioscience curriculum in and Engineering Week, the British Science Festival, and defence, resource exploitation, and leisure. schools. Our membership supports our mission by programmes of regional and local events and the AMSI represents manufacturers, researchers, and organizing scientific meetings, sustaining our CREST programme for young people in schools and system suppliers providing a co-ordinated voice and publications through authorship and peer review colleges. We provide opportunities for all ages to enabling members to project their views and and by supporting our educational and policy discuss, investigate, explore and challenge science. capabilities to a wide audience. initiatives.

The British British Ecological Nutrition Society Foundation

The British Ecological Society Contact: Professor Judy Buttriss, Contact: Kate Baillie Contact: Ceri Margerison, Policy Officer Director General Chief Executive British Ecological Society 52-54 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RQ British Pharmacological Society 16 Angel Gate, City Road Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, Tel: 020 7404 6504 London, WC1N 2JU London EC1V 2PT Fax: 020 7404 6747 Tel: 020 7417 0113 Tel: 020 7685 2500 Fax : 020 7685 2501 Email: [email protected] Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org Fax: 020 7417 0114 Ecology into Policy Blog Websites: www.nutrition.org.uk Email: [email protected] http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/ www.foodafactoflife.org.uk Website: www.bps.ac.uk The British Pharmacological Society has been The British Ecological Society’s mission is to advance The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) was ecology and make it count. The Society has 4,000 supporting pharmacology and pharmacologists for members worldwide. The BES publishes five established over 40 years ago and exists to deliver over 75 years. Our 2,700+ members, from internationally renowned scientific journals and authoritative, evidence-based information on food academia, industry and clinical practice, are trained organises the largest scientific meeting for ecologists in to study drug action from the laboratory bench to Europe. Through its grants, the BES also supports and nutrition in the context of health and lifestyle. the patient’s bedside. Our aim is to improve quality ecologists in developing countries and the provision of The Foundation’s work is conducted and of life by developing new medicines to treat and fieldwork in schools. The BES informs and advises prevent the diseases and conditions that affect communicated through a unique blend of Parliament and Government on ecological issues and millions of people and animals. Inquiries about welcomes requests for assistance from parliamentarians. nutrition science, education and media activities. drugs and how they work are welcome.

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British Society CABI (Centre for Agricultural The for Antimicrobial Bioscience International) British Chemotherapy Psychological Mrs Tracey Guise Contact: Dr Joan Kelley, Executive Director, Executive Director Global Operations, CABI Society British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY Contact: Lucy Chaplin Griffin House Tel: 01491 829306 Fax: 01491 829100 PR & Marketing Manager 53 Regent Place Email: [email protected] The British Psychological Society Birmingham B1 3NJ Website: www.cabi.org St Andrews House T: 0121 236 1988 CABI is an international not-for-profit development 48 Princess Road East W: www.bsac.org.uk organization, specializing in scientific publishing, Leicester LE1 7DR Founded in 1971, and with 800 members research and communication. We create, Tel: 0116 252 9910 worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the communicate, and apply knowledge in order to Email: [email protected] acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in the improve people’s lives by finding sustainable Website: www.bps.org.uk field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The BSAC solutions to agricultural and environmental issues. publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial The British Psychological Society is an organisation We work for and with universities, national research Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for of over 48,000 members governed by Royal and extension institutions, development agencies, its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of Charter. It maintains the Register of Chartered the private sector, governments, charities and Psychologists, publishes books, 11 primary science educational activities, awards grants for research foundations, farmers, and non-governmental Journals and organises conferences. Requests for and has active relationships with its peer groups organizations. We also manage one of the world’s information about psychology and psychologists and government. largest genetic resource collections: the UK’s from parliamentarians are welcome. National Collection of Fungus Cultures.

Cavendish Chartered Clifton Laboratory Institute of Scientific The Administrative Secretary, The Cavendish Laboratory, Patent Attorneys Trust J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Contact: Michael Ralph - Secretary Contact: Dr Eric Albone E-mail: [email protected] The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys Clifton Scientific Trust http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics Tel: 020 7405 9450 Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 of the University of Cambridge. Fax: 020 7430 0471 E-mail: [email protected] Its world-class research is focused in a number of E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.clifton-scientific.org experimental and theoretical diverse fields. Website: www.cipa.org.uk Astrophysics: Millimetre astronomy, optical interferometry Science for Citizenship and Employability, observations & instrumentation. Astrophysics, geometric CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, Science for Life, Science for Real algebra, maximum entropy, neutral networks. especially patents, trade marks, designs, and We build grass-roots partnerships between school and High Energy Physics: LHC experiments. Detector copyright, either in private partnerships or industrial the wider world of professional science and its development. Particle physics theory. companies. Through its new regulatory Board, CIPA applications Condensed Matter Physics: Semiconductor physics, quantum maintains the statutory Register. It advises • for young people of all ages and abilities effect devices, nanolithography. Superconductivity, government and international circles on policy • experiencing science as a creative, questioning, magnetic thin films. Optoelectronics, conducting polymers. issues and provides information services, promoting human activity Biological Soft Systems. Polymers and Colloids. Surface the benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP • bringing school science added meaning and physics, fracture, wear & erosion. Amorphous solids. notivation, from primary to post-16 Electron microscopy. Electronic structure theory & protection, and to overseas industry of using British • locally, nationally, internationally computation. Structural phase transitions, fractals, quantum attorneys to obtain international protection. (currently between Britain and Japan) Monte Carlo calculations Biological Physics. Quantum optics. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933

C-Tech Eli Lilly and Innovation Company Limited Ltd Contact: Thom Thorp, Head External Affairs Contact: Miriam Laverick Contact: Paul Radage Tel: 01256 315000 PR and Communications Manager Capenhurst Technology Park, Fax: 01256 775858 EngineeringUK Capenhurst, Chester, Cheshire CH1 6EH Eli Lilly and Company Ltd, Lilly House Weston House, 246 High Holborn Tel: +44 (0) 151 347 2900 Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hants, London WC1V 7EX Fax: +44 (0) 151 347 2901 RG24 9NL Tel: 020 3206 0444 E-mail: [email protected] Email. [email protected] Fax: 020 3206 0401 Website: www.ctechinnovation.com Website: www.lilly.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Leading innovation management and Lilly UK is the UK affiliate of a major American Website: www.EngineeringUK.com technology development company. pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company of Indianapolis. This affiliate is one of the UK’s top EngineeringUK is an independent organisation that We help companies, universities, government bodies pharmaceutical companies with significant promotes the vital role of engineers, engineering and non-governmental organisations to benefit and investment in science and technology including a and technology in our society. EngineeringUK grow through innovation. Vast experience of project neuroscience research and development centre and partners business and industry, Government and the and programme management, implementation of bulk biotechnology manufacturing operations. wider science and technology community: novel technologies, contract and collaborative Lilly medicines treat schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, producing evidence on the state of engineering; research and technology development, business and osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity sharing knowledge within engineering, and technology consultancy, commercialization, IP disorder, erectile dysfunction, severe sepsis, inspiring young people to choose a career in exploitation, market and sector research. depression, bipolar disorder, heart disease and engineering, matching employers’ demand for www.ctechinnovation.com many other diseases. skills.

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The Food and GAMBICA The Environment Association Ltd Geological Research Agency Society Contact: Professor Robert Edwards Chief Scientist Contact: Dr Graeme Philp Contact: Nic Bilham The Food and Environment Research Agency Broadwall House Head of Strategy and External Relations Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ 21 Broadwall Burlington House Tel: 01904 462415 London SE1 9PL Piccadilly Fax: 01904 462486 Tel: 020 7642 8080 London W1J 0BG E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7642 8096 Tel: 020 7434 9944 Website: www.defra.gov.uk/fera E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7439 8975 Website: www.gambica.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] The Food and Environment Research Agency’s over Website: www.geolsoc.org.uk GAMBICA Association is the UK trade association arching purpose is to support and develop a for instrumentation, control, automation and The Geological Society is the national learned and sustainable food chain, a healthy natural laboratory technology. The association seeks to professional body for Earth sciences, with 10,000 environment, and to protect the global community promote the successful development of the industry Fellows (members) worldwide. The Fellowship from biological and chemical risks. and assist its member companies through a broad encompasses those working in industry, academia range of services, including technical policy and and government, with a wide range of perspectives Our role within that is to provide robust evidence, standards, commercial issues, market data and and views on policy-relevant science, and the rigorous analysis and professional advice to export services. Society is a leading communicator of this science to Government, international organisations and the government bodies and other non-technical private sector. audiences.

Institute of Food The Institute of Science & Measurement Technology and Control Contact: Joseph Winters 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Contact: Angela Winchester Contact: Mr Peter Martindale, Tel: 020 7470 4815 5 Cambridge Court CEO and Secretary E-mail: [email protected] 210 Shepherds Bush Road The Institute of Measurement and Control Website: www.iop.org London W6 7NJ 87 Gower Street, London WC1E 6AF Tel: 020 7603 6316 Tel: +44 (0) 20 73874949 Fax: 020 7602 9936 Fax: +44 (0) 20 73888431 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity Website: www.ifst.org Website: www.instmc.org.uk devoted to increasing the practice, Reg Charity number: 269815 understanding and application of physics. It has IFST is the independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe. Membership is drawn from The Institute of Measurement and Control provides a a worldwide membership of more than 36,000 forum for personal contact amongst practiioners, all over the world from backgrounds including and is a leading communicator of physics- industry, universities, government, research and publishes learned papers and is a professional development and food law enforcement. examining and qualifying organisation able to confer related science to all audiences, from specialists the titles EurIng, CEng, IEng, EngTech; Companies and IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge through to government and the general public. Universities may apply to become Companions. relating to food science and technology and Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a promoting its application. Another important Headquartered in London, the Institute has a strong world leader in scientific publishing and the element of our work is to promote and uphold regional base with 15 UK, 1 Hong Kong and 1 Malaysia standards amongst food professionals. Local Section, a bilateral agreement with the China electronic dissemination of physics. Instrument Society and other major international links.

Institute of Institution Physics and of Civil Engineering Engineers

in Medicine Contact: Vernon Hunte, Senior Public Affairs Executive , Contact: Robert Neilson, General Secretary One Great George Street, Westminster, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, IChemE is the hub for chemical, London SW1P 3AA, UK York, YO24 1ES biochemical and process engineering Tel: 020 7665 2265 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 professionals worldwide. We Fax: 020 7222 0973 E-mail: [email protected] are the heart of the process E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ipem.ac.uk community, promoting competence and a commitment to sustainable Website: www.ice.org.uk IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the development, advancing the discipline advancement, in the public interest, of physics and for the benefit of society and supporting ICE aims to be a leading voice in infrastructure engineering applied to medicine and biology. It the professional development of over issues. With over 80,000 members, ICE acts as a accredits medical physicists, clinical engineers and knowledge exchange for all aspects of civil clinical technologists through its membership 30,000 members. engineering. As a Learned Society, the Institution register, organises training and CPD for them, and Contact: Andrew Furlong, Director provides opportunities for the dissemination of provides expertise, in the form of reports, evidence t: +44 (0)1788 534484 knowledge through publications and scientific and comment, on a wide range of subjects f: +44 (0)1788 560833 meetings. IPEM is licensed by the Science Council to including infrastructure, energy generation and e: [email protected] award CSci and by the Engineering Council (UK) to supply, climate change and sustainable award CEng, IEng and EngTech. www.icheme.org development.

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Institution of Institution of Engineering Mechanical Designers Engineers

Contact: Libby Brodhurst Contact: India Melhuish Contact: Paul Davies 1 Birdcage Walk Courtleigh IET, Westbury Leigh London SW1H 9JJ Michael Faraday House, Tel: 020 7973 1293 Westbury Six Hills Way, Wiltshire BA13 3TA E-mail: [email protected] Stevenage, Website: www.imeche.org Tel: 01373 822801 SG1 2AY Fax: 01373 858085 Tel: +44(0) 1438 765687 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.ied.org.uk Web: www.theiet.org The Institution provides politicians and civil servants with information, expertise and advice on a diverse The only professional membership body solely for those working in engineering and technological The IET is a world leading professional organisation, range of subjects, focusing on manufacturing, product design. Engineering Council and Chartered sharing and advancing knowledge to promote energy, environment, transport and education Environmentalist registration for suitably qualified science, engineering and technology across the policy. We regularly publish policy statements and members. Membership includes experts on a wide world. Dating back to 1871, the IET has 150,000 host political briefings and policy events to establish range of engineering and product design members in 127 countries with offices in Europe, disciplines, all of whom practise, manage or a working relationship between the engineering educate in design. North America, and Asia-Pacific. profession and parliament.

LGC London Metropolitan Queens Road, Teddington Middlesex, TW11 0LY Polymer Centre Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 The Linnean Society of London Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Media & Design Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Contact: Dr Ruth Temple, Executive Secretary Contact: Alison Green, E-mail: [email protected] Burlington House London Metropolitan University Website: www.lgc.co.uk Piccadilly 41-71 Commercial Road, London, E1 1LA London W1J 0BF LGC is an international science-based company and Tel: 020 7320 1882 market leader in the provision of analytical, forensic E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7434 4479 and diagnostic services and reference standards to Website: www.polymers.org.uk Fax: 020 7287 9364 customers in the public and private sectors. E-mail: [email protected] The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre provides Under the Government Chemist function, LGC Website: www.linnean.org training, consultancy and applied research to the fulfils specific statutory duties as the referee analyst UK polymer (plastics & rubber) industry. LMPC is and provides advice for Government and the wider The Linnean Society of London is the world’s oldest one of the departments within the Sir John Cass analytical community on the implications of active biological society. Founded in 1788, the Faculty of Art, Media & Design (JCAMD) and analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist provides a broad perspective of materials science and regulation. LGC is also the UK’s designated Carl Linnaeus whose botanical, zoological and and technology for the manufacturing and creative National Measurement Institute for chemical and library collections have been in its keeping since industries. JCAMD contains Met Works, a unique biochemical analysis. 1829. The Society continues to play a central role in Digital Manufacturing Centre, providing new With headquarters in Teddington, South West the documentation of the world’s flora and fauna, technology for rapid prototyping and manufacture. London, LGC has 27 laboratories and centres across recognising the continuing importance of such The Faculty will offer short courses in a range of Europe and at sites in China, Brazil and India. work to many scientific issues. polymer, rapid prototyping and practical areas.

The National UK Subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc National Endowment Physical Contact: Margaret Beer/Rob Pinnock for Science, Technology Laboratory Licensing & External Research, Europe Hertford Road and the Arts Contact: Fiona Auty Hoddesdon Contact: Madeleine Hallward National Physical Laboratory Herts EN11 9BU Head of Public Affairs Hampton Road, Teddington Tel: 01992 452837 1 Plough Place Middlesex TW11 0LW Fax: 01992 441907 London EC4A1DE Tel: 020 8977 3222 e-mail: [email protected] / Tel: 020 7438 2615 Website: www.npl.co.uk/contact-us [email protected] Fax: 020 7438 2501 www.merck.com Email: [email protected] The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the United Website: www.nesta.org.uk Kingdom’s national measurement institute, an Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited (MSD) is the UK NESTA is the National Endowment for Science, Technology internationally respected and independent centre of subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., of Whitehouse and the Arts – an independent organisation with a mission excellence in research, development and Station, New Jersey, USA, a leading research-based to make the UK more innovative. It operates in three main knowledge transfer in measurement and materials pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, ways: by investing in early-stage companies; informing science. For more than a century, NPL has manufactures and markets a wide range of and shaping policy; and delivering practical programmes developed and maintained the nation’s primary innovative pharmaceutical products to improve that inspire others to solve the big challenges of the future. NESTA’s expertise in this field makes it uniquely measurement standards - the heart of an human health. Our mission is to provide society qualified to understand how the application of innovative infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, with superior products and services by developing approaches can help the UK to tackle two of the biggest consistency and innovation in physical innovations and solutions that improve the quality challenges it faces: the economic downturn and the measurement. of life. radical reform of public services.

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Natural The Nutrition History Society Museum The Science of Nature Contact: Frederick Wentworth-Bowyer, PHARMAQ Ltd Chief Executive, The Nutrition Society, Contact: Joe Baker 10 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road Special Adviser to the Director London W6 7NJ Contact: Dr Benjamin P North Tel: +44 (0)20 7602 0228 Natural History Museum Fax: +44 (0)20 7602 1756 PHARMAQ Ltd Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Email: [email protected] Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Estate Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5478 www.nutritionsociety.org Fordingbridge Fax: +44 (0)20 7942 5075 Founded in 1941, The Nutrition Society is the premier Hants SP6 1PA. E-mail: [email protected] scientific body dedicated to advance the scientific study Tel: 01425 656081 of nutrition and its application to the maintenance of Fax: 01425 657992 Website: www.nhm.ac.uk human and animal health. E-mail: [email protected] Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society We maintain and develop the collections we care for and is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. Website: www.pharmaq.no use them to promote the discovery, understanding, Membership is worldwide and is open to those with a Web shop: www.pharmaqwebshop.co.uk/shop responsible use and enjoyment of the natural world. genuine interest in the science of human or animal We are part of the UK's science base as a major science nutrition. Principal activities include: PHARMAQ is the only global pharmaceutical infrastructure which is used by our scientists and others from 1. Disseminating scientific information through its company with a primary focus on aquaculture. across the UK and the globe working together to enhance programme of scientific meetings and publications knowledge on the diversity of the natural world. Specialising in the supply of veterinary 2. Publishing internationally renowned scientific learned pharmaceuticals for the salmon and trout farming Our value to society is vested in our research responses to journals, and textbooks challenges facing the natural world today, in engaging our industries including vaccines, anaesthetics, visitors in the science of nature, in inspiring and training the 3. Promoting the education and training of nutritionists antibiotics and sea lice treatments. In the UK we next generation of scientists and in being a major cultural 4. Engaging with external organisations and the public to also support an extensive range of biocides and tourist destination. promote good nutritional science cage and aviary products.

The Physiological Society Prospect

Contact: Rosie Carr Contact: Sue Ferns, Contact: Dr Philip Wright The Laboratory, Citadel Hill Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Peer House, Verulam Street Plymouth PL1 2PB Services, New Prospect House London WC1X 8LZ Tel: +44 (0)1752 633 234 8 Leake St, London SE1 7NN Fax: +44 (0)1752 633 102 Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 Tel:+44 (0) 20 7269 5716 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0) 20 7269 5720 Website: www.pmsp.org.uk www.prospect.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.physoc.org The Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership Prospect is an independent, thriving and forward- comprises seven leading marine science and looking trade union with 122,000 members across Physiology is the science of how humans and other technology institutions, representing one of the the private and public sectors and a diverse range of occupations. We represent scientists, technologists animals function in an integrated way and is the largest regional clusters of expertise in marine and other professions in the civil service, research basis for many biological and clinical sciences. sciences, education, engineering and technology in Europe. The mission of PMSP is to deliver world- councils and private sector. Founded in 1876, The Physiological Society is a class marine research and teaching, to advance learned society with over 2,900 Members drawn Prospect’s collective voice champions the interests of knowledge, technology and understanding of the the engineering and scientific community to key from over 60 countries. The majority of Members seas. PMSP research addresses the fundamental opinion-formers and policy makers. With are engaged in research, in universities or industry, understanding of marine ecosystems and processes negotiating rights with over 300 employers, we seek into how the body works. that must be applied in support and development to secure a better life at work by putting members’ of policy, marine and maritime industry and marine pay, conditions and careers first. biotechnology.

Royal Botanic The Royal Gardens, Kew Institution RBG Kew is a centre of global expertise in plant and Contact: Dr Gail Cardew fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable use Head of Programmes housed in two world-class gardens. Kew receives The Royal Institution approximately half of its funding from government 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS through Defra. Kew’s Breathing Planet Programme has Contact: Iffat Memon seven key priorities: Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Public Affairs Manager • Accelerating discovery and global access to plant E-mail: [email protected] The Royal Academy of Engineering and fungal diversity information Website: www.rigb.org 3 Carlton House Terrace • Mapping and prioritising habitats most at risk Twitter: rigb_science London SW1Y 5DG • Conserving what remains The core activities of the Royal Institution centre Tel: 020 7766 0653 • Sustainable local use around four main themes: science education, E-mail: [email protected] • Banking 25% of plant species in the Millennium Website: www.raeng.org.uk Seed Bank Partnership science communication, research and heritage. It is perhaps best known for the Ri Christmas Lectures, Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering • Restoration ecology but it also has a major Public Events Programme promotes the engineering and technological welfare • Inspiring through botanic gardens designed to connect people to the world of science, of the country. Our activities – led by the UK’s most Contact: The Director’s Office eminent engineers – develop the links between Tel: 020 8332 5112 as well as a UK-wide Young People’s Programme of engineering, technology, and the quality of life. As a Fax: 020 8332 5109 science and mathematics enrichment activities. Email: [email protected] national academy, we provide impartial advice to Website: www.kew.org Internationally recognised research programmes in Government; work to secure the next generation of bio- and nanomagnetism take place in the Davy Inspiring and delivering science-based plant engineers; and provide a voice for Britain’s Faraday Research Laboratory. engineering community. conservation worldwide, enhancing the quality of life

Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 1 Spring 2011 63 9348 SIP SPRING 2011 8/2/11 09:34 Page 66

The Royal The Royal Society Statistical The Royal Society Contact: Dr Peter Cotgreave Society Director of Public Affairs of Chemistry The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace Contact: Mr Andrew Garratt London SW1Y 5AG. Contact: Dr Stephen Benn Press and Public Affairs Officer Tel: 020 7451 2502 Fax: 020 7930 2170 Parliamentary Affairs The Royal Statistical Society Email: [email protected] The Royal Society of Chemistry 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. Website: www.royalsociety.org Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Tel: 020 7437 8656 Fax: 020 7734 1227 Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 The Royal Society is the UK academy of science E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] comprising 1400 outstanding individuals Website: http://www.rsc.org Website: www.rss.org.uk representing the sciences, engineering and http://www.chemsoc.org medicine. The strategic priorities for our work at The Royal Statistical Society is a leading source of national and international levels are to: The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, independent advice, comment and discussion on • Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation professional and scientific body of over 46,000 statistical issues. It promotes public understanding • Influence policymaking with the best scientific members with a duty under its Royal Charter “to of statistics and acts as an advocate for the interests advice serve the public interest”. It is active in the areas of of statisticians and users of statistics. The Society • Invigorate science and mathematics education education and qualifications, science policy, actively contributes to government consultations, • Increase access to the best science internationally publishing, Europe, information and internet Royal Commissions, parliamentary select committee services, media relations, public understanding of inquiries, and to the legislative process. In 2009, the • Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and science, advice and assistance to Parliament and excitement of scientific discovery. RSS celebrated 175 years since its foundation in Government. 1834.

Semta Society for the Sector Skills Council Applied for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Microbiology Contact: Dariel Burdass Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Contact: Philip Wheat Contact: Customer Services Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. Society for Applied Microbiology 14 Upton Road Bedford Heights, Brickhill Drive Tel: 0118 988 1802 Fax: 0118 988 5656 Watford Bedford MK41 7PH E-mail: [email protected] WD18 0JT Tel: 01234 326661 Website: www.sgm.ac.uk Tel: 0845 643 9001 Fax: 01234 326678 SGM is the largest microbiological society in Fax: 01923 256086 E-mail: [email protected] Europe. The Society publishes four journals of E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sfam.org.uk Website: www.semta.org.uk international standing, and organises regular scientific meetings. Semta’s skills service for UK science, engineering SfAM is the oldest UK microbiological society and SGM also promotes education and careers in and manufacturing employers aims to advance, for the benefit of the public, the • Training needs assessment against a company’s science of microbiology in its application to the microbiology, and it is committed to represent business objectives. environment, human and animal health, agriculture microbiology to government, the media and the • Quality programmes from The National Skills and industry. public. Academy for Manufacturing SfAM is the voice of applied microbiology with An information service on microbiological issues • A training management service. members across the globe and works in partnership concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, food • Access to available funding and accredited training with sister organisations to exert influence on safety, biotechnology and the environment is providers. policy-makers world-wide. available on request. • Research into training needs to influence governments’ support for skills strategies

Society Society of Universities of Biology Cosmetic Federation Scientists for Animal Welfare Contact: Dr Mark Downs Contact: Dr James Kirkwood Chief Executive Chief Executive and Scientific Director Charles Darwin House Contact: Lorna Weston, Secretary General The Old School, Brewhouse Hill 12 Roger Street Society of Cosmetic Scientists Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. London WC1N 2JU Langham House East Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Tel: 020 7685 2550 Suite 6, Mill Street, Luton LU1 2NA Email: [email protected] Tel: 01582 726661 Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Fax: 01582 405217 Registered in England Charity No: 207996 The Society of Biology is a single unified voice for E-mail: [email protected] UFAW is an international, independent scientific biology: advising Government and influencing Website: www.scs.org.uk policy; advancing education and professional and educational animal welfare charity. It works to improve animal lives by: development; supporting our members, and Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide engaging and encouraging public interest in the life • supporting animal welfare research. range of disciplines from organic and physical • educating and raising awareness of welfare sciences. The Society represents a diverse chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, issues in the UK and overseas. membership of over 80,000 - including, students, microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. • producing the leading journal Animal Welfare practising scientists and interested non- Members are scientists and the SCS helps them and other high-quality publications on animal professionals - as individuals, or through learned progress their careers and the science of cosmetics care and welfare. societies and other organisations. ethically and responsibly. Services include publications, educational courses and scientific • providing expert advice to government meetings. departments and other concerned bodies.

64 Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 1 Spring 2011 9348 SIP SPRING 2011 8/2/11 09:30 Page 67

SCIENCE DIARY

THE PARLIAMENTARY AND spiritual world. But is that in fact the case? ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH Tuesday 5 April SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Scientist, Peter Atkins examines the great The 12th joint conference on the questions of existence to see whether 22-26 George Street Qualified Person: professional Contact: Annabel Lloyd science is confronted by a brick wall, and Edinburgh EH2 2PQ development symposium Tel: 020 7222 7085 if not, what it reveals. Tel: 0131 240 5000 A joint conference organised by the Royal [email protected] [email protected] Pharmaceutical Society, the Society of parliamentaryandscientificcommittee@ Saturday 2 April 11.00–16.00 www.royalsoced.org.uk Biology and the Royal Society of hotmail.org.uk Family fun day: Food ______Chemistry. www.scienceinparliament.org.uk There’ll be a range of activities, exciting BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, demonstrations and captivating talk for London Monday 14 March kids and families to explore the science Friday 11 – Sunday 20 March SET for BRITAIN behind the food we eat. National Science & Engineering Week Sunday 15 – Thursday 19 May Poster Competition and Exhibition for Tickets cost £10 adults, £5 Under 18s. As part of National Science & Engineering The 13th advanced level workshop on early-stage researchers Week scientists, engineers, science PK/PD data analysis 12.30 - 14.30 Engineering Thursday 7 April 19.00-20.30 communicators and the general public An advanced and well-established four- 15.30 - 17.30 Biological and Biomedical Let there be light- sunlight, DNA and skin host thousands of events across the UK, day residential course organised by the Sciences ageing in order to engage as many people as Royal Pharmaceutical Society in 18.30 - 20.30 Physical Sciences (Physics Paul Matts, Research Fellow at P&G possible with science, engineering, partnership with the Swedish Academy of and Chemistry) Beauty and Mark Birch Machin, Professor technology and their implications. It is Pharmaceutical Sciences, at the Moller of Molecular Dermatology discuss new coordinated by the British Science Centre, Cambridge Thursday 17 March 10.00-13.00 insights into the effects of UV exposure Association in partnership with Space – How can we use it? within the skin cells, the visible effects on EngineeringUK and funded by the Wednesday 25 May National Science and Engineering Week skin ageing and perception of age, health Department of Business, Innovation and International clarke’s conference on Seminar and attractiveness, and most importantly Skills (BIS). analytical toxicology Grand Committee Room, Westminster what can be done to prevent the Visit www.nsew.org.uk for further A one day conference organised by Royal Hall damage. information, including an online Pharmaceutical Society in association with This will be followed by a Reception in the programme of events, or contact the FSS, JPAG, LTG, and ChromSoc Jubilee Room from 13.00 to 14.00 hrs. Tuesday 19 April 19.00-20.30 [email protected]. at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, The Meeting and Reception are co- Zero degrees of empathy: a new theory of London sponsored by the Parliamentary and human cruelty Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 May ______Scientific Committee and the Department Psychologist, Simon Baron-Cohen Science Communication Conference THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). presents a new way of understanding at King's Place, London what it is that leads individuals down The annual Science Communication LONDON Further provisional meeting dates for negative paths, and challenges all of us to Conference addresses the key issues Burlington House 2011: consider replacing the idea of evil with facing science communicators in the UK Piccadilly Tuesday 26 April the idea of empathy-starvation. and brings together people involved in London W1J 0BF Tuesday 17 May ______public engagement. For further Tel: +44 (0)20 7434 4479 ext 11 Tuesday 14 June THE ROYAL SOCIETY information visit: www.linnean.org Tuesday 12 July http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/S Unless otherwise stated events are held Tuesday 18 October The Royal Society hosts a series of free cienceCommunicationConference/ at the Linnean Society of London Tuesday 22 November events, both evening lectures and two-day ______Tuesday 13 December discussion meetings, covering the whole ROYAL PHARMACEUTICAL Thursday 17 March 18.00 ______breadth of science, engineering and SOCIETY What’s so special about British Mammals? THE ROYAL INSTITUTION technology. Pat Morris FLS [email protected] The Royal Institution All Royal Society lectures are available Tel: 0845 257 2570 Thursday 24 March 14.00 21 Albemarle Street from the Royal Society website. The www.rpharms.com Strain-induced assembly hypothesis and London W1S 4BS. collection includes over 200 lectures with the growth of form speakers including David Attenborough, Monday 21 – Wednesday 23 February David Knight (meeting organised by All events take place at the Royal Ottoline Leyser and James Lovelock. Stability testing of pharmaceuticals Andrew Packard FLS) Institution. Unless otherwise stated tickets Details of all of these plus our A three-day residential course organised cost £10 standard, £7 concessions, £5 Ri forthcoming events programme can be by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Thursday 14 April 18.00 Members. For more information and to found at royalsociety.org partnership with the Academy of Seeing REDD: Science, Policy and Politics book tickets visit www.rigb.org ______Pharmaceutical Sciences. in Biodiversity and Climate Change THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF at the Moller Centre, Cambridge Peter Bridgewater FLS Wednesday 23 February 18.00-19.30 ENGINEERING Science experiments Tuesday 15 March Thursday 12 May Day meeting An event for both children and adults, 3 Carlton House Terrace Biomarkers 2011: Analytical challenges in Visions from the Blind Seer of Ambon – A Scientist and TV presenter Robert Winston London SW1Y 5DG the qualification and validation of Celebration of Georg Everard Rumphius talks about his new book Science www.raeng.org.uk/events or pharmacodynamic biomarkers (1627-1702) and his Amboinese Herbal Experiments. [email protected] Joint Pharmaceutical Analysis Group Pieter Baas 020 7766 0600 at the Royal Society of Chemistry, London Tuesday 22 March 19.00-20.30 ______The limits of science Thursday 24 March Are there limitations to science? Nobel THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF Counterfeit medicines: the regulatory and Prize winner Peter Medawar famously CHEMISTRY industry challenges thought so, and others have supposed Joint Pharmaceutical Analysis Group For details please contact Dr Stephen that science cannot poke its nose into the at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Benn various sensitive spots of a supposed London [email protected] ______

SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Tel: 020 7222 7085 Fax: 020 7222 7189 sip Editor: Professor Peter Simpson Editorial Assistant: Annabel Lloyd

All enquiries, including those from members wishing to take the front or back covers, advertise Editorial/Management Board: in the journal or appear in the directory to the Secretariat: Tel 020 7222 7085 Mr Andrew Miller MP (Chairman) Copyright ©2011 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 Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Published four times a year. The 2011 subscription rate is £70.00. Single numbers £17.50 Typeset and printed by The Bridge Press. ISSN 0263-6271

Science in Parliament Vol 68 No 1 Spring 2011 65 9348 SIP SPRING 2011 8/2/11 09:30 Page 68

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