SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT 7 1 0 2

R E T The Journal of the N Parliamentary and I Scientific Committee sip W

This is not an official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its Committees. All-Party Groups are informal groups of members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed in this Journal are those of the Group. This Journal is funded by the members of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Ergon omi cs & Huma n F ac tor s 2 018 Learn. Me et. Di scuss. Be in spir ed. 23 – 2 5 A pril 2 018 / B irmingham

Location Outstanding keynotes The Hilton Birmingham Metropole will be the home for EHF2018, centrally Nancy Cooke – Professor of human systems located in the country and easily engineering, Arizona State University accessible from everywhere. Commodore David Bartlett The hotel is next to Birmingham – Safety Director , Royal Navy International train station and Birmingham Airport. Todd Conklin – Human and organisation performance consultant, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Graham Braithwaite – Director of T ransport Systems and Professor of Safety and Accident Investigation, Cranfield University k u

A wide-ranging programme .

This three-day conference is the largest of its type and showcases the g very latest developments, achievements and challenges in all areas r of ergonomics and human factors. The packed programme features o . presentations, workshops, discussions and posters covering exciting s new themes: life in the smart age; autonomous control; physiological c measures and vigilance and fatigue. The emphasis will also be on i cross-sector learning, establishing human factors in new domains,

and we will be considering what works and doesn’t work in practice. m

You will be able to connect with people o

from all sectors to exchange ideas and n information from an academic, practitioner and customer perspective, as well as to o enjoy lively and fun social evenings. g r e

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For details about the programme s and to register please go to t

events.ergonomics.org.uk n Use discount code SIP10 to receive e 10% discount off the standard rates. v e

continuing to promote dialogue Committee Annual Lunch. This between the scientific and event gave our parliamentary SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT research community and members the opportunity to parliamentarians. We recently meet and network with guests held a discussion meeting on from our scientific and technical, Science, Innovation and Brexit university and commercial where progress with the priorities membership. We had two sip for science and innovation in excellent speakers, Lisa Anson Brexit discussions was President of Astra Zeneca UK deliberated. A report of and Sinead Lynch, Chair of Shell The Journal of the Parliamentary and discussions can be found in this Scientific Committee. Stephen Metcalfe MP, UK who gave guests their unique The Parliamentary and Scientific Chairman, Parliamentary and edition. perspective of the current Committee is an All-Party Scientific Committee Parliamentary Group of members of Also in this edition, you will find situation in the pharmaceutical both Houses of Parliament and British reports from recent P&SC and energy sectors. members of the European Parliament, representatives of scientific and Welcome to the winter edition of discussion meetings on Human Finally, I would like to draw your technical institutions, industrial Science in Parliament. It has Fungal Diseases and Space attention to our flagship event, organisations and universities. been a busy couple of sessions Weather. Alongside this are the finals of STEM for BRITAIN, over Autumn/Winter 2017 for fascinating insights into the role our annual poster competition of universities in providing Parliament and for the for early career scientists. The evidence to policymakers and Parliamentary and Scientific finals will be taking place on the latest on the future of Committee. Much of the focus Monday 12th March in the Atlee hydrogen as fuel to help within Parliament has been on Suite in Portcullis House. We implement the Clean Growth the Brexit negotiations with welcome attendance from all Strategy. Science in Parliament has two main several lengthy sessions debating parliamentarians and I hope to objectives: proposed amendments to the We were pleased to welcome see you there. Further details 1. to inform the scientific and Brexit Bill. P&SC is helping to over 100 guests to the can be found at industrial communities of activities within Parliament of a scientific inform Brexit discussions by Parliamentary and Scientific www.stemforbritain.org.uk nature and of the progress of relevant legislation; 2. to keep Members of Parliament abreast of scientific affairs.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD 1 INNOVATION IN THE CLEAN GROWTH STRATEGY: UPDATE FROM HOC LIBRARY 23 Stephen Metcalfe MP THE FUTURE OF HYDROGEN IN THE UK 12 NEWS FROM POST 23 Matt Whitney EYES IN SPACE ADVANCING WEATHER SELECT COMMITTEES UPDATE 24 FORECASTING AND CLIMATE SCIENCE 2 BIG BANG @ PARLIAMENT 14 Roger Saunders Gemma Wood SCIENCE DIRECTORY 28 SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION SHOWS ANTIFUNGAL STEWARDSHIP 16 SCIENCE DIARY 37 RESEARCH IN ACTION 6 Rosemary Barnes PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND BREXIT 17 ANNUAL LUNCH 7 Elizabeth Dellar Isabel Spence SCIENCE AND STORMONT 19 EVIDENCE INFORMED POLICY MAKING AND THE Leigh Jeffes ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES 10 SCIENCE AND THE PARLIAMENT 21 Gavin Costigan Bristow Muldoon

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 1 EYES IN SPACE ADVANCING WEATHER FORECASTING AND CLIMATE SCIENCE Measurements of the atmosphere have come a long way since the introduction of the mercury barometer in the 17th century. Satellites now monitor the weather on our planet over all locations and as often as every 15 minutes using a combination of geostationary and polar orbits. These developments have transformed our understanding of the atmosphere and our ability to predict changes in the weather and their impacts. This transformation has allowed weather forecasts to become better Dr Roger Saunders Head Satellite Applications trusted and embedded in decision-making for all sorts of sectors Met Office, Exeter from aviation and energy to civil contingencies and defence.

OBSERVING THE winds over the ocean and cloud observations from sources such WEATHER FROM THE properties can all be retrieved as balloons and aircraft still have GROUND AND FROM from the satellite observations. a significant impact and are SPACE There are many more variables crucial to ‘anchor’ the satellite Conventional ground-based which can be inferred from the observations to a known and balloon meteorological data for climate monitoring such reference. as greenhouse gas observations are concentrated The satellite data received at concentrations, sea-ice coverage over Northern Hemisphere land the Met Office in near real time and sea level. with few observations over the for assimilation into our forecast oceans. As a result, they can’t Regular assessments are models is provided by several provide a full picture of the undertaken into the contribution space and meteorological global atmosphere. In contrast that observations make to the agencies around the world. Due satellites can measure the skill of the weather forecast. to the scale of investment atmospheric temperature and These show that satellite involved in satellite observations, water vapour profiles across measurements now dominate these long-standing international remote and distant areas using a and are a major factor in the partnerships are vital to the variety of techniques. improvements gained in success of weather and climate Additionally, three dimensional accuracy since 2000. At the science, allowing countries to winds by tracking clouds, surface same time, conventional work together to achieve

Plot showing the relative contribution of different observation types to our 24 hour global weather forecast.

2 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 Copernicus programme, which balancing the need for detailed are providing valuable data for forecasts with the computational marine and land surface cost of running these. applications and in the future Model Global UK for air quality. Grid width 10km 1.5km FROM OBSERVATIONS Vertical levels 70 70 TO PREDICTIONS (up to (up to Satellite data are assimilated 80km) 40km) alongside a range of ground- based observations into the Met Time step 4 mins 1 min Office forecast model (the Forecast length 6 days 5 days Unified Model) to create an analysis from which our The steps involved in producing a weather forecast Since 1990 our research and forecasts are run. Millions of development has allowed us to common goals. The Met Office • The National Oceanic and observations are collected from reduce the horizontal scale of represents the UK in many of Atmospheric Administration around the world every day, as our global model from 90km these partnerships, working (NOAA) in the USA have having an accurate picture of the down to 10km. This has only across the science landscape provided satellite data for current conditions is vital to been possible with the with organisations such as the meteorology at no cost for predicting how the atmosphere increasing power of computers UK Space Agency to ensure that many years and have a is likely to evolve. This and the Met Office is now the UK is able to make the most continuing commitment with assimilation cycle uses the latest home to the world’s largest of our international partnerships. their new generation Joint observations and is run every 6 supercomputer for weather and Polar Satellite System (JPSS) hours for our global model, and • T he Eu ropean Organisation for climate – a key piece of UK polar orbiting satellites. every hour for our UK model. the Exploitation of science infrastructure located in The Unified Model predicts the Met eorological Sat ellites • More recently Japan, China the South West. The new weather by dividing the (EUMETSAT) based in and India have all started atmosphere into boxes, and supercomputer is allowing us to Darmstadt, Germany provides providing useful datasets from computing the equations of pull through new science the European contribution to their new satellites which are motion and thermodynamics developments into our forecast the global observing system being used operationally at the within each box, stepping model and produce more with the Meteosat Met Office. forward in time little by little detailed and accurate geostationary satellite • Finally, the EU are starting to throughout the forecast period. predictions, and will help us to providing imagery since 1979 become players in the satellite The size of these boxes and maintain the UK’s world-leading and the Metop satellites in Earth observing system with time steps are different for our position in weather and climate polar orbit since 2006. their Sentinel series, part of the global and UK models – prediction. The global forecasts from the Met Office are the most skilful of any national weather service and our four day forecast is now as accurate as our one day forecast was 30 years ago. The high level of trust in our forecast accuracy is underlined by the fact that our model is used under licence by six other forecast centres and over 50 research centres around the world.

APPLICATIONS BEYOND THE FORECAST MODEL Apart from improving numerical model forecast For many years we have verified our forecasts by comparing forecasts of mean sea-level pressure with subsequent model analyses of mean sea-level pressure. These comparisons are made over an area covering the accuracy there are many other North Atlantic; most of western Europe, and north-eastern parts of North America. From this long-term applications of satellite data: real comparison an average forecast error can be calculated. This graph shows how many days into a forecast period this average error is reached compared to a baseline in 1980. This graph shows that a four-day forecast today is time imagery of the Earth at more accurate than a one-day forecast in 1980. several wavelengths (in the

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 3 visible, infrared and microwave) NEW DEVELOPMENTS In recent years so-called nano- which has the potential to is used by forecasters to assess satellites or CubeSats have measure sea state over the For the future there are several the present state of the started to be launched. oceans. It is early days to assess developments in new atmosphere over regions of CubeSats attempt to make the if this new generation of small technology which will influence interest and to produce short same measurements of the satellites can replace the older range ‘nowcasts’ of the weather new satellites. Firstly, a Doppler atmosphere and surface that technology for at least some using a sophisticated wind lidar (Aeolus) is about to larger operational satellites measurements; but the Met extrapolation technique. be launched by the European currently make, but are much Office are liaising with CubeSat Simulated satellite imagery Space Agency (ESA) to measure smaller (weighing less than 5kg, developers to understand the computed from the forecast 3 dimensional winds using a compared to conventional potential benefits these new model fields is now used to lidar which builds on 20 years satellites which can weigh developments could bring to us compare with the real imagery of development. The winds 4000kg) and thus operate at a and our customers. This to assess how well the model is measured by Aeolus could fraction of the cost. Innovative development is also allowing representing the atmosphere at any given time allowing forecasters to decide how much to trust the model. There is also a wide range of products derived from satellite imagery for various customers which are provided in real time to them. For example, the accurate depiction of the areas affected by ash from a volcanic eruption is a product now used to advise the aviation industry of safe areas to fly within the vicinity of an active eruption. These products provide customers with valuable up to date information about the environment in which they operate, to inform their decision-making. As the length of satellite data records start to exceed several decades, they are increasingly being used for climate research. These observations allow us to monitor the state of the Earth’s climate across a range of variables such as sea level, carbon dioxide concentration, arctic sea ice cover, retreating glaciers and atmospheric temperature. Another application is to confront the climate model predictions with the observations to assess the accuracy of the former. These data allow us to better understand the state of the Satellite image showing volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010 climate, and help underpin provide further improvements in new measurements are being commercial organisations to decisions regarding climate our weather forecasts and trialled using CubeSats such as start offering satellite data to the change mitigation and hence the services we provide. measuring surface reflected meteorological community adaptation. signals from the GPS satellites potentially changing how the

4 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 data is provided to users 30th anniversary of the 1987 better informed decisions and Plans are well advanced in worldwide. Great Storm which ravaged the avoid the costs associated with Europe to launch the next There has been a huge South of the country. In 1987 disruptive weather: from airports generation of weather satellites increase in the amount of very few observations were preparing for severe weather to to further increase the impact satellite data provided to the received from satellites. Now of shops ensuring they have the these data have, and the Met meteorological community since the 215 billion observations right products on their shelves. Office is working with our the first operational satellites received every day, the majority The research at the Met Office international partners to ensure were launched back in the late come from satellites and continues in order to better that the UK benefits from its 1970s and there is clear contribute significantly to the exploit the existing satellite investment in these evidence these data have performance of our Global datasets where there remain programmes. helped to improve the accuracy Numerical Weather Prediction gaps in their utilisation, ensuring of weather forecasts over this model. This increase in accuracy that we maximise the value of period. October 2017 marks the supports our users to make these observation platforms.

The first named storm of the season, Storm Angus, brought heavy rain and severe gales to the UK from 19 -20 November 2016. This image from NASA's TERRA satellite is from the morning of 20 November and shows Storm Angus over the North Sea and Eastern parts of the UK. Much of Scotland and parts of Northern England are clear and snow can be clearly seen on higher ground in these regions. TERRA orbits the earth every 99 minutes at an altitude of around 710 km. Data from the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the satellite is received directly from the satellite, in near-real time, by our satellite receiving ground station at the Met Office. Three channels from the red, green and blue parts of the visible spectrum are combined to make this true colour image at 500 metre resolution. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/barometer/features/monthly-satellite-images-2016

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 5 SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION SHOWS RESEARCH IN ACTION Previous winners have included a robot polymer particles resembling have found this richness in their doing a stand-up routine, nanotube forests golf balls (Weird and own work.” Wonderful); and Khaled Professor Rodden added: “The and a ball of swirling graphene ink. Elgeneidy from Loughborough quality of entries into our University’s image of a 3D And for the fifth year scientists and competition demonstrates that printed robotic soft gripper EPSRC-funded researchers are engineers from across the UK are taking (Eureka and Discovery). part in a photography competition keen to show the world how The judges for the 2017 beautiful and interesting science designed to showcase some the country’s competition were Martin Keene, and engineering can be. I’d like most exciting research. Group Picture Editor at the Press to thank everyone who entered; Association; Dr Helen Czerski, judging was really difficult. The Engineering and Physical Lecturer at UCL’s Department of “These stunning images are a Mechanical Engineering who Sciences Research Council great way to engage the public has also presented a wide range (EPSRC), the UK’s principal with the research they fund, and of science programmes for funding agency for engineering inspire everyone to take an television and radio; and and physical sciences research, interest in science and EPSRC’s Deputy Chief Executive, is holding its fifth Science engineering.” Photography Competition. Professor Tom Rodden. The winners of EPSRC’s fifth Dr Czerski said: “Scientists and The overall prize in the 2016 Science Photography engineers are often so busy Science Photography Competition will be announced focusing on the technical details Competition was awarded to EPSRC Science Photo Competition - in the new year. James Macleod, from the 2016 winner James Macleod of their research that they can University of Cambridge, for his be blind to what everyone else image Graphene – IPA Ink. are currently focused on sees first: the aesthetics of their optimising our recipe for use in work. It shows powdered graphite in different printing methods and “Science is a part of our alcohol which produces a for printing onto different culture, and it can contribute in conductive ink. The ink is then surfaces. This was the first time many different ways. This forced at high pressure through we had used alcohol to create competition is a wonderful micrometre-scale capillaries our ink and I was struck by how reminder of the emotional and made of diamond, which rips mesmerising it looked while artistic aspects of science, and the layers apart, resulting in a mixing.” it’s great that EPSRC researchers smooth, conductive material in EPSRC Science Photo Competition - 2014 winner Paul May solution. Mr Macleod’s image came first in two categories, Innovation, The photograph was featured and Equipment and Facilities, on BBC Breakfast, and in The while other winning images Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and included the University of The Times. Cambridge’s Michael Coto Further explaining how the testing and purifying polluted photograph came about, Mr water in Tanzania (People and Macleod said: “We are working Skills); Dr Marta Alvarex Paino to create conductive inks for from the University of EPSRC Science Photo Competition - 2015 winner Diana Prado Lopes EPSRC Science Photo Competition - printing flexible electronics and Nottingham’s photo of tiny Auda Craik 2013 winner Toby Harris

6 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ANNUAL LUNCH 2017 Isabel Spence, Executive Secretary, Parliamentary and Scientific Committee Lord Oxburgh, President of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, welcomed 100 guests to the Committee’s Annual Lunch at the House of Lords on Tuesday 21 November 2017. Parliamentarians from both ends of the House came together with members of the science and research community across all disciplines from academia and industry. Lord Oxburgh welcomed the guests to the event and introduced the guest speakers There were two excellent guest Ms Anson opened her speech unique life sciences ecosystem and in rapidly developing speakers from different but describing the pivotal role that – a virtuous circle that has disciplines such as systems equally important industrial the UK has historically played in brought massive scientific biology and health informatics. sectors for the UK economy. Lisa the pharmaceutical sector – progression, patient benefit and The ABPI estimates 400-600 Anson, President of Astra Zeneca even though medicines investment. people will be needed in these UK and President of the development is a global areas in the next two years Ms Anson went on to discuss Association of the British enterprise. Companies choose alone. how we stand at a critical Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), to research and develop new juncture for the £30.4bn life Secondly, the UK must protect presented the urgent priorities for medicines in the UK because sciences sector in the UK and patients and the pharmaceutical the pharmaceutical sector and of our strong science base, there are three clear areas we industry during Brexit. In Sinead Lynch, Chair of Shell UK world-class universities and the must get right – addressing the addition to securing ease of gave an excellent overview of how potential of the NHS. Together challenges and seizing the movement for global talent, Ms Shell are responding to challenges these components create a opportunities. Given life Anson believes we must secure within energy transition. sciences thrives in an a collaborative approach to ecosystem, all three are inter- medicines regulation, preserve connected. integrated UK and EU trading relationships and secure the Firstly, Ms Anson described funding to deliver a successful how we must ensure we have future for UK science. a skilled scientific workforce that keeps the UK competitive. The Finally, Ms Anson said we successful development of new must transform the NHS into a medicines and vaccines relies world-leading health system on having the right people, with that gives UK patients the same the right skills. However, the UK access to medicines and health faces skills gaps in outcomes as similar European mathematical and countries. The UK has some of computational areas and has the lowest medicine prices in long standing issues in the EU and one of the strictest recruiting experts in translational cost-effectiveness assessments. First guest speaker - Lisa Anson, President Astra Zeneca UK and President medicine, clinical pharmacology Yet there is growing evidence, of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 7 This will require collaboration grid cope with all this new and investment from industry, demand. She said however that business, government and batteries are not the answer for society. She described three of every car journey, let alone a the areas which Shell is working simple solution for the entire on to contribute to developing transport sector. There needs to this system - powering electric be a range of options to meet vehicles, hydrogen and gas. different needs.

She reported that Shell Ms Lynch went on to describe supports the government’s plans another fuel source, hydrogen. It for a ban on new petrol and has a similar performance to diesel cars and vans by 2040. It conventional engines, better has recently introduced on- range than batteries and forecourt rapid charging for refuelling in a few minutes. All electric vehicles in London, 10 that with exhaust pipe emissions Second guest speaker - Sinead Lynch, Chair Shell UK this year and with ambitious of water. It is usable in cars, growth plans for 2018. It has vans, trucks, buses and even including Government data, that world – Energy Transition. How also developed a smart charging trains. In Germany, some strong shows the UK lags behind does our planet meet growing system to help the electricity collaboration and government similar nations in terms of demand for energy at the same patient outcomes and access to time as significantly reducing medicines. Our health system greenhouse gas emissions? She must be enabled to described how this is an area appropriately recognise the where the energy sector has to value of the innovation we respond in many dimensions – develop to genuinely be from dynamic commodity prices regarded as a credible world to a changing energy system. leader in life sciences. To ensure Ms Lynch chose to focus her patients can benefit from these remarks on transport, an area innovations, Ms Anson said that accounts for around 40% investment is required. of the UK’s energy demand and Ms Lynch, Chair of Shell UK a quarter of the UK’s carbon then proceeded to address the dioxide emissions. Any low- attendees on one of the carbon energy system requires a greatest challenges facing the low-carbon transport system. Stephen Metcalfe MP thanks the speakers

Lunch guests including Norman Lamb MP, Chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, Lord Patel, Chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of P&SC, Lord Selbourne, Professor Alan Malcolm, Sinead Lynch, Lisa Anson, Lord Oxburgh

8 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 backing has enabled a joint own. We are beginning to see venture involving six companies, ships and trucks being powered including Shell, to begin by liquified natural gas. developing a nationwide She concluded by stating that network of up to 400 stations the entire energy landscape is by 2023. Shell is now selling shifting. That means there has hydrogen fuel at one service never been a more exciting time station in the UK with two more to be in the energy industry. stations opening soon. And there has never been a Finally, Ms Lynch went on to greater need for that industry to describe a third type of fuel build a pipeline of diverse talent. which could aid Energy If science is to unlock the Transition, natural gas. Gas as a solutions that society needs, transport fuel has the benefit of companies like Shell have to Chi Onwurah MP, Deputy Chairman of P&SC with guest speakers releasing a fraction of the engage in a spirit of Lisa Anson and Sinead Lynch particulates and lower nitrogen collaboration with both the oxide emissions than science community and with Brexit negotiations, he conventional fuels. In both policy makers. highlighted that he and the Birmingham and London, black P&SC are striving to ensure parliamentary colleagues understand what needs to be done to maintain and grow UK research and innovation. This will continue throughout 2018.

To conclude proceedings, Stephen Metcalfe presented a gift of thanks to Professor Alan

Malcolm who stood down as P&SC Individual Members Professor Executive Secretary to the Alan Malcolm and Dr Michael Elves Parliamentary and Scientific Committee after 5 years of service. Alan was thanked for all of the support he had given the Committee and for all of his Stephen Metcalfe MP presents Professor Alan Malcolm with a gift of hard work. Lord Oxburgh added thanks following his retirement from P&SC his gratitude to Alan and thanked everyone for attending cabs could soon be running on Following these speeches, and for their ongoing support to cleaner liquid petroleum gas. Stephen Metcalfe MP gave a the Parliamentary and Scientific She did however highlight that it vote of thanks to the speakers Committee. is probably in heavy transport – and gave an overview of what Dr Lucy Harper, SfAM and Camilla freight and shipping especially – the P&SC had achieved over the Morrison-Bell, British Ecological that gas really comes into its previous year. With regard to the Society

P&SC President Lord Ron Oxburgh with Lisa Anson and Lord Selbourne, Dr Stephen Benn, Dr Gail Cardew and Aileen Thompson, ABPI Professor Alan Malcolm

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 9 EVIDENCE INFORMED POLICY MAKING AND THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES Over at least the last 20 years, and probably for much longer, different incarnations of the Science and Technology Committees from both the Commons and Lords have made recommendations about improving the Government use of science and research evidence in policymaking. Similar calls have been made over that period by others, such as the Royal Society and the Campaign for Science and Engineering.

Gavin Costigan, The result has been change – seek and use evidence? Less being late and poorly presented, Director of Public Policy, change which often appears focus appears to have been with a limited understanding University of Southampton painfully slow at the time, but given to the supply side. Where among academics of how which taken over the period has is that evidence going to come Parliament operates. led to real progress. That from? And is it being prepared Those who know both worlds change has included the and supplied in a way that make – that of the policymaker and it easy for policymakers to use? development of a network of the academic – know that they Chief Scientific Advisors in In the UK, the majority of non- have very different drivers. The Government departments, commercial research is carried key currency in UK universities is reinvigoration of the science and out in the University sector. This academic time, and researchers engineering profession within means that, in this country at never have enough of it. They Whitehall (with similar networks least, universities have a key role are constantly making choices for social scientists and in providing evidence and about how to prioritise, but in economists), improvements to expertise to Government. How contrast to many other types of science advisory committees, do they do this? Do they have organisations, there is a high and more exchange in and out the skills, the resources and the degree of freedom in those of the civil service. In 2017, we motivation? choices. The creative drive which have seen another welcome makes universities so successful Parliament has a direct interest development, with Departments hinges on this independence in this as well, of course. Select publishing Areas of Research within the academic community Committees, the Libraries of the Interest, questions in which they and amongst individual Houses of Commons and Lords, would welcome research researchers. All of which means, the Parliamentary Office of evidence. if universities want to increase Science and Technology – all the active participation of their The job is far from done, of draw on research evidence and researchers in working with course, and more is needed. expertise from UK universities. policymakers, it’s not a question Pressure is – and should be – Are our universities geared up to of telling them that they should. maintained on Government to deliver what Parliamentarians It’s about putting the right keep the momentum for and their officials need? The incentives in place. change going. But it is recent report from colleagues in interesting to note that over the the Parliamentary Office of So what are these incentives? last two decades, most of the Science and Technology, The One, of course, is money. attention has been on the Role of Research in the UK Increasingly, funding is available demand side of the equation – Parliamen t1, suggests they are for policy related activities, what is Government doing to not, with academic evidence through impact-specific funding

10 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 sche mes (such as the Higher the individual contribution which over the last 30 years, both for 5. Supporting academics to bid Education Innovation Fund, and academics have made. This is interacting with established for – and subsequently the Impact Acceleration Accounts somewhat countercultural in the companies, and in supporting deliver – policy activities as from different Research context of the civil service. In my spin-outs and start-ups. People part of regular research Councils) and from money for 17 years in Whitehall, I wrote with expertise from the world of grants policy impact costed directly into major elements of Government business were brought in, and 6. Supporting (early) research grants. The Research policy documents, provided the have helped transform the preparations for REF 2021 Excellence Framework (REF) expert advice on policy areas I enterprise agenda of many Impact Case Studies provides the promise of future had the lead on, drafted articles universities. for publication, and contributed It’s not yet clear how these financial reward for universities A similar trend is now to taking and implementing the policy units will develop. They with successful policy impacts, beginning to emerge in support decisions of Government. But could be a flash in the pan via Impact Case Studies. The of public policy activities. Small rarely if ever was my name initiative, or a start of a new 2014 REF was the first to include units are appearing in a number publicly displayed, and it didn’t established area of university Impact Case Studies, and their of universities, including the one need to be for me to build a business. Either way, their contribution to the 2021 REF I lead at the University of successful career as a civil development demonstrates two assessment has been raised Southampton. These teams vary servant. things. Firstly, that Universities from 15% to 20% - a firm signal in size and function, and it’s are taking more seriously the that both money and prestige Policy decisions never hinge clear that – as in the early days need to up their game in terms will come to universities around a single piece of of Technology Transfer Offices – of supporting policymakers (if succeeding in impact – including evidence and expertise, of there is no established model. only because there’s future providing evidence and expertise course, and it is totally unrealistic Many are time-limited, with money and prestige in it). And for policymakers. to expect departments and universities experimenting and secondly, that it’s difficult, and ministers to credit individuals waiting to see the results. So money is available now, and needs a different set of skills. increasingly in the future. publicly with having “changed Several have drawn in expertise I started by saying that there Universities have most definitely policy”. But there are ways in from the policy-making had not been enough focus on noticed, and such financial which departments can reflect community – making good use the supply side of the evidence incentives are definitely the contributions which of a contracting civil service to policy equation. But of course, necessary – but there are not individuals have made, such as since the financial crisis. referencing individuals and/or supply and demand are linked. sufficient. As universities begin to explore publications from which they The more policymakers ask for more central and coordinated The second incentive is have drawn evidence, and we evidence, the more universities support for increasing links recognition. Academics careers see this happening increasingly. will improve how they deliver it. between academics and are built on personal recognition. Discussions on how best to do And the easier it is supplied for policymakers, a number of Whether seeking promotion this should continue, involving policymakers to use, the more general themes are emerging internally or moving elsewhere universities, policymakers within they will seek it out. So, my where they are focussing their for their next role (in what is a departments and those within hope is that the next review to effort. They include: highly mobile industry), there are the wider public sector charged look at Government’s use of some key, measurable success with monitoring policy impacts 1. Training and awareness evidence in policy making (and I factors. Winning research grants, of academics in the REF and raising within their own have no doubt that there will be publishing in the right journals, elsewhere. It could even form a institutions another one) will also question speaking at conferences, and challenge what universities part of the recently announced 2. Developing links directly teaching metrics, leadership roles are doing to supply that Knowledge Exchange with policymakers (local and – these are all part of that mix. evidence. Framework. national), and then Delivery of policy impact is now Reference: Finally in terms of incentives, introducing them to beginning, very slowly, to count 1 Kenny, C., Rose, D.C., Hobbs, A., Tyler, universities can provide specialist academics within the for something, and universities C. & Blackstock, J. (2017) The Role of support to academic staff to institution Research in the UK Parliament Volume can do more to incorporate support their work with One. London, UK, Houses of Parliament impact into career progression, 3. Distributing small packets of policymakers. In this regard, it is promotion and recruitment university funding to support worth comparing policy work criteria. policy related projects with that of interactions with To do so does however require business. Universities have 4. Identifying small external clearer and more public developed increasingly funding opportunities for recognition by policymakers of sophisticated support structures policy work

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 11 INNOVATION IN THE CLEAN GROWTH STRATEGY: THE FUTURE OF HYDROGEN IN THE UK

The UK Government recently produced from renewable heating, building on existing unveiled its Clean Growth sources via electrolysis of water government investment of £4.8 Strategy, setting out how the UK or by splitting natural gas into million to create a network of 12 will stimulate economic growth carbon and hydrogen, although new hydrogen refuelling stations while reducing carbon emissions this method will require the use and £23 million to boost the over the next few decades. of carbon capture and storage to roll-out of hydrogen vehicles. Since the Climate Change Act be carbon neutral. Once As with any innovation, taking of 2008, the UK has seen produced, hydrogen can be new hydrogen technologies significant progress in reducing stored for long periods of time from feasibility trials to wide- greenhouse gas emissions and and transported around the scale uptake is a significant is on track to beat its 2022 country, potentially in the challenge. The National Physical decarbonisation targets. existing natural gas network. Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s However, the Clean Growth Hydrogen can be burnt in National Measurement Institute, homes for heating, or used in Matt Whitney, NPL Strategy highlights that more sits at the interface between needs to be done to ensure the transport through fuel cell academia and industry and has The Clean Growth UK can meet its 2050 target to electric vehicles. a long history in supporting the reduce emissions by at least transition of innovations from Strategy provides an The Clean Growth Strategy 80% on 1990 levels. recognises the role that new the lab in to the real world. ambitious route to Transport and heat are two technologies such as hydrogen Robust measurement science achieving the UK’s sectors that are particularly have to play. In total, the is necessary for the success of climate targets, and difficult to decarbonise. The UK strategy brings together £2.5 new technologies. It gives users heating network has a structural billion for innovation funding to and investors confidence that a innovation in new dependence on fossil fuels with transition the UK to a low technology can operate reliably technologies 84% of homes currently being carbon society. This includes and safely, as well as giving underpins many of supplied from non-renewable £25 million to inform the regulators the information natural gas. In transport, electric feasibility of using hydrogen as needed to establish appropriate the proposed vehicles still only represent an alternative to natural gas for benchmarks. In recognition of policies. Matt around 2% of new car Whitney, in the registrations, despite improvements in the recharging Energy and infrastructure and range of the Environment vehicles. Strategy team at the As a result, these sectors National Physical together contribute over half of total UK greenhouse gas Laboratory (NPL), emissions. It is clear that explores how innovative new technologies and hydrogen strong policy will be key in quickly reducing emissions in technology could line with legally binding targets. help to tackle the Hydrogen gas has the potential decarbonisation to decarbonise both heat and challenge. transport. Hydrogen can be The NPL hydrogen purity laboratory where the team are developing a new gas analysis method

12 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 the decarbonisation potential of before the fuel can be used in a hydrogen, NPL recently fuel cell electric vehicle. Due to published a report that identifies the complexity of the the measurement challenges measurements required, NPL is that face the commercialisation currently the only laboratory of hydrogen. worldwide accredited to provide calibration gas standards and For transport, most hydrogen validated methods to comply refuelling stations in the UK with the purity specifications. produce hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen To overcome this potential using grid electricity via barrier, a hydrogen impurity electrolysis. The gas is then enrichment device has been stored in high-pressure tanks on- developed at NPL. This device site and dispensed to the will enable other laboratories to NPL hydrogen refuelling station

doesn’t impact the performance measurement science, has to be of appliances. In addition, cultivated across decarbonisation accurate hydrogen flow meters technologies. would need to be implemented With the significant investment to ensure accurate billing of the across low carbon technologies customer. pledged by the Clean Growth An ever-growing evidence base Strategy, it is likely that the UK demonstrates the potential for can lead the way in finding new hydrogen to provide a cost- innovations to meet its effective and scalable way of ambitious emissions targets. decarbonising the UK’s transport NPL’s report exploring the and heating sectors. However, challenges facing widespread there is no silver bullet, and it is rollout of hydrogen is available clear that innovative science and for download at Gas chromatography column used for the measurement of hydrogen purity engineering, as well as robust www.npl.co.uk/hydrogenreport vehicle in a similar method and provide the necessary impurity in a similar refuelling time to quality-assurance ABOUT NPL conventional petrol and diesel measurements, calibrated NPL is the UK’s National Measurement Institute, providing the cars. While driving, hydrogen against national standards, and measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity passes through a fuel cell stack facilitate the scalability of and quality of life. and reacts with oxygen to hydrogen fuel applications produce electricity which powers internationally. As the industry From new antibiotics to tackle resistance and more effective the vehicle. The only emission continues to grow, more cost- cancer treatments, to unhackable quantum communications from the vehicle is water. effective and simpler methods and superfast 5G, technological advances must be built on a for detecting impurities will need foundation of reliable measurement to succeed. Building on Fuel cells are however to be developed. over a century’s worth of expertise, our science, engineering extremely sensitive to impurities and technology provides this foundation and helps to make in the hydrogen being delivered, Hydrogen can also be used to the impossible possible. We save lives, protect the as even trace amounts can generate heat by direct environment and enable citizens to feel safe and secure, as quickly degrade the fuel cell. combustion in boilers. National well as support international trade and commercial innovation. This is a serious concern for fuel rollout of hydrogen boilers As a national laboratory, our advice is always impartial and cell manufacturers and the would require large-scale independent, meaning consumers, investors, policymakers and automotive industry, as impure transportation of hydrogen entrepreneurs can always rely on the work we do. hydrogen would impact the around the country. The existing reliability, lifespan and ultimately gas network could be used for Based in Teddington, south-west London, NPL employs over the mainstream carrying hydrogen gas, although 500 scientists and is home to 388 of the world’s most commercialisation of fuel cell there are various technical extensive and sophisticated laboratories. NPL also has regional technologies. In recognition of challenges facing such a shift. bases across the UK, including at the University of Surrey, the this challenge, an international For example, hydrogen gas is University of Strathclyde, the University of Cambridge and the standard has been developed odourless and invisible, and University of Huddersfield's 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. which requires measurements therefore a suitable odorant To find out more please visit npl.co.uk of 13 impurities to be taken would need to be added that

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 13 BIG BANG @ PARLIAMENT Gemma Wood, Head of Public Affairs, Engineering UK To celebrate Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2017 EngineeringUK and the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee once again hosted a Big Bang @ Parliament. Finalists in The Big Bang Competition from schools from around the country came to Parliament to showcase their entries to MPs, Peers and people from across the engineering community. Tomorrow’s Engineers Week is a national campaign led by EngineeringUK and backed by industry, the engineering profession, government and education providers to promote the important message that engineering offers rewarding, creative and well-paid job opportunities for young men and women.

The UK needs more engineers and, to achieve this vital aim, we must excite young people about the incredible range of great careers that science, technology, engineering and maths subjects can lead to.

Three students from Liverpool Life Sciences University Technical College attended with their project on designing a cloud chamber. Also from the Andrew Gwynne MP with Turing House School and their Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics challenge the needs of the children there. their Unilever STEM challenge project to design a game to help The Grammar School at Leeds kids with hand washing. The demonstrated their project to two youngest competitors were create a centrifugal pump, which from Outwood Academy, uses sustainable energy and Shafton, with two finalists with nano-filtration. A student from individual projects, one University Academy of researching kindness and the Engineering South Bank came other nuclear energy. with his affordable smart phone project, explaining how he Last year’s UK winners planned to achieve social good attended the event and by making the now essential demonstrated their winning Anne Milton MP, Minister of State technology more accessible. Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of the projects. for Skills and Apprenticeships and Parliamentary and Scientific Minister for Women addresses the Guildford County School, who Committee, Government Envoy for The UK Young Engineers of room looked at generating vitamins the Year of Engineering and the Year 2017, Sankha Kahagala- and minerals from recycled Apprenticeships Ambassador Gamage and David Bernstein North West, Alderley Edge welcomes guests to the event School for Girls exhibited their foods, were delighted to meet were inspired to act after Sankha playground traffic light system, their local MP and Minister for Pupils from Kent College witnessed a passer-by having an which they created in Skills and Apprenticeships, Anne showcased their low cost robotic epileptic fit. He then teamed up conjunction with Siemens for a Milton, who gave a speech at arm designs and Rainford High with fellow Loughborough local specialist school to meet the event. Technology College explained Grammar School student, David,

14 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 to create a wearable vest that Robotics Challenge. Turing Engineers of the Year to victory, encourage more young people monitors heart rate variability House School attended the Big gave inspiration to the young to see it as a potential career. Bang @ Parliament with their people in the room competing and body temperature to A huge thank you to everyone Lego robot to demonstrate their in 2018. efficiently predict an epileptic fit who has taken part in progress to guests. up to eight minutes in advance. Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of Tomorrow's Engineers Week this Once a fit is detected, the vest Companies who sponsor The the Parliamentary & Scientific year. All around the UK people have been joining in with sends a message to both the Big Bang Fair, to be held in Committee, Government Envoy engineering activities and events wearer’s phone as well as Birmingham 14th-17th March for the Year of Engineering and and sharing inspiring details on possibly a carer to warn them 2018 also attended the event Apprenticeships Ambassador with tasters of a few interactive gave a speech welcoming social media. that they need to seek help. STEM activities including virtual guests, congratulating the According to research The GSK UK Young Scientists reality headsets. They included finalists and outlining his support conducted for Tomorrow's of the Year 2017 are George Air Products, BAE Systems, Rolls for The Big Bang Fair and Engineer's Week, young people Rabin and Ed Thurlow from Royce and Siemens. Tomorrow’s Engineers. demand jobs that tackle social Churchill Academy and Sixth issues, with 67% saying they Parliamentarians including Mark Titterington, CEO of Form, Somerset. They were would consider a career in Deputy Chief Whip, Esther Engineering UK, said a few awarded the GSK Young engineering if it allowed them to McVey, Chair of the Treasury words on the Tomorrow’s Scientists of the Year title for help the world, the environment Select Committee, Nicky Morgan Engineers theme, engineers on or save peoples' lives. their project investigating birds’ and Shadow Communities and a mission, explaining that responses to colour in the hope Local Government Secretary/ Tomorrows Engineers Week Find out more at of using the knowledge to help Labour Co-National Campaign 2017 was about showcasing the www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk airplane engineers reduce the Coordinator, Andrew Gwynne, contribution that engineering number of bird strikes. came to join in the celebrations. makes to society, in order to

John Penrose MP with 2017 GSK Young Scientists of the Year from Churchill Academy Esther McVey MP and Alderley Edge School for Girls with their Playground Clock project

In their project, the students All of the MPs and Peers and painted a series of four feeders other stakeholders who in different colours and filled attended were hugely impressed them with food. They then with the quality of the young introduced birds to the feeders scientists’ and young engineers’ and counted the number of bird work, their dedication and their visits to the feeders and how passion. much food the birds ate. Their Anne Milton MP, the Minister investigation found that birds of State for Skills and were more likely to feed from a Apprenticeships and the Minister feeder painted in blue. for Women gave an energising In addition to The Big Bang speech and Daljit Kaur, who Competition, The Big Bang UK leads STEM innovation at a Fair hosts the finals of the group of Loughborough schools Nicky Morgan MP with 2017 Big Bang Young Engineers of the Year from Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP and led last year's UK Young Loughborough Grammar School

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 15 ANTIFUNGAL STEWARDSHIP Rosemary Barnes Emeritus Professor of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Cardiff University School of Medicine

Many of us are familiar with place in the UK and so the true on conventional culture animal husbandry. Drugs of the the term antimicrobial burden of disease is unknown. techniques such as molecular azole class, similar to those used stewardship in the context of the Whilst there is voluntary and antigen biomarker tests as a mainstay to treat serious use of antibacterial agents. The reporting of Candida have the potential to improve human infection, are used use of a coordinated approach bloodstream infection s 2, the management. A variety of widely and the volume used in to measure and monitor the incidence of deep-seated biomarker tests have been agriculture completely dwarves appropriate use of antibiotics infection and infections caused developed and many have been all medical use. Approximately aims to improve patient by other fungi is largely standardized and are half of the total acreage of outcomes by optimizing unknown. The true benefits of commercially available. Despite European cereal and grapevine treatment through the selection antifungal stewardship this, use in the UK is not production is treated at least of the right drug, right dose and programmes will be difficult to widespread. This is partially due once a year with azole drugs the right duration whilst also demonstrate in this context. to a lack of understanding of and soft fruits are routinely reducing adverse events and the their clinical utility and the fact sprayed with these agents to Diagnosis of fungal infection in emergence of resistant that a negative result can be prolong shelf life. Ornamental these patients is more difficult organisms, has become a more useful than a positive one bulbs and shrubs are also and conventional techniques fundamental part of patient by enabling the diagnosis to be treated prior to sale to prevent 1 such as microbiology and car e . excluded so antifungal drugs do spoilag e5. Millions of kilograms culture are suboptimal such that not need to be used empirically. However, whilst there is a clear of triazole drugs are used in the many infections go Furthermore, the use of a relationship between bacterial spraying of crops and food undiagnosed. This results in combination of biomarkers can resistance and antimicrobial commodities in UK each year many clinicians treating patients diagnose infection more usage and also between clinical and the emergence of considered at risk of infection accurately and at an earlier stage failure and resistance (indeed multiazole resistance in with antifungal drugs empirically allowing treatment to be antibiotic usage can be used as environmental isolates of when they have non-specific optimized for individual patients. a surrogate for resistance), few aspergillosis has been linked to sign and symptoms.This strategy Integrating diagnostics into 6 data can be applied to fungal usag e . These resistant isolates is largely driven by fear given treatment care pathways not infection. Fungal infections are are now found in clinical the high morbidity and mortality only reduces empirical therapy increasingly commonplace. In environments and have the associated with invasive fungal but detects infection before humans, they occur when the potential to impact on patient diseases, but the evidence base established disease has body’s immune system is care. to support the practice is poor. developed, decreasing unable to deal with an invading Much of this treatment is inappropriate antifungal usage It can be argued that without fungus which has taken over an inappropriate as most of the and costs and improving patient routine use of antifungal drugs area of the body. Fungal patients do not have fungal outcome s4. by the industry, food production infections can be difficult to kill infection and many of the drugs could be cut by up to 30% and as they can survive in the Antibiotic stewardship focuses are expensive and carry risks of spoilage would increase. The environment and often re-infect. heavily on the prevention of the side effects and drug economic effect would be large emergence of drug resistance. Systemic infections particularly interactions. Antifungal and restriction on drug usage Resistance to antifungal agents, invasive Candida and Aspergillus expenditure continues to rise in could contribute to global particularly azole drugs, is of infections generally affect the UK and is out of proportion poverty. increasing concern and is rising patients with severe underlying with the scale of the problem globally. However, clinical To conclude, antifungal disease particularly given that invasive fungal resistance in patients, linked to stewardship requires a team immunocompromise. The infections are actually quite rare. over usage is relatively rare and approach to integrate patient risk factors determining response to Nonetheless, the incremental seen mainly in a very few factors, diagnostics and optimal treatment are more complex costs of managing established patients with chronic infection therapeutic choice s7. Education, with the host response playing a fungal infection are substantial, who have received prolonged research and investment are major role in these opportunistic at more than an additional courses of antifungal agents. Of required to improve infections. £50,000 per patien t 3. more concern is the use of understanding and interpretation Little formal surveillance of Encouragingly, newer antimicrobials drugs in of these various factors. Formal invasive fungal disease takes diagnostic tests that do not rely agriculture, horticulture and surveillance of invasive fungal

16 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 disease needs to be put in place References 3 Ceesay MM, Sadique Z, Harris R, Ehrlich 6 ECDC. European Centre for Disease to monitor the impacts of 1 Dellit TH, Owens RC, McGowan JE Jr, A, Adams EJ, Pagliuca A. “Prospective Prevention and Control, “Risk evaluation of the cost of diagnosis and assessment on the impact of stewardship. Gerding DN, Weinstein RA, Burke JP, Huskins WC, Paterson DL, Fishman NO, treatment of invasive fungal disease in environmental usage of triazoles on It is unlikely that stewardship Carpenter CF, Brennan PJ, Billeter M, a cohort of adult haematology patients the development and spread of in the UK”. J Antimicrob Chemother resistance to medical triazoles in can contribute greatly to the Hooton TM. “Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for 2015;70(4): 1175–1181 DOI: Aspergillus species”. ECDC Stockholm; prevention of antifungal Healthcare Epidemiology of America 10.1093/jac/dku506 2013. resistance in the hospital setting. Guidelines for Developing an 4 Barnes RA, “Directed therapy for fungal 7 Agrawal S, Barnes R, Bruggemann RJ, This will require an international, Institutional Program to Enhance infections: focus on aspergillosis”. J Rautemaa-Richardson R, Warris A. “The government and multiagency Antimicrobial Stewardship”. Clin Infect Antimicrob Chemother 2013; role of the multidisciplinary team in Dis (2007) 44 (2): 159-77. DOI: approach to assess the real 68(11):2431-4. DOI: antifungal stewardship”. Journal of https://doi.org/10.1086/510393 10.1093/jac/dkt227 Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. needs and benefits of use of 2 PHE. Public Health England, Health 2016;71:37-42. antifungal agents in agriculture 5 O’Neill report: “Antimicrobials in Protection Report Vol. 10 No. 32 Agriculture and the environment” 2015; and other areas outside of September 2016; https://www.gov.uk/ https://amr-review.org/sites/ medicine. government/publications/candidaemia- default/files/Antimicrobials in agriculture annual-data-from-voluntary-surveillance and the environment –Reducing unnecessary use and waste.pdf SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND BREXIT Elizabeth Dellar Policy Intern, Campaign for Science and Engineering

Six months after the publication of the report The event was opened with a Confederation of British Industry, “Science priorities for Brexit” in March 2017, the warm welcome from the Dr Sarah Main, Executive Chairman, Stephen Metcalfe MP, Director of the Campaign for Parliamentary and Scientific Committee held a who introduced the four Science and Engineering, and discussion meeting in the Boothroyd Room of speakers; Sir Venki Professor Julia Buckingham, Portcullis House on Tuesday 10 October to further Ramakhrishnan, President of the Treasurer at Universities UK. He examine how research and innovation issues are Royal Society, Tom Thackray, reflected that after several being considered in Brexit negotiations. Director for Innovation at the Parliamentary and Scientific

A distinguished panel of guest joined P&SC Chairman Stephen Metcalfe to debate the issues surrounding Science, Innovation and Brexit. L-R Sir Venki Ramakhrishnan, President of the Royal Society, Tom Thackray, Director for Innovation at the Confederation of British Industry, Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chairman P&SC, Professor Julia Buckingham, Treasurer at Universities UK and Dr Sarah Main, Executive Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 17 Committee meetings over the will take us to the end of this for world-leading excellence, as words of caution in that our past year, we are now in a funding programme. The collaboration is incentivised by ability to influence Horizon 2020 critical decision-making period, government could address our success within the system. has been key in ensuring the and that this discussion is an this now by making a financial Whilst commitments to suitability of funds for British opportunity for us to say what commitment to Horizon 2020 underwrite Horizon 2020 grants science, and questioned we think the government is until its end and committing were welcomed, Professor whether the sector is doing doing right and wrong, and to being part of the next EU Buckingham drew attention to enough across the continent to where it needs a nudge. research programme. the fact that applications can communicate the benefit of UK take up to 18 months, so those science to Europe. Both Sir “Brexit is the most significant political event in this starting now may not be Venki and Professor David Cole- country in the last half century, but its ramifications may complete by March 2019. Hamilton, President of the not be known for decades” Stephen Metcalfe MP People are the second priority. European Association for Professor Buckingham viewed Chemical and Molecular Sir Venki Ramakhrishnan was • The world is listening and the UK to be at serious risk of Sciences, added that European next to speak and commented hears us; we need a losing talent that is essential for learned societies and that whilst there has been good consistent and positive our ability to deliver impact in professional bodies were clear progress on engagement with message welcoming people innovation and economic that they valued UK the scientific community, the to live and work in the UK. growth, with confirmation of participation, but suggested they Government’s Brexit paper is a residency and work rights could do more to influence their Tom Thackray provided a statement of intent only, so we needed to secure this talent. An own governments. Tom perspective from the business still need to ensure recognition of additional point was the impact Thackray was also clear on the sector, and was clear that five key points: of migration on our ability to benefits seen by the business continued engagement with the train our own workforce, as sector. • Research and innovation is EU is vital to innovation and not done in the UK, or by UK business, and that innovation is “We are not faced with a binary choice between the EU citizens, alone. Sir Venki the answer to a prosperous and the rest of the world” Sir Venki Ramakhrishnan, stressed the role that mobility society. Strong links with the EU President of the Royal Society and collaboration have in are needed for better outcomes, improving the quality of not just for access to money, but many specialist masters On a question from Lord science, noting that in 2015 also for access to facilities and programmes are only viable due Kakkar on how the science over half of the UK’s research expertise. Alluding to the UK’s to international students. community would inform Government on maintaining the output was the result of an prowess in innovation, he also Dr Sarah Main then looked UK science base in the event of international collaboration and viewed the UK as having a good back, commenting that one year a no-deal, Dr Main answered these collaborations are case for a bespoke arrangement on, the consensus on major that there are many aspects increasing – both in absolute to continue our involvement in themes is still present, but the under domestic control, such as terms and as a proportion of EU research. key difference today is that education, our migration system the UK’s research output. things are considerably more Tom also highlighted the need and investment, so the time critical. Dr Main’s focus was • People are attracted to work for better and stronger export challenge is to Government to on domestic investment, as we in the UK by the excellence of relationships, as the EU acts as a take the decisions to allow have a high degree of scientific our research base, the open gateway to the rest of the world, science and engineering to and cross-party political culture, and the quality of life particularly for SMEs. He was thrive. Sir Venki added that a no- consensus on a commitment to for themselves and their clear on the need for the deal does not prevent our increasing public and private families. We need the whole avoidance of a legislative limbo involvement in Framework investment in R&D, but that ecosystem of researchers, and the need to influence Programmes, as an associated there is a need for ambition and early career researchers and regulation from the start. country. technicians as well as science practicality. Her Professor Julia Buckingham leaders. recommendation was for the Both Professor David Cole- followed, placing an emphasis creation of a roadmap to a 3% Hamilton and Daniel Zeichner • We are right to build on a need for the positive investment target, with MP brought up issues of the international partnerships, as rhetoric from the Prime Minister milestones for each sector over disconnect between the well as strengthening to become solid commitments a 10 year timeframe. discussion at parliamentary level European partnerships. to allay fears. She had two clear and the reality for researchers priorities, firstly, access to EU After these opening addresses • Ongoing uncertainty over our who often feel distinctly framework programmes are key the event moved onto a Q&A future engagement with unwelcome. Stephen Metcalfe to underpinning our reputation discussion. Vicky Ford MP, had Horizon 2020 is unhelpful, MP responded by highlighting particularly alongside “Collaboration results in better innovation outcomes: a the importance of changing our discussion of an problem shared is a problem halved” Tom Thackray, messaging even if we cannot ‘implementation period’ that Director for Innovation, Confederation of British Industry provide practical reassurances.

18 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 Both Professor Buckingham and white examples, as these effects visibility in local communities, Stephen Metcalfe MP then Professor John Atherton, Pro are highly intangible. and think about the language brought the event to a close Vice Chancellor of the University used. with a clear call on the need for Both Mike Galsworthy of of Nottingham drew attention to a positive approach to make Scientists for EU, and Tom Other questions were from the impact of messaging on UK progress, as negativity will drive Nichols, commented on the Andrew Mackenzie, of The and EU nationals who have right people away, and a reminder need for connecting with the Physiological Society, on the of residency, but are still that “We will be leaving, but we public about the needs of the specific needs of the scientific increasingly considering leaving need to work hard and bring community in Northern Ireland, everyone along with us”. and Jeffrey Llewellyn of the “Europe is served better by staying close to the British Measurement and Testing Elizabeth Dellar powerhouse that is UK science and innovation” Association on the skills base of Policy Intern, Campaign for Tom Thackray, Director for Innovation, Confederation of scientists in analytical services Science and Engineering British Industry who will be difficult to replace. due to the perception of scientific and business “How can we quantify the number of times the phone opportunities closing. Dr Main community; with Tom Thackray didn’t ring, the times a path is not taken” also commented on the suggesting a need for difficultly of obtaining black and businesses to have greater Dr Sarah Main, Campaign for Science and Engineering

SCIENCE AND STORMONT 2017 Leigh Jeffes, Public Affairs Advisor, Royal Society of Chemistry

The Royal Society of attendance which reflected a Chemistry’s sixth annual Science broad representation of the and Stormont was held at the Northern Ireland STEM Parliament Buildings, Stormont, community and a capacity Belfast on Monday 9th October. exhibition consisting of 25 Science and Stormont, scientific societies and organised on behalf of, and in professional bodies. cooperation with, the Northern Science and Stormont was Ireland STEM community is sponsored by kind permission designed to foster close of Naomi Long MLA , Chair of relations between scientists and the the Northern Ireland the policymakers and key stakeholders. Assembly’s All-Party Group on STEM, together with Dr Steve In his Foreword to the event Dr Stephen Farry MLA, Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Dr Helen Pain, and Leigh Jeffes ©RSC Aiken OBE MLA , and Dr flyer, Professor Sir John speakers on this important right skills throughout one’s Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Vice- Holman , President of the Royal topic. As President of a Chairs of the Group. Society of Chemistry wrote: education and career’. professional body, a passionate In her message to delegates ‘The theme of this year’s advocate of vocational training The event, chaired by Dr Naomi Long MLA said: gathering is Skills for Science and a lifelong science teacher, I Helen Pain , Deputy Chief and Innovation, and we need no convincing of the Executive of the Royal Society ‘This year’s focus on Skills for welcome a number of excellent importance of developing the of Chemistry, drew a record Science and Innovation is an

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 19 essential policy area that will pharma industry’. require cooperation between In the second panel session, policymakers and those in the Brian Doran , Chief Executive STEM community. Through Officer, Southern Regional working together, we can College, gave a talk on the ensure that Northern Ireland is ‘Evolution of science prepared for the challenges apprenticeships in Northern currently associated with Brexit’. Ireland’ , while Professor Steve The speaker programme, was Furber CBE , Chair of the Royal divided into two panel sessions, Society’s Computing Education and comprised, firstly: Professor Project Advisory Group, and ICL Gerry McKenna , Professor Professor of Computer Emeritus & Hon. Secretary, Engineering, School of The Science and Stormont exhibition ©RSC Heads of University Centres of Computer Science, University of Gareth Hetherington , A central feature of Science Associate Director, Ulster and Stormont is the exhibition Economic Policy Centre, Ulster – an excellent opportunity for University, spoke on ‘The scientific societies and Northern Ireland Skills professional bodies to Barometer – identifying the demonstrate their work. This year the following organisations skills for tomorrow’s economy’ . were present and we were And last, but not least, grateful for their support Professor Robert Bowman , participation: Head of School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Association of Science Belfast delivered a talk on ‘An Education, British Academy, evolution of post-doctoral British Psychological Society, Centre for Advanced The Science and Stormont exhibition ©RSC training and experience’ . Sustainable Energy, Geological Biomedical Sciences, and Vice Manchester, spoke on ‘The Members of the Legislative Survey Northern Ireland, President of the Royal Irish reboot of computing education’ . Assembly: Dr Steve Aiken Institute of Food and Science Academy, Dr Marie Cowan , The subject of a presentation OBE MLA and Dr Caoimhe Technology, Institution of Director, Geological Survey by Lorraine Marks , Manager, Archibald MLA , Vice Chairs of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Ireland. Professor Knowledge Transfer the All-Party Group on STEM, Institute of Physics, McKenna and Dr Cowan Partnerships, Queen’s University and Dr Stephen Farry MLA , a Microbiology Society, National presented on the preliminary Belfast, was ‘KTP: Bridging the former Minister for Education Museums Northern Ireland, analysis and conclusions of the skills and knowledge gap and Lifelong Learning, Queen’s University Belfast, findings of the Royal Irish between Queen’s University participated in an excellent Royal Academy of Engineering, Academy Brexit Taskforce . Royal Astronomical Society, and NI business’ . Q&A. Dr Yvonne Armitage , Royal Society of Biology, Bioeconomy Specialist, Southern Regional College, Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd STEM Ambassador Hub, The and Chair of Royal Society of Academy of Medical Sciences, Biology Employer Advisory The Bryden Centre, The Board, delivered a talk on Geological Society of London, ‘Understanding DNA: The Open University, The Bioscience is much more than Physiological Society, The Royal biology in today’s laboratory ’. Society, Ulster University, W5, and the Royal Society of Professor Tom Moody , Vice Chemistry. President of Technology, Development and Next year’s Science and Commercialisation, Almac and Stormont is scheduled for Monday 8th October 2018. Arran Chemicals, spoke on ‘The Q&A Panel: Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA and future of the fine chemical and Dr Stephen Farry MLA ©RSC

20 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 SCIENCE AND THE PARLIAMENT 2017 Bristow Muldoon Head of Policy Advice, The Royal Society of Edinburgh & Public Affairs (Scotland), Royal Society of Chemistry This year’s Science and the Parliament event was held on 15 November 2017 and focussed on Science, Innovation & the Economy. Science and the Parliament is organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). It also involves speakers, delegates and exhibitors from across the whole scientific & engineering community and Parliamentarians.

The 2017 event was chaired on from the 2012 Inquiry by Royal Society of Edinburgh Report. She noted that progress (RSE) General Secretary, had been made in the academic Professor Alan Alexander, who sector, through most of the set out the theme of the day. universities now having received The Deputy Presiding Officer of Athena Swan awards, though the Scottish Parliament, Linda much more still needed to be Fabiani MSP, gave a welcome done. on behalf of the Parliament and A Ministerial speech was expressed her thanks to the RSC delivered by Jamie Hepburn for its continued commitment to MSP, Minister for Employability holding the event, now in its and Training, who recognised 17th year. She reflected on how the importance of the scientific important and useful MSPs and engineering sectors to the found the event. Scottish economy. He Professor Dame Carol highlighted several of the Linda Fabiani MSP giving the welcome on behalf of the Parliament Robinson, President-Elect of the RSC, gave the first keynote Government intend to pursue to raising overall research and speech. She observed that the support the economy more development (R&D) investment RSC had long links with Scotland generally including the Scottish to 3% of GDP, including utilising dating from its first President, National Investment Bank. the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. Alex Halliday, while Thomas Graham, maintained to There followed a panel session agreeing on the need to raise the current day through leading involving: RSE Vice President Iain R&D investment also stressed figures such as one of her Gray; Dr Jo Reynolds of the the need to tackle skills gaps to recent predecessors, Professor RSC; Royal Society Vice create the right conditions for Lesley Yellowlees, who was the President Alex Halliday; and Dr R&D. Jano observed that the low first female President of the Jano van Hemert of Optos. Iain percentage of large companies RSC. She reflected on some stressed the need to ensure that contributed to the low level of recent research breakthroughs in the strength of the research Carol Robinson giving her address business R&D and that this Scotland including work on base in Scotland is translated requires an uplift in risk capital crystalline solids at Heriot-Watt. initiatives that the Scottish into economic benefit. He also and entrepreneurship to enable RSE President Dame Jocelyn Government had been pursuing expressed concern about more companies to scale up. Bell Burnell commented on the to stimulate science, including whether Scotland had role of women in science, the Technology Innovation sufficiently influenced thinking A panel session was chaired advising the conference that the Centres, the recent STEM on the UK Government by Ken MacDonald of the BBC RSE was about to undertake Education Strategy, as well as Industrial Strategy. Jo called for and comprised of MSPs from further work on this, following the series of measures that the progress towards the target of the parties represented in

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 21 Parliament: Clare Adamson (SNP); Dean Lockhart (Labour); Iain Gray (Labour); Willie Rennie (Lib Dem); and Patrick Harvie (Greens). Topics that the MSPs were asked to comment upon by the audience included: The Young Academy of Scotland study on the impact of Brexit; whether the UK should leave the single market and customs union; shortages of STEM teachers; and how scientists communicate with the public.

There followed a session on the perspective from industry, which was chaired by Professor Polly Arnold of the University of Edinburgh and involved Professor Iain Wall, of the Scottish Council for Jamie Hepburn MSP and Linda Fabiani MSP with two of the pupils from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry Young Engineers & Scientists, Kirkton of Largo Primary School, Fife

Development and Industry, and longstanding shortage of Alastair Cameron of Scotmas Business Expenditure on R&D, and Chemical Sciences Scotland. particularly in Scotland. Alistair expressed a welcome to The event was rounded off by the UK Government Industrial Scottish Government Minister Strategy and explained how Shirley-Anne Somerville Chemical Sciences Scotland awarding prizes to the highest provides a voice to the Scottish achieving school students in the Government on behalf of the SQA Highers and Advanced industry, including in areas such Highers across all of the main as the need to develop scientific disciplines. interdisciplinary learning and improve on the commercialisation of the

Scottish Council for Development and Industry Young Engineers & excellent university research in Scientists Clubs, Kirkton of Largo Primary School, Fife the UK. Iain focussed on the

Dr Jo Reynolds (RSC); Jamie Hepburn MSP (Minister for Employability & Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell; Linda Fabiani MSP (Deputy Presiding Fair Work; Professor Dame Carol Robinson Officer); Professor Dame Carol Robinson

22 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY

The Science and Environment Section (SES) is one of eight and Smart Meters. Over the coming session you can watch out teams in the Research Service in the House of Commons for our briefings on relevant legislation: The Nuclear Safeguards Bill, Library. The Library provides confidential, impartial and the Smart Meters Bill (both in progress in the Commons), and bespoke briefing to Members of the House of Commons and future Bills on Agriculture, Fisheries and the Space Industry. their offices on a daily basis supporting the full range of In the coming months we hope to publish material on a range of parliamentary work, from policy development to constituency topical issues such as Brexit and Agriculture, Air Quality, Brexit and issues. We also produce a series of briefing papers on topical medicines, Space policy, the Electricity capacity market, Nuclear issues, published on the internet and available in hard copy power and Tidal lagoons. around the Parliamentary Estate. We would be pleased to hear from anyone who wants to know In general the Library continues to produce material around the more about how the Library works or how we can help with debate on Brexit. For example we have produced briefings on the Parliamentary duties. Please contact Ed Potton Withdrawal Bill. We have also published briefings on specific issues ([email protected]) in the first instance. such as Brexit and the Environment, Agriculture and Trade and Brexit: What next for UK fisheries? If you want to keep up to date with what we are up to, you can follow us @CommonsSES. More widely we have recently published briefings on: Energy Bills, Euratom, Antimicrobial resistance, Tobacco Control and e-cigarettes

PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST)

NEWS FROM POST • The Microbiome and Human Health The POST team has seen a • Sleep, Sleep Deprivation, and Health number of changes this autumn: • Fisheries Management Dr Grant Hill-Cawthorne has • Shale Gas accepted the role of Head of POST, and is expected to begin • Housing Quality, Health and Wellbeing in June 2018. In the interim, Dr Chandrika Nath remains acting BRIEFINGS Director of POST. The following briefings have been published since the summer Communications Manager recess: Henry Lau has left for a position Regulating Clinical Trials in the Office for National October 2017 POSTnote 561 Statistics’ Data Visualisation Clinical trials are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of Team, and was replaced by Naomi Stewart who had previously medicines and are strictly regulated in the EU. The current EU taken the role to cover a staff secondment. Dr Abbi Hobbs is on regulatory framework is due to be replaced by a new EU Clinical maternity leave; her replacement Rowena Bermingham started in Trial Regulation in 2019. This POSTnote examines how this may mid-November. effect the UK healthcare industry, including issues around clinical Following the general election, representatives from the House of trial transparency. It also examines options for UK regulation of Commons are still awaiting appointment to the POST Board. In the clinical trials post-Brexit, including a brief description of the more interim, we continue to be represented by our former chair Adam general issues facing UK patients and clinical researchers post- Afriyie MP, with the support of the vice-chair Lord Winston and Brexit. members from the House of Lords, alongside external members. Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials The first POST Board meeting since the general election was held in October 2017 POSTnote 562 October, and topics chosen for future publication were: The unique properties of engineered nanomaterials are beneficial to a range of industries. However, uncertainties in assessing their

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 23 potential health and environmental risks could hinder their safe use. EVENTS This POSTnote summarises the current regulation of nanomaterials POST has had a busy event schedule this autumn. We have hosted and highlights potential future directions for regulatory testing delegations from the London Science Diplomatic Club, the approaches. Indonesian Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ugandan Mental Health Service Models for Young People Committee on Science and Technology and Ministers of State from October 2017 POSTnote 563 the Argentinian government.

In 2015, the Government committed 5 years of extra funding for We hosted Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS). All who presented a pre-Autumn Budget Briefing giving the Institute’s areas of England were required to submit plans outlining how they latest assessment of the UK’s public finances as context for will improve their services by 2020. This POSTnote describes some Chancellor Hammond’s first Autumn Budget, a meeting for Science of the new models of CYPMHS and examines the challenges to and Technology Select Committees from both Houses with AsSIST- their effective implementation. UK, and also ran a popular Brexit: Research for Policy event with the Economic and Social Research Council. POST’s energy adviser Communicating Risk Jack Miller has participated in a series of ‘Energy 101’s’ with the November 2017 POSTnote 564 APPG for Renewable and Sustainability Energy, and our social People's responses to risk are shaped by the way that such risks science advisers have been traveling around the UK with are communicated. Communicating risks effectively can defuse Parliamentary Outreach to deliver a series of training sessions for concerns, mitigate disaster situations and build trust with public experts on getting their research into Parliament. institutions and organisations. This POSTnote defines the often Within Westminster, POST staff also participated in the Research misunderstood concepts of risk, uncertainty and hazard and and Information promotional activities in Portcullis House Atrium, a describes the key stakeholders communicating it. It examines the Recruitment Fair in Westminster Hall, and the Commonwealth and factors that shape how people perceive and respond to such risks Parliamentary Association’s Westminster Seminar session on and summarises evidence on effective risk communication evidence bases. strategies. At the end of November, we hosted an exciting launch of ‘The Role POSTnotes that will be published in November also include of Research in the UK Parliament’, a two year report undertaken Decarbonising the Gas Network, Regulating Advanced Therapies, with POST staff alongside University College London and the and Benefits of Earth Observation. Economic and Social Research Council; Sir Prof Mark Walport was keynote speaker.

In December, we were delighted to work with staff from the Royal Society to launch this year’s MP Pairing Scheme.

HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEES JANUARY 2018

Following the General Election in June 2017, the House of Commons Select Committees have now reformed and have launched a wide range of inquiries. Details of Committees and inquiries with relevance to Parliamentary and Scientific Committee Members are shown below. Further details of membership of House of Commons Select Committees and their inquiries can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/ BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY RELEVANT INQUIRIES: COMMITTEE Clean Growth Strategy inquiry – announced 27 November The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee is 2017 appointed by the House of Commons to examine the The Clean Growth Strategy, published in October 2017, outlines administration, expenditure and policy of the Department for how the Government expects the UK to meet its target of cutting Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and its associated emissions by 80% by 2050, while talks at COP23 in Germany public bodies. were aimed at clarifying issues around the Paris Agreement which The BEIS Committee is chaired by Rachel Reeves MP. commits countries to the goal of limiting the global rise in temperature by 1.5 C. MPs are likely to question the Minister on Contact: Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, Government support for renewable energy, as well as how the UK House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA will meet its emission reduction target. The Committee is also Telephone: 020 7219 5777 Email: [email protected] expected to ask about progress made in implementing the Paris Agreement and the UK’s role in UN climate change negotiations post-Brexit.

24 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 Electric vehicles: developing the market and infrastructure – ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT COMMITTEE Inquiry announced 21 September 2017 The remit of the Environmental Audit Committee is to consider the Inquiry into electric vehicles, the challenges they represent for the extent to which the policies and programmes of government energy infrastructure and the actions needed to support the departments and non-departmental public bodies contribute to development of this market. This inquiry builds on the written environmental protection and sustainable development, and to evidence received for the former BEIS Committee's inquiry Electric audit their performance against sustainable development and Vehicles: Developing the Market, which was interrupted by the environmental protection targets. Unlike most select committees, General Election. This new inquiry brings an added focus to the the Committee’s remit cuts across government rather than focuses challenges electric vehicles create for the electricity grid and energy on the work of a particular department. infrastructure and builds on the previous Electric Vehicles: The Chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee is Mary Developing the Market inquiry. Creagh MP. Brexit and the implications for UK business – Contact: Environmental Audit Committee, House of Commons, Inquiry announced 19 September 2017 London SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 5776 Inquiry into the effects of leaving the EU on British business Email: [email protected] composed of five sub-inquiries. The Committee aims to establish how the interests of different sectors should best be pursued both RELEVANT INQUIRIES: in the negotiating process and post-Brexit and attempts to examine Nitrates - Inquiry announced 08 December 2017 a range of issues relating to market access, non-tariff barriers, Environmental Audit Committee is calling for evidence on the scale regulation, skills, R&D, trade opportunities and transitional of the nitrate pollution in the UK and the solutions the UK arrangements. Sub-inquiries are considering the following sectors: government should implement. Deadline for submissions is 18 • Civil Nuclear January 2018.

• Automotive The Future of Chemicals Regulation after the EU Referendum • Aerospace Inquiry – announced 29 September 2017 • Processed food and drink Environmental Audit Committee is seeking views on the • Pharmaceuticals Government’s response to the former Committee's report on The Future of Chemicals Regulation after the EU Referendum and the section on chemicals in the Delegated Powers Memorandum. EDUCATION COMMITTEE UK progress on reducing F-Gas emissions – The Education Committee monitors the policy, administration and Inquiry announced 13 October 2017 spending of the Department for Education and its associated arms Environmental Audit Committee inquiry into the UK’s progress on length bodies, including Ofsted. The Committee is an investigative reducing fluorinated gas (F-gas) emissions and the impact leaving Committee rather than a legislative Committee: it sets its own the EU will have on progress and reporting on reducing these programme and chooses subjects for inquiries. harmful greenhouse gases in the future. The Committee's Chair is Rt Hon. Robert Halfon MP.

Contact: Education Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 1376 EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION COMMITTEE The Exiting the European Union Committee is appointed by the Email: [email protected] House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Department for Exiting the European Union and matters falling within the responsibilities of associated public bodies. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Following nominations and elections among MPs, Hilary Benn was The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) is re-elected Chair of the committee for the 2017 Parliament. appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, Contact: Exiting the EU Committee, House of Commons, London, administration and policy of the Department for Environment, Food SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 7568 / 5430 and Rural Affairs (Defra) and its associated public bodies. The Email: [email protected] Committee chooses its own subjects of inquiry on environmental, agricultural subjects. Following the 2017 General Election, Neil Parish MP was re-elected HEALTH COMMITTEE as Chair of the EFRA Committee. The Health Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the policy, administration and expenditure of the Contact: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee Department of Health and its associated bodies The Committee House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA chooses its own subjects of inquiry. Telephone: 020 7219 7341 Email: [email protected] Dr Sarah Wollaston has been re-elected as Chair of the Health

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 25 Committee for the 2017 Parliament. Genomics and genome editing in the NHS – Inquiry announced 14 September 2017 Contact: Health Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 6182 Email: [email protected] Science and Technology Committee inquiry into the mainstreaming of genomic medicine in the NHS.

RELEVANT INQUIRY: This inquiry examines the Chief Medical Officer's (Dame Sally Brexit – medicines, medical devices and substances of human Davies) call in her latest annual report, ‘Generation Genome’, for origin – Inquiry announced 21 September 2017 mainstreaming genomic medicine in the NHS within 5 years. Health Committee inquiry into arrangements post-Brexit to The Committee has accepted written evidence on the Chief guarantee supply of medicines, devices, and products. Medical Officer’s recommendations including observations on how any barriers to greater integration of genomic therapies in the NHS could be overcome and how such barriers may differ across the SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE devolved nations. The Science and Technology Committee exists to ensure that Government policy and decision-making are based on good In doing so, the Committee will take forward the interim report scientific and engineering advice and evidence The Science and from the previous Committee on Genomics and gene-editing and Technology Committee is unusual amongst departmental select the evidence it had received before the General Election. committees in that it scrutinises the Government Office for Science Government Office for Science Annual Report (and work of the (GO-Science), which is a “semiautonomous organisation” based Chief Scientific Adviser network) – Inquiry announced 12 October within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. 2017 GO-Science “supports the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Science and Technology Committee inquiry into Government Office works to ensure that Government policy and decision-making is for Science Annual Report (and work of the Chief Scientific Adviser underpinned by robust scientific evidence”. The committee network). therefore has a similarly broad remit and can examine the activities of departments where they have implications for, or made use of, Algorithms in decision-making – Inquiry announced 14 science, engineering, technology and research. September 2017

Norman Lamb MP was elected as Chair of the Science and This inquiry examines the increasing use of algorithms in public and Technology Committee on 12 July 2017. business decision making. It assesses how algorithms are formulated, the scope for error or correction and the impact they Contact: Science and Technology Committee House of Commons, may have individuals—and their ability to understand or challenge London SW1A 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 2793 that decision. Fax: 020 7219 0896 Email: [email protected] The Committee continues the previous Committee's inquiry, taking RELEVANT INQUIRIES: forward the evidence it received previously. E-cigarettes – Inquiry announced 25 October 2017 The Science and Technology Committee examine the impact of electronic cigarettes on human health (including their effectiveness TRANSPORT COMMITTEE as a stop-smoking tool), the suitability of regulations guiding their The Transport Committee is charged by the House of Commons use, and the financial implications of a growing market on both with scrutiny of the Department for Transport. Its formal remit is to business and the NHS. examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Department of Transport and its associated public bodies. Evidence-based early-years intervention – Inquiry announced 26 October 2017 Lilian Greenwood MP was elected as Chair of the Transport The Science and Technology Committee examine the strength of Committee on 12 July 2017. the evidence linking adverse childhood experiences with long-term Contact: Transport Committee, House of Commons, London SW1A negative outcomes, the evidence base for related interventions, 0AA Telephone: 020 7219 3266 Email: [email protected] whether evidence is being used effectively in policy-making, and Twitter: @CommonsTrans the support and oversight for research into this area.

Research integrity – Inquiry announced 13 September 2017 JOINT INQUIRY Improving air quality – Inquiry announced 09 October 2017 This inquiry looks at trends and developments in fraud, misconduct and mistakes in research and the publication of research results. The Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Environment Audit, Health Research by Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and Transport Select Committees are running an inquiry into the indicates the trend in misconduct/mistakes in publishing is still health and environmental impacts of air pollution. upwards. There has also been a so-called ‘crisis in reproducibility’ of MPs from these four select committees have combined forces to research. relaunch an unprecedented joint inquiry on air quality to scrutinise The Committee continues the previous Committee’s inquiry, taking cross-government plans to tackle pollution hotspots. forward the evidence it had received before the General Election.

26 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 HOUSE OF LORDS SELECT COMMITTEES JANUARY 2018

This article provides details of House of Lords Select Committees SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE and their inquiries with relevance to the interests of the The Science and Technology Committee has a broad remit “to Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. consider science and technology”. It scrutinises Government policy by undertaking cross-departmental inquiries into a range of different ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE activities. These include: The Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence was appointed on 29 June 2017 to consider the economic, ethical and social implications • public policy areas which ought to be informed by scientific of advances in artificial intelligence, and to make recommendations. research (for example, health effects of air travel), The Committee was established following the recommendation of • technological challenges and opportunities (for example, genomic the Liaison Committee. It will report by 31 March 2018. medicine) and

The Committee is Chaired by Lord Clement-Jones. • public policy towards science itself (for example, setting priorities Contact: Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence , House of for publicly funded research). Lords, London. SW1A 0PW Telephone: 020 7219 4384 Fax: 020 In addition, the Committee undertakes from time to time shorter 7219 4931 Email: [email protected] inquiries, either taking evidence from Ministers and officials on topical issues, or following up previous work. EU ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT SUB-COMMITTEE The EU Energy and Environment Sub-committee is a sub- The Chair of the Committee is Lord Patel. committee of the EU Committee. The Sub-Committee focuses on a range of policy areas related to agriculture, fisheries, environment INQUIRY: LIFE SCIENCES AND THE INDUSTRIAL and energy. Attention is given to agricultural issues, particularly STRATEGY The Government set out in its Industrial Strategy Green Paper its legislation relating to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and intention to create a new Life Sciences strategy to make the UK the animal health and welfare issues. The Common Fisheries Policy best place in the world to invest in life sciences. To tackle (CFP) and wider environmental issues are also examined, as are challenges like cancer and dementia it is important that the UK has policies relating to energy and climate change. a strong life sciences sector. But the sector faces a number of The Committee is Chaired by Lord Teverson. challenges and opportunities, including Brexit and making innovative new treatments available on the NHS. INQUIRY: BREXIT: ENERGY SECURITY INQUIRY The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee is conducting a This inquiry is investigating issues such as whether the Government short inquiry to examine the implications of Brexit for energy has the necessary structures in place to support the life sciences security in the UK. The inquiry aims to highlight the issues the sector; how the NHS can use procurement to stimulate innovation Government will need to consider when developing a new energy in the life sciences; and the content of the new Life Sciences relationship with the EU. industrial strategy.

Contact: EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee , House of Contact: Science and Technology Select Committee , Committee Lords, London SW1A 0PW Telephone: 0207 219 3015 Office, House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW Fax: 0207 219 6715 Telephone: 020 7219 5750 Fax: 020 7219 4931 Email: [email protected]

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 27 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Research Councils UK Contact: Alexandra Saxon Head of RCUK Strategy Unit Research Councils UK Polaris House North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1ET

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

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

Biotechnology Economic and and Biological Social Research Sciences Research Council Council (BBSRC) Contact: Susie Watts Contact: Sarah Crew, Strategic Lead: External Affairs, Economic and Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Contact: Matt Goode Social Research Council EPSRC, Polaris House, Associate Director, Communications & North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET External Relations Polaris House, North Star Avenue Tel: 01793 444570 BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1UJ E-mail: [email protected] Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413299 Tel: 01793 413119 Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.esrc.ac.uk Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk EPSRC is the UK’s main agency for funding research The ESRC is the UK’s largest organisation for funding and training in engineering and physical sciences, BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research, research on economic and social issues and is investing around £800m a year in research and innovation and training on behalf of the UK public. committed to supporting the very best research with postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the Our aim is to further scientific knowledge to wide-ranging impact. Social science contributes to next generation of technological change. promote economic growth, wealth and job creation greater knowledge and understanding of the many The areas covered range from information and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. challenges our society faces today and by ensuring technology to structural engineering, and BBSRC research is helping society to meet major that ESRC-funded research makes the biggest mathematics to materials science. This research challenges, including food security, green energy possible impact, our research shapes public policies forms the basis for future economic development in and healthier lifespans and underpins important UK and makes business, voluntary bodies and other the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, organisations more effective, as well as shaping lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial wider society. We also develop and train the UK’s Research Councils with responsibility for other areas biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. future social scientists. of research.

Medical Natural Research Environment Council Research Council Contact: Sophie Broster-James Contact: Andy Jones Contact: Natalie Bealing Public Affairs Manager Government and Parliament Head of Stakeholder Engagement One Kemble Street, London WC2B 4AN. Communications Manager STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory NERC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Tel: 020 7395 2275 Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX Swindon, SN2 1EU Tel: 01235 445484 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01793 444238 Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Mobile: 07867553053 E-mail: [email protected] www.stfc.ac.uk Over the past century, the MRC has been at the forefront Email: [email protected] Website: www.nerc.ac.uk of scientific discovery to improve human health. Founded The Science and Technology Facilities Council is one in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests NERC is the UK’s leading public funder of environmental of Europe’s largest multidisciplinary research taxpayers’ money in the highest quality medical research science. We invest £330 million each year in cutting-edge organisations undertaking and supporting a broad across every area of health. Thirty-one MRC-funded research, postgraduate training and innovation in range of research across the physical, life and researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of universities and research centres. computational sciences. We operate world class, disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such Our scientists study the physical, chemical and biological large-scale research facilities in the UK and Europe diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and processes on which our planet and life itself depends – and provide strategic advice to the UK Government the link between smoking and cancer, as well as from pole to pole, from the deep Earth and oceans to the achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised atmosphere and space. on their development. We partner in two of the UK’s controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the We partner with business, government, the public and the Science and Innovation Campuses. We also manage development of therapeutic antibodies. We also work international research projects in support of a broad closely with the UK’s Health Departments, the NHS, wider research community to shape the environmental cross-section of the UK research community, medical research charities and industry to ensure our research and innovation agenda. Our science provides research achieves maximum impact as well as being of knowledge, skills and technology that deliver sustainable particularly in the fields of astronomy, nuclear physics excellent scientific quality. economic growth and public wellbeing. and particle physics.

28 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Association of the British Contact: Professor Richard Brook OBE FREng Contact: Pharmaceutical AIRTO Ltd: Association of Innovation Tony Harding Industry Research & Technology Organisations Limited 07895 162 896 for all queries whether for c/o National Physical Laboratory membership or assistance. Contact: Audrey Yvernault Hampton Road, Teddington Branch Office Address: Head of Policy and Public Affairs Middlesex TW11 0LW Merchant Quay, 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, Tel: 020 8943 6600 Salford Quays, Salford London SW1E 6QT E-mail: [email protected] M50 3SG. Tel: 020 7747 7136 Twitter: @airtoinnovation Email: [email protected] Website: www.airto.co.uk Website: www.amps-tradeunion.com Website: www.abpi.org.uk AIRTO – Association of Innovation, Research & Technology We are a Trades Union for Management and The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Organisations – is the foremost membership body for the Professional Staff working in the pharmaceutical, represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical UK’s innovation, research and technology sector, companies, large, medium and small, leading an exciting new era chemical and allied industries. of biosciences in the UK. Our industry, a major contributor to the representing 80% of organisations in the sector. We have produced a training programme funded by economy of the UK, brings life-saving and life-enhancing AIRTO’s members deliver vital innovation and knowledge medicines to patients. Our members are researching and the EU on diversity and helping women managers transfer services which include applied and collaborative developing over two-thirds of the current medicines pipeline, remain in the workplace after a career break. This R&D, (frequently in conjunction with universities), ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients training programme is aimed at both men and women prevent and overcome diseases. Topics we focus on include: consultancy, technology validation and testing, incubation and is intended to address the shortfall in qualified of commercialisation opportunities and early stage • All aspects of the research and development of medicines personnel in the chemical and allied industries. including clinical research and licensing financing. AIRTO members have a combined turnover of • Stratified medicine over £5.5bn from clients both at home and outside the UK, We are experts in performance based and field related and employ over 47,000 scientists, technologists and issues and are affiliated to our counterparts in EU • Vaccines, biosimilars, small and large molecules, cell therapy and regenerative medicine engineers. Professional Management Unions.

Contact: Colin Danson Contact: Hannah Russell Distinguished Scientist & Head of Profession Director of Society Programmes Contact: Linda Capper, MBE, MCIPR for Physics and Mathematics Biochemical Society Head of Communications AWE Charles Darwin House, British Antarctic Survey Aldermaston, Reading RG7 4PR 12, Roger Street, High Cross Email: [email protected] London WC1N 2JU Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0ET www.awe.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7685 2439 Email [email protected] Tel: 0118 98 56901 Email: [email protected] Website: www.biochemistry.org Tel: +44 (0)1223 221448 AWE plays a crucial role in our nation’s defence by providing Mobile: 07714 233744 and maintaining warheads for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and The Biochemical Society works to promote the delivers advice and guidance on a 24/7 basis to UK molecular biosciences; facilitating the sharing of British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of NERC, delivers government in the area of national security. expertise, supporting the advancement of and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the We are a centre of scientific, engineering and technological biochemistry and molecular biology and raising Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in excellence, with some of the most advanced research, design Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to and production facilities in the world. AWE is contracted to awareness of their importance in addressing deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our the Ministry of Defence (MOD) through a Government- societal grand challenges. We achieve our mission understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its owned-contractor-operated (GOCO) arrangement. While our by : extensive logistic capability and know-how BAS facilitates sites and facilities remain in government ownership, their access for the British and international science community to management, day-to-day operations and maintenance of • bringing together molecular bioscientists; the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and Britain’s nuclear stockpile is contracted to a private company: • supporting the next generation of biochemists; international collaborations, combined with an excellent AWE Management Limited (AWE ML). AWE ML is a • promoting and sharing knowledge and infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the consortium comprising three partners: Jacobs Engineering UK in Antarctic affairs. For more information visit Group, the Lockheed Martin Corporation and Serco Group plc. • promoting the importance of our discipline. www.bas.ac.uk @basnews

British In Vitro Diagnostics Association

Contact: (BIVDA) Contact: Professor Judy Buttriss, Ben Connor, Policy Manager Director General British Ecological Society Contact: Doris-Ann Williams MBE Imperial House 6th Floor 12 Roger Street, Chief Executive 15-19 Kingsway London WC1N 2JU British In Vitro Diagnostics Association London WC2B 6UN Email: [email protected] Devonshire House Tel: +44(0) 20 7557 7930 Tel: 020 7685 2510 164 – 168 Westminster Bridge Road Email: [email protected] Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org London SE1 7RW Twitter: @BESPolicy Websites: www.nutrition.org.uk Tel: 0845 6188224 www.foodafactoflife.org.uk The British Ecological Society is an independent, Email: [email protected] authoritative learned society, and the voice of the www.bivda.co.uk The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), a registered charity, delivers impartial, authoritative UK’s ecological community. Working with our BIVDA is the UK industry association representing and evidence-based information on food and members we gather and communicate the best companies who manufacture and/or distribute the nutrition. Its core purpose is to make nutrition available ecological evidence to inform decision diagnostics tests and equipment to diagnose, monitor and manage disease largely through the NHS science accessible to all, working with an making. We offer a source of unbiased, objective pathology services. Increasingly diagnostics are used extensive network of contacts across academia, ecological knowledge, and promote an evidence- outside the laboratory in community settings and also education and the food chain, and through BNF informed approach to finding the right solutions to to identify those patients who would benefit from work programmes focussing on education in environmental questions. specific drug treatment particularly for cancer. schools and nutrition science communication.

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 29 SCIENCE DIRECTORY

Mrs Tracey Guise Contact: Jo Revill, CEO Contact: Jonathan Brüün Chief Executive Officer Vintage House Chief Executive British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 37 Albert Embankment British Pharmacological Society Griffin House | 53 Regent Place | Birmingham London SE1 7TL. The Schild Plot, 16 Angel Gate, B1 3NJ Tel: 020 3031 9800 City Road, London EC1V 2PT www.bsac.org.uk | www.antibiotic-action.com Fax: 020 7582 2882 Tel: : 020 7239 0171 www.e-opat.com | www.nas-pps.com E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7417 0114 |www.appg-on-antibiotics.com Website: www.immunology.org Email: [email protected] www.bsacsurv.org Website: www.bps.ac.uk The BSI is one of the oldest, largest and most active The BSAC is an inter-professional organisation with over immunology societies in the world. We have over The British Pharmacological Society is a charity with a forty years of experience and achievement in antibiotic education, research and leadership. The Society has an 5,000 members who work in all areas of mission to promote and advance the whole spectrum of active international membership and: pharmacology. It is the primary UK learned society immunology, including research and clinical • Is dedicated to saving lives through the effective use and concerned with drugs and the way they work, and leads the practice. way in the research and application of pharmacology development of antibiotics, now and in the future. around the world. • Communicates effectively about antibiotics and antibiotic The BSI runs major scientific meetings, education usage via workshops, professional guidelines and its own programmes and events for all ages. We Founded in 1931, the Society champions pharmacology in high impact international journal, the Journal of all its forms, across academia, industry, regulatory agencies Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. disseminate top quality scientific research through and the health service. With over 3,500 members from over • Is home to the UK-led global initiative Antibiotic Action our journals and meetings and we are committed 60 countries worldwide, the Society is a friendly and collaborative community. Enquiries about the discovery, • Serves as secretariat to the All Party Parliamentary Group to bringing the wonders and achievements of development and application of drugs are welcome. on Antibiotics immunology to as many audiences as possible.

Cavendish Laboratory Contact: Departmental Administrator , The Cavendish Laboratory, Contact: Geoff Rodgers Contact: Ian Brown Brunel University London J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Kingston Lane E-mail: [email protected] Building 42a Uxbridge UB8 3PH http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk Cranfield University Tel: 01895 265609 Fax: 01895 269740 The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics E-mail: [email protected] Cranfield Website: www.brunel.ac.uk of the University of Cambridge. Bedfordshire Brunel University London is an international research active university The research programme covers the breadth of with 3 leading research institutes: contemporary physics United Kingdom Institute of Energy Futures: Led by Professor Savvas Tassou, the main themes of the Institute are Advanced Engines and Biofuels, Energy Extreme Universe: Astrophysics, cosmology and high Efficient and Sustainable Technologies, Smart Power Networks , and Resource Efficient Future Cities . energy physics Institute of Materials and Manufacturing: The main themes of research Quantum Universe: Cold atoms, condensed matter theory, are Design for Sustainable Manufacturing, Liquid Metal Engineering, The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) or “BS Materials Characterisation and Processing, Micro-Nano Manufacturing , scientific computing, quantum matter and semiconductor and Structural Integrity . The Institute is led by Professor Luiz Wrobel. physics cubed” as it is fondly known was founded in Institute of Environment, Health and Societies: Professor Susan 1947 by a number of eminent British soil Jobling leads this pioneering research institute whose themes are Health Materials Universe: Optoelectronics, nanophotonics, and Environment, Healthy Ageing, Health Economics Synthetic Biology, detector physics, thin film magnetism, surface physics and scientists. It was formed with the aims: to Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Technologies , and Social Sciences and Health . the Winton programme for the physics of sustainability advance the study of soil; to be open to Brunel University London offers a wide range of expertise and Biological Universe: Physics of medicine, biological membership from all those with an interest in knowledge, and prides itself on having academic excellence at the core of its offer, and was ranked in the recent REF as 33rd in the UK for systems and soft matter the study and uses of soil; and to issue an Research Power (average quality rating by number of submissions) and The Laboratory has world-wide collaborations with other described by The Times Higher Education as one of the real winners of annual publication. the REF 2014. universities and industry

Stephen Barraclough Contact: Dr Christopher Flower Contact: Dr Eric Albone MBE Chief Executive Josaron House Clifton Scientific Trust [email protected] 5-7 John Princes Street 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA +44 7736 89 33 44 London W1G 0JN Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 www.ergonomics.org.uk Tel: 020 7491 8891 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Ergonomics, also called Human Factors, sometimes Website: www.ctpa.org.uk & abbreviated ‘E/HF’ is a science-based discipline Science for Citizenship and Employability, about ‘designing for people’. E/HF takes into www.thefactsabout.co.uk Science for Life, Science for Real account the physical and mental capabilities, We build grass-roots partnerships between school aptitudes and abilities of people acting individually CTPA is the UK trade association representing and the wider world of professional science and its applications (a pilot, a surgeon or nurse, train driver) or manufacturers of cosmetic products and • for young people of all ages and abilities collectively, with or without equipment (a theatre suppliers to the cosmetic products industry. team, air traffic control) in the design of • experiencing science as a creative, questioning, ‘Cosmetic products’ are legally defined and workplaces, equipment and ways of working to human activity subject to stringent EU safety laws. CTPA is the deliver the least harmful, safest, most efficient, • bringing school science added meaning and most elegant possible outcomes’. E/HF uses science authoritative public voice of a vibrant and notivation, from primary to post-16 to improve the places in which we work, live and responsible UK industry trusted to act for the • locally, nationally, internationally (currently relax and the ways in which we interact with consumer; ensuring the science behind between Britain and Japan; also the Ukraine) people, equipment and systems. cosmetics is fully understood. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933

30 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 SCIENCE DIRECTORY

Contact: Louise Kingham OBE FEI Chief Executive Contact: Lindsay Walsh Contact: Dr Katie Perry 61 New Cavendish Street De Morgan House Chief Executive London W1G 7AR 57-58 Russell Square The Daphne Jackson Trust Tel: 020 7467 7100 London WC1B 4HS Department of Physics Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7637 3686 University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH Website: www.energyinst.org Fax: 020 7323 3655 Tel: 01483 689166 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The Energy Institute (EI) is the chartered professional body Website: www.cms.ac.uk Website: www.daphnejackson.org for the energy sector, supporting over 22,000 individuals and 200 companies worldwide. The EI provides learning Founded in 1992 in memory of the UK’s first female and networking opportunities, professional recognition The Council for the Mathematical Sciences is an Professor of Physics, the Trust is the UK's leading charity and technical and scientific knowledge resources on authoritative and objective body that works to develop, dedicated to realising the potential of scientists and energy in all its forms and applications. influence and respond to UK policy issues affecting engineers returning to research after career breaks for mathematical sciences in higher education and family, caring and health reasons. Our Fellowship The EI’s purpose is to develop and disseminate research, and therefore the UK economy and society by: programme, working in partnership with universities, knowledge, skills and good practice towards a safe, • providing expert advice; research councils, charities, learned societies and industry, secure and sustainable energy system. It addresses the enables individuals to undertake part-time research in • engaging with government, funding agencies and depth and breadth of the energy sector and informs universities and research institutes. Fellowships comprise a other decision makers; policy by providing a platform for debate and research project alongside an individually tailored retraining scientifically-sound information. • raising public awareness; and programme, with additional mentoring and support, • facilitating communication between the enabling recipients to re-establish scientific credentials, A registered charity, the EI serves society with mathematical sciences community and other update skills and redevelop confidence, in a suitably independence, professionalism and a wealth of expertise stakeholders supportive environment. in all energy matters.

First Group

Contact: Mac Andrade Contact: Director of Science Director Infrastructure Tamzin Caffrey Fera Science Ltd. (Fera) First Group Head of Communications Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ 4th Floor, EngineeringUK Tel: 01904 462000 Capital House 5th Floor, Woolgate Exchange E-mail: [email protected] 25 Chapel Street 25 Basinghall Street, London EC2V 5HA Website: www.fera.co.uk London Tel: 020 3206 0444 NW1 5DH Fax: 020 3206 0401 Fera provides expert analytical and professional E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] services to governments, agrichemical companies, Website: www.firstgroup.com Website: www.EngineeringUK.com food retailers, manufacturers and farmers to facilitate safety, productivity and quality across the EngineeringUK is an independent organisation that agrifood supply chain in a sustainable and FirstGroup are the leading transport operator in the promotes the vital role of engineers, engineering environmentally compatible way. UK and North America and each day, every one of and technology in our society. EngineeringUK Fera uses its world leading scientific expertise to our 110,000 employees works hard to deliver vitally partners business and industry, Government and provide robust evidence, rigorous analysis and important services for our passengers. During the the wider science and technology community: professional advice to governments, international producing evidence on the state of engineering; bodies and companies worldwide. Our food last year around 2.2 billion passengers relied on us sharing knowledge within engineering, and integrity, plant health, agri-tech and agri- to get to work, to school or college, to visit family informatics services ensure that our customers have inspiring young people to choose a career in and friends, and much more. engineering, matching employers’ demand for access to leading edge science, technology and skills. expertise. GAMBICA Association Ltd

Contact: Dr Graeme Philp Contact: Nic Bilham Contact: Lynda Rigby, Executive Head of Broadwall House Director of Policy and Communications Burlington House Marketing and Membership 21 Broadwall Institute of Biomedical Science, London SE1 9PL Piccadilly 12 Coldbath Square, London, EC1R 5HL Tel: 020 7642 8080 London W1J 0BG Tel: 020 7713 0214 Fax: 020 7642 8096 Tel: 020 7434 9944 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7439 8975 Twitter: @IBMScience Website: www.gambica.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ibms.org Website: www.geolsoc.org.uk Advancing knowledge and setting standards in GAMBICA Association is the UK trade association biomedical science The Geological Society is the national learned and With over 20,000 members in over 30 countries, the for instrumentation, control, automation and Institute of Biomedical Science is the leading professional body for Earth sciences, with 12,000 professional body for biomedical scientists, support laboratory technology. The association seeks to Fellows (members) worldwide. The Fellowship staff and students. promote the successful development of the encompasses those working in industry, academia For over 100 years we have been dedicated to the promotion, development and delivery of excellence in industry and assist its member companies through and government, with a wide range of perspectives biomedical science within all aspects of healthcare, and and views on policy-relevant science, and the a broad range of services, including technical policy providing the highest standards of service to patients Society is a leading communicator of this science to and the public.By supporting our members in their and standards, commercial issues, market data and government bodies and other non-technical practice of biomedical science we set quality standards for the profession through: training, education, export services. audiences. assessments, examinations and continuous professional development.

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 31 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Contact: Delia Mertoiu Contact: Michelle Medhat Contact: Bev Mackenzie 5 Cambridge Court Institute of Innovation & Knowledge Institute of Marine Engineering, Science 210 Shepherds Bush Road Exchange and Technology (IMarEST), Aldgate House, London W6 7NJ Rex House 33 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1EN Tel: 020 7603 6316 4 – 12 Regent Street Tel: +44(0) 20 7382 2600 E-mail: [email protected] London SW1Y 4PE Fax: +44(0) 20 7382 2667 Website: www.ifst.org www. InnovationInstitute.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.imarest.org IFST is the independent qualifying body for food IKE is the UK's professional body for innovators. It accredits and certificates innovation practices. We professionals in Europe. Membership is drawn from influence the inter-relationship between education, Established in London in 1889, the IMarEST is a all over the world from backgrounds including leading international membership body and business, and government through research and industry, universities, government, research and learned society for marine professionals, with over collaborative networks. Our Innovation Manifesto 15,000 members worldwide. The IMarEST has an development and food law enforcement. highlights our commitment to support the extensive marine network of 50 international IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge development of innovative people and branches, affiliations with major marine societies relating to food science and technology and organisations. IKE runs think-tanks, conducts around the world, representation on the key marine promoting its application. Another important research, develops new business models and tools technical committees and non-governmental status element of our work is to promote and uphold and supports organisations to benchmark their at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as standards amongst food professionals. innovation capabilities. well as other intergovernmental organisations.

The Institute Institute of of Materials Measurement Finishing Contact: Alex Connor and Control 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Contact: Dr Trevor Crichton FIMF; Contact: Dr. Patrick A Finlay Tel: 020 7470 4819 MInstCorr; MRSC; CChem. Chief Executive Officer E-mail: [email protected] Email : [email protected] The Institute of Measurement and Control Website: www.iop.org Tel : 0121 622 7387 87 Gower Street, London WC1E 6AF Tel: +44 (0) 20 73874949 The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific The Institute of Materials Finishing is the premier E-mail: [email protected] membership society working to advance physics for technical organisation representing industry, Website: www.instmc.org the benefit of all. We have a worldwide academia and individual professionals in both the Reg Charity number: 269815 membership from enthusiastic amateurs to those at UK’s and global surface engineering and materials the top of their fields in academia, business, finishing sector. The Institute of Measurement and Control is a professional education and government. Our purpose is to engineering institution and learned society dedicated to the We actively promote continual education and gather, inspire, guide, represent and celebrate all science and application of measurement and control knowledge dissemination by providing both who share a passion for physics. And, in our role as technology for the public benefit. The InstMC has a a charity, we’re here to ensure that physics delivers distance learning and tutored training courses, as comprehensive range of membership grades for individuals on its exceptional potential to benefit society. well as a technical support service. We also provide engaged in both technical and non-technical occupations. bespoke courses that are tailored to an employer’s Also, it is licensed by the Engineering Council to assess and Alongside professional support for our members, register individuals as Chartered Engineers (CEng), we engage with policymakers and the public to specific needs. The Institute also publishes Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and Engineering Technicians increase awareness and understanding of the value Transactions of the Institute of Materials Finishing (EngTech). that physics holds for all of us. Our subsidiary and a bimonthly newsletter ( IMFormation ), as well The InstMC works to develop the knowledge and skills of company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in as holding regular regional and international individual engineers, fostering communication and scientific communications, publishing journals, technical meetings, symposia and conferences. advancing the science and practices within the industry. ebooks, magazines and websites globally.

Institute of Institution Physics and of Civil Engineering Engineers

in Medicine Contact: Alex Green-Wilkes, Public Affairs Manager , Contact: Rosemary Cook CBE (CEO) One Great George Street, Westminster, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, London SW1P 3AA, UK York, YO24 1ES Tel: 020 7665 2109 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ice.org.uk Website: www.ipem.ac.uk

IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the Established in 1818 and with over 86,000 advancement, in the public interest, of physics and members in 167 countries worldwide, ICE is a engineering applied to medicine and biology. Its members are medical physicists, clinical and bio- leading source of expertise in infrastructure and engineers, and clinical technologists. It organises engineering policy and is widely seen as the training and CPD for them, and provides opportunities independent voice of infrastructure. ICE provides for the dissemination of knowledge through publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is licensed by advice to all political parties and works with the Science Council to award CSci, RSci and RSciTech, industry to ensure that civil engineering and and by the Engineering Council to award CEng, IEng construction remain major contributors to the and EngTech. UK economy.

32 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Institution of Engineering Designers Contact: Richard Campbell 1 Birdcage Walk Contact : Libby Meyrick Contact: Joanna Cox London SW1H 9JJ Courtleigh IET Tel: 020 7973 1293 Westbury Leigh Michael Faraday House E-mail: [email protected] Westbury Six Hills Way Website: www.imeche.org Wiltshire BA13 3TA Stevenage Tel: 01373 822801 SG1 2AY Fax: 01373 858085 Tel: +44(0)1438 765690 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The Institution provides politicians and civil servants Website: www.ied.org.uk Web: www.theiet.org with information, expertise and advice on a diverse The only professional membership body solely for range of subjects, focusing on manufacturing, those working in engineering and technological The IET is a world leading professional organisation, energy, environment, transport and education product design. Engineering Council and Chartered sharing and advancing knowledge to promote policy. We regularly publish policy statements and Environmentalist registration for suitably qualified science, engineering and technology across the host political briefings and policy events to establish members. Membership includes experts on a wide world. Dating back to 1871, the IET has over range of engineering and product design a working relationship between the engineering 163,000 members in 127 countries with offices in disciplines, all of whom practise, manage or profession and parliament. educate in design. New for 2015: Chartership for Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Product Designers (CTPD).

Queens Road, Teddington Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Dr Elizabeth Rollinson, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Executive Secretary Medicine E-mail: [email protected] The Linnean Society of London Contact: Professor Peter Piot, Director Website: www.lgcgroup.com Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BF Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT LGC is an international science-based company and Tel: 020 7434 4479 ext 12 Tel: 020 7636 8636 market leader in the provision of analytical, forensic E-mail: [email protected] and diagnostic services and reference standards to Website: www.linnean.org Email: [email protected] customers in the public and private sectors. www.lshtm.ac.uk Under the Government Chemist function, LGC As the world’s oldest biological society, the Linnean fulfils specific statutory duties as the referee analyst Society of London is an essential forum and meeting and provides advice for Government and the wider point for those interested in natural history. The Society The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine analytical community on the implications of holds regular public events, publishes three peer- is a world-leading centre for research and analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards reviewed journals, promotes the study of the natural postgraduate education in public and global health, and regulation. LGC is also the UK’s designated world with several educational initiatives and is home to with over 4,000 students and more than 1,000 staff National Measurement Institute for chemical and a world famous library and collection of natural history working in over 100 countries across the world. Our biochemical analysis. specimens. The Society’s Fellows have a considerable depth and breadth of expertise encompasses many With headquarters in Teddington, South West range of biological expertise that can be harnessed to disciplines, and we are one of the highest-rated London, LGC has 36 laboratories and centres across inform and advise on scientific and public policy issues. research institutions in the UK. Europe and at sites in China, Brazil, India, South A Forum for Natural History Africa and the US.

Marine Biological Association

Contact: Anna Lucuk, Contact: Dr Matthew Frost Contact: Kirsty McBeath Director of Corporate Communication, Marine Biological Association, Met Office, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB Fitzroy Road, L’Oreal UK & Ireland Tel: 07848028388 Exeter, 255 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8AZ Fax: 01752 633102 EX1 3PB E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0208 762 4374 Email: [email protected] Website: mba.ac.uk Website: www.metoffice.gov.uk E-mail: [email protected] Since 1884 the Marine Biological Association has Website: www.loreal.co.uk The Met Office doesn’t just forecast the weather on been delivering its mission ‘to promote scientific television. Our forecasts and warnings protect UK research into all aspects of life in the sea, including L’Oréal employs more than 3,800 researchers communities and infrastructure from severe the environment on which it depends, and to world-wide and dedicates over €850 million each weather and environmental hazards every day – disseminate to the public the knowledge gained.’ year to research and innovation in the field of they save lives and money. Our Climate Programme The MBA represents its members in providing a healthy skin and hair. The company supports delivers evidence to underpin Government policy clear independent voice to government on behalf women in science research through the L’Oréal through the Met Office Hadley Centre. Our Mobile UNESCO For Women In Science Programme and of the marine biological community. It also has an Meteorological Unit supports the Armed Forces engages young people with science through the extensive research programme and a long history as around the world. We build capacity overseas in L’Oréal Young Scientist Centre at the Royal an expert provider of advice for the benefit of policy Institution. L’Oréal also collaborates with a vast support of international development. All of this makers and wider society. number of institutions in the UK and globally. built on world-class environmental science.

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 33 SCIENCE DIRECTORY

Advancing the science of nature Contact: Dr Paul Richards Contact: Fiona Auty Policy Manager National Physical Laboratory Contact: John Jackson Microbiology Society Hampton Road, Teddington Head of Science Policy and Communication Charles Darwin House Middlesex TW11 0LW Natural History Museum 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU Tel: 020 8977 3222 Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Tel: 020 7685 2542 Website: www.npl.co.uk/contact-us Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5257 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.microbiologysociety.org The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the United Website: www.nhm.ac.uk Kingdom’s national measurement institute, an The Microbiology Society is the largest learned We challenge the way people think about the natural world microbiological society in Europe with a worldwide internationally respected and independent centre – its past, present and future membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, of excellence in research, development and We use our unique collection and unrivalled expertise to research institutes and schools. The Society publishes knowledge transfer in measurement and materials tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. key academic journals, organises international science. For more than a century, NPL has We are leaders in the scientific understanding of the origin scientific conferences and provides an international developed and maintained the nation’s primary of our planet, life on it and can predict the impact of future forum for communication among microbiologists. measurement standards - the heart of an change. The Society promotes the understanding of infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, We study the diversity of life and the delicate balance of microbiology to a diverse range of stakeholders, ecosystems to ensure the survival of our planet. consistency and innovation in physical including policy-makers, students, teachers, We help enable food security, eradicate disease and manage measurement. journalists and the wider public, through a resource scarcity. comprehensive framework of communication We inspire people to engage with science to solve major activities and resources. societal challenges.

PHARMAQ Ltd

Contact: Alex Miles Contact: Dr Benjamin P North Contact: Nick Allen Deputy Director, External Relations PHARMAQ Ltd Executive Officer (Public Affairs) Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Estate Boughton Green Road, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD Fordingbridge Northampton, NN2 7AL E-mail: [email protected] Hants SP6 1PA. Tel: 01604 735500 Mobile: 07917115197 Tel: 01425 656081 Fax: 01604 716502 Twitter: @AlextoMiles E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.nottingham.ac.uk Website: www.pharmaq.no Website: www.northampton.ac.uk PHARMAQ is the only global pharmaceutical company With 43,000 students and campuses in with a primary focus on aquaculture. Our mission is to The University of Northampton is an institution Nottingham, China and Malaysia, The University of provide environmentally sound, safe and efficacious committed to science education through initial Nottingham is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly health products to the global aquaculture industry global university’. With more than 97 per cent of through targeted research and the commitment of teacher training, a STEM Ambassador network dedicated people. We have a product portfolio that which works within the community and teaching research at the University recognised internationally includes over 20 fish vaccines along with specialist feed and research to doctoral level. We are an Ashoka U according to the Research Excellence Framework additives, anaesthetics, antibiotics, sea lice treatments and ‘Changemaker Campus’ status university 2014, the University is ranked in the top 1% of the biocide disinfectants. Through our sister company, PHARMAQ Analytiq, we also offer a range of diagnostics recognising our commitment to social innovation world’s universities by the QS World University services that can be used to help safeguard fish welfare and entrepreneurship. Rankings. and improve productivity.

Contact: Dr Andrew Muir Contact: Henry Lovett Contact: Sue Ferns, c/o STFC Innovations Ltd Policy & Public Affairs Officer Director of Communications and Research , Harwell Campus Oxford OX11 0QX Hodgkin Huxley House New Prospect House Tel: 0121 710 1990 30 Farringdon Lane 8 Leake St, London SE1 7NN E-mail: [email protected] London EC1R 3AW Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 Website: www.rainbowseedfund.com Tel: +44 (0) 20 7269 5722 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] The Rainbow Seed Fund is a £24m, early-stage www.prospect.org.uk Website: www.physoc.org venture capital fund dedicated to kick-starting Prospect is an independent, thriving and forward- promising technology companies emerging from Physiology is the science of how molecules, cells and looking trade union with 117,000 members across the UK science base. The Fund is backed by ten UK organs work in the body. Representing over 3500 the private and public sectors and a diverse range of publicly-funded research organisations and the occupations. We represent scientists, technologists Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and life scientists, The Physiological Society supports and other professions in the civil service, research holds investments in some of the UK’s most scientific research through its grants schemes, councils and private sector. innovative companies in areas as diverse as novel conferences and its three open access journals. Prospect’s collective voice champions the interests of antibiotics, research into Alzheimer’s disease, The Society also supports the teaching of physiology the engineering and scientific community to key “green” chemicals and airport security. The Fund is in schools and universities, and works to promote an opinion-formers and policy makers. With managed by Midven, a specialist venture capital negotiating rights with over 300 employers, we seek understanding of physiology amongst policy-makers company. We are prepared to invest early and help to secure a better life at work by putting members’ build a proposition to attract additional investment and the general public. pay, conditions and careers first. and get to market.

34 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 SCIENCE DIRECTORY

Contact: Office of the Science Directorate Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB Tel: 020 8332 5050/5248 Contact: Helen Wilkinson Email: [email protected] Dallam Court, Dallam Lane Website: www.kew.org Warrington, WA2 7LT Contact: Juniour Blake RBG Kew is a centre of global scientific expertise in plant and Tel: 01925 41 3984 External Relations Manager fungal diversity, conservation, and sustainable use, housed in E-mail: [email protected] Royal Academy of Engineering two world-class gardens. Our scientific vision is to document Website: www.risksol.co.uk 3 Carlton House Terrace and understand global plant and fungal diversity and its uses, Risk Solutions helps our clients make better decisions in London SW1Y 5DG bringing authoritative expertise to bear on the critical a complex and uncertain world. challenges facing humanity today. Tel: 020 7766 0600 Kew’s strategic priorities for science are: Using traditional qualitative and quantitative methods, E-mail: [email protected] combined with cutting-edge participative approaches, 1. To document and conduct research into global plant and Website: www.raeng.org.uk fungal diversity and its uses for humanity. we work with clients from across the public and private sectors, their stakeholders and customers, to bring a 2. To curate and provide data-rich evidence from Kew’s As the UK’s national academy for engineering, we unrivalled collections as a global asset for scientific depth of understanding of the issues and to develop bring together the most successful and talented research. consensus about how to tackle them. engineers for a shared purpose: to advance and 3. To disseminate our scientific knowledge of plants and Our small, highly motivated and client focused team promote excellence in engineering. We have four fungi, maximising its impact in science, education, delivers: conservation policy and management. • policy design, appraisal and decision support strategic challenges: drive faster and more balanced These priorities enable us to curate, use, enhance, explore • risk assessment and risk based strategies and plans economic growth; foster better education and skills; and share Kew’s global resource, providing robust data and a strong evidence base for our UK and global stakeholders. • evaluation, assurance and organisational review, and lead the profession; and promote engineering at the heart of society. Kew is a non-departmental government body with exempt • training, coaching and guidance. charitable status, partially funded by Defra.

Contact: Becky Purvis Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Head of Public Affairs Director of Science and Education The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace Contact: Dr Stephen Benn The Royal Institution London SW1Y 5AG. Director of Parliamentary Affairs 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Tel: 020 7451 2261 Royal Society of Biology Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Email: [email protected] Charles Darwin House E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.royalsociety.org 12 Roger Street Websites: www.rigb.org, London WC1N 2JU www.richannel.org The Royal Society is the academy of science in the UK Tel: 020 7685 2550 Twitter: ri_science and the Commonwealth comprising 1400 outstanding individuals representing the sciences, engineering and E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rsb.org.uk The Royal Institution (Ri) has been at the forefront of medicine. The Society has played a part in some of the public engagement with science for over 200 years most fundamental, significant and life-changing The Royal Society of Biology is a single unified voice, and our purpose is to encourage people to think discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society representing a diverse membership of individuals, further about the wonders of science. We run public scientists continue to make outstanding contributions learned societies and other organisations. We are events and the famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES ®, a to science across the wide breadth of research areas. committed to ensuring that we provide Government national programme of Masterclasses for young and other policy makers – including funders of people in mathematics, engineering and computer Through its Fellowship and permanent staff, it seeks to ensure that its contribution to shaping the future of biological education and research – with a distinct point science, educational activities at the L’Oréal Young of access to authoritative, independent, and evidence- science in the UK and beyond has a deep and enduring Scientist Centre and policy discussions with science based opinion, representative of the widest range of impact, supporting excellence in science and students. And through the Ri Channel we share the bioscience disciplines. Our vision is of a world that stories behind cutting-edge science with people encouraging the development and use of science for understands the true value of biology and how it can around the world. the benefit of humanity. contribute to improving life for all.

Society for Underwater Technology Contact: Dr Christopher Brown, Policy Officer Society for Underwater Technology Contact: Clare Viney Charles Darwin House, Contact: David Liddle, Business Executive Director, Communications, 12 Roger Street, Development Executive Policy and Campaigns Royal Society of Chemistry, Thomas Graham London, WC1N 2JU 1 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1 BR House (290), Science Park, Milton Road, [email protected] Tel: 020 3440 5535 Cambridge, CB4 0WF +44 (0)207 685 2596 Fax: 020 3440 5980 Tel 020 7440 2267 E-mail: [email protected] Email [email protected] SfAM is a UK organization, serving microbiologists Website: www.sut.org Website: www.rsc.org internationally. It works to advance, for the benefit of The Royal Society of Chemistry is the world’s leading the public, the science of microbiology in its application The SUT is a multidisciplinary learned society that chemistry community, advancing excellence in the to the environment, human and animal health, brings together individuals and organisations with a chemical sciences. With over 50,000 members and a agriculture, and industry. With Wiley-Blackwell, S fAM common interest in underwater technology, ocean knowledge business that spans the globe, we are the publishes five internationally acclaimed journals. Value science, and offshore/subsea engineering. The UK’s professional body for chemical scientists; a not- for money and a modern, innovative and progressive society was founded in 1966 and has members for-profit organisation with 170 years of history and outlook are its core principles. A friendly society, S fAM from over 40 countries, including engineers, an international vision of the future. We promote, values integrity, honesty, and respect, and seeks to scientists, other professionals and students working support and celebrate chemistry. We work to shape promote excellence and professionalism and to inspire in these areas. the future of the chemical sciences – for the benefit young microbiologists. of science and humanity.

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 35 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Society of Chemical Society of Industry Cosmetic Scientists Contact: John Murray Contact: Sharon Todd Contact: Gem Bektas, Society of Maritime Industries SCI Secretary General 28-29 Threadneedle Street, 14-15 Belgrave Square Society of Cosmetic Scientists London EC2R 8AY London SW1X 8PS Suite 109 Christchurch House Tel: 020 7628 2555 Fax: 020 7638 4376 Tel: 020 7598 1500 40 Upper George Street E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2RS Website: www.maritimeindustries.org Website www.soci.org Tel: 01582 726661 Fax: 01582 405217 The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) is the voice Established by Royal Charter in 1881, SCI is a unique E-mail: [email protected] multi-disciplinary community. Set up by a prominent of the UK’s maritime engineering and business Website: www.scs.org.uk group of forward thinking scientists, inventors and sector promoting and supporting companies which entrepreneurs, SCI continues to be a multi-science and Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary industry network based around chemistry and related design, build, refit and modernise ships, and supply objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide sciences. Our charitable objective is to promote links range of disciplines from organic and physical equipment and services for all types of commercial between science and industry for the benefit of society. Our passion is invention and creation. chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, and naval ships, ports and terminals infrastructure, microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. We deliver our charitable objective by: offshore oil and gas, maritime security and safety, Members are scientists and the SCS helps them • Supporting the commercial application of science into marine science and technology, maritime industry progress their careers and the science of cosmetics ethically and responsibly. Services include publications, autonomous systems and marine renewable • Tackling global challenges across Agrifood, Energy, educational courses and scientific meetings. Environment, Health and Materials energy.

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Contact: Chris Magee Contact: Dr Rob Singh Contact: Dr Robert Hubrecht Head of Policy and Media Deputy Director, Enterprise Chief Executive and Scientific Director Understanding Animal Research Wivenhoe Park The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Hodgkin Huxley House Colchester CO4 3SQ Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. 30 Farringdon Lane, London EC1R 3AW T 01206 874278 Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. direct tel: 020 3675 1234 E [email protected] Email: [email protected] email: [email protected] W www.essex.ac.uk/business Website: www.ufaw.org.uk http://www.understandinganimalresearch.org. Registered in England Charity No: 207996 uk/ Established in 1964, the University of Essex is ranked as one of the Top 20 universities in the UFAW, the international animal welfare science Understanding Animal Research is a not-for-profit Research Excellence Framework and is awarded society, is an independent scientific and educational organisation that explains why animals are used in Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework. It is charity. It works to improve animal lives by: medical, veterinary, environmental and other scientific home to world-leading expertise in analytics and • supporting animal welfare research data science, with research peaks spanning the research. We aim to achieve a broad understanding of • educating and raising awareness of welfare social sciences, sciences, and humanities. Pioneers the humane use of animals in medical, veterinary, issues in the UK and overseas scientific and environmental research in the UK. We of quantitative methods and artificial intelligence work closely with policymakers to ensure regulation is techniques, Essex is also in the UK top 10 for • producing the quarterly scientific journal Animal effective and are a trusted source of information for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and works with Welfare and other high-quality publications on the national and international media. We are funded businesses to embed innovation into operations, animal care and welfare by our members who include universities, professional through KTPs, knowledge exchange and contract • providing advice to government departments societies, trade unions, industry and charities. research. and other concerned bodies.

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

Tel: 01223 899614 Fax:01223 894219 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.twi-global.com The Welding Institute is the leading institution providing engineering solutions and knowledge transfer in all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life integrity management. Industrial membership provides access to innovative problem-solving from one of the world’s foremost independent research and technology organisations. Non-Corporate services include membership and registration, education, training and certification for internationally recognised professional development and personnel competence assurance. TWI provides Members and stakeholders with authoritative and impartial expert advice, knowhow and safety assurance through engineering, materials and joining technologies.

36 Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 SCIENCE DIARY PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC ROYAL SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY THE ROYAL SOCIETY COMMITTEE 13 March 2018 Details of all events can be found on the Tel: 020 7222 7085 Voice of the Future events calendar at [email protected] . Email: [email protected] Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, Houses For scientific meetings queries: www.scienceinparliament.org.uk of Parliament, London SW1A 2LW [email protected] follow us on Twitter @ParlSciCom 25 April 2018 7:00-10:00pm Monday 15 January 2018 5:30pm THE ROYAL INSTITUTION Royal Society of Biology Accreditation Discussion meeting followed by drinks Details of all events and booking Award Ceremony reception information can be found at Terrace Pavilion, House of Commons, Data as a Resource www.rigb.org/whats-on. Houses of Parliament SW1A 0AA Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House 26 June 2018 10:00am-12:30pm PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF Monday 5 March 2018 5:30pm Parliamentary Links Day SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Discussion Meeting The Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, Houses of POST organises events that connect Revolutionising cancer treatment Parliament, London SW1A 2LW Parliamentarians to leading experts from the Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House research community and other sectors 10 October 2018 including government, the third sector and Monday 12 March 2018 12:15pm Biology Week Reception business on a range of topics. Details can The Annual Science Poster Competition Churchill Room, House of Commons, be found at www.parliament.uk/mps-lords- STEM for BRITAIN Houses of Parliament SW1A 0AA and-offices/offices/bicameral/post/post- Attlee Suite, Portcullis House events/ 5 December 2018 Christmas Parliamentary Reception Churchill Room, House of Commons, Houses of Parliament SW1A 0AA Please contact Karen Patel and Stephen Benn at [email protected] for more details.

SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT OFFICERS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY 3 Birdcage Walk & SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE London SW1H 9JJ T: 020 7222 7085 sip F: 020 7222 7189 President: The Lord Oxburgh KBE FRS Professor Colin Seabrook MBE Chairman: Mr Stephen Metcalfe MP Ms Doris-Ann Williams www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Deputy Chairman: Ms Chi Onwurah MP Professor Francesca Medda Editor: Dr Isabel Spence Hon Treasurer: Lord Willis of Knaresborough Advisory Panel: Mr David Youdan Hon Secretary: Ms Carol Monaghan MP Dr David Dent Editorial Assistant: Mrs Karen Smith Vice-Presidents: Mr Paul Ridout Ms Rebecca Purvis Mr Philip Greenish CBE Secretariat: Dr Isabel Spence Dr Stephen Benn Mrs Karen Smith Mr Atti Emecz Professor Ian Haines Dr Guy Hembury

Published by Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Published four times a year. The 2017 subscripton rate is £80. Single numbers £20. ISSN 0263-6271 All enquiries, including those from members wishing to take the front or back covers, advertise in the journal or appear in the directory to Dr Isabel Spence, email [email protected]. Copyright ©2017 by Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. All rights reserved. None of the articles in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Type/layout by VAL Design Services and printed by Premier Print Group.

Science in Parliament | Vol 73 No 4 | Winter 2017 37 PARLIAMENT SHOWCASES BRITAIN’S FUTURE Scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Mathematicians

STEM for BRITAIN on Monday 12 March 2018 Atlee Suite, Portcullis House

The annual poster competition and exhibition for early career researchers www.stemforbritain.org.uk