Autumn 2007 SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT

Imperial College Centenary

Dual Funding

Clinical Trials

Elephant Survival

Earth Observation from the Iridium Satellite Constellation, 2013-2030

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 3 Summer 2007 The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk SCIENCE IN Science in Parliament has two main objectives: a) to inform the scientific and industrial communities PARLIAMENT of activities within Parliament of a scientific nature The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. and of the progress of relevant legislation; The Committee is an Associate Parliamentary Group b) to keep Members of Parliament abreast of members of both Houses of Parliament and British members of the European Parliament, representatives of scientific affairs. of scientific and technical institutions, industrial organisations and universities.

Government’s re- organisation of the DfES and DTI was done with the best of intentions, but had Contents they thought through Autumn 2007 Volume 64 Number 4 the knock-on impact on the existence of Government IT failures – fact or fiction? 1 the Science & Opinion by Andrew Miller MP Technology (S&T) Select Committee? The Linnean Tercentenary in London 2 The new Department The New Royal Institution 3 of Innovation, Baroness Greenfield and Kristen Dodd Universities and Skills (DIUS), with John Falling on DEFRA ears 5 Denham as its Secretary of State, will give a Alan D B Malcolm greater focus on STEM and ensure that the work The forensic use of bioinformation: ethical issues 6 of our scientists and engineers results in more Professor Sir Bob Hepple new products and better use of the knowledge that they gain. Science in Scotland – Making a Difference 8 Much of the work of the existing S&T Professor Anne Glover Committee will be covered by the new DIUS UK Biobank 10 Departmental Select Committee, which begins its Professor Rory Collins work after the Queen’s Speech, scheduled for 6 Science City York 12 November. The plan is to build a DIUS Paul Taylor Committee of 14 MPs, rather than the usual 11, Global Climate Change – Plans for a 15-year Space Odyssey so that a S&T Sub-Committee can be created. Dr Bill Simpson The current S&T Committee’s Chairman, Liberal Democrat Phil Willis, will chair the new DIUS “A cross-disciplinary think tank, very cool!” 16 Committee. Toppling the ivory towers 18 But, will the new S&T Sub-Committee have the Sir Richard Sykes clout to carry out the powerful cross-cutting More than Samba: UK and Brazil as Partners in Science 20 investigations of all Government departments Elephants – Will they survive the next 100 years in the wild? 21 and agencies that have been a feature of the Addresses to the P&SC by Dr Ian Whyte and Prof Twink Allen current S&T Committee? It will have fewer Members on it, probably about 6, and less Elephant survival needs good science and clear thinking 24 resources in terms of travel allowances and Dr Keith Lindsay administrative staff. In the end, it will probably Is Dual Funding of our Universities fit for purpose in the 21st Century? 26 depend on the commitment of its Members and Addresses to the P&SC by Rana Thirunamachandran, Sir Keith O’Nions and their new Chairman. Dr Peter Cotgreave Otherwise, despite all the conference season The Design and Regulation of Modern Clinical Trials 32 speculation about a snap Autumn General Addresses to the P&SC by Sir Gordon Duff, Prof Janet Darbyshire and Dr Julia Dunne Election, we coast towards the next Queen’s Chinese visitors review UK progress on energy generation 38 Speech with the same personalities in place. A Anthony Darbyshire major debate should then ensue on the proposed Human Tissues and Embryology Bill. I hope that Earth Air Fire Water 40 the debate on revising the 1990 Human Fertility RSC Parliamentary Links Day and Embryology Act will not be completely The man who fed the world 42 hijacked by the inevitable abortion debate. Book review by Dr David Dent In this edition of SiP we include coverage of a House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology 43 visit by a Chinese delegation to study energy House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee 45 generation in the UK. Whilst their focus was on renewable resources, the P&SC took the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology 46 opportunity to discuss clean coal technologies. Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions and Answers 47 It’s a pity though that BP has decided not to go Parliamentary and Scientific Committee News 52 ahead with its carbon capture and storage Euro-News 53 generation plant in Scotland. 2007 Volume Index 54 Dr Brian Iddon MP Science Directory 55 Chairman, Editorial Board Science Diary 64 Science in Parliament

Cover graphic supplied courtesy of Iridium Satellite LLC, USA. ISSN 0263-6271 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 OPINION Government IT failures – fact or fiction? Andrew Miller MP

ow many times do we hear in challenge of any large-scale project as the media of another something to fear. In 2006 in New Hgovernment computer failure? Zealand where Dunedin academics A new industry has grown bringing Robin Gauld and Shaun Goldfinch together those who are opposed to published “Dangerous Enthusiasms – new systems because of employment E-Government, Computer Failure issues and those who have a vested and Information System interest in failure. Development”, the central theme of which is information technology estimated that £4.4 billion is being Examples of the first can be seen in projects – especially big ones – saved through central procurement of classic HR stories such as: generally exceed their budgets and IT systems by NHS CFH compared “Double Government Computer timeframes, or fail to deliver the with what could have been achieved Failure Shows Plans to Axe all desired results, and it pays to be by individual NHS organisations Emergency Fire Control Rooms Will pessimistic. Similar pessimism can be purchasing the same systems Cost Lives.” (PR Newswire Europe seen in many other places. Indeed separately. November 27, 2004 ) some have joked that Computer Weekly Patients’ lives have been put at risk couldn’t exist without its diet of by systems going down: There is no The article said, “The latest Government computer failure stories! Government computer crash at the such evidence. In any case what self- Department of Work and Pensions The latest and perhaps the biggest ever respecting designer would put shows the folly of the Government is Connecting for Health, the together such a complex system plans to axe all existing emergency fire Government’s ambitious multi-billion without safety being paramount and control rooms. The move will make pound project that is revolutionising there are always tried and trusted the fire brigade 999 service far more the NHS. Is this a challenging manual systems to fall back on in an prone to catastrophic failure the union programme – yes, is it expensive – yes, emergency. (FBU) says, putting lives at risk.” but is it broken – no! It has been the Technical architecture is flawed: The victim of concerted efforts by people National Programme for IT is a Similarly a story in the South who should know better than to Yorkshire Star of 26 November 2004 platform that will ensure that all undermine the tremendous progress systems within the NHS can work was headed: “Computer failure threat and the successful roll-out of parts of to benefits payments” together. It is not one enormous IT the system. system. There is a robust technical It argued benefit payments to Lord Warner, who, as a previous architecture designed to cope with thousands of people in South Health Minister, has followed this enormous volumes of traffic. The new Yorkshire could be delayed after what project over some years, named names applications are also being delivered is thought to be the biggest-ever and questioned the role of Professor gradually – there will be no “big government computer failure. And it Ross Anderson of Cambridge bang”. This will ensure that the new went on to say, “Trade unions are now University, by quoting from a series of systems continually evolve and there is calling on the Government to drop e-mails that have got into the public a resolution of any problems that arise. plans to cut 40,000 jobs in the DWP.” domain, apparently linking a group of And it is even a myth that Scotland The common link is not that they are academics, the “Big Opt Out” and Wales won’t be able to talk to each IT stories but they are about people campaign and parts of the other! issues. Whilst it is perfectly Conservative Party 1. You have to judge understandable for Trade Unions to yourself the motives of the various We are a nation that has enormous use all tools at their disposal to people described in these exchanges success in “big science” and represent their members’ needs, and in the House of Commons on 6th engineering projects, why on earth examples like these cause an June, where I set out similar should we allow misguided people impression that the underlying arguments. 2 and sensationalist journalism to put us technology is itself prone to failure. off our stride? Connecting for Health There is room for some political will be good for the Nation’s health. These examples date back before the debate in all of that but let us return to last election and one simply asks the substantive issue: Can the system whether the doom mongers’ meet the needs of a 21st Century REFERENCES predictions have come to pass. The Health Service? 1 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/l answer is of course emphatically no. dhansrd/text/70621-0010.htm Perhaps we should examine a few of 2 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm And it is these stories that have led to the myths that are popularly quoted: 3 200607/cmhansrd/cm070606/debtext/70606- a plethora of publications across the 0011.htm#07060669001693 world that present the very real It’s a waste of money: Ovum have 3 http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 1 The Linnaean Tercentenary in London: From the 18th to the 21st Century

he Linnean Society of London is a leading forum for Tcontemporary discussions on natural history, genetics, systematics, biology and the history of plant and animal taxonomy. Founded in 1788, the Society takes its name from the great Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) who developed the system of binomial nomenclature. This system today provides the fundamental framework for knowledge of the biota of the Earth, supporting effective conservation measures and the sustainable use of biodiversity. Linnaeus’ library, botanical and zoological collections have been in the Society’s keeping since 1829, having been purchased from the estate of the Society’s first President, Sir James The King and Queen of Sweden with the President of the Linnean Society Edward Smith (1759-1828). correspondence, and an online with a presentation by Dr Sandra The year 2007 is a very special time in collaborative library catalogue Knapp on Linnaeus’ Global Outreach the Society’s history as it celebrates the providing bibliographic and location setting the theme for the year ahead. Tercentenary of the birth of Linnaeus. information on all publications by In February Sir David King addressed Its importance was recognised five Linnaeus and his pupils. The Society, the Society on the current state of years ago when the Society appointed with its publisher Wiley-Blackwell, are knowledge on Climate Change. Joint a Tercentenary Co-ordinator to plan a now in the process of digitising all meetings with the Geological Society year-long programme. Events have earlier legacy serial publications of the of London, the Royal Society, the been organised worldwide in Society, beginning with the first Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Royal recognition of the importance of his publication of the Transactions in Horticultural Society, the Zoological legacy and The Linnean Society of 1791. All of these projects are now Society of London and the Liverpool London planned its own exciting being delivered online and their Athenaeum provided opportunities for programme. Before this a number of completion will enable world-wide the wider scientific community to important projects had already been access to all of these key collections for discuss the role of Linnaean taxonomy initiated by the Society, including the the first time. and related subjects giving a broad provision of digital on-line access to view of progress since the time of the Linnaean biological collections, The Tercentenary year was launched at Linnaeus. access to the digital images of the an evening reception in December newly conserved Linnaean 2006. The scientific meetings began A visit from the King and Queen of Sweden on a Sunday in May heralded the opening of the Chelsea Flower show, where the Society’s exhibit ‘Linnaeus’ Legacy: 300 years of naming nature’ gained a silver-gilt medal. The same week saw the launch of the book Order out of Chaos by Dr Charlie Jarvis, which brings together for the first time information on the typification of all of Linnaeus’ plant names. Since 1981, hundreds of botanists around the globe have been studying names, specimens and illustrations in order to allow type specimens to be designated so that Linnaeus’ names can be applied clearly and consistently worldwide. This was followed by our own Tercentenary Anniversary meeting, with its associated tributes, followed the next day by an Anglo-Swedish symposium on A tribute to Linnaeus and Herbarium and Library his legacy (combining the names of the

2 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 two Linnaean gardens/exhibits at Two children’s lectures were held in It was at a meeting of the Society that Chelsea). The visit of the Emperor and conjunction with the Royal Institution. Darwin and Wallace’s ideas on Empress of Japan took place Other events took place at the Royal evolution by natural selection were immediately after the end of Chelsea Botanic Gardens, Kew, Chelsea Physic first presented. In the early 20th Flower Show. The Emperor is a fish Garden and included further joint century, the Society was a crucible for biologist and an Honorary Fellow of meetings in the Society’s Rooms with the new sciences of evolutionary the Society and addressed the meeting the Royal Society for Tropical Medicine biology, genetics and ecology, as it was on Linnaeus and Taxonomy in Japan. This and Hygiene, the International again some fifty years later for the was later published by Nature (Nature Association of Plant Taxonomy and the measurement of biodiversity and the 446, 139, 12 July 2007). The Institution of Mechanical Engineers. A practice of conservation. Latterly, the tercentenary month ended with an major international conference in the Society has been a midwife to Anglo-Swedish meeting titled In Netherlands, Linnaeus 300 - the future of pioneering taxonomic techniques such Linnaeus’ Wake, which combined a his science, sponsored by the Society, as cladistics and genomics; it has whole day meeting on different aspects paid homage to the role of that sparked important developments of marine biology with an evening visit country in launching Linnaeus and his within medicine and the social to the replica Swedish 18th Century concepts. Forthcoming meetings sciences through the work of its Merchant ship, the Götheborg III, include a keynote address on Parasites, ethnobotanical Fellows. The moored in London Docks. That gave people and poverty by Lord May, a availability of online sources to serve all a chance to experience first-hand debate on issues in systematic biology the taxonomic community is seen as some of the difficulties experienced by and a final Tercentenary reception and the best way of fulfilling the aims of the disciples of Linnaeus as they award ceremony in mid December will our Royal Charter which cites the travelled the world to gather bring the busy year to a close. Society’s role as ‘the cultivation of the specimens. Science of Natural History in all its branches’. The New Royal Institution Baroness Greenfield and Kristen Dodd

or over 200 years, the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RI) Fhas been ‘diffusing science for the common purpose of life’. Our vision is to celebrate science in all its aspects; as well as cutting edge research, but also to promote and facilitate the application of science to politics, education and most important of all, the needs of the general public. The aim of the RI has always been to encapsulate a unique range of activities and events for the general public. We have a long established Young Person’s Programme, a vigorous history of science department, ground breaking laboratory research and more recently a Science Media Centre.

It is an independent organisation, free from any private or public sector agendas. Our funding is derived from venue hire, membership fees, corporate sponsorship, gifts and donations, legacies, events and overheads from research. From January 2006-March 2008, the Ri is undergoing a £20 million major refurbishment partly supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund so that we can meet the demands and challenges of democratising science in the 21st Century. The Grade 1 listed building in Mayfair is being re-interpreted by world-renowned architects, Terry The grand staircase

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 3 experience and understanding of the scientific journey that unfolded at the RI. One of the exciting features will be a reconstruction of Faraday’s lab on its original site. This is where Faraday made some of the most important chemical and physical discoveries of the 19th century. It was once the servants’ hall and Faraday took it over during the 1820s for his experiments on magnetism. In direct contrast, the construction of a state-of-the-art glass fronted laboratory opposite Faraday’s will enable visitors to see for themselves real life science against a backdrop of scientific heritage. Scientific research continues to be a distinguishing aspect of the Royal Institution with the Davy Faraday Research Laboratory (DFRL). The DFRL was opened in 1896 and has been home to the pioneering work on crystallography by William and Lawrence Bragg, and the ground- breaking development of laser spectroscopy and photochemistry by George Porter and David Phillips. This rich tradition of scientific excellence will be continued with a renewed focus on biological applications of nanotechnology. Indeed, we are very excited to be hosting experimental science in all its aspects, particularly by catering for the researchers of the future. The Atrium The new building will house a Young Farrell and Partners, to provide an With the Theatre as the traditional iconic series of spaces with new Scientists’ Centre (YSC), a unique icon of the Royal Institution, Sir Terry concept in the UK that aims to opportunities for listening, thinking Farrell was commissioned to and talking about science and its provide experimental space for young conceptualise a modern, original, piece people to explore science from first impact on all aspects of our lives. de resistance that will transport the RI into the 21st Century. A 5-storey, principles, and essentially driven by As Director of the Royal Institution, I glazed glass atrium with a scenic lift their own curiosity. The YSC will offer feel privileged that this current will be erected as the social focal teachers and students the chance to milestone development of a major point of the building. The atrium will ask questions and design ways to refurbishment is happening on my not only connect all three floors of answer them, for example taking a watch. Now all the various activities exhibition and social spaces, but will computer apart or extracting their that have made the RI unique by offer improved disabled access. DNA, unconstrained by the taking place under one roof will do so boundaries of the national under a roof that will become an The former Faraday Museum will be curriculum. Indeed the spirit is architectural icon in London. The re-invented to showcase interactive encapsulated in the strap line: ‘where refurbishment will free up over 40% exhibitions that will encourage all investigation meets experiment’. We more space. visitors to learn about and engage are delighted that Mr Jim Knight, with science. Amongst the unique Minister of State for Schools and As well as a vastly extended public items on display are Humphry Davy’s Learners, has given his full support to events programme, our facilities will miner’s safety lamp, Michael Faraday’s this initiative. be on offer to outside organisations induction ring, the tube by which beyond the scientific community. John Tyndall explained why the sky is The Royal Institution has always been From spring 2008, these facilities will blue, James Dewar’s ‘Thermos flask’ an important place for scientific include a bar, café and restaurant, and the X-ray diffractrometer used by discovery, debate and showcase. In a meeting rooms, and of course the William and Lawrence Bragg. time when the impact of science and newly refurbished, world famous technology on everyone’s lives is Faraday Theatre. Faraday’s famous The new exhibition will communicate greater than at any other point in theatre, which appeared on the £20 the stories of the world-changing history, the new facilities will ensure note in the late 1990s, will be discoveries that originated at the that the RI is equipped to continue equipped with state-of-the-art audio Royal Institution. The new addition of this work into the 21st Century. visual technology. a PDA tour will enhance the visitor’s

4 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 OPINION Falling on DEFRA ears Alan D B Malcolm

uckily foot ‘n’ mouth disease absence of such human foibles hardly ever affects humans guaranteed that the site would be Lclinically. The economic effects unsafe. are of course extremely serious. The good news is that so far only a few Once upon a time, Government and hundred cattle, sheep and pigs have its departments decided what research been slaughtered. they needed, and usually owned the facility in which to carry it out. Bearing in mind that the laboratories Occasionally it was necessary to run by government, its agencies and commission a contractor to carry it out. the Institutes it supports, contain the money and the prestige. It could brucellosis, anthrax, salmonella, In the 1970s Lord Rothschild was afford to undercut any organisation clostridium botulinum, and (possibly) asked to investigate whether this was which was attempting to charge FEC. smallpox, this has been a salutary the best way to get value for money, scare. and concluded it was not. And so ten years ago, the ‘safety net’ of the commission was removed, and Will any lessons be learned from this? Laboratories were ‘privatised’ or Institutes had little choice if they We must certainly hope so, but do not turned into ‘agencies’ or put at arm’s wished to retain the contracts. They be too sanguine. This was an accident length from the department and had to cut costs to the bone, and in waiting to happen which was minister to whom they had once owed practice that meant reducing anticipated by those in charge. allegiance. overheads such as maintenance of grounds, facilities, and equipment. So how could it have happened? They were then told to compete for business. The problem here was that Many at Pirbright, and those who The reports (one by the HSE, and an their main competitors were visited the site in an official capacity, independent one by Professor Brian universities. At that time universities knew that the drains (and lots of other Spratt of Imperial College) agree on had little idea of the Full Economic features, according to reports) were two major facts. Cost of doing the research in question. well below the standard of a Category Indeed they received many hundreds 4 containment laboratory. But The first is sad, and reflects of millions of taxpayers’ pounds from everyone simply passed the buck. weaknesses in human nature. Secure the University Grants Committee, later doors were held open (politely) for to become HEFCE (Higher Education Sir Keith O’Nions, the Director colleagues to walk through. This did Funding Council for England), which General of the Research Councils, and not cause any accidents, but ensured that they had no motive for ultimately responsible for IAH, complicated clarification of what had doing so. Many small businesses, recently told the Parliamentary and happened afterwards. Similarly the log particularly in engineering, used to Scientific Committee that he had been for lorries entering the site was often complain that they were being unable to identify any specific illegible. Again this caused no undercut whenever they bid for public infrastructure flaws in university accident, but made it doubly difficult contracts by universities who were laboratories. to track vehicle movements after the subsidised by their taxes. event. Senior civil servants know that if you Laboratories owned by Government tell a minister the true cost of a project There were two biological safety departments or Research Councils (the Dome, the Scottish Parliament, officers who did not talk often enough, didn’t complain too much either, the Olympic Games), it will then be did not convene enough meetings to because they too received funds to rejected out of hand. They also know engage staff, and were not successful support their infrastructure. that the minister responsible for the enough in securing funds from the site ‘underestimate’ will have moved on manager to correct problems. In the early days, departments such as long before the chickens come home MAFF (later to become DEFRA) would to roost. Anyone who has run any facility, guarantee a ‘commission’ which would whether containing powerful ensure a level of funding in exchange If a Select Committee wants to get its pathogens, or merely selling postage for an agreed programme of work. teeth into something meaty when it stamps will recognise these all too returns in October, it could do worse normal behaviours. DEFRA became increasingly convinced than to find out why no-one has an that a university could and would interest in telling the truth about the However, there is also a fundamental carry out the research less expensively, true cost of doing frontline scientific structural problem which even in the because the university wanted both research of national importance.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 5 The forensic use of bioinformation: ethical issues Professor Sir Bob Hepple QC Chairman, Nuffield Council on Bioethics and Chair of the Working Group on The forensic use of bioinformation: ethical issues

ioinformation has been a valuable tool for detecting and Bprosecuting offenders ever since fingerprinting was first introduced in the late 19th Century. DNA profiling came along much later, in the 1980s, but its use in the UK grew rapidly. We now have by far the largest forensic DNA database in the world, per head of population, holding 4 million samples (or 6 per cent of the population).

Many criminals have been, and will continue to be, caught and convicted through the use of forensic bioinformation. In the year 2005- 2006, DNA samples from suspects or volunteers were matched with around 50,000 samples found at crime scenes. The crime detection rate increases from 26 per cent to 40 per cent when DNA evidence is available. However, the establishment of the National DNA Database and subsequent extensions to police powers were effected without any more sensitive because of the Ethical values and human meaningful public debate. It was for additional information which can be this reason that, while recognising the derived from a person’s DNA. For this rights value of bioinformation for forensic reason, particular attention is paid in The protection of the public from use, the Nuffield Council on the report to the forensic use of DNA. Bioethics, an independent body, criminal activities is a primary decided that a critical examination of Scientific reliability obligation of the state. It is also the subject was needed. necessary to protect certain The science and technology of DNA fundamental ethical values, such as The Council appointed a Working profiling is increasingly robust and liberty, autonomy, privacy, informed Group in 2006, which included reliable. However, problems can occur consent and equality. The Working members with expertise in law, with deliberate or accidental Group broadly endorsed a rights-based genetics, philosophy and social contamination of crime scene approach, which both recognised the science. As part of the inquiry, the samples, misinterpretation of mixed importance to human beings of respect Group held a public consultation, samples (those originating from more for their individual liberty, autonomy which elicited over 135 responses. than one person), and mistaken and privacy, and the need, in These revealed a wide range of views, interpretation of partial profiles. Our appropriate circumstances, to restrict from those who wholeheartedly recommendations regarding the use of these rights either in the general welcomed the expansion of forensic DNA in the criminal justice system interest or to protect the rights of databases, to those who viewed the are designed to reduce the risks of others. increase in police powers with deep mistaken identification resulting from suspicion. (relatively rare) cases of flawed The principle of ‘proportionality’ is at science. the heart of the recommendations in Although fingerprints are more the report. This means that any commonly used by police, the taking interference with legally enforceable and retention of DNA is seen as far human rights, such as the right to a

6 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 fair trial, the right to respect for consent to the permanent storage of and inconsistent, and genetic research private and family life, and the right DNA beyond the conclusion of the does not support the idea that to equal treatment, must be relevant case. At the very least, humans can be classified by proportionate. volunteers should be able to remove appearance into a limited number of their DNA at any later time without ‘races’. We recommend that ‘ethnic The use of DNA in criminal having to give a reason. inferences’ should not be routinely investigation sought, and they should be used with Children great caution. Collecting DNA There are around 750,000 under-18s The powers of the police in England on the National DNA Database. The Non-operational research and Wales to take DNA are wider United Nations Convention on the By the end of 2006, 33 requests had than those in any other country. DNA Rights of the Child requires that been made to conduct research using can be taken, without consent, from special attention be given to children the DNA Database that was not any person arrested for a ‘recordable’ in the legal system, including directly related to particular police offence (mostly offences that can lead opportunities for rehabilitation. We investigations, termed ‘non- to a prison sentence). The recommend that there should be a operational research’. However, the Government recently announced presumption in favour of removing publicly available information about plans to expand these powers DNA taken from children from the this research is inadequate. We further, by allowing police to take Database, if requested, unless there is recommend the regular publication of DNA from those arrested for ‘non- a good reason not to, for example, if further details about, for example, the recordable’ offences as well, such as it was a very serious offence. purpose of the research and whether the research has been scientifically littering and minor traffic offences. It DNA evidence in court is our view that this is and ethically reviewed. disproportionate to the aims of DNA evidence is very influential in identifying a person and of court, but the statistical implications A population-wide DNA confirming whether or not a person of it can be difficult to understand. database? was at a crime scene, and suspicion of We recommend that legal involvement in a minor offence does professionals should acquire a Some believe that taking the DNA of not justify the taking of minimum understanding of statistics everyone at birth to build a bioinformation without consent. with regard to DNA evidence. population-wide forensic database Information should also be made would assist the police whilst also We would like to see the police available to jury members about the removing problems of discrimination. instead put more resources into the capabilities and limitations of DNA However, this would be hugely collection of DNA from crime scenes. evidence. expensive and would have only a At present, fewer than 20 per cent of small impact on public safety. The crime scenes are forensically Other uses of the DNA intrusion of privacy incurred would examined. therefore be disproportionate to any Database possible benefits to society. For these Retaining DNA reasons, we are against the The police can permanently store Familial searching establishment of a population-wide DNA on the National DNA Database When DNA collected at a crime scene forensic DNA database at the current even if the individual is later found to does not match exactly any profile on time. be innocent. There are personal the Database, it is possible to search implications for these individuals, for relatives whose DNA would Governance and ethical such as loss of privacy, and anxiety provide a partial match. Many oversight about being associated with a possible relatives can be found, and ‘criminal’ database. We recommend the process may reveal previously The current legislative regulatory that the police should only be allowed unknown family relationships. We structure for the collection and to keep the DNA of people who are recommend that familial searching retention of forensic bioinformation is convicted of a crime, with the should not be used unless it is piecemeal and patchy. We exception of people charged with specifically justified in each case. recommend that there should be a serious violent or sexual offences. statutory basis for the regulation of These changes would bring the law in Ethnic inferencing forensic databases, which should England, Wales and Northern Ireland When DNA is collected from include oversight of research and into line with that in Scotland. individuals, the arresting officers other access requests. allocate them to one of seven broad Volunteers ethnic groups. This information has The Council also suggests that an As part of a criminal investigation, been used in research and now independent tribunal should be set victims or witnesses may be asked by forensic analysts can tell the police up to oversee requests by individuals the police to volunteer DNA and the likely ethnic group of a DNA to remove their DNA from the allow it to be added permanently to sample collected from a crime scene. Database, and that safeguards should the DNA Database. There is currently The police may use this to narrow be put in place regarding access to the no option for it to be removed at a down their pool of suspects. Database by international law later date. We recommend that However, the practice of assigning a enforcement agencies. volunteers should not be asked to ‘racial type’ to individuals is subjective

Further information about the report The forensic use of bioinformation: ethical issues is available at www.nuffieldbioethics.org

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 7 Science in Scotland – Making a Difference Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland

y first 12 months as Mathematics is the second most Scotland’s first Chief popular subject at Higher/A level, MScientific Adviser have followed by Chemistry, Biology and been a baptism of fire. Days have been Physics – with a slight increase in from Scotland is somewhat premature. filled with delivering talks, establishing uptake of all four over the last year. Dundee, for example, is recognised networks, fact-finding visits and At degree level, the overall picture is worldwide as a major centre for life getting to grips with the complexities good with a sustained upward trend in sciences research and is also home to a of the civil service and a change of the overall numbers of Scots studying cluster of computer animation studios Government. Most of all though, it’s science subjects at Scottish Higher able to attract IT specialists from been a fantastic opportunity to sell Education Institutions, particularly in around the globe. science. From the children I met in the Mathematical and Biological National Science and Engineering Other areas of Scottish expertise Sciences. It is true that there are fewer Week, to Chinese journalists, and Irish involve world-leading stem cell students choosing Chemistry, but government officials, I’ve spent the research in Edinburgh, home to other areas – including Forensic past year not just talking about the Europe’s largest stem cell network, Science (which contains an awful lot career opportunities that science including a new Centre for of analytical chemistry) – have grown, presents in Scotland but also the Regenerative Medicine that is bringing highlighting an apparent shift from strength and depth of the science base together basic research as well as ‘pure’ science subjects to those with a we have here, and the opportunities technology development and more more applied or vocational focus. this offers to both our indigenous commercial activities. Scotland is also Encouragingly, the report also suggests industries and to inward investors. It home to the Institute of that there will be a strong demand for is important that the wider business Nanotechnology, the UK Astronomy scientists within the Scottish labour community in Scotland and globally is Technology Centre, and several centres market in the future. aware of and can take advantage of of excellence in computing and developments in our science base. The The strength and quality of our informatics that generate cutting edge Scottish public can be justifiably science and research base impacts very research as well as underpinning other proud of our impact on the rest of the positively on our teaching and this is disciplines such as genomics and world as science is one of the areas in reflected in the high numbers of proteomics. Neither should we forget which we truly excel as a nation. foreign students studying science in that our environment and abundant Scotland. They may be developing the coastline mean we are predisposed to Like the rest of the UK, Scotland has global research partnerships of the be at the forefront of developments in its fair share of doom-mongers and future and this type of early renewable energy. We are not short of nay-sayers: the people who complain interaction can provide links to wind, waves, tides and water. about falling uptake of science at Scotland they can call upon later in school and degree level, and those Scotland has only 0.1 per cent of the their careers. who talk of a brain drain in the upper world’s population yet we publish 1 echelons of research. But the truth is And what about those students who per cent of all scientific papers. This more positive than they would have decide to continue to work in science level of activity in high-quality you believe. Year after year, after graduating? Talk of a brain drain scientific research means we can

8 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 attract scientists of the highest calibre and to the public, engaged with all as funding when policy is developed. I to Scotland. In turn, it makes Scotland sectors of society to show the relevance was surprised when I started working an appealing place in which to invest of science in everyday life, made it within the Executive how few scientists – and major investors such as Wyeth accessible and even showed how much consider a career in the civil service. It and the Wellcome Trust are testament fun it can be. Importantly, we need to would be good to attract more to to that. Through initiatives in research get the public fully engaged with increase the diversity of backgrounds pooling, we have provided the means science’s role in answering some of the and skills found here to reflect, and to allow our universities to work more most pressing issues of our time, meet, the wide-ranging demands of closely together, including having joint including climate change, curing Ministers across their portfolios. graduate schools, in a number of areas diseases, and the future of the The truth is that science matters and such as Physics, Chemistry, developing world. touches everyone in their daily lives Environmental Sciences and Life On this last point, I think our science but we are so dependent on science Sciences. Our scale and connectivity community can play a key role. There and technology – our phones, our allow us to maximise the use of are lots of areas where Scotland has internet, our transport systems, the resources and compete internationally significant expertise and can make a food that we eat, our health and in research, attracting some of the real difference in developing countries, environmental services – that we have world’s best scientists to come and for instance renewable energy almost lost sight of it. Science is work here. The next challenge is to technologies and health research. The inspirational and exciting and it would ensure that scientific excellence is recent announcement that the Scottish be fantastic to see a cultural shift in translated into commercial activity and Government will double its Scotland, with science becoming as business innovation. This is no small international aid budget is good news, valued as the arts and music scene. My task but we have some interesting and I’m convinced that aid can be team also deals with funding for examples of imaginative ten year effective and sustainable through the science engagement, including investment in pre-competitive research practical appliance of science. I want to supporting the Royal Society of through three Intermediary work to strengthen the international Edinburgh, the four science centres in Technology Institutes (ITIs) in Life links that our universities and research Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee and Sciences (Dundee), Techmedia institutes have with the developing Glasgow, and vibrant science festival (Glasgow) and Energy (Aberdeen). world so we can exchange information activity stretching from Edinburgh to These aim to bridge the gap between and grow together. It would be hard to Shetland. These activities show just publicly-funded early stage research better Louis Pasteur’s sentiments when how fun, exciting and inspiring science and privately-backed commercial he said “Science knows no country, can be. We aspire to a Scotland where development and recognise that because knowledge belongs to science is accessible, whatever your age effective translation of research takes humanity, and is the torch which or background, where science literacy time and specialised input. illuminates the world.” amongst the general population is high and provides the tools with which to I believe the science base is strong in Closer to home, as Head of Science engage in debate about science and Scotland, but I don’t think we can be and Engineering Professions within the technology issues that will shape the complacent. Investment has to be Executive I’m keen to represent the 21st century. maintained, and a key role in ensuring views of scientists working here, and to that future generations study and work ensure a variety of satisfying career Scotland’s future depends so much on in science has to be played by our paths that make the most of their science, engineering and technology – scientists themselves. All of us with an talents. We are working closely on this not just our economy but our quality interest in the future of science share with colleagues within Government of life, health and environment. There this responsibility. A back-of-an- throughout the UK. I also want to are challenges of course, but I believe envelope calculation comes up with 1 promote science within the civil service the outlook for science is good in in 75 of the population working in in Scotland, as part of the evidence Scotland, and that it can make a science – imagine the difference it base for Ministers. I’d like to see significant contribution to the rest of could make if we all talked to schools science as fundamental a consideration the world.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 9 UK Biobank – Half a Million Steps to a Healthier Future

Professor Rory Collins, UK Biobank Chief Executive & Principal Investigator

n April 2007 a small, mixed group analysis, and that they consent to of people entered a commercial follow-up of their health over many Ioffice building in Manchester city years (electronically, using health centre to embark on one of the most records). ambitious health research projects ever undertaken. This will provide scientists of the future with the most detailed throughout, UK Biobank has sought to Their ranks, over the course of that information ever collected to help deliver the ‘gold standard’ in week, swelled to 300 – and now stand determine why some people get prospective epidemiological study at more than 20,000, and are growing certain illnesses and others do not – design. Many reviewers, including UK all the time. paving the way for better prevention Biobank’s prestigious International and treatment. Scientific Advisory Board, which met Another 480,000 people aged 40-69 in June, believe it is achieving that. will follow in their footsteps over the UK Biobank’s non-intrusive approach next four years, and most, if the first to the detailed questionnaire – Building trust with participants is participants are anything to go by, will interview by touch-screen computer, crucial to the long term success of the be motivated by one simple desire – to rather than by a person – is resulting project. UK Biobank seeks dialogue improve the health of future in high responses to all questions, with participants and their GPs before generations. even some which may stop you in the first invitations are mailed. It has your tracks. Would you feel systems in place to ensure it responds So, after the years of deliberation, comfortable telling an interviewer how quickly to concerns and worries. discussion, review and successful many sexual partners you have had? piloting, UK Biobank, a prospective Probably not, but most participants Communication with participants study of lifestyle, environmental and respond to all the computer’s takes a number of forms: genetic determinants of a wide range questions. of diseases, is finally on its way. • An Information Leaflet enclosed with Working together the letter of invitation; UK Biobank assessment centres are • A Further Information Leaflet now recruiting participants in Oxford, UK Biobank is a massive project and all those centrally involved have learnt available on request; Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff, with an enormous amount during its others planned in towns and cities inception and now its delivery. • A UK Biobank website: across the country as the programme www.ukbiobank.ac.uk; rolls out. It is funded by the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council, the • Information in: Welsh, Arabic, Participants in this visionary medical Department of Health, the Scottish Chinese, Bengali, Turkish, Gujarat, project are helping to build an Executive and the Northwest Regional Hindi, Polish, Russian, Urdu, unparalleled resource to give scientists Development Agency. It is hosted by Punjabi, Somali; of the future access to new the University of Manchester, has the information that will help cure and • A free telephone information service, support of the National Health Service six days a week (8am-7pm), which prevent many life-threatening, painful (NHS) and the Welsh Assembly and is and debilitating illnesses such as also allows participants to confirm a collaborative effort between 22 UK and change appointment times; cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, universities. dementia, arthritis and depression. • Senior UK Biobank staff available to Practical, scientific, ethical and legal respond to urgent calls that require Crucial to this is that participants questions have been addressed, from answer questions about their current immediate action (this escalation just how big should the study be, to process underlines the importance health and lifestyle, allow UK Biobank what is the best recruitment strategy to take some standard body with which UK Biobank takes all (bearing in mind costs and questions questions or concerns about the measurements (blood pressure, bone of privacy) for half a million people? density, lung function, height, weight, study); grip strength and body mass), that The approach has been discussed by • Alerting GPs to the fact that people they donate small samples of blood the funders, scientists, ethicists and registered with them will soon and urine for long-term storage and members of the public and, receive their invitations;

10 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 • Publicity campaigns involving local Electronic follow-up is planned healthcare community. This will and regional media, as well as through various databases of health improve our ability to link to external awareness raising side-of-bus records, some of which already exist in data sources and means that we are adverts; an easily accessible national form (eg active in the international community death and cancer registers; (EU Framework 6 and proposed • Engaging with like-minded charities occupational and dental records; Framework 7), and working on and researchers at universities across hospital episode statistics) and some harmonising data standards for the country to enhance the resource. that are being brought together in a biobanking worldwide. national format through Connecting Making contact for Health (eg GP records). Governance Contact details without any medical UK Biobank is largely dependent on The independent UK Biobank Ethics information are provided for people national sources for the provision of and Governance Council was aged 40-69 years by the NHS centrally. health care follow-up data for established by the Wellcome Trust and The only information provided about consented participants. Ideally, this the Medical Research Council (MRC) an individual is their name, address, data should be comprehensive and to act as guardian of the UK Biobank sex, date of birth, NHS number and complete for each participant and Ethics and Governance Framework. Its general practice. should be routinely refreshed remit includes advising more generally throughout the duration of the project. on the interests of research Approval for the release of this participants and the general public in information in confidence for the This in itself is a challenge, though relation to UK Biobank. The EGC is purpose of inviting participants into given the long-term nature of UK chaired by Graham Laurie, Professor of the UK Biobank project was obtained Biobank (it may be ten years before Medical Jurisprudence at the from the Patient Information Advisory the resource accrues enough cases of a University of Edinburgh. Group (PIAG) in accordance with particular disease to begin analyses) a Section 60 of the Health and Social consistent and thorough approach The future Care Act. Confirmation that this should be possible. processing of contact details complied Any study as ambitious as UK Biobank with the Data Protection Act was Agreement will also be sought on the will arouse comment and questions. obtained from the Office of the data requirements – how it will be The public interest in UK Biobank Information Commissioner. structured and provided and how UK means it is important to monitor our Biobank will know it is complete and levels of service and to respond and The UK Biobank Protocol, including accurate. improve when appropriate. the approach to recruitment, has also been approved by the NHS North Robotics technology has come together Scientifically, the focus is on delivering West Multicentre Research Ethics in novel ways to allow accurate enhancements to the dataset, ensuring Committee (MREC). processing of 20,000 1.4ml tubes the quality of the data so far recorded containing samples every day. And the and encouraging widespread UK Biobank understands the need for practicalities of storage have been engagement with the whole UK health transparency at all stages of its imaginatively addressed. Purpose built research and scientific communities, development. Its continued integrity facilities use a 3D ‘barcode’ embedded and, indeed, with researchers from and good name is crucial to the long- into the container of each frozen overseas. Access to the health records term success of the project. sample to provide for rapid storage that participants have so kindly agreed Participants need to be able to trust in and retrieval by robots. The we can follow is also important. the project since it deals with the most technology needs to withstand many sensitive, private matters of past, years of sub-zero temperatures. With UK Biobank is building a health present and future health. around 15 million aliquots eventually resource for researchers from around the world. Access will be governed by Storage and follow-up stored away, efficiency and accuracy here is essential. strict ethics and scientific criteria that comply with its stated aims. An Access Participants’ blood and urine are being Policy is currently being framed and stored in specially constructed state-of- It is important that we take a very structured approach to the will soon be available on the UK the-art facilities near Manchester. custodianship of data in UK Biobank Biobank website. Computer equipment able to hold which means that, with core systems, information anonymously and we are pursuing ISO accreditation and It has been a privilege to visit our securely, but also able to match health are subjecting all key technologies to assessment centres in recent months updates with individual records and audit. and find out what motivates people to the relevant blood and urine samples, join UK Biobank. The overwhelming has also been developed. We have adopted a principle of desire is to do something positive to complying with and helping to define help improve the health of future Great care is taken to ensure the appropriate data standards, which generations. Belief that science can confidentiality of all data, and details means that we are working to the HL7 deliver is inspiring. We do bear that in that might identify participants are standard (Health Level 7), which mind all the time as we strive to make removed from any information and supports the development, promotion this project a major force for health samples before they are provided to and implementation of standards in improvement not just in the UK, but researchers. ways which meet the needs of the around the world.

Further information: UK Biobank: www.ukbiobank.ac.uk or call Andrew Trehearne on 01865 743960 EGC: www.egcukbiobank.org.uk

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 11 Science City York – Prosperity through Knowledge

Paul Taylor, Project Director

early a decade since its launch, Science City York – Science City York continues to A Leading Science City be at the forefront of driving N Science City York was launched in innovation, creativity and enterprise in science and technology across York 1998 by Lord Sainsbury as a knowledge base by 2021. This will and North Yorkshire. partnership between the University of build on the 87 new businesses and York and City of York Council with 2,800 new jobs which have been The latest major undertaking for the subsequent investment from Yorkshire created since Science City York was successful business and skills Forward. launched. The most recent figures development initiative was as key available from the Office for National organiser of over 200 science-related The main aim of the Science City York initiative has always been to generate Statistics reveal that more than 35,000 events and activities which took place people are employed in technology- across York in September for the city new high quality business and employment opportunities in the City related occupations in York and North programme of the BA Festival of Yorkshire across almost 3,000 Science. of York. This was based on an identified need to diversify the businesses. One of the UK’s largest, most economy away from its then The engagement of the wider prestigious science festivals, the 2007 dependence on declining industries, community in Science City York BA Festival of Science saw 350 of the particularly heavy engineering. activity has been an integral part of its UK’s top scientists visiting York to strategy, ensuring the ‘hearts and discuss and share the latest Following success of its interventions minds’ of local citizens understand developments in science and over the first eight-year period, and support the concept of science technology with a diverse audience. Science City York, two years ago, moved to extend its services beyond and technology as a creator of new Organised by the British Association York, enabling technology-based employment opportunities. for the Advancement of Science in businesses across North Yorkshire to Science City York’s holistic vision with partnership with the University of access the knowledge and guidance of the integration of community science York, Science City York and City of the Science City team in business and strategies has placed effective science York Council, the festival receives skills development, whilst promoting communication and public awareness support from the Department for career opportunities in science and at the core of its strategy and business Innovation, Universities and Skills, technology. British Petroleum (BP) and Yorkshire development activities. This has been Forward, the regional development Science City York is recognised complemented by ensuring that agency for Yorkshire and Humber. nationally and internationally for its enhanced education, lifelong learning track record in creating new business and workforce development are In addition to the city programme, and employment opportunities, and in embedded locally. hundreds of additional lectures and driving regional economic growth ‘Bringing Science to Life’ activities for visitors and schools took through knowledge-based exploitation place on the University of York in three specific sectors – bioscience The 2007 BA Festival of Science, campus. and healthcare, IT and digital and which returned to the city for the first- With an estimated 50,000 visitors creative technologies. time in over 25 years, builds on the attending, Science City York sees the success of York as a host for other One of its key objectives is to be BA Festival as an important major science-related events. recognised internationally as the UK’s component in promoting science, leading Science City, and a target was From ‘bite-size’ science taster sessions, technology and innovation in its set to create over 15,000 jobs and £1 business and enterprise courses, ongoing public engagement strategy. billion investment in Yorkshire’s monthly informal ‘Café Scientifique’

12 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 debates, through to its own city-wide Impartial, Practical Business seem beyond reach for many ventures. annual science festival, Science City Support York, in partnership with the business The micro-funds are helping to turn community and education experts, Science City York Business Promoters ideas and talent into marketable delivered more than 60 activities and provide a focused, fully funded products and services, paving the way events last year. business development service for start- for growth and additional investment up, early-stage and established opportunities. Previous recipients In March over 15,000 people from technology ventures in York and North range from the inventor of a mobile across the region took part in the 10th Yorkshire. personal safety system through to the York Festival of Science and developers of an innovative web-based Technology, informing, engaging and Hands-on advice and support extends creative resource for teachers. sparking the imagination of people from help with drawing up a viable, from all backgrounds, and of all ages. investor-friendly business plan and The Way Forward identifying funding opportunities, Science City York is ‘stepping up a Knowledge-intensive through to advising on supply chain gear’ as Project Director Paul Taylor Networks issues and international partnering explains: opportunities. Science City York prides itself on the “Our focus is on raising the profile of flexibility and accessibility of its York-based Rapita Systems Ltd is one Science City York nationally and services – ‘a first point of contact’ for such business benefiting from the internationally as a major source of new and existing technology-based support on offer from Science City innovative solutions in business businesses within the bioscience, York and its network of contacts. development. A new company has Founded in 2004 after five years’ creative and IT and digital sectors. been created with the present research at the University of York, the partnership formalised as stakeholders Its sector-specific technology networks company has developed ‘RapiTime’, a and Science City York has recruited (Bioscience York, Creative York and IT product that computes the longest Richard Hutchins from Advantage & Digital York) offer a business-driven time taken by a piece of software to West Midlands as Chief Executive to programme of events, from informal run, important in real-time safety- lead the new organisation. networking, skills and professional critical and mission-critical software development programmes through to systems. A significant development for York in major industry conventions. The 2007/2008 is additional investment in Science City York has worked with science and technology community facilities for technology-based Rapita from the outset in providing across the sub-region benefits from an enterprises in collaboration between strategic advice to the company, active, supportive business the three Northern Regional helping Rapita to review their business environment, assisting supply chain Development Agencies under the plan, and advising them on potential development, offering opportunities to Northern Way project, with funding streams. engage with national players and investment in projects on the former venture capitalists and fostering a Rapita’s Managing Director Dr Guillem Terry’s Chocolate Works site alongside climate of innovation and Bernat comments, “We knew when we York racecourse, on the University of collaboration. started the business that we had a York campus and at York Science Park. world class idea and the scientific Emma King, a freelance museums The Northern Way projects are set to ability to make it happen. Science City consultant, attended a Business and provide a citywide network of York has proved invaluable in helping Enterprise Skills course run by dedicated incubation and grow-on us turn the idea into a functioning Creative York earlier this year in space linking bioscience, creative and business. partnership with Learning City York, digital companies and researchers over supported by funding from Yorkshire Three years on we are negotiating the next three years. Forward. contracts with some of the biggest We will continue to work with names in automotive engineering, Emma comments, “I found the course Government in advising how best to avionics and consumer electronics. extremely useful. In fact it's the most co-ordinate efforts in promoting worthwhile training course I've been Without Science City York the whole science, technology and innovation, in on since I became self employed. It process would have been much harder addition to providing continued was fantastic and very motivating to and I’m sure we wouldn’t be in the support to our businesses and have trainers who understand creative position that we are in today.” promoting York and North Yorkshire businesses and have an empathy with as a prime location for new and people who are in business because Science City York’s Proof of Concept existing technology enterprises. they love what they do. It's also very Fund and Technology Growth Fund Hosting the BA Festival of Science in useful to meet other people in the offer a source of financial assistance for York in September will further raise same situation and know that you're new and early-stage businesses at a the profile of the City as the premier not alone.” time when securing investment can Science City in the UK.”

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 13 Global Climate Change – Plans for a 15-year Space Odyssey Dr Bill Simpson Trident Sensors Ltd

unique opportunity has arisen observations were presented by the for a revolution in how we Group on Earth Observations (GEO) view our planet from space. It in the GEOSS 10-Year Implementation A 2 is an opportunity that will allow UK Plan . The key themes and the Government, science and industry to functions are summarised in the first play a leading role. two columns of Table 1. consensus on four suitable payloads Between 2013 and 2016 Iridium Due to the short time scales (see (see Table 2) that match all the criteria Satellite LLC1, a US company, needs to Figure 1), a high degree of readiness is concerning priorities, themes, social replenish its constellation of 66 low essential, so heritage instruments will benefits, heritage and the strict Earth orbit communications satellites be flown, that is, ones with space- payload specification (50kg weight, 30 for operation to 2030 and beyond. proven track records. Reviews by x 40 x 70cm dimensions and 50W The constellation is arranged in 6 Trident, GEO and ESA have reached a average power consumption). polar orbit planes of 11 satellites (see front cover) giving complete global Table 1. The Group on Earth Observations - Themes and Function [2] coverage, all the time. In September 2006, Trident Sensors suggested that THEME FUNCTION INFORMATION FROM SENSOR DATA the next constellation might host Earth Agriculture Sustainability & desertification Land use & change of use; drought; crop diversity observation sensor payloads. Since Biodiversity Monitoring & conservation Loss/change of habitat (e.g. coastal, terrestrial, ice) then, Iridium and Trident have Climate Variability & change Air-sea interactions; clouds; moisture content; global worked together to look at the climate change models feasibility of this idea. This includes an Disasters Natural & man-made Tsunami & extreme weather early warning; assessment of current priorities for wild-fires; response & remediation Earth observation, their societal Ecosystems Management & protection Fisheries; ocean colour; forest canopy benefits and fit with political priorities, Energy Management of resources Sea state; tide & wind for renewable energy the identification of candidate Health Environmental factors & security Monitoring marine pollution; crop management payloads and their manufacturers, Water Resources & global cycle Ice loss; sea level change; ocean currents consultation with the scientific Weather Forecasting & warning Invaluable data set in real-time for accurate forecasting community and production of a business plan. Table 2. Sensor Payloads (at time of publication) This is a true revolution in how missions are conducted, a move away SENSOR QTY MEASURED PARAMETER(S) from R&D-driven, single satellite, one- Altimeter 24 Wave height, wind speed; canopy height; ice height off missions to fully operational, GPS Occultation 12 (66) Atmospheric water vapour & temperature soundings continuous observations. The most Imager 6 (18) Multi-spectral for ocean colour & land imaging important issue facing us is global Radiometer 24 Earth radiation budget; energy source for the climate system climate change and in particular obtaining long term continuity in Figure 1 SCHEDULE measurement of the processes that influence it. These include the Dec 2007 - EO Mission Definition and Agreement accurate knowledge of the Earth’s June 2008 - EO Programme Initiation and Commitment to fly EO Payloads radiation budget, understanding Sept 2008 - Iridium Contracts with Primes climate dynamics and monitoring of Jan 2009 2013 - EO Payload Development & Integration with Satellites the air-sea interactions that drive our 2013 12 Launches 2016 weather system. The broader benefits 2016 Fully Operational for EO Data >2030 to society required of Earth

14 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Brief summaries of what the sensors Sun’s output and how this impacts on satellites was issued in July 2007. The measure and the number of each type the terrestrial climate. These data are of international political and scientific to be flown in order to optimise the greatest importance to climate change interest is gaining momentum. GEO, data coverage are given in Table 2. The models, as the Sun drives the Earth’s BNSC, NASA and NOAA have set up four missions will produce a powerful, climate system and small changes in working groups to review the payloads, coherent, data set that will provide solar energy can have a dramatic effect including other options such as valuable information on a plethora of on climate. For example, it is estimated atmospheric chemistry, space weather, environmental parameters as listed in that the change in solar activity is and cloud vector monitoring. the third column of Table 1, cross- responsible for a 0.2°C rise in cutting all the GEO themes. temperature over the last 150 years. The GEO Executive, based in Geneva, Although the input of energy from the is actively seeking the opinions of the Taking each mission in turn, the Sun is well understood, the amount of international community through altimeter uses radar to range to the radiation leaving the planet is not and it various channels. The project was Earth’s surface. Sea surface height can is a very complex system. This data also mentioned at a recent meeting hosted 4 be measured to 5 to 10 cm at the first will help improve weather forecasting. by UNESCO in Paris and will be pass of data processing then to 2 to 3 tabled for consideration by the GEO cm with incorporation of accurate A multi-spectral imager that will use Ministers and Agencies at the Summit knowledge of the satellite’s position as between 6 and 16 discrete wavebands in Cape Town in November 2007. given by onboard GPS sensors. The in the UV-visible is under constellation of 24 altimeters will give consideration. The measurement of The total cash budget for the whole of unprecedented coverage of coastal and ocean colour gives information on the Earth observation segment, ocean waters, including information on phytoplankton, suspended solids, including the purchase and integration open ocean currents, the change in ice coastal erosion and pollution and their of all the sensors, their launch, data fields and Tsunami early warning. Real- relationship to eddies and data can be retrieval and dissemination, from start time data will be of value to fisheries, used to estimate biological production. of funding in 2009 to 2030, is shipping and insurance markets. Also these instruments can image estimated at ~£800M, equivalent to clouds, detect wild-fires (eg Greece £0.58M per satellite per annum. In The GPS Occultation sensors intercept recently), help in disaster management space terms this is staggeringly good radio signals from the GPS satellite and monitor desertification, value for money because operational network. These signals pass through deforestation and land usage. science is underpinned by Iridium’s (are occulted by) the atmosphere close commercial space and ground to the horizon and so take a path The missions need to complement infrastructure investments. A 7-year through a deep cross section of the existing or planned Earth observation plan (2009-16) to cover all costs, atmosphere. Variations in electron programmes both on the Earth’s surface including the pre-buy of data through density and air density, a function of and from space. Iridium’s core business to 2030, is under consideration which temperature and moisture content, is communications and currently the will free the community from the bend the signal and slow its speed. By network is used to transmit data from, vagaries of funding and inflation after measuring these shifts in the signal, for example, ocean drifters and 2016. As Public-Private Partnerships scientists can determine the maritime and terrestrial meteorological go, there can be absolutely no slippage atmospheric conditions that produced stations. Scientists receive data within in the schedule because Iridium must them. The result: profiles or soundings 20 seconds, irrespective of the remote have continuity in connectivity for its along thousands of angled, pencil-like station’s position on the planet. An communications business. segments of atmosphere, each about advantage of the new constellation is 200 miles long and a few hundred feet that data from the ground platforms The proposal meets all the priorities of 2 wide. The general consensus is that as will be transmitted to the observing the Space Studies Board for Earth many as possible of these sensors satellite overhead allowing for real-time observation: contribution to the most should be deployed, hence the option calibration of sensors. This opens up important scientific questions; societal to fly 66. The benefits include: high the possibility of now-casting of benefits (application and policy); accuracy temperature measurements extreme weather events. The missions contribution to long-term observational around the globe for climate models, will complement others such as ESA’s record; how it complements other long term variations in temperature Sentinel series and those planned by observational systems; degree of and their input into models, good data NASA3. Furthermore the 15-year life of readiness (technical, resources, people); over the poles and open oceans where the constellation assures data continuity affordability (the mission and annual weather balloons are not used, high where many space missions have a support); risk mitigation and strategic quality water vapour measurements for lifetime of typically <5 years and where redundancy; cross-cutting other forecasting hurricanes, typhoons and repeat launches are both expensive and themes. violent storms and improvement in the not guaranteed. However, to reinforce comments made reliability of weather forecasting. The space industry at home and at the PSC briefing on satellites in 5 The aim of the broadband radiometry abroad has been consulted and indeed November 2006 , the UK is in a very is to determine the variation in the the Request for Information for the strong position to tender for space

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 15 contracts. The Iridium and Earth service industries should be we face an extraordinary challenge.” – observation hardware business alone is encouraged. Then there is the kudos Kennedy’s words from the address that >£1B for the build of satellites and of taking a lead on the international announced the Apollo programme6. sensors and the 12 launches. In stage. With the benefits comes the These too are extraordinary times and addition to this is the delivery of the responsibility of Government to this is a unique chance to meet the second level ground segment in terms commit to the opportunity on a challenges of global climate change. of data retrieval, calibration, quality timescale consistent with deployment control and dissemination. of the commercial venture (Figure 1). REFERENCES 1 see www.iridium.com The Government has a key role to play Moreover, there is a higher purpose for 2 Group on Earth Observations (2005), “Global Earth in the support of not only the UK the support of this programme. Unlike Observation System of Systems, GEOSS - 10-Year Implementation Plan”, GEO1000R/ESA SP-1284, Feb space industry, where it may provide the “one giant leap for mankind” that 2005, 209 pp the mainstay of a national space focus was motivated by the Cold War, the 3 National Research Council (2007), “Earth Science and at the top level of government5, but objective here is to bring to fruition a Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond”, Prepublication Copy, also the science community, in the vision that really will touch all of National Academic Press, Washington, 432pp provision of data for the development mankind – every man, woman and 4 J. Achache (2007), Seminar on the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and Global of climate models in which the UK is a child on the planet – in being Change, UNESCO HQ, Paris, 17 June 2007 world leader through the efforts of proactive to the effects of global 5 C. Paynter & M. Sweeting, (2007), “Satellites for NERC and Met Office scientists. The climate change, with an outreach that Science, Engineering, Technology and Business”, Science in Parliament, 64, (1), Spring 2007, 20-23 development of business around value transcends geo-political boundaries. 6 J.F. Kennedy (1961), “Special Message to Congress on added products for the maritime and “These are extraordinary times. And Urgent National Needs - IX Space”, 25th May 1961.

“A cross-disciplinary think tank, very cool!”

he Royal Academy of Engineering, The Engineering Tand Physical Sciences Research Council, The Institution of Engineering and Technology and The British Computer Society co-hosted a ground-breaking forum in July for some of the UK's most exciting engineers to network with documentary film-makers at the BRITDOC 07 festival in Oxford. The idea was to introduce those at the cutting edge of shaping society to those with the ‘power’ to engage society so they could exchange ideas.

Bringing together 15 of the UK’s leading innovators with 16 film- makers, this year’s Would like to Meet the Innovators (WLTM) provided a rare “Innovators might think we want to make films ABOUT them, WITH THEM would be a opportunity for film-makers and better mind-set,” said one film-maker after the event. innovators to share their experiences of working in two creative, yet Chair of WLTM, says “WLTM is an radically different, industries. collaborations. From nanotechnology Adopting a “speed dating” format, the to climate change, the discussions essential, effective and entertaining sessions enabled each innovator to were designed to act as a catalyst for way for film-makers to meet those spend five minutes with every film- future documentaries between film- with great stories to tell. Every maker, to offer an insight into their maker and innovator. specialist with a passion believes there is a documentary in it; every film- research or design work, hopefully Christo Hird, Managing Director and paving the way for future maker wants to find the subject that Executive Producer at Fulcrum TV and no-one else has spotted. But today it is

16 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 harder and harder for these two parts of the documentary-making process to meet. WLTM is a fast way for specialists to meet lots of different film-makers. People understand how they can collaborate. No time is wasted but valuable contacts are made.” Overwhelmingly, film-makers’ perceptions of innovators (and engineering) were changed positively. Many of them felt they had realised for the first time the broad scope of engineering and how fascinating it was as a subject. Over half the film-makers said the session would change the way they worked with innovators in the future; they will be more likely to go to them for inspiration and ideas rather than as an afterthought as a comment or ‘talking head’ in a documentary. There is potential to work more on this area in the future, in terms of setting up a bespoke, mediated brain-storm with interested film-makers and innovators. Several Skeleton bobsleigh designer/Olympic hopeful Iain Roberts was among the engineers meeting innovators said afterwards that they film-makers at BritDoc 07. would like to be sounding boards for programmes and ideas at an early stage, not necessarily with a view to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Bubble, bubble being involved in the production Vancouver. process itself. Dr Eleanor Stride is RAEng/EPSRC Life in the canopy Research Fellow and Lecturer in Speed is king Ultrasonics at University College Dr Graham Dorrington’s research London. She works on ultrasound Edinburgh University PhD student bridges aeronautical engineering and imaging, at the interface between Iain Roberts is passionate about biological sciences, allowing him to engineering and medicine, developing applying engineering principles to study one of the most fascinating but miniature diagnostic tools (in the form improve his understanding of his sport inaccessible places on the planet – the of tiny bubbles injected into the blood – skeleton bobsleigh. His PhD is on tropical rainforest canopy. Graham, stream) for cancer, heart problems and the mechanics of skeleton bobsleigh based at Queen Mary, University of arthritis. and ice friction. It involves F1 style London, hopes to design, manufacture instrumentation and data-logging to and fly a new type of airship The microbubbles are first coated with measure sled performance and (dirigible) over the northern Amazon. a substance to form a “shell” which ultimately build a new tailored sled. This will not only capture the acts as a contrast agent to provide strong ultrasound echoes and give outstanding natural beauty of the Protected only by a lycra body suit, much better images. The flow of canopy but enable him to discover skeleton bobsleigh involves sliding blood, containing these coated new species of insects, arboreal fungi head-first down an ice track at up to bubbles, can be traced throughout the 85 miles an hour on a sled steered by and possibly even new trees. body and anomalies, such as cancer or the slider shifting their weight. “It all Given the rate of tropical forest poor functioning of the heart, can be depends on weight transference and observed. The microbubbles can be actual bending of the sled. The better destruction, Graham’s research is not only timely but of paramount used for targeted drug delivery and you understand how the sled interacts gene therapy by incorporating drugs importance. He has worked with the with the ice and how your movements or DNA. The bubbles can be tracked late Survival Anglia cinematographer, transfer through the sled to the track, through the body using low intensity Dieter Plage, and has already been the the better you can perform.” says Iain. ultrasound and then destroyed with He started sliding three years ago and protagonist in a film called ‘The White high intensity ultrasound to release the competes at an international level. Diamond’ directed by Werner Herzog drug in a specific region, for example "Medals are won and lost by 0.01 (2004). The airship used in this film at the site of a tumour. By localising seconds, a sled tailored to the proved to be a good, stable filming the treatment in this way, the harmful individual could be the advantage that platform, but was technically limited. side effects associated with many wins a gold medal.” Iain’s plan is to Graham’s new airship will be more forms of chemotherapy can be greatly build up track knowledge and advance capable although there are still many reduced – dramatically improving the sled design, aiming for success at engineering challenges to tackle. patients’ lives.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 17 Toppling the ivory towers - why university science is central to all our lives

Sir Richard Sykes, Rector, Imperial College London

an you imagine a world and the USA continues to make it an technology that allows us to see deep without penicillin, the world’s urgent priority. into our bodies and observe why they most widely used antibiotic? If go wrong; scientists of many expertises C Universities have always been the it were not for British universities, we join together to develop new low- may still be trying to get along without knowledge-base of the UK, the polluting fuels and find innovative the drug that has saved millions of powerhouses of its economy. My own responses to growing concerns such as lives. institution, Imperial College London, national security. was founded one hundred years ago It was in a laboratory at St Mary’s for precisely that role - to carry out the Amongst our academics there is a Hospital Medical School, now part of research and educate the students great and growing passion for Imperial College London, that the critical to maintaining British entrepreneurship, to see their exciting brilliant but notoriously chaotic industry’s world standing. Our ideas and developments move out of researcher Sir Alexander Fleming Centenary celebrations have been the lab and into society where they spotted signs of anti-bacterial activity characterised by a buoyant sense of can make a concrete difference. It is in mould-covered culture dishes. His optimism that the impressive here that the backing of our industrial discovery was later developed by a achievements of the past will be collaborators is vital. Universities are team at Oxford University under Sir matched and exceeded over the next packed with experimenters and Howard Florey and Sir Ernst Chain one hundred years. thinkers, but we do not have, for and mass produced in the USA just in example, the vast experience of taking time to save many lives during World The twenty-first century will confront new therapies on the long and difficult War II. Penicillin, in its various forms, the world with some of its greatest journey to licence that a continues to be vital to the treatment ever tests, which scientists, engineers pharmaceutical company has. Imperial of life-threatening conditions such as and medics will be critical to is fortunate to receive a great deal of meningitis, pneumonia and overcoming. Tackling climate change support from its commercial partners, septicaemia. and mitigating its consequences, and this approach has paid dividends sourcing sustainable energies, and for us, for them and for the country as Penicillin’s serendipitous discovery is containing potential pandemics – these a whole. one of the celebrated stories of science, are issues that affect us all. It is notable but it also highlights the fundamental that what these major challenges have An illustration of what can be achieved role that universities play in pushing in common is that they cannot be when universities, industry and forward the breakthroughs that save solved by scientists of a single government work together is the £50 and improve countless lives. The discipline alone. It will take an array of million Clinical Imaging Centre strength of university science is that tools and techniques to tackle them – recently opened at Imperial’s we can carry out the speculative, blue- and that is where the unique capability Hammersmith Hospital campus. The skies research that underpins the of our universities lies. product of a partnership between inventions and innovations that the Imperial, GlaxoSmithKline and the world relies on. Business and industry simply cannot Medical Research Council, the Centre build up the kind of intensive research uses state of the art technology to Now more than ever, the UK needs its hub that is comparable to a top observe how diseases such as cancer universities. Economically and university. Imperial has at its fingertips develop and how the body responds technologically, global competition world class authorities in a wide range to the drugs provided to target them. grows increasingly fierce. Asia and of disciplines, all working side by side. It will undoubtedly lead to better and China are investing with mounting Engineers, computer scientists and earlier therapies, offering the prospect determination in their science base, clinicians collaborate to create the of significantly improved outcomes to

18 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 many patients. The diagnostic tools created a very supportive environment stop the number of young people Hugh Laurie calls on the TV series for research. Today’s scientists can be abandoning science as soon as they House may look impressive, but they confident that their vital work will have the opportunity. are lagging far behind what we will be continue to make a difference in the able to do here. None of the partners world. So at the beginning of its second could have accomplished this alone century, Imperial faces some difficult and it represents an ideal model for But what about the scientists of choices. It is a UK university, future collaborations. tomorrow? The world grows ever more established to support British reliant on technology, and we will fall technology and industry, and it remains Vital, too, is the generosity of the new behind quickly if we do not nurture true to that founding mission. But it is philanthropists – active donors who, the scientific interests and abilities of also an academic institution dedicated like our Victorian founders, wish to the next generation. It is here that my to providing a top quality education for see their wealth do good. Pre-eminent optimism begins to falter. those who will truly benefit from it, the amongst these are Jeremy and world’s brightest and best young The Government is clearly aware that Hannelore Grantham, who earlier this people, regardless of background or year provided £12 million for the the diminishing number of young people studying science post 16 poses a nationality. Increasingly, those with a establishment of an Institute for drive for science and the education to Climate Change at Imperial. Personal problem that must be urgently addressed. However one of the back it up are coming from outside the wealth and a sense of global UK – over 40 per cent of the students responsibility do not always go hand proposed solutions – a new GCSE offering bite-sized chunks of topical Imperial now teaches are not UK in hand, but when they do the citizens. Some will stay here, but many difference it can make is enormous. science rather than a good understanding of the different more will return to their home So in many ways the future for UK disciplines – introduces more countries, which will be immeasurably science is bright. International difficulties than it overcomes. Degree enriched by the abilities that a UK competition is tough, but while the level science demands a thorough education has nurtured. If we do not importance of research is recognised at grounding in the fundamentals, and it replicate this dedication to science the highest levels of politics and would be reckless of universities to amongst young people here, we will industry, we will maintain our edge. admit students without this onto their waste talents and squander The UK Government’s attitude and courses. I do not believe that the new opportunities, and the result will be a actions over the last decade have ‘twenty first century science’ GCSE will poorer society for all.

Graduation day success for Imperial students, but where will the UK’s future scientists be found?

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 19 More than Samba : UK and Brazil as Partners in Science

Damian Popolo, Vice-Consul Science and Innovation, Sao Paulo

The story of UK-Brazilian formal fusion research are being designed and Brazil is currently producing over collaboration in Science goes back to implemented with the full support of 10,000 PhDs per annum. This increase 1997, when the two countries signed a the UK Research Councils. All of this has been exponential since Memorandum of Understanding on was possible thanks to a £300k OSI- approximately 1993, and does not Science and Technology. Since then, FCO funded program that enabled key seem to have been affected by strong the relationship has been growing UK researchers to showcase their variations that occurred in Brazilian from strength to strength. The visit to activities to a wide audience of Science and Technology budgets since Brazil by Sir David King in June 2005 scientists in Brazil. That is the essence 2000. The increased share in the and the identification of Brazil as a of the UK-Brazil Year of Science and percentage of world publications target for co-ordinated UK focus by Innovation. indicates that Brazil is not only the Global Science and Innovation producing more science and more Forum’s strategy in 2006 are signals of One of the main objectives of the Year scientists, but that such scientists are the UK's renewed recognition of the is to showcase the most innovative producing better science too. importance of working with Brazil. research coming out of the UK science base in recent years, and to foster Brazil is producing PhDs in sectors During the State Visit to the UK by collaboration between relevant that are in crisis in the UK. The UK is President Lula in March 2006, the UK academic communities on those bases. experiencing a well-documented and Brazil established a Joint Action The themes for the Year are akin to the health of disciplines problem in key Plan in Science, Technology and areas identified in the Joint Action sectors involving science and Innovation. The purpose is to drive Plan. The Year is being implemented engineering. For example, the UK UK/Brazil R&D relationships to a new by the Foreign and Commonwealth produced 230 PhDs and 910 MAs in level. The initiative included a “UK- Office’s Science and Innovation Agricultural Sciences in 2005/6. The Brazil Year of Science & Innovation”, Network and DIUS’ Government 2001/2002 figures for Brazil stand at which Sir David King formally Office for Science, with the active 4,027 PhDs and 5,504 MAs. In the launched in March 2007. collaboration of the UK Research case of Engineering and Technology, Councils and the Brazilian Federal the UK 2006 figures stand at 2,205 for As of September 2007 the Year of Government. The project’s website – PhDs. Brazilian 2002 figures (that is, Science has achieved notable success. which records over 400 unique hits conservative figures) stand at 5,928. In A total of five Memoranda of per month – contains all the details of some disciplines Brazil is producing Understanding have been signed the project: www.anodaciencia.com.br comparatively more PhDs than much between key stakeholders in Brazil and larger and expanding science bases, the UK involving the fields of space The Brazilian Science Base including India and China. technology, agricultural sciences, Brazil has one of the strongest science Agricultural sciences – which play a chemistry and synchrotron technology. crucial role in bioenergy and biofuel Meanwhile, the Brazilian Agricultural bases outside the OECD. Among developing countries, its scientists research, for example – represent but Sciences Research Agency (EMBRAPA, one instance. acronym in Portuguese) is considering contribute more of the most-cited setting up a laboratory at the Norwich research papers than any other The UK is a partner of choice for Research Park. The UK Research country except China and India. Brazilian researchers when it comes to Councils have proposed a major According to statistics regarding 10- selecting collaborators for international funding agreement to Brazilian year country rankings for papers and publications. Indeed, 12.8% of all research funding organisations: this citations, Brazil occupies the 15th and Brazilian-based publications involving would enable joint research projects to 23rd positions respectively, and the international co-authors are done with be funded by both countries on the trends indicate that the sector is UK researchers. This puts the UK third basis of a common peer review system. expanding rapidly. For example, the after the US and France (39% and Finally, collaborations in the areas of number of science PhDs granted has 13.8% respectively). bioenergy, organic electronics and grown by an average of 12% per year over the last decade.

20 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 ELEPHANTS - WILL THEY SURVIVE THE NEXT 100 YEARS IN THE WILD? MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY 6TH JUNE The Elephant Management Dilemma

Dr Ian John Whyte Research Manager Large Herbivores, Kruger National Park, South Africa

lephants can contribute In the absence of elephants, such significantly to the maintenance benefits are lost. Biodiversity is Eof biodiversity in African suppressed as habitats tend towards savannas. Such contributions include thicker woodlands, and grassland What are the available the following: species are compromised. The presence management options? of elephants is therefore important in • They are important dispersers of African savannas. As elephant numbers Translocation some plant species’ seeds, and in and densities increase from very low Translocation, when families can be some cases passage through an levels, many species benefit, and at moved intact, is considered a humane elephant’s gut may even facilitate intermediate densities, biodiversity option. It is very expensive, but germination. benefits most. But as elephant densities usually funding can be accessed increase further, they tend to over- • In the late dry season some trees through willing NGOs. The far greater utilise certain favoured food plants, sprout new leaves before the arrival problem is that markets are now and eventually biodiversity is also of the first rains. Elephants saturated and new destinations are compromised as woodlands are sometimes push such trees over extremely limited. Private and public gradually converted to grasslands and making these nutritious leaves protected areas which received the survival of woodland species is available to lesser browsers who translocated elephants are already increasingly compromised. otherwise may be experiencing experiencing elephant-related severe food shortages. The fundamental question facing problems and nobody wants excess managers of free ranging elephants is elephants. • Trees killed by debarking become therefore a simple one, but not an easy available to invertebrates such as The newly created Limpopo National one. Should protected areas be wood borers and termites which Park adjacent to Kruger National Park managed for elephants or for themselves serve as major food (KNP) in Mozambique was considered biodiversity? resources for reptiles, birds and a major opportunity for translocation other insects. Elephants are social animals and they of considerable numbers of elephants. 2 live in societies made up of permanent This Park is about 4,000 miles in • Trees felled by elephants are families which in turn make up larger extent but still has about 22,000 important refuges for many social entities known as “clans”. Female people living in it, and the invertebrates, reptiles and small elephants never leave their mothers as Mozambique government does not yet mammals. long as both are still alive, but young want elephants for fears of escalating human elephant conflict. • Elephants dig for water in dry river males leave their natal families at beds making this important resource puberty (about 14 years of age). Contraception available to other species that would Elephant families therefore consist of otherwise not be able to survive in an older female (the matriarch) and her Though many different contraception such arid environments. daughters and their respective techniques exist, only two have been offspring. These bonds are life long, tested in the wild. The first one used • Elephants open up woody habitats and management practices which hormones (oestrogens) to regulate facilitating species that favour more disrupt such families are considered breeding. This method was quickly open habitats very inhumane. terminated as the metabolised

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 21 oestrogen passed in the urine signalled An elephant population can not be These problems apply also to the to males that the females were in reduced over the short term through establishment of corridors which oestrus when in fact they were not. contraception. To achieve any could connect other protected areas This led to disruption of families and reduction would require that almost for the creation of meta-populations. greatly elevated mortality rates in the all breeding females must be treated Such meta-populations have been small calves. and natural mortalities would then proposed as a possible management gradually lower the population. option for elephants in which The second technique uses a vaccine Elephants can achieve an age of elephants could move freely between known as the Porcine Zona Pelucida around 60 years, and natural mortality populations, and mortalities in one (pZP) vaccine. This is a far more rates are very low. Meaningful population would be offset by humane technique as there are no reduction of the population would immigration along such corridors. influences on behaviour. The vaccine thus take many years to achieve. Most managers consider this to be an is made from the follicular fluid unlikely and unfeasible option. extracted from the ovaries of pigs Ethical considerations harvested at commercial abattoirs. Culling Antibodies produced in response to As has been described, elephants live proteins in the vaccine attach to the in large pyramidal families with the Culling is a fourth option that has ova released during oestrus. These matriarch at the apex, and the younger been shown to be effective in the KNP, prevent penetration of the ovum by calves forming the broad base. In but is it ethically acceptable? Many sperm and thus also conception. The between there are many young females people find culling abhorrent as vaccine is generally considered a which provide care and supervision of elephants are considered by some to humane one, but there are some the calves and there are many be sentient animals because of their financial and logistical constraints in opportunities for learning and play. strong sense of family, and they show large populations, and also some This structure is the social basis of an awareness of death, and ethical questions which still require elephant life. Over time, contraception compassion for other elephants. Do some debate. would alter a family’s structure to a humans have the right to kill such more upright, linear one which would animals? But the converse also needs Financial and logistical constraints still have a matriarch, but the lower consideration – is it ethical to do ranks would be considerably reduced. nothing about rising elephant numbers This vaccine can be delivered remotely How would this altered family and impacts, and allow the losses of by dart syringe from a helicopter structure affect elephants’ social lives? other species when it is within our which facilitates its use in wild means to prevent it? populations. However, a single pZP contraception prevents vaccination does not raise antibodies conceptions, and elephant females Herein lies the dilemma. To manage to a level which achieves a who fail to conceive will return to for elephants requires no further contraceptive effect. Two boosters are breeding condition (oestrus) in 15 consideration of management options. required at three week intervals after weeks. While under treatment, this But this decision will not be an easy the initial inoculations. Thereafter, recycling will continue. Elephant one as losses of species will annual or at least bi-annual boosters reproductive organs were not evolved undoubtedly occur from the protected are required to maintain contraceptive to cope with this and captive area over time. The acceptance of levels. This considerably elevates both elephants have shown that constant these losses will tax the consciences of financial and logistical considerations. recycling can lead to development of managers! pathologies of the genital tract. It has been shown from computer On the other hand, to manage for models that to achieve stabilization of Range expansion biodiversity objectives will require an elephant population, 75% of limiting the elephant population in breeding females must be under Range expansion is a desirable some way. To manage for biodiversity treatment. In a natural population this outcome from an ecological will equally tax the consciences of gives a rule of thumb proportion of perspective – bigger is better. These managers as they will have to consider 40% of the total population. The days however, there is little land management options which may be current elephant population in the unoccupied in Africa that can still be unpleasant, even abhorrent to some! KNP is 12,500 which means that designated to conservation. Elephants’ about 5,000 adult females would need requirements, particularly access to There is no middle of the road option to be included in the above water, compete with those of humans. which will cater for both an unlimited vaccination regime. Logistically and Range expansion for elephants would elephant population and for the financially this becomes almost require removal of people from maintenance of biodiversity. unachievable. Larger populations such suitable areas. This would rarely be as those in Botswana and Zimbabwe possible in present-day Africa. could not be managed in this way. Limpopo National Park is currently facing these problems.

22 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 ELEPHANTS - WILL THEY SURVIVE THE NEXT 100 YEARS IN THE WILD? The Elephant Conundrum Population control : Inaction leads to disaster

W R Allen Jim Joel Professor of Equine Reproduction, University of Cambridge Equine Fertility Unit

s observed by Dr Richard 1920s and still filled today by 80-year- one third of the anticipated increase Laws FRS, noted population old breakdown-prone Paxman diesel over the next 12 years. Amongst the Abiologist, in 1988, “animal engines. Unusually large numbers of active management options, populations within the boundaries of elephant congregate around the translocation is very stressful and is the sanctified ghettos called Game increasingly fouled water holes in the logistically and financially prohibitive. Parks tend to increase up to, and then dry period with consequent stress on Furthermore, all the small Southern beyond, the limits of food supply. In the females and their youngsters in the Africa parks are now full of elephant. this context, the elephant is second daily trek between edible forage and Contraception, by means of only to man in its capacity to inflict drinkable water. immunisation against zona pellucida long-term irreversible damage on its Of the 5 potential passive protein (PZP), is feasible in small environment”. management options for the elephant, parks with individually recognisable Within the six nations that comprise no action will result in an anticipated populations of elephants, but is totally Southern Africa, Zimbabwe and population explosion to >500,000 impracticable in the larger parks where Botswana have elephant populations of animals in the six Southern African the need is rapidly to reduce, not just simply contain, an already gross 150,000 and 100,000 respectively. In nations by 2020, extensive fencing overpopulation situation. It also has Hwange Park alone in north-west may contain elephants within the potential to cause major Zimbabwe, the population exceeds protected areas but not effectively disturbances in family structures and 50,000 to give an elephant density of exclude them from crops and behaviour patterns. >3/km 2, the widely accepted norm communal land farms, and optimistic being 0.5/km 2. Tremendous habitat range expansion in the region, as well Large scale professional culling, as damage is plainly visible throughout as requiring considerable benefits for carried out in Hwange Park in the the park, especially around the 64 communal farmers, would house a 1980s, or regular cropping as artificial water points installed in the maximum of 75,000 elephants, only practiced annually in Kruger National

Six months to die

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 23 preserves the habitat and it forestalls caused the desertification of 8.000 the great suffering and waste square miles of former Commiphora associated with drought-driven “die- woodland, looms on the horizon once offs”. The cessation of culling in more. Zimbabwe in 1989, and South Africa If we wish to let elephants and other in 1994, and the failure to activate a large mammals in Southern Africa live planned large-scale culling operation decently and safely, we simply must in Botswana in 1991, have led to the manage their populations properly and frightening overpopulation problems Elephant damage preserve their habitats. Hence, we these three countries face today. The must strive to convince the Park in South Africa until 1994, is the dreadful disaster that struck Tsavo governments of these countries to only viable and practical option Park in Kenya in the early 1970s when disregard the well-meaning but effectively to reduce large elephant over 30,000 overcrowded elephants anthropomorphic and ill-conceived populations. It is efficient and and countless thousands of rhino clamour of the so-called animal humane, it has great utility potential in tortuously starved to death from protectionist movements, who argue terms of meat, skins and ivory to overpopulation and mismanagement against any sort of realistic intervention. produce food and local income, it by foreign interests, and simultaneously In the long run, to cull is to be kind.

______In discussion the following points were made: ______Although the elephant population may need to be managed locally, there is no compelling evidence presented for the need for a general reduction in elephant numbers in the Kruger National Park. The loss of trees was attributed to the large elephant population, although trees continue to decline even at lower elephant densities which may suggest that some other factor is also involved. It has been shown that it is impossible to maintain a pristine habitat even when elephant are at a low density. There were no elephants in the Kruger National Park when it was declared a Game Reserve hence the change to the current situation is probably attributable to the initial introduction of elephants. Tsavo has shown a dramatic recovery of habitat which is attributed to 30,000 elephants being culled by poachers. The Amboseli Park habitat will not recover while elephants are still present. The Conservation Areas consist of separate isolated entities and cannot recover from the damage done by elephants. There is no possibility of maintaining a natural landscape in National Parks. If this is required then culling is essential and must be undertaken humanely. Different management strategies, including culling, will be required if game parks are to be able to recover biodiversity in the longer term. There is a parallel to be found with deer in the Scottish Highlands where there are no woodlands left in the areas occupied by deer in the wild.

This paper has been submitted in response to those delivered at the meeting

Elephant Survival Needs Good Science and Clear Thinking

Dr Keith Lindsay Independent consulting conservation biologist, Oxford

lephants face many challenges to disappointed that the speakers missed Dr Whyte’s paper was based on field survive and conservationists the opportunity for a balanced review experiences, reported with varying must make use of the best of more important issues in elephant degrees of accuracy, and led the E conservation, in particular the need to listener, via some interesting natural available knowledge. Two papers were presented, by Dr Whyte and Professor find innovative ways for elephants to history, towards the ineluctable Allen, apparently to address this co-exist with people in increasingly conclusion that elephants almost subject, but their arguments seemed populated landscapes. In reality, the always cause unacceptable damage to instead to narrow in on one particular apparent problem of “too many habitats, their numbers must be issue: is there any alternative to culling elephants” is just part of this bigger controlled and the urgency precludes “surplus” animals? The answer in both picture of “not enough space” and most methods apart from culling. papers, each in their own way and in solutions must support creative Professor Allen’s paper was more combination, was that “elephants must policies with good science, rather than direct, making much of the apparent be culled, and soon”. I was alarmist rhetoric. suffering endured by elephants which

24 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 die during food shortage, dismissing following their Africa-wide extirpation and elephants administered only the alternative population control methods by the ivory trade of the 1700-1800s. coup de grace to already diminished and, in the end, calling on British In addition, since elephants avoid woodlands. Research cited by Dr parliamentarians to lobby Africans to areas of human settlement, the parts of Whyte on fenced exclosures (Western cull early and often. His presentation Kruger that were occupied intensively & Maitumo 2004) is misleading, since included quotes from Peter Beard, a by people – who were moved out to the experiments were located in the New York fashion photographer create the park – would have had few swamp margins, not the saline areas. turned amateur wildlife expert, and elephants for centuries. In fact, the experiments show that the Norman Borlaug, an agriculturist Acacia woodland change is rapidly instrumental in the Green Revolution, Claims of ecological disasters reversible, and elephant impacts are neither blessed with experience in the elsewhere have been greatly entirely temporary. Historical records science or practice of conservation of exaggerated. Tsavo East National Park show that the Acacia woodlands were a wild ecosystems. Pithy sound-bites in Kenya has been portrayed, by recent development, dating from the they may have been, but they added Professor Allen among others, as the early 1900s. Exactly the same effect of little to the advancement of scene of a devastating population soil chemistry, rather than elephants, knowledge. crash and habitat holocaust. Tsavo on Acacia death has been seen in East is subject to periodic dry spells Ngorongoro, Tanzania (Mills 2006). Both papers did a disservice to their and, following elephant increases audience, by presenting opinions, during the 1950-60s, there was a In none of these supposed “disaster however strongly held, as scientific decline of some 20% during a severe areas” has overall biodiversity actually truth. The fact is that there are no drought in the mid-1970s (hardly a suffered, despite claims by some compelling reasons to drastically and “crash”, since 80% survived), a change authors. The parks are all parts of urgently reduce elephant numbers, in vegetation from shrub thickets to larger ecosystems, and impacts in all although their management certainly open bushland and a shift in the cases were localised and temporary. needs careful, site-specific attention. wildlife community from woodland The science of elephant conservation species towards grazers. The much In addition to the ecological has been most recently debated in steeper decline in the later 1970s and arguments, the SA Science Round South Africa, where the Government 1980s, attributed by, for example, Table noted that the model guiding has led a highly consultative process, Peter Beard to over-population, was conservation has undergone a culminating in a Science Round Table, actually due to fierce poaching by dramatic change in recent years – see which sought advice from a wide Somali bandits, fuelled by the late reviews by Pickett et al (1997) for a range of scientific opinion – including 20th century ivory rush. Much woody general discussion and du Toit et al Dr Whyte and myself. The findings of vegetation has now recovered, (2003) for its application in South this group, reached by full consensus, accompanied by returns of woodland Africa. Under this “paradigm shift”, the have been summarised by Owen- wildlife species. Evidence from rigid Balance of Nature model has Smith et al (2006). The main paleoecology shows alternating periods been replaced by the acceptance of conclusions, which have implications of woodland and grassland dominance heterogeneity in space and time. for elephants everywhere in Africa, are: over the past 1400 years (Gillson Intensive management is still 2004), indicating that dynamic change appropriate in agricultural landscapes 1. There is no compelling evidence is the rule, not a recent problem. and those that have been deeply, supporting the need for immediate, fundamentally modified by human large-scale reduction of elephants in In Chobe National Park (Botswana) activity, such as most of Britain, but in Kruger National Park. and Hwange NP (Zimbabwe), ecosystems that retain significant woodland changes are localised near functional elements at different trophic 2. In some protected areas, including water, either rivers in Botswana or levels, it is better to identify and work Kruger, elephant population density, artificial waterpoints in Hwange. with ecological processes, rather than distribution and population Norwegian and African researchers imposing arbitrary stability with structure may need to managed recently concluded that, as in Kruger, blanket “command-and-control” locally to met biodiversity and other these woodlands had expanded measures. The alternative, of targets. “unnaturally” during the ivory trade suppressing change and homogenising and are now being re-shaped by the habitats, makes ecosystems more The group concluded that there was returning elephants. Ironically, in a vulnerable to loss of species and no scientific basis to set the “carrying recent drought, managers in Hwange, reduces biodiversity. capacity” of Kruger for elephants at who had been calling for reduction of 7,000 in the 1960s, against which the elephant numbers, were bemoaning In Kruger, widespread provision of current level of 13,000 should be the natural deaths of elephants waterpoints is now seen as responsible judged. Perceived damage to trees was through food limitation. for damaging effects on populations the original justification for the target, and habitats, by evening out animal yet big trees declined even with Amboseli National Park, Kenya, distributions and spreading impacts. numbers held very low for 30 years. (where I have been part of the 30-year The new approach also encourages To keep woodlands “pristine” would elephant research programme) has density-dependent wildlife population have required extremely low elephant experienced loss of its Acacia regulation, including food-limited densities, since the benchmark for the woodlands, but salinity was the main mortality, and managers have supposed ideal state of vegetation in cause. Woodlands survived along abandoned the control of wildlife Kruger was set in the early 1900s, swamp fringes and outside the park on populations at fixed “carrying when there were few if any elephants different soils, where salinity is low capacity”. Periodic droughts, as in

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 25 Hwange and Tsavo, have a further dispersal between protected areas, is hardly deserving the overblown important role to play in the self- an important means for encouraging argument that it all-too-often receives. regulating mortality of juvenile and population and habitat heterogeneity. adult elephants. The Round Table saw this as a process to be encouraged, Finally, the Round Table recognised REFERENCES rather than prevented as advocated by that social issues are important, but Du Toit, JT, KH Rogers & HC Biggs (2003) The Kruger Prof Allen. distinct from the scientific issues in Experience. Island Press, Washington. elephant management. Ethical issues Gillson, L (2004) Testing non-equilibrium theories in savannas: 1400 years of vegetation change in Tsavo “Adaptive management” or learning- may be debated on their own merits, National Park, Kenya. Ecological Complexity, 1:281-298. through-doing, is now seen as the best with sympathy for elephant Mills, AJ (2006) The role of salinity and sodicity in the way to find out what works in wild intelligence and sociality, or dieback of Acacia xanthophloea in Ngorongoro Caldera, ecosystems, where future outcomes intervention to “save” elephants from Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology, 44:61–71. remain uncertain. Trying different dying naturally, becoming an Owen-Smith, N, GIH Kerley, B Page, R Slotow & RJ van Aarde (2006) A scientific perspective on the management approaches in different areas of important talking point. Economic of elephants in the Kruger National Park and elsewhere. elephant range, and accepting that considerations are clearly necessary, South African Journal of Science, 102: 389-394. results of ecological experiments take and again, should be evaluated on Pickett. STA, RS Ostfeld, M Shachak & GE Likens, eds. (1997) The Ecological Basis of Conservation. Heterogeneity, time, are important aspects of an their own terms. In summary, it is ecosystems, and hiodiversity. Chapman & Hall, International experimental approach to discovering essential to distinguish the different Thomson Publishing, New York. how to work with, rather than against, strands of argument over elephant Western, D & D Maitumo (2004) Woodland loss and restoration in a savanna park: a 20-year experiment. ecosystem processes. Landscape-level management, and to keep the question African Journal of Ecology, 42:111–121. planning looking at the whole over whether or not to cull in its ecosystem, including corridors for proper place as one, rather blunt, tool

IS DUAL FUNDING OF OUR UNIVERSITIES FIT FOR PURPOSE IN THE 21ST CENTURY? MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 18TH JUNE Is Dual Support funding of our universities fit for purpose in the 21st Century? Rama Thirunamachandran Director, Research and Knowledge Transfer, Higher Education Funding Council for England

he dual support funding and the seven research councils which substantial endowment income arrangement for research is a provide project and programme performs the functions of the HEFCE Twell established cornerstone of funding for specific areas or themes. research grant (QR). In Western research policy in the UK. Though there may not be many Europe funding from state Traditionally dual support has been countries with explicit dual support governments provides the equivalent described in terms of the two major arrangements akin to the UK it is to QR. It is also important to recognise arms of public funding for university nevertheless the case that most that almost half of the £3,800 million research – namely the Higher research rich countries have multiple research income of English higher Education funding bodies which streams of public funding. In most education in 2005/06 came from a provide core funding to universities for large research strong private range of other sources including permanent staffing and infrastructure universities in the USA very charities, Government departments

26 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 and the NHS, business and overseas published data to show that the UK 2008. Any new approach will need to sources. This presentation focused on share of world citations had declined be both robust and transparent; to the HEFCE side of dual support. in the first half of the 1980s reaching have ‘buy-in’ from the sector; and to the lowest point of 5% in 1989. The continue to provide well founded HEFCE’s QR funding provides for the data also show a steady increase in the quality indicators for both funding and ‘well found laboratory’ through a UK’s share of the world citations with benchmarking purposes. In the stable funding stream supporting each RAE cycle reaching the current sciences the assessment and funding staffing and infrastructure which in high level of 12%. Equally significantly system will be based on bibliometric turn enables universities to seek the RAE has also driven institutions to indicators of quality, research income project funding from a range of take a more strategic approach to and postgraduate student data. Some sources. QR also provides funding for managing their research and better seven large subject groupings are institutions to undertake ‘blue skies’ utilisation of infrastructure. envisaged in the place of 26 subject research and respond quickly to new units of assessment in the current The review of the RAE by the late Sir ideas. As such it is an important RAE. Expert panels will continue to Gareth Roberts in 2003 led to a source for institutions to plan and play an advisory role so that subject number of changes to the RAE shape their research strategies. QR specific differences in data are properly including the introduction of a ‘quality plays a crucial role in the arts, understood and applied. In the arts, profile’ and better approaches to humanities and social sciences where humanities, and social sciences and in assessing applied, practice-based and it provides for over 80% of total mathematics a light touch peer based interdisciplinary research and joint research income recognising that the system will need to continue given the submissions between institutions. research approaches and methods in immaturity of bibliometrics in these these subjects are less amenable to However, it is undoubtedly true that, subjects. ‘project grants’. Otherwise arts and 20 years on, the RAE has created some humanities scholars would simply be As the largest single source of funding less desirable behaviour in the HE writing grant applications to recover for research, over the past five years system including influencing their salary costs which would not be HEFCE has been engaging in policy institutional missions to the possible the most efficient use of intellectual development across a range of research detriment of teaching and other talent. related issues: bringing on and activities. Though the administrative supporting the next generation of costs, in relation to the grant allocated QR is allocated to institutions as a researchers; supporting the using the outcome, are considerably block grant based on the outcomes of development of a sustainable research lower than the costs of the research the most recent Research Assessment base; building research capacity and council operations, the burden on the Exercise (RAE). The RAE, which was capability in certain subjects; system as a whole has increased due to first run in 1986, is based on peer promoting research collaboration; what many call ‘games playing’. assessment of research across the full improving infrastructure and range of subjects and has a role both There is therefore now a growing knowledge transfer. The remainder of in informing the allocation of QR consensus that the RAE in its current this presentation highlights some funding and in demonstrating the form has run its course and it is time aspects of this work. power of the national research base. for change to a new approach, at least RAEs have been held in 1989, 1992, An explicit element in our QR is in the sciences, which, whilst reducing 1996 and 2001 with the next RAE support for the training and the burden, continues to recognise taking place in 2008. development of postgraduate research excellent research and to enable QR to (PGR) students. In recognition of be allocated on this basis wherever There is ample evidence to concern about the variability in the excellence may be found. Following demonstrate that the RAE has had a quality and standards of postgraduate consultation, the December 2006 pre- positive effect on UK research by research training in the sector we have budget report announced a new driving up research quality. Evidence worked with the HE sector, the approach to replace the RAE after Ltd, an independent consultancy, have research councils and the Quality

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 27 Assurance Agency to introduce established in research terms. This has able to conduct cutting edge research minimum threshold standards which led to HEFCE providing specific across the full range of disciplines. are now a condition of our PGR grant. research capability funding in the Therefore collaboration between I believe that this, together with following subjects: art and design; institutions and subjects will become HEFCE’s plans to publish research drama, dance and performing arts; increasingly important as we drive to student completion rates, will have a communication, cultural and media maintain a world class research base positive impact on the research studies; social work; nursing; other which is also financially sustainable. student experience. studies and professions allied to We consider that collaboration works medicine; and sports-related studies. best where it emerges from within At the next level many postdoctoral Even in well established areas there are institutions and departments rather and other researchers are funded by specific sub-disciplines where our than from external pressure, and are project grants and employed on short research capacity may be low. In happy to consider proposals for our term contracts. We are working closely recognition of this, we are working in support for strategic research with the research councils and other partnership with the research councils collaboration on this basis. funders to develop a new research to support research in specific areas of careers concordat which will be in line Ultimately, HEFCE wishes to see its national priority. For example, with with the European Charter for policies and funding lead to not just the AHRC and ESRC we are providing Researchers. Research is fundamentally the creation but also the dissemination funding to support area studies and about people and knowledge and of knowledge. HEFCE/OSI’s Higher related languages in Chinese, Japanese, HEFCE remains committed to Education Innovation Fund is central Middle Eastern/Arabic and Eastern ensuring that the UK is well placed to in promoting the dissemination of European Studies. produce the next generation of knowledge or knowledge transfer researchers. Public funding for research will always which is central to wider economic be limited. Very few institutions are and social benefits. We recognise that there are a number of disciplines which are not yet well

IS DUAL FUNDING OF OUR UNIVERSITIES FIT FOR PURPOSE IN THE 21ST CENTURY? Is Dual Support Fit for Purpose in the 21st Century? Sir Keith O’nions FRS Director General of Science and Innovation

he UK’s dual support system but more about how well-tuned it is to has broad counterparts in a our current needs. Tnumber of other countries. These also separate core funding We should first consider just what a support from project based research. dual support system is trying to The question is not so much whether achieve. An essential requirement of or not dual support is a good thing, the research base must be to deliver

28 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 world class research. The UK is Knowledge Transfer and Since 2002 Councils have also demonstrably very successful in this Economic Benefits changed the way they fund some large regard – bibliometric analysis shows capital projects that can be difficult for the UK is second only to the US It remains difficult to achieve an one Council alone to fund. This has overall in the output and impact of its overall measure of the economic led to the introduction of the Large research. A second key requirement is impact of research. The Warry Report, Facilities Capital Fund, which successful exploitation of the research a review of knowledge transfer currently stands at £110m pa and is base for economic benefits. This too is undertaken by Research Councils, and support by an agreed roadmap for an area where the UK is performing published last year, stated that “the large projects. The EU and US have well, and has been improving rapidly output of highly educated people also produced large facility roadmaps. in recent years. Successful links rather than research results is widely This central fund enables long term between universities and business is a regarded as the most effective investment in capital intensive recognised part of this successful knowledge transfer mechanism”. This projects, such as the Diamond exploitation. Finally the research base view is widely endorsed but is difficult synchrotron, which was recently should have the capacity and ability to to quantify fully. In those areas that are completed and is the largest single address national priorities which are easy to quantify the UK is performing science facility in the UK for 30 years. often cross-cutting and well. For example, the number of The scope of Research Councils’ interdisciplinary in nature and include patents granted in the UK more than support has also increased, with the such topics as energy, climate change, doubled between 1998/99 and creation of the Arts and Humanities ageing and security. 2003/04 and over the last three years some 25 university spin outs reaching Research Council. Finally, Research What is required in order that the UK IPO have a combined capitalisation of Councils have changed the way they research base meets these aspirations? £1.5bn. When normalised to the work together through the creation of It is vital that the system is sustainable research expenditure of US then the RCUK. This is a successful change that in both financial and functional terms. UK is seen to perform at least as well has been welcomed widely and helps We must be able to attract and retain in patent generation, at a lower Councils to address cross-disciplinary the best people and train them with expenditure, with around half of the challenges such as climate change and the skills required for a range of IP income of the USA. ageing. RCUK also provides a single careers which are relevant to a globally brand for international collaboration; competitive economy. Everything we Sustainability this will be rolled out through RCUK do in this regard must be world-class. offices opening in Washington and Until the early 1990s Research Beijing later this summer. To answer the question we must first Councils funded only a contribution consider the state of play in the to the direct costs of research projects. These changes have undoubtedly following three areas: A contribution to indirect costs (of increased the effectiveness of the Dual 1. Research excellence 46%) was introduced in 1992 and Support system over time but we do 2. Knowledge transfer and economic since 2005 Research Councils have, need to consider what else is needed. benefits rather than identify a particular set of The introduction of SRIF and FEC has made a significant contribution to 3. Sustainability direct costs and a tariff to cover some part of the indirect costs, been paying sustainability but there may still be Research Excellence a fixed proportion (set at 80%) of the more to do. Anecdotal evidence full economic costs of research. An suggests that the Higher Education The research base is overall in very historic backlog of infrastructure Innovation Fund (HEIF) has prompted good shape. In many areas (bioscience, investment in universities estimated at a real change in the way universities health and medical science and social £10.6b in 2001 by JM Consulting has approach knowledge transfer. Not all sciences) the UK is second only to the been very substantially reduced on the funding sources currently consider the US, and leads the world in the most research side by the Investment Fund full economic cost of research. In highly cited biomedical publications. (SRIF) and is expected to reach a order to maintain a diverse range of However, there is no room for manageable level before the end of this funding sources we should consider if complacency – some parts of decade. we currently have appropriate engineering and the physical sciences incentives in place to encourage access for example could be stronger. to these sources.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 29 IS DUAL FUNDING OF OUR UNIVERSITIES FIT FOR PURPOSE IN THE 21ST CENTURY?

Dr Peter Cotgreave Campaign for Science & Engineering in the UK (CaSE)

n answering the question of buildings, equipment or human whether the dual support system of resources. But Realising Our Potential Ifunding university research is fit for used a definition based on the process purpose, the starting point must be by which spending decisions were that a dual support system of some taken. The key point was that power kind is essential. Whatever defects the was explicitly devolved from the current system may have, nobody who centre to the universities. has studied the issue would conclude that we should scrap the system and These are not the only different official develop a wholly new one. But the definitions of the purposes of the current system has some serious flaws, Funding Councils’ funding of research. making power back into the hands of and in the light of changed and The Treasury’s Cross-cutting review of managers within institutions. changing circumstances, needs science in 2000 described it as significant improvement. providing “the capacity to undertake Anyone not already immersed in the research, and in particular the system could be forgiven for being In theory, the dual support system is flexibility to pursue ‘blue skies’ confused. Apart from anything else, easy to explain, but in practice, there research and develop new areas of few of the definitions included any is great confusion. The Research excellence”. This is yet another reference to the fact that this funding Council half is relatively simple. completely different kind of definition, pays the salaries of academic members Researchers obtain grants for specific focused not on who decides how to of staff, but in reality that is what the projects and the funds they receive pay spend the money or on what types of vast majority of it is actually used for. thing that might be bought, but on the for specific things that are detailed in A composite list, trying to encapsulate advance. Over the years there have expected outcomes of the research that is funded. the wide range of elements in the been changes to precisely what is various descriptions would include: included, and the current developments of a mechanism for When the Treasury repeated its Cross- • strategic investment in new areas cutting review of science in 2002 it once identifying ‘full economic costs’ are a • ‘blue skies’ research good example. But for any given again came up with a new description Research Council grant, a researcher of the purposes of the Funding • training new researchers has always known to a high degree of Councils’ pot of research funding. It • rapid reaction to changing precision what the money was for. contains elements that had appeared in some of the earlier ones, but also circumstances However, the Funding Council half of has a fresh form of words about • a base to apply for other funding dual support has always been rather providing “the base from which vaguer, and this can be illustrated by academics can make credible • high risk, potentially high-reward some quotations from official proposals [to the Research Councils, research Government publications that purport charities, the European Union, • research that cannot be funded from to describe its purposes. industry and so on]”. It differs in a elsewhere significant way from some of the The White Paper, Realising Our Potential previous attempts at definition by • capacity-building in 1993, which set up the system in its saying that Funding Councils should • infrastructure [including laboratories current form, had a very simple pay for “the costs of training new and libraries etc. but also the staff description of the Funding Council’s researchers,” when earlier versions had salaries that support human allocations for research – “general suggested that it should include only a infrastructure] funds available for use at the contribution to these costs. institutions’ discretion”. Seven years • filling the shortfall on other sources later in 2000, another White Paper on The Government’s overall strategy for of funding such as grants from science, Excellence and Opportunity, had science published in 2002, Investing in Research Councils, charities, the an even shorter definition – Innovation had another, longer, European Union or industry “infrastructure money”. definition, while in 2004, the 10-Year Science and Innovation Investment Although it would be possible to deal The point about these is not just that Framework reverted to a short, simple in detail with all of these things, the they are rather different in detail, but one – “a foundation allowing two at the top of the list are important that they take wholly different university leaders to take strategic for special reasons. approaches. Excellence and Opportunity decisions about the research activities defined Funding Council support in of their own institutions”. This harks Strategic investment is crucially terms of what the money was spent on back to the original definition from important in allowing universities to – infrastructure, which might include 1993, and seemed to put the decision- start new areas, and to develop their

30 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 research as exciting opportunities of academic institutions receiving cash On the Funding Council side of dual become available. To do this, research from the Funding Councils (or their support, the mechanism for rationing leaders need a modest financial predecessor the University Grants funds is the Research Assessment surplus, after they have paid for all the Committee) has grown by almost four Exercise, which a very senior scientist essentials. Because of changes in the fold since 1970, and the number of in the UK recently described as two funding streams of dual support, academic staff has grown by a factor of “immense timewasting”. the freedom created by such a surplus at least 2.5. There has also been a no longer exists. massive growth in the number of As soon as these methods of rationing postdoctoral researchers who are not funds are introduced, it is inevitable Over the last twenty years, the classed as academic staff, so the total that anything that does not fit with proportion of funding that comes number of people doing university current themes and paradigms finds it through the two different streams of research has expanded by a very large almost impossible to get funded. And dual support has changed. The multiple. Although funding has grown indeed, a recent report commissioned practical effect of these changes on the rapidly, it has not kept pace in the by the Higher Education Funding ground is that whereas in the mid- same way. Council for England could find no 1980s, for every pound that the evidence that its funding was Research Councils were distributing, Because there are now so many more “supporting research which has led to the universities were getting £1.27 people eligible to receive public fundamental breakthroughs or radical from the Funding Councils towards funding for university research, the changes in research areas”. the costs of all the things in the system has had to invent mechanisms composite list of purposes for this for rationing it in fair ways. Both So for many parts of the research funding stream. Now they get 64p. halves of dual support have invented system, the dual support system works their own methods of doing this. The well. Indicators such as citation rates In other words, after university Research Councils have special themes show that the vast majority of research managers have paid for the shortfall and panels and ring-fenced pots for funded by the Research Councils and on Research Council grants, the costs particular subjects. They even reached Funding Councils is excellent, judged of training new researchers, their basic the point of issuing a document with a against the international competition. infrastructure, library and salary costs, list of questions that UK researchers But some particular areas – including there is now little if anything left for would “work to solve within the next ‘blue skies’ research and strategic investment in strategic future few years” which ranged from “What investment in new priorities – are priorities. is gravitation?” to “What does it mean much less well served by the current to be a member of an expanding ‘Blue skies’ research suffers from the arrangements. So while the dual European Community?” This is a far same problem, but its difficulties are support system is fit for many of its cry from the words of the Council for exacerbated by the processes that have current purposes, it is very far from Science Policy in 1966, said that the been invented for rationing funding. perfect if the UK is to sustain the truly task of science policy was nothing Over recent decades, the number of innovative and exciting science and more than “to maintain the researchers expecting to share in engineering base it needs to thrive in environment necessary for scientific public funding has grown faster than the coming years and decades. discovery”. the availability of funds. The number

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In discussion the following points were made: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The ‘cliff face’ drop down of QR money means that any department that does not get a five rating may as well fold up as far as ‘blue skies’ research is concerned. Infrastructure money was transferred to Research Councils when new universities were created from polytechnics and never returned subsequently due to the fear that Vice Chancellors had too much freedom in the 1970s on how the infrastructure money was spent and they would direct funds away from scientific research. Has this situation been changed subsequently? The £98 million recently transferred to bail out the Rover Car Company by the DTI from the MRC budget, that had been previously ring-fenced for clinical medical research training purposes, will not be restored although everyone regrets such adjustments. The Cooksey review will secure the MRC and NHS research funds in the future. Prospects for clinical research will not be starved. “It felt like a slap round the face with a wet kipper.” The science community felt very badly treated as a result. All sources of funding need consideration together especially when the two halves of the dual support system contract simultaneously. Is there anyone who is taking a realistic overview of the whole situation? Deliberate obfuscation on the costs of what universities do with their money results in the closure of chemistry departments as there is no clear understanding of the financial commitments needed to keep them open. Chemistry department closure is a complex subject which is cyclical and could lead to catastrophic loss of infrastructure. 120 institutions have some, but not much, funding for QR and this funding is mainly absorbed by departments with a higher mark. The system is working fairly well at the 90% level, however 80% of research funding goes to only 20 universities which leaves many universities very short of facilities for supporting research. Universities have to make everything add up as a whole including teaching. Innovative ways of increasing overall funding for universities from a wider range of sources are urgently needed.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 31 THE DESIGN AND REGULATION OF MODERN CLINICAL TRIALS MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 9TH JULY Recommendations to increase the safety of first- in-human clinical trials following the TGN1412 clinical trial in 2006 Sir Gordon Duff Florey Professor of Molecular Medicine, University of Sheffield Chairman, Commission on Human Medicines Chairman, National Biological Standards Board

Background The Expert Scientific Group trial subjects and their representatives, the Northwick Park physicians, patient In March 2006, a first-in-human Following this, the Secretary of State groups, individuals, national and clinical trial of a monoclonal antibody, for Health set up an Expert Scientific international public sector institutions, TGN1412, took place in a private Group (ESG) to learn from these the biotechnology and pharmaceutical facility at Northwick Park Hospital in events and to make recommendations industries and contract research London. The clinical trial was to increase the safety of future trials organisations were received after the suspended immediately when very involving the first human exposures to interim report was published in the serious adverse reactions occurred in new medicines that warrant special form of an open consultation all six of the healthy volunteer consideration because of their document. These submissions were subjects. TGN1412 was being scientific innovation or the novelty of taken into account in formulating the developed as a medicine to treat their pharmacological targets. final report with 22 recommendations leukaemia and autoimmune diseases published in December 2006. such as rheumatoid arthritis. Its target The ESG terms of reference and ways was a molecule that can activate T of working: Approach to the Problem lymphocytes, key cells of the immune 1. To consider what may be necessary system. The rationale was that this in the transition from pre-clinical to The need for better and safer stimulation by TGN1412 would first-in-human Phase 1 studies, and in medicines is clear, as is the fact that improve the regulation of immunity. the design of these trials, with specific the first human exposure to a new reference to: medicine will always carry some risk, In the clinical trial, all six healthy even if extremely small. The aim of the volunteers experienced life-threatening • biological molecules with novel mechanisms of action; ESG was to optimise the safety of reactions soon after receiving future first-in-human trials of the types TGN1412 by intravenous infusion. All • new agents with a highly species- of medicines within its remit without six trial subjects required intensive specific action; stifling innovation or raising treatment and supportive measures unnecessary barriers to the that were provided by the Intensive • new drugs directed towards development of useful new medicines. Therapy Unit at Northwick Park immune system targets. Hospital. Subsequent clinical The ESG reviewed the pre-clinical investigation showed that the 2. To provide advice, in the form of a development of TGN1412, the results recipients of TGN1412 had report, for the future authorisation of from MHRA investigations and the experienced a large release of such trials with an interim report to be likely causes of the unpredicted severe cytokines, small proteins that signal provided within three months toxicity at the dose given in the trial. Toxicity had not occurred in the between cells of the immune system. The ESG comprised 19 individuals The phrase ‘cytokine storm’ has been cynomolgus monkey, the animal including two lay members and model chosen for studies to calculate used to describe this life-threatening specialists in clinical medicine, clinical reaction. the dose for the first human exposure pharmacology, toxicology, to TGN1412. At a dose that was Previously, first-in-man clinical trials immunology, clinical trial design and numerically 500 times larger than that had had a very good safety record, and ethics. The opinions and advice of given to human volunteers, the outcome of the TGN1412 trial, stakeholders was sought and cynomolgus monkeys did not where all recipients experienced such considered in detail before formulating experience any apparent adverse severe and similar adverse reactions, interim recommendations that were effects. was unprecedented. published on July 26th 2006. Further written and verbal submissions from Results of independent scientific tests stakeholders, including four of the carried out by the National Institute

32 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 for Biological Standards and Control one with an established safety record There was a focus on sharing of (NIBSC) to clarify the toxicity seen in in humans and aimed at a known information relevant to safety, the the TGN1412 trial may provide some target where the pharmacology can be calculation and administration of first answers to scientific questions predicted with confidence, may not doses, the conduct of the clinical trial surrounding the adverse reactions in require special consideration beyond and regulatory access to independent human recipients, and why similar the conventional careful approach to specialist opinion in the appraisal of reactions were not detected in pre- risk assessment and risk management trial applications. clinical testing in animals or in tests that must be taken in all clinical trials. using human blood cells. The results Stakeholders raised several areas of of these NIBSC studies were When might special concern that were not within the ESG summarised in the final report and consideration be needed? remit. These included topics such as will shortly be published in detail. the process of informed consent, In the report factors were discussed insurance cover, the role of Research Risk reduction and risk management that should raise the level of caution Ethics Committees, and clinical are the cornerstones of safe clinical for first human exposures to new follow-up of trial subjects who had trials. Understanding the potential agents. No comprehensive list can be experienced an adverse reaction. risks in clinical trials of new agents or made but such factors might include: Although beyond the ESG remit, these agents with new pharmacological wider concerns are all extremely targets cannot entirely be guided by • potential to cause severe important, and it was recommended previous experience, and such agents physiological disturbance to vital that they should be considered in should receive special scientific body systems; detail by the appropriate agencies. consideration. The ESG focused on The recommendations have been risk reduction and risk management. • agonistic or stimulatory actions; • novel agents and novel accepted in the UK, and the EU is in Scope of the Recommendations mechanisms of action where there the process of developing very is no prior experience; compatible new guidance for the What kind of clinical trial? design and conduct of first-in-human The recommendations apply to first- • species-specific action making pre- clinical trials of innovative agents in-human clinical trials, and not to clinical risk-assessment difficult or where special consideration may be Phase 1 Trials in general (which might impossible; needed in risk assessment and risk include trials of agents with an • pharmacological potency, eg management. New guidance along established record of safety in compared with normal similar lines will also be available from humans). Special caution is needed physiological processes; The Association of the British during first human exposures to new • multifunctional agents, eg bivalent Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). It is medicines at doses likely to cause a antibodies with FcR binding important that a similar approach is pharmacological effect. domains; adopted at international level to ensure that equal protection is given to However, added caution is also needed • cell-associated targets; clinical trial participants worldwide. when administering a medicine with • targets that by-pass normal control the potential for risk to a distinct new mechanisms; Biological advances are providing an population, be they healthy volunteers ever-increasing number of or patients, or of different age, gender, • immune system targets; pharmacological targets for the ethnicity or medical condition. • targets in systems with the development of new and better potential for large biological medicines that are vital for the public What kind of agent? amplification in vivo. health. There is no single answer to The remit covered three categories of the question of how to optimise the medicines that may require special A thorough assessment of risk should safety of first-in-human clinical trials. consideration before being given to always be carried out before first-in- Each new potential medicine must be humans for the first time: biologicals human trials. The risk assessment considered on a case-by-case basis by with novel mechanisms of action; new should be clearly described in the trial appropriately trained and experienced agents with a high degree of species- documents and be fully examined by teams taking account of all the specificity; and new agents with the regulator. available information. immune system targets. Increasing the safety of future first-in- Summary The recommendations were intended human clinical trials to apply to medicines or potential First-in-human Phase 1 studies are the medicines in any one of these three The ESG made 22 recommendations gateway between scientific research categories, unless a careful assessment that covered: and clinical practice, and we must of the physiological role of the target • pre-clinical and early clinical ensure that such clinical trials are safe molecules supports a low risk of harm development; for the human subjects, whether in first human exposures. It was not healthy volunteers or patients, and suggested that any agent that falls into • preparation and review of clinical efficient in gaining new knowledge. one of these categories necessarily trial applications, and early access poses a high risk on first human to advice for both regulators and The safety of clinical trial subjects sponsors; must always be the primary concern. exposures, but that a clear and strong The ESG made 22 recommendations scientific case should be provided in • determining and administering the initial doses in humans; to increase the safety of first human support of an assessment that the risk exposures to new agents that require of harm is extremely low. • the clinical environment and special consideration because of their For example a conventional vaccine, conduct of first-in-human studies; novelty or intended pharmacological although aimed at stimulating an • developing the skills and training target. The recommendations, while immune response, may not pose a to meet future needs. aimed at increasing safety, should not high risk, or a new agent similar to unduly inhibit innovation. The Expert Group on Phase One Clinical Trials: Final report is available free of charge on the DH web-site: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_063117 and can be purchased as a bound paper version (600 pages) from: TSO Publications Centre, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 55 22 Fax: 0870 600 55 33

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 33 THE DESIGN AND REGULATION OF MODERN CLINICAL TRIALS Clinical trials and the MRC Clinical Trials Unit Professor Janet Darbyshire Director, Clinical Trials Unit, Medical Research Council Professor of Epidemiology, Royal Free and University College London Medical School

linical trials are the foundation • and are often blinded by using a improvement in quality of life – ideally of evidence based medicine placebo, which is inert but all three. and underpin the evaluation indistinguishable from the new drug Two recently completed trials in cancer C so that participants and their doctors of all new interventions which prevent demonstrate the importance of or treat disease, such as vaccines or do not know what treatment they exploring different approaches to the drugs. Once they have been shown to are getting to avoid biases in the treatment of cancer. The first, the be safe and have activity in laboratory management of the participants and MAGIC trial, showed that by giving a and animal experiments most decisions about the outcome of the standard chemotherapy course before interventions will go through a series treatment. and after surgery for cancer of the of clinical trials which start by testing The final stage is to set the results of a stomach and lower oesophagus 5-year it in a small number of volunteers, trial in the context of all other similar survival could be increased to 36% usually healthy individuals but trials by bringing together the compared with 23% in those who had sometimes patients, to assess safety evidence in a systematic review or surgery alone. In the second, there was known as a Phase I trial. If there is no meta analysis to provide the most no evidence that the surgical removal evidence of serious toxicity it will then robust evidence base for decisions of pelvic lymph nodes be tested in a larger number of people about the role of the new intervention. (lymphadenectomy) in women with with the disease (or normal people if it endometrial cancer confined to the is a preventive intervention such as a In the MRC Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) uterus improved overall survival and vaccine) to assess both safety and our main focus is on clinically there was a tendency for recurrence activity, a Phase II trial. If the trial is important questions which will not be free survival to be poorer and side successful then much larger trials of interest to Pharma as their primary effects to be worse in those who had referred to as Phase III, are undertaken purpose in setting up trials is to lead lymphadenectomy. to assess the benefits and risks of the to licensure of a drug or vaccine. treatment, and its role in clinical care. These may include different Over the last 10 years antiretroviral approaches to using drugs in therapy (ART) using combinations of Most of these trials are: combination for cancer chemotherapy, drugs has led to dramatic the use of surgical procedures or other improvements in survival and quality • randomised (that is treatment is modalities of therapy or prevention of life in people with HIV infection in allocated by a chance process) to such as radiotherapy or behavioural the UK and many other countries avoid bias in the selection of interventions. Our research which can afford both the drugs and treatment programme is centred on a limited the cost of monitoring the therapy. • controlled, which means they number of disease areas, primarily With the reduction in cost of drugs compare the new treatment with the cancer and HIV, which are both major and the commitment to roll out ART best current treatment to assess its causes of morbidity and mortality. in resource poor countries an role in clinical care Benefits from new interventions may important question is whether the be greater efficacy, less toxicity or intensive and expensive monitoring

34 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 undertaken in resource rich countries undertakes are large trials exploring improving health care. Other key is necessary. better ways of using existing components are the clinical treatments or part of a development infrastructure in the NHS which The DART trial, funded by MRC, programme in areas of limited interest enables the recruitment of patients and DFID and the Rockefeller Foundation, to Pharma. When the MRC CTU was healthy volunteers to the studies and co-ordinated by MRC CTU and established in 1998 it was also given the funders, whether Government, Imperial College, was set up to address the remit to work in areas outside medical charities or industry which this question by comparing clinical cancer and HIV where there are provide the resources. Equally plus laboratory monitoring with important questions but no strong important are the involvement of clinical monitoring alone in patients tradition of clinical trials. patients and the public at all stages of who all receive a standard 3-drug ART Collaboration in trials in the research process, and academic regimen. It has recruited over 3,000 musculoskeletal disease have been set and clinical investigators to identify patients in two sites in Uganda and up with the Arthritis Research research questions and priorities and, one in Zimbabwe who will be Campaign and with the National working with the CTUs, turn these followed up for 6 years. Already the Blood Service and trials in a number into successful trials. impact of ART in these sites has been of other areas such as tuberculosis and demonstrated by comparing the Cancer trials in the UK have a long diabetes set up with clinical colleagues survival with a similar group of and successful track record but in at University College Hospital. patients who were followed up before 2000 were struggling to recruit rapidly ART became available; the 2-year Underpinning the clinical trials are a because of insufficient clinical time of survival rates were over 90% number of other areas of research, doctors and nurses. The National compared with about 25% which contribute to the design, Cancer Research Network (NCRN) respectively. conduct and analysis of the trials to was set up by NHS R&D in 2001 to ensure that the results are reliable and provide infrastructure support through Sometimes there are areas which are timely. Observational epidemiological local research networks across less attractive to Pharma where new studies tell us about the outcome of England, with parallel developments interventions come from small disease in a population on current in Scotland, Northern Ireland and companies or academic departments treatment and therefore help to Wales. By 2006 the proportion of and in these areas the MRC CTU is estimate the size of trials needed to newly diagnosed cancer patients involved in the whole development demonstrate reliably whether a new recruited to trials had increased from process working closely with the intervention is better. Methodological less than 4% in 2000/1 to 12.5% in company or group which developed research is important both to address 2006/7. Building on the success of the drug or vaccine. A current problems encountered in trials, such NCRN, further networks have been set example here is the MRC/DFID as how to handle missing data, and to up under the UK Clinical Research funded Microbicides Development improve trial design so that answers Network in mental health, diabetes, Programme led jointly by the MRC can be obtained more quickly. stroke, dementia and other CTU and Imperial College which is Systematic reviews and meta analyses neurodegenerative diseases, medicines working with a small biotech company can both assess what the results of a for children and primary care. (Indevus) to evaluate a vaginal gel as a new trial add to the current Currently the UKCRN is being potential microbicide product to knowledge or bring together all the extended to cover all areas of health prevent HIV transmission. This is a information in a clinical area to care and disease by the establishment major international collaboration with identify questions which new trials are of the NIHR Comprehensive Research many partners in Africa, the UK and needed to answer. Spain in which nearly 10,000 women Network across the whole of England will take part and over 4,000 have Clinical trials units such as the MRC with parallel activities in the Devolved been recruited already. The challenges CTU which have expertise and Administrations. The ultimate goal is of developing a microbicide and experience in designing, conducting to achieve benefits for patients through concerns about the likely return on and analysing clinical trials and related the more rapid introduction of better investment make it an area which is clinical and epidemiological research treatments including the industry studies are a key part of the ‘whole pipeline and resources and by not attractive to Pharma. system’ which underpins clinical dissemination of excellence in clinical Most of the trials that the MRC CTU research in the UK with the goal of care through the research process.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 35 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In discussion the following points were made: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A third speaker (see below) had been invited to represent the Medical Healthcare products Regulatory Agency who was unfortunately unable to attend. If the Northwick Park trial was unethical it would not have been approved. Would it have been possible to devise a prior experiment to prove the safety of the planned trial? Were there any prior indications or warnings that the experiment was likely to be unusual in any way? No-one knew previously about the cross-linking effect. It took 60 scientists working for six months knowing what they were looking for to work out what had happened. There were four companies involved in the trial, each one making their own contribution to different stages of the trial. In future it will be vitally important for some one individual person to be responsible for knowing everything that it is relevant to know in a drug trial involving first-in-human exposure. In the past, work was performed in test-tubes but experimental medicine requires testing on human beings. This creates a huge demand for increased training of new researchers to undertake this work, involving new challenges, new biology, and new knowledge, and there are not nearly enough people to do the work at present. Much more exchange and collaboration will be required in the future between commercial organisations such as drug companies and academic institutions such as universities. Some first-in-human tests may give a very steep, explosive, and apparently all-or-nothing response to a marginally small dose increase. Such dramatic responses over a narrow dosage interval can be very difficult to predict in advance. The only way to perform such tests safely therefore is to develop an experimental model and perform the initial experiments on primates. In addition, risk must be managed within the clinical trial by giving a dose to the first person and then waiting before giving a similar dose to the second person. Do not treat everyone simultaneously. An Expert Advisory Group has now been established, chaired by Sir Gordon Duff, for consultation on the design of first-in-human trials. With patents running out on many drugs, biosimilars manufactured by other companies may differ slightly from the originally patented drug. These may behave differently under trial conditions which may require very careful consideration in case of unpredictable responses. However biosimilars may become very important economically as they will increasingly form the basis for health care in the future.

THE DESIGN AND REGULATION OF MODERN CLINICAL TRIALS Medicinal Products for Paediatric Use Dr Julia Dunne Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory products Agency (MHRA) (Dr Julia Dunne was unable to be present at the meeting but has submitted the following article for publication)

Background companies have been reluctant to and children to adolescents. They are invest in developing specific not miniature versions of adults. Before any medicine is authorised for treatments or adapting existing Specific clinical trials in paediatric use in adults, the product must have medicines to meet the needs of the populations are normally required due undergone extensive testing including paediatric population, mainly because to age-related differences in the drug pre-clinical tests and clinical trials to the market is small and therefore of handling or drug effects which may ensure that it is safe, of high quality lower commercial interest and the lead to different dose requirements to and effective. The same may not be studies can be difficult, long and achieve efficacy or to avoid adverse true for medicines used to treat expensive. In addition, developing a effects. Paediatric studies conducted in children. Over 50% of the medicines suitable formulation which can response to US legislation led to the used in children may not have been provide an exact dose, for example a introduction of new paediatric studied in this age group. In the syrup, may be technically difficult and information in around 130 labels for European Union, the paediatric expensive on an industrial scale. This established medicines between July population (0-18 years) represents often leaves no alternative to the 1998 and June 2007. The new about 75 million people, that is 20% prescriber than to use 'off-label' and information includes new dosing of the total population. This is a unauthorised products, without information or a dose change in vulnerable group with developmental, evidence-based information to guide recommended dose, new safety data, physiological and psychological prescribing and give information about advice that safety and efficacy are not differences from adults, which makes the risk-benefit assessment. established in the paediatric age and development related research population and new dosing particularly important. The need to conduct trials instructions in younger populations. in the paediatric population These changes have an impact on the The absence of suitable authorised safe and effective use of the medicine medicinal products to treat conditions The paediatric population is not a in the paediatric population. Further in children is an issue that has been of homogeneous group; it ranges from information is available on the US concern for some time. Pharmaceutical pre-term newborns, through toddlers

36 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) o a two-year extension of market Bureau. The MCRN is funded by the website (http://www.fda.gov/oc/opt/ exclusivity if information arising Department of Health and works in default.htm). Without such specific from a completed PIP is partnership with the UK Clinical studies in the paediatric population incorporated into the Summary Research Network (UKCRN) to this important information would not of Product Characteristics improve the UK’s clinical research be available. In addition, the US (SmPC) environment and maximise the legislation led to the development of development of safe and effective age-appropriate formulations to avoid • for off-patent products medicines and formulations for difficulties in swallowing or, more o a new category of marketing children. significantly, serious calculation errors authorisation called the when using adult formulations to paediatric use marketing Protection of children in obtain paediatric dosages. authorisation which will be trials associated with a ten-year period EU Regulation on paediatric of data and market protection Although there may be ethical medicines concerns about conducting trials in • a European database of paediatric the paediatric population, this has to The EU Regulation on Paediatric clinical trials, part of which will be be balanced by the ethical concerns Medicines was adopted on 12 publicly accessible including trial about giving medicines to a population December 2006 and came into force results in which they have not been tested. on 26 January 2007. The Regulation •co-ordination of a European There is a complementary framework establishes a legislative framework that Paediatric Clinical Trials Network will fulfil the following main of European and national legislation, objectives: •funding for the study of off-patent implementing texts and national and international guidelines aimed at • increased availability of medicines medicines provided through the Community framework programmes protecting children involved in clinical specifically adapted and licensed for trials. The European Clinical Trials use in the paediatric population •an identifying symbol on the package Directive sets out the provisions which • increased information available to of all products authorised for use in must be followed if minors are to be the patient/carer and prescriber children. studied in a clinical trial. The directive about the use of medicines in covers the protection of all clinical trial children, including clinical trial data UK Medicines for children subjects and includes additional research network (MCRN) protection for minors. This includes • increase in high quality research into informed consent from a parental/legal medicines for children. The EU Regulation will lead to more representative; provision of paediatric clinical trials being information to the minor on benefits These will be achieved through a conducted in the EU. The Medicines and risks in language that he/she can system of requirements and incentives. for Children Research Network understand; respect for the explicit Work began on the draft texts in the (MCRN) was created in 2006 to wish of the minor to refuse to enter a Council Working Group in late provide the best possible framework trial or withdraw from a study; October 2004. Achieving progress on for such trials in the UK. The network compensation is allowed but no the Regulation was a priority of the aims to improve the co-ordination, financial or other inducements; the UK Presidency of the EU and political speed and quality of randomised group of subjects involved in the trial agreement on a text was reached in controlled trials and other well should derive a direct benefit from December 2005. A second reading designed studies of medicines for involvement; trials should be designed agreement between the Council, the children and adolescents, including to minimise pain, discomfort, fear; the European Parliament, and the those for prevention, diagnosis and Ethics Committee approving the trial European Commission was achieved treatment. The network has extensive should have paediatric expertise or in June 2006. The main elements of knowledge and experience of input and the patient’s interests should the finalised Regulation include: paediatric research, and supports non- always be considered above the • the establishment of a new body, the commercial, pharmaceutical/biotech- interests of society. The directive is Paediatric Committee, sited at the sponsored and investigator-led reinforced by the Regulation on European Medicines Agency (EMEA) partnership studies in over 100 NHS Paediatric Medicines which contains sites that serve approximately 6 provisions to prevent unnecessary • for new products and certain million children. The MCRN supports studies or duplication of studies. In changes to the marketing studies though its infrastructure, addition the European Commission is authorisation for products still which includes the MCRN Co- co-ordinating the preparation of a covered by patent protection ordinating Centre, Clinical Studies document on Ethical Considerations for o a requirement for paediatric data Groups (CSGs), Local Research Clinical Trials Performed in Children – based on a paediatric Networks (LRNs), Clinical Trial Units Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Group for investigation plan (PIP)* (CTUs) and a Neonatal Network. the development of implementing guidelines o a six-month extension of the for Directive 2001/20/EC relating to good supplementary protection The MCRN Co-ordinating Centre is clinical practice in the conduct of clinical certificate (SPC) if information led by a consortium comprising the trials on medicinal products for human use. arising from a completed PIP is University of Liverpool, Royal This was released for public incorporated into the Summary Liverpool Children’s Hospital, Imperial consultation in 2006 with comments of Product Characteristics College London, National Perinatal requested by 31 January 2007. (SmPC) Epidemiology Unit (NPEU; University of Oxford), Liverpool Women’s *This does not become law until 18 months after entry into force of the • for orphan medicinal products Hospital and the National Children’s Regulation

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 37 Chinese visitors review UK progress on energy generation Anthony Darbyshire – Environment Fellow, Comino Foundation

n June the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee were asked by Ithe Chinese Embassy if they could organise a tour for representatives of the Committee of Population, Resources and Environment (CPRE) which is one of the nine special committees of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The purpose of the tour was to focus on the UK’s progress in moving towards energy generation from renewable sources and in reducing greenhouse gases.

Part of the Comino Foundation’s work is to help address global warming and the Foundation was asked if I, as Environment Fellow, could organise this tour in the second week of September. Dr Wang Baoqing, Mr Chen Bangzu, Dr Douglas Naysmith MP, Mr John Slater and Mr Dang Dexin on the Terrace of the House of Commons The Chinese Embassy advised that the CPPCC is similar, in some ways, to the visiting the Energy Group of the important to demonstrate to the House of Lords although its role is Department of Business. Enterprise delegation how the UK is harnessing purely advisory, not legislative. Each and Regulatory Reform (BERR). This this asset and the delegation visited committee, such as the CPRE, has a session concentrated on the content of the British Wind Energy Association to large number of experienced public the recent Energy White Paper and the gain an overview of how 20% of figures in the committee’s area of principles of energy security and electricity generation will be generated responsibility who work together to greenhouse gas reduction on which it from renewable sources by 2020. investigate and research important is based. The delegation were Through a visit to East Anglia the issues. The committees report their particularly concerned to understand developing technology of wind findings, opinions and suggestions to the role of the EU Emissions Trading turbines for both onshore and offshore the central committee and the State Scheme (ETS) in stimulating wind farms were studied. Council for reference in policy and investment in renewable and ‘clean’ decision making. Their electricity generation. It became clear, China also has access to substantial recommendations are usually adopted. however, that, as a delegation, they wind resources and has a well were not aware of carbon capture and established programme to build wind The CPRE delegation was to be led by storage (CCS) technology although a farms. This programme is rapidly the Chairman supported by senior near Zero Emissions Coal Project had accelerating as is witnessed by Scottish members of the committee. I realised been established between the UK and and Southern Energy recently signing that this was an important opportunity China in 2005. a contract to supply 4 x 50MW wind to promote not only the UK’s range of farms in North East China. European activities in renewable energy After their visit to DBERR the companies are working closely with generation but also developments in delegation had lunch at the House of China to develop wind power which is clean coal technology, bearing in mind Commons, hosted by the planned to reach 30GW by 2020. that over 80% of electricity in China is Parliamentary and Scientific generated from coal. Committee, with Dr. Douglas Whilst in East Anglia the delegation Naysmith MP in the chair. also became aware that 60% of the Initially it was important to provide an UK’s chicken litter is used, in co-firing overview of UK Government policy on The UK has access to 40% of the wind with other renewable fuels, to produce energy generation and the first resources in Europe and to substantial electricity. The UK is well advanced in morning of the visit was spent in tide and wave resources. It was this area of renewable energy

38 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 generation. Energy Power Resources similar plants being targeted by the EU As one member of the delegation said, Ltd, who are based in East Anglia, are by 2015. “We know that our economic the largest biomass electricity expansion has been damaging but we generator in the UK with a number of Given that, currently, over 80% of are very concerned to reduce chicken litter plants plus a plant that electricity in China is generated from greenhouse gas emissions and reduce burns 200,000 tonnes of cereal straw coal and that this will continue for global warming.” To me this visit per annum. Whilst China does not many years to come I considered it demonstrated that China is moving have large chicken farms there is appropriate to devote some of the time swiftly ahead with various forms of extensive use of agricultural biomass on the tour to developments in coal renewable energy solutions but has yet in rural areas for cooking and heating. fired electricity generation. This was to understand how to address the With large residues of agricultural done in two ways. greenhouse gas problem of its coal waste the Government has set a Firstly Richard Budge, the Chief fired power stations. There are plans further target of 30GW of electricity to close many small coal fired power Executive of Powerfuel, explained in being generated from biomass sources plants and I believe there is a genuine detail the technology behind the by 2020. desire to solve the emissions problem. Integrated Gasification Combined Whilst in East Anglia the delegation Cycle (IGCC) process. Powerfuel are at The UK is well advanced in explored the Zicer Building which an advanced stage in their plans to developing clean coal technology and houses the Zuckerman Institute for build a 900MW IGCC power plant for there must be an opportunity to Connective Environmental Research at operation by 2012. In explaining the further advance the relationships that the University of East Anglia. This technology and the commercial criteria already exist in the energy field to help building, which has many innovative involved he stressed the importance to China find an acceptable solution. If energy saving features, won the Low their investment of an effective price this occurs the Chinese political Energy Building of the Year award. for carbon through the ETS. framework is such that change could Also at the University of East Anglia occur swiftly. the delegation reviewed the CRed Secondly I made arrangements for the carbon reduction programme which is delegation to visit Ferrybridge Power If the CPRE report to the State Council led by the School of Environmental Station which was originally built in recommends swift action to explore Sciences. Beyond its development in 1960. It is now owned by Scottish and the potential for CCS in China I the UK this programme is now Southern Energy. The visit to this believe this will be the major outcome expanding abroad and has a well power station. although familiar to the of their visit to the UK. established programme in China, delegates, was able to illustrate several Members of the CPPCC delegation: based in Shanghai. important points. Mr CHEN Bangzu: Standing 30-50% of UK electricity is generated Firstly, the plant is co-firing up to 10% from coal fired power stations. Many of biomass. At present this is mainly the Committee Member, National these are due for replacement. As in waste from olive oil production. This Committee of the CPPCC; Chairman, China, coal in the UK is an abundant is significantly reducing greenhouse CPRE; Former Executive Vice- and cheap source of power but the gas emissions and other plant Minister of State Economic and Trade level of greenhouse gases emitted from investment is reducing other damaging Commission emissions. Secondly, plans are well this form of power generation is Mr MA Fu: Member, CPRE; CPPCC advanced to upgrade the plant to unacceptable. To preserve a balanced National Committee; Former Deputy ‘super critical’ status with a further fuel mix, and consequently security of Director General of State Forestry 15% reduction in emissions. However, electricity supply, the UK Government Administration is concerned to ensure that new establishing the right price for carbon investment in ‘clean’ coal fired power though the ETS is critical to this Mr DANG Dexin: Director General, plants becomes a reality. This means investment. Thirdly, if investment Office of the CPRE; CPPCC National that the carbon price established under conditions are favourable the plant Committee ETS for the period 2008-2012 has to could move to CCS at a later stage be such as to attract new investment. when the CO2 pipeline grid is in place. Mr HE Guangsen: Deputy Director, Division of International Co- This investment may, initially, be in The Ferrybridge visit demonstrated to operation, Chinese Academy of upgrading existing coal fired plants to the delegation that it is possible to Forestry a more efficient, or ‘super critical’ state upgrade existing old coal fired power with the potential to move to full CCS stations, which is one of the possible Mr CAO Boyu: Deputy Division at a later date. Alternatively investment solutions to combat greenhouse gas Director, State-owned Asset may be in new types of plant which emissions from the ever increasing Supervision and Administration capture the carbon dioxide for storage number of coal fired stations in China. Commission of the State Council underground. CCS technology, It is important to note that towards the Miss WANG Yanan: Senior Staff although apparently not known to the end of the visit to Ferrybridge the Member, Office of the CPRE; CPPCC delegation, is now well established. A Chairman of the delegation said that National Committee. UK CCS demonstration plant is now he could see that carbon capture and being planned for 2012 with some 15 storage had an important future role.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 39 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY PARLIAMENTARY LINKS DAY – TUESDAY 26TH JUNE 2007 Earth Air Fire Water Science and the Global Challenge

he Attlee Suite was packed to consistent part over the years in Dr Jeff Hardy from the Royal Society capacity and standing room providing Parliament with its largest of Chemistry and Dr Peter Cotgreave, Tonly for the annual and single most important science- the (then) Director of the Campaign Parliamentary Links Day on 26 June related event held in the House. for Science and Engineering. organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry on behalf of the whole The Keynote Address was given by the Dr Jeff Hardy, energy manager at the scientific and engineering community (then) Secretary of State for the RSC, highlighted a few goals that will and co-sponsored on a bipartisan basis Environment, the Rt Hon David need to be met because without the by Dr Brian Iddon MP and Mark Miliband MP, who outlined the chemical sciences it was very unlikely that the Government will be able to Lancaster TD MP with the support of Government’s approach to global achieve its target of a 60% reduction the Commons Science and Technology climate change issues and the in CO2 by 2050. On the technology Select Committee. importance the Government placed on the Climate Change Bill. front, chemists were working with engineers to build four smart energy The range of speakers was remarkable Major scientific presentations were homes for Europe. These homes, – drawn from right across the given by Lord Rees of Ludlow, which are expected to consume zero scientific, parliamentary and President of the Royal Society, Dr Sue energy, will rely on new energy-saving governmental spheres – and the Ion, Vice President of the Royal materials such as smart windows and morning session was introduced by Academy of Engineering, Sir nanofoam insulation materials, ie Professor Jim Feast, President of the Christopher Llewellyn Smith from the foams with tiny nano-sized air bubbles RSC, who spoke of his pride that the Institute of Physics, Professor Alan that make them more efficient than RSC has been able to play such a Malcolm from the Institute of Biology, conventional insulation materials.

40 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Parliamentary contributions came from Alan Duncan MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who conveyed the renewed commitment of the Opposition to science and innovation and outlined their plans for a new strategy, and Phil Willis MP, Chair of the Commons Select Committee on Science & Technology, who observed that his experience had led him to the view that so many of the ostensibly ‘separate’ issues considered by the Select Committee were in fact profoundly connected one with another.

The concluding speaker was Sir David King, the Government Chief Scientific population and water supply programme in a sustainable future that Adviser who gave a tour d’horizon distribution, health challenges will depend on using “our wealth and taking in sustainable development including infectious diseases such as technology not only to manage our where he argued that each generation avian flu, and growing obesity, the economies within finite natural should leave at least as large a growing need to invest in sustainable resources but also to adapt to a productive base for its successor as it farming and research on food, current warming planet while reducing the inherited from its predecessor. His models of the Earth’s atmosphere, extent of that warming by drastically comprehensive presentation covered global fossil resources, and future reducing CO2 emissions and sustaining world population growth, the world’s world energy demand. Professor King the lifestyle we want.” water deficit, the interaction between highlighted the role of the Foresight

Special Messages

This year’s Links Day had messages from the Minister of Science and the Speaker of the House of Commons. There was also a unique ‘double’ of Special Messages from in effect two Prime Ministers. The outgoing Prime Minister, Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, praised Links Day as “the foremost scientific gathering in the Parliamentary calendar” and ended with a renewed plea for education: “It is our teachers on whom we depend for inspiring, encouraging and training the next generation of scientists.” The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP stated his wish for “the UK to be the most attractive place in which to do science” and that public investment in the science base “will reach a record level of £6.3 Billion by 2010-11” together with “enhancing the R&D tax credit to incentivise private investment.” The Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon David Cameron MP, said Links Day was “a great opportunity for Government and Opposition alike to continue their dialogue with the scientific community” and that “only by recognising the links between science, engineering and technology that we can tackle the scientific challenges we face.” Lord Browne of Madingley, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, conveyed the message that “on climate change, engineers have the means to do something practical about it…. (such as) practical alternative sources of energy to hydrocarbons.”

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 41 BOOK REVIEW The Man who Fed the World Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug By Leon Hesser Durban House Publishing Company 2006 ISBN: 1-930754-90-6

s you read this sentence now – 800 million people architecture of the wheat from gangly tall to a short- in the developing world are suffering from chronic strawed, heavy-tillering structure that responded well to Ahunger and twenty children have just been born. fertiliser. The combination of these three innovations Think about this for a while and its implications. How do caused wheat yields to rocket. If this was all that Borlaug’s we ensure we feed those in current need and those who work had achieved it would have been remarkable will need food in the future – the world’s growing enough, however there were further knock-on effects that population of another 2.5 billion people within the next changed global agriculture. forty years? From 1914, in the span of one man’s lifetime, the world’s population has grown from 1.6 to 6.4 billion, The principle elucidated by Borlaug of growing dwarf outstripping food supply in many countries of the world. varieties and creating globally adapted cultivars was If it had not been for the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and transferable to other staple crops such as rice. This then internationally acclaimed scientist Norman Borlaug, formed the basis of a different approach to plant breeding millions upon millions of people’s lives would, in less than that enabled the Green Revolution – averting starvation in that lifespan, have been lost to the suffering of Asia and many other countries during the 1960-80s. The malnutrition and starvation. Hence, the very apt title for Borlaug approach to plant breeding also lent itself to the Norman Borlaug’s biography, The man who Fed the World – a establishment of internationally funded research centres to concisely written and a well balanced account of a modest complement the national agricultural research and unassuming man whose achievements have been of global training programmes. Originally the centres were importance. established primarily as plant breeding institutes but they have since diversified and there are now fifteen such The story of Norman Borlaug is a remarkable one – a clear centres around the world with an annual expenditure of case of ability matched with opportunity to enable one around $350 million (which sounds a lot until you man to really change the world. Having recently survived consider that the same amount would probably buy you another summer of obsessive navel gazing over GCSE and only five Euro-fighters) specialising in tropical, dry-land A-level examination results it is refreshing to read of a and semi-arid crop development for cereals, potatoes, man born in 1914, a child of the Iowa prairie, who pulses and vegetables, but also addressing key research attended a one-teacher, one-room school; failed the issues in water, forestry, livestock, fish and preservation of university entrance exam; had an ambition to be a high genetic resources. The UK supports these institutes school science teacher and athletic coach and yet in his through funding from DfID. 93rd year has obtained more than 50 honorary doctorates Although Norman Borlaug’s contribution to the world has from 18 different countries and is acknowledged as one of been in providing a means of averting starvation and the hundred most influential people of the twentieth malnutrition, his biographer points out that Professor century. It reminds us that ability is not just about exam Borlaug has always recognised that the real battle is with performance and that some of the world’s greatest population growth – the ‘population monster’ as he calls individuals succeed in spite of apparent disadvantage and it. Borlaug is right of course to highlight the source of the their education system. problem that has been the driving force of his life’s work The story of Norman Borlaug is a great story – a story of and asking the question of the future, ‘Where will the scientific endeavour, courage, hard work, personal food come from?’ Let’s hope that those who have failed to sacrifice and duty – the stuff with which heroes abound. include population issues in the Millennium Development And Norman Borlaug clearly is one of our 20th Century Goals and those organisations and governments who fail heroes. As a thirty-year-old US scientist, based in Mexico, to prioritise and support continued scientific and Norman Borlaug embarked on three innovations that technological advance in agriculture know the answer to formed the basis of a wheat revolution in Mexico that this question because if they don’t, after reading this ultimately fostered the Green Revolution in Asia. First, he immensely interesting book, I know a man who does – painstakingly crossed thousands of wheat varieties to Norman Borlaug – the man who fed the world! identify those resistant to the devastating fungal rust In the time it has taken you to read this review more than 500 diseases of wheat. Next, against all the better judgement of children have been born and 800 million people remain his superiors and the prevailing wisdom, he initiated a chronically hungry! ‘shuttle-breeding’ programme that halved the time needed to develop new cultivars, and fortuitously, resulted in the David Dent seeds that were globally adaptable. Then, he changed the

42 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Cambridge, August 2007 In line with recent recommendation of the Council of Science and Technology (CST) to establish a cross- Sir, Government body to drive forward strategic nanotechnology action 1, and the establishment of a It was with considerable disappointment that the Ministerial Group on nanotechnology by the Minister of Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) noted the Science and Innovation 2, we would strongly advocate the motion passed by the House of Commons on the 24th establishment of a departmentally independent sub- July 2007 to abolish the current House of Commons committee on Science and Technology, in order to uphold Science and Technology Select Committee, and to replace and strengthen the UK’s outstanding reputation for it with a Committee on Innovation, Universities and fostering and supporting science. Skills, who will decide whether to establish a sub- committee on science and technology. Dr Steffi Friedrichs Director of the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) Nanotechnology is the latest example of a series of recent science- and technology-based public affairs topics, which www.nanotechia.co.uk. the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee represented in an objective and balanced 1 Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: A Review of Government’s Progress manner, by examining evidence from across all affected on its Policy Commitments, Council of Science and Technology, March Government Departments. 2007. 2 ‘Accordingly, I am establishing and will chair a small group, comprising The existence of a full Committee is vital to the provision Ministers from the Departments of Health *DH); Environment, Food and of an adequate oversight of the support requirements and Rural Affairs (Defra); and Work and Pensions (DWP). The group will bring together those Ministers with responsibility for the research base, potential impact of science and technology in the UK, as innovation, health, safety and the environment. Together, I intend that well as providing a strong input into science policy and we should consider how departments should prepare to maximise the science-based policy. In spite of the widespread considerable benefits that nanotechnologies may offer, while ensuring recognition that science and technology are key drivers for that the risks are minimised. The purpose of the group will be to agree economic strength and growth, the disbandment of the and regularly review the Government’s overall approach on House of Commons Science and Technology Select nanotechnologies, develop a communication strategy and monitor progress of delivery against our objectives.’ (Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister Committee sends the message that it is no longer of State for Science and Innovation, in a letter to Professor Sir John considered sufficiently important to merit a separate Select Beringer CBE, Chair of the CST’s Nanotechnologies subgroup, 17th May Committee. 2007)

House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology

Under the Standing Orders, the Committee’s terms of reference are to examine “the expenditure, policy and administration of the Office of Science and Innovation and its associated public bodies”. The new Committee was nominated on 19 July 2005. Members of the Committee are Adam Afriyie (Con, Windsor), Mr Robert Flello (Lab, Stoke on Trent South), Mrs Nadine Dorries (Con, Mid Bedfordshire), Linda Gilroy (Lab Co-op, Plymouth Sutton), Dr Evan Harris (Lib Dem, Oxford West and Abingdon), Dr Brian Iddon (Lab, Bolton South East), Chris Mole (Lab, Ipswich), Dr Bob Spink (Con, Castle Point), Graham Stringer (Lab, Manchester, Blackley), Dr Desmond Turner (Lab, Brighton Kemptown), and Mr Phil Willis (Lib Dem, Harrogate and Knaresborough). Mr Phil Willis was elected Chairman of the Committee at its first meeting on 20 July 2005.

Future of the Committee of special scientific interest, and the state of the UK research and skills base underpinning marine science. The House of Commons passed a motion on 24 July 2007 to replace the Science and Technology Committee with a The inquiry was launched with a public seminar at the Committee on Innovation, Universities and Skills with National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth on 17 April effect from the State Opening of the next session of this 2007. The Committee has subsequently held several oral Parliament (6 November 2007). It will be a matter for the evidence sessions hearing from The Inter-Agency new Committee whether to establish a sub-committee on Committee on Marine Science and Technology, the science and technology. Research Councils, academics and industrialists. A report is expected to be published in October. Inquiries Funding of Science and Discovery Centres Investigating the Oceans On 2 May 2007, the Committee announced a new short The Committee is undertaking an inquiry into marine inquiry into the funding of science and discovery centres. science. It will consider the organisation and funding of On 20 June 2007, the Committee took evidence from marine science, the role of the UK internationally in this Ecsite-uk, The Deep, INTECH, Tyne & Wear Museums, field, support for marine science, the use of marine sites the Wellcome Trust, NESTA, and Ministers from the

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 43 Department for Childen, Schools and Families, the Research Council: Introductory Hearing, HC 746. In its Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and report, the Committee criticised Sir John Chisholm for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A short being “vague” and “evasive”, and for “a lack of focus and report is expected to be published in October. clarity” in his dealings with the Committee. The Committee also criticised the manner of the appointment Scientific developments relating to the Abortion Act of Ernst & Young as consultants to a review conducted 1967 jointly with the MRC. On 20 June 2007, the Committee announced an inquiry International Policies and Activities of the Research into scientific developments relating to the Abortion Act Councils 1967. Written evidence was invited on a number of points including the scientific and medical evidence relating to On 31 July 2007, the Committee published its Ninth the 24 week upper time limit for abortions, and medical, Report of Session 2006-2007, International Policies and social and scientific research relevant to the impact of Activities of the Research Councils, HC 472. The Report suggested law reforms to first trimester abortions. The acknowledged that the Research Councils had already deadline for written evidence was 2 September 2007. Oral taken steps to develop their international work, evidence sessions will take place in October. developing an over-arching strategy, creating a Research Councils UK (RCUK) international team, and establishing Oral Evidence more offices overseas. However, the Committee found that the Research Councils’ activities still lacked co-ordination Improving Research Conduct and Preventing Scientific and were not sufficiently high-profile. It recommended Fraud that RCUK drive cross-Council co-ordination and communication between the Research Councils, Royal On 2 July 2007, the Committee took evidence from Society, British Council and others. Professor Sir David King, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Co-Chair of the Council for Science and Government Responses Technology, and Professor Janet Finch, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University and Independent Co-Chair of the Office of Science and Innovation Council for Science and Technoolgy. A transcript of this session is available on the Committee’s website. On 19 June 2007, the Committee published its Second Special Report of Session 2006-2007, Office of Science and Written Evidence Innovation: Scrutiny Report 2005 and 2006: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2006-07, Renewable Energy-Generation Technologies HC 635 On 15 May 2007, the Committee announced an inquiry The Cooksey Review into renewable energy technologies. It has invited written evidence on several points: the current state of UK On 30 July 2007, the Committee published its Third research and development in this area; the feasibility, Special Report of Session 2006-2007, The Cooksey Review: costs, timescales and progress in commercialising new Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of technologies; the Government’s role in funding research Session 2006-07, HC 978. and development in this field, and other possible technologies for renewable energy-generation. The Research Council Institutes deadline for written evidence was 2 July 2007. This evidence is available on the Committee’s website. On 30 July 2007, the Committee published its Fourth Special Report of Session 2006-2007, Research Councils It is unlikely that the Committee will be able to proceed Institutes: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth with this inquiry in the time remaining to it, and it will be Report of Session 2006-07, HC 979. a matter for the new Committee on Innovation, Universities and Skills whether it will include this issue in Further Information its programme of work. The Committee is grateful to all those who have submitted written memoranda to this Further information about the work of the Committee or inquiry. These memoranda have been published on the its current inquires can be obtained from the Clerk of the Committee's website. Committee, Dr Lynn Gardner, the Second Clerk, Dr Celia Blacklock, or from the Committee Assistant, Ana Ferreira Reports on 020 7219 2792/0859/2794; or by writing to: The Clerk of the Committee, Science and Technology 2007: A Space Policy Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Inquiries can also be emailed to On 17 July 2007, the Committee published its Seventh [email protected]. Anyone wishing to be Report of Session 2006-2007, 2007: A Space Policy, HC 66. included on the Committee’s mailing list should contact The Report was wide-ranging covering topics including the staff of the Committee. satellite navigation, manned spaceflight, Earth observation, launchers and research. The Committee Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee is made several recommendations intended to strengthen the strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the guidance role of the British National Space Centre and note first. Guidance on the submission of evidence can be recommended that investment in certain areas be found at increased. http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm. Chairman of the Medical Research Council: The Committee has a new website address: Introductory Hearing www.parliament.uk/s&tcom. All recent publications (from May 1997 onwards), terms of reference for all inquiries On 31 July 2007, the Committee published its Eighth and press notices are available at this address. Report of Session 2006-2007, Chairman of the Medical

44 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee

The members of the Committee (appointed 21 November 2006) are Lord Broers (Chairman), Lord Colwyn, Lord Haskel, Lord Howie of Troon, Lord May of Oxford, Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, Lord Patel, Lord Paul, Baroness Perry of Southwark, Baroness Platt of Writtle, the Earl of Selborne, Baroness Sharp of Guildford, Lord Sutherland of Houndwood and Lord Taverne. Baroness Finlay of Llandaff was co-opted to the Committee on 12 December 2006.

Personal Internet Security Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM), which was published last July, and the Government’s response to the The Committee’s report on Personal Internet Security was report published in October 2006. The Committee’s published on 10 August 2007, and was widely reported in report ‘Radioactive Waste Management: an update’ was the broadcast and print media. The inquiry, chaired by published on 4 June 2007 and the Government’s response Lord Broers, looked at a broad range of security issues was received on 25 June. The Committee’s report will be affecting private individuals when using the Internet. Key debated in the new session. recommendations included:

• Increasing the resources and skills available to the police Air Travel and Health and criminal justice system to catch and prosecute e- On 2 May, the Select Committee announced a short criminals; follow-up inquiry, chaired by Lord Broers, into air travel • Establishing a centralised and automated system, and health. The inquiry focused on progress made in administered by law enforcement, for the reporting of e- implementing recommendations contained in the crime; Committee’s report published in 2000. The report is expected to be published in the Autumn. • Incentivising banks and other companies trading online to improve data security by establishing a data security New inquiry: Waste Reduction breach notification law; The Select Committee has appointed a sub-committee, • Encouraging better security standards in new software chaired by Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, to hold an and hardware by taking the first steps towards the inquiry into waste reduction. A call for evidence was establishment of legal liability for damage resulting from published in August. The inquiry will focus on the first security flaws; tier of the waste hierarchy, waste reduction, and will examine ways in which the waste produced from products • Encouraging Internet service providers to improve the and production processes can be reduced. The inquiry security offered to customers by establishing a ‘kite will cover issues such as better design and the use of mark’ for Internet services. materials. The inquiry will be launched in November and the sub-committee’s report is expected to be published in Allergy the summer of 2008. The Committee published its Allergy report on 26 New inquiry: Medical Screening September. The report examined the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases across the United Kingdom, the The Select Committee has also appointed a second sub- reasons behind this, and the social and economic costs committee, chaired by Lord Patel, to investigate the these diseases bring. The report set out a series of scientific basis underlying medical screening programmes. recommendations to improve NHS allergy services, and The call for evidence for this inquiry is expected to be explored current areas of research and preventative published in early November and a report will be guidance. The Committee also examined the impact of published in the summer of 2008. allergy upon sufferers’ quality of life, and made recommendations on topics ranging from food labelling Further information and catering establishments, to complementary therapies, and the management of allergy in the school and work The written and oral evidence to the Committee’s inquiries environment. The Committee is now awaiting the mentioned above, as well as the Calls for Evidence on the Government’s response before calling for a debate. Committee’s new inquiries, can be found on the Committee’s website www.parliament.uk/hlscience. Radioactive Waste Management Further information about the work of the Committee can be obtained from Cathleen Schulte, Committee Specialist The Select Committee’s follow-up inquiry, chaired by Lord ([email protected] or 020 7219 2491). The Broers, focused on the final report of the Committee on Committee’s email address is [email protected].

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 45 Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

Recent POST publications greenhouse gas emissions and then purchasing ‘credits’ from emission reduction projects that have prevented or Grids and e-science removed the emission of an equivalent amount of July 2007 POSTnote 286 greenhouse gas elsewhere. The voluntary carbon offset market is growing at a rapid rate. However, there is Governments and industry worldwide are spending considerable debate over both the merit of carbon offsets billions of pounds developing Grid computing – an themselves, and the different types available. This evolution of the Internet that pools computer resources to POSTnote reviews the arguments over the availability of process, store and access large amounts of data. Grids offset programmes, describes the carbon market and already have widespread applications in research and highlights some of the defining characteristics of a carbon potential in industry and Government. They are also an offset. important part of e-science (science using advanced information and communications technologies). This note Electronic waste describes e-science and Grids and details key UK and July 2007 POSTnote 291 international projects. It examines the potential impact of the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review on e- The UK produces around 15% of the EU’s total waste science, as well as wider policy issues such as Grid electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE). The disposal security. and low rates of recycling of electronic and electrical appliances, many containing toxic components, may pose Eating disorders an environmental hazard. The UK introduced new July 2007 POSTnote 287 legislation in January 2007, to minimise WEEE, to support greater recycling and re-use and to improve the 1.1 million people in the UK are estimated to be directly monitoring of final disposal of materials. This POSTnote affected by eating disorders. These represent a significant outlines the types of WEEE and examines the public health concern due to their severe physical and implementation and potential impacts of the legislation. emotional consequences and high rate of recurrence. They often develop during adolescence, thus impacting on Radio spectrum management social development and education. This POSTnote reviews July 2007 POSTnote 292 the prevalence, possible causes and treatment of eating disorders, and highlights issues relevant to Government The radio spectrum supports services from air traffic policy in this area. control to wireless Internet. Demand for it is increasing with the rise in wireless and mobile services. This New industries in the deep sea POSTnote discusses the UK move towards more July 2007 POSTnote 288 liberalised spectrum use. It also outlines debate over the ‘Digital Dividend’: the forthcoming release of radio More than 70% of the Earth is covered by the oceans, spectrum as a result of the switchover from analogue to which have an average depth of four kilometres. In the digital television. deep sea there is no light, low temperatures and crushing Transport biofuels pressure, yet a wide variety of creatures are adapted to August 2007 POSTnote 293 these extreme conditions. New technologies give unprecedented access to deep waters, revealing a wealth Transport accounts for 25% of the UK’s carbon dioxide of new habitats and organisms, and also presenting (CO2) emissions. Low carbon fuels such as biofuels are opportunities for exploiting new resources. This expected to play a part in reducing CO2 emissions from POSTnote examines the specific cases of deep-seabed the transport sector. Biofuels are produced from biomass mineral extraction, bioprospecting and storage. It (plant or animal material). They are renewable and have highlights the difficulties in promoting development of typically lower lifecycle CO2 emissions than petrol or economic opportunities while protecting the deep sea diesel. ‘Second generation’ biofuels may offer even lower environment. CO2 emissions, but these are not yet commercially available. Although biofuels can provide carbon savings, Urban Flooding some groups are concerned about the environmental and July 2007 POSTnote 289 socio-economic impacts of biofuel feedstocks, especially in developing countries. This POSTnote examines the issues Urban flooding due to drainage systems being relating to current and future transport biofuels. overwhelmed by rainfall is estimated to cost £270 million a year in England and Wales; 80,000 homes are at risk. Its Current work impacts are expected to increase if no policy changes are made. This POSTnote sets out the current approaches to Biological Sciences - Alternatives to Custodial Sentencing, managing urban drainage and examines proposals for Assisted Reproduction, Synthetic Biology, HIV and AIDS improving them. in the UK, Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse, Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Voluntary carbon offsets July 2007 POSTnote 290 Environment and Energy - Ecological Networks, Uncertainties in Climate Science, Smart Metering, Siting of Carbon offsetting involves calculating a person or entity’s Nuclear Power Plants.

46 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Physical Sciences and IT - Next Generation Networks. Marika Reed, a work experience intern from Bristol University. Science Policy – International Migration of Scientists and Engineers. International Activities Seminars On 24th-25th June Board member Lord Oxburgh and the Director made a site visit to the EU’s CASTOR CO2 On 9th May POST held a seminar on Ecosystem Services, absorption pilot facility at the DONG coal-fired power chaired by Lord May of Oxford; on 14th May a seminar station in Esbjerg, Denmark. Lord Oxburgh went on for on Energy and Sewage, chaired by Lord Oxburgh of discussions in Copenhagen with the Danish environment Liverpool and on 16th July, a seminar on radio spectrum minister. management, chaired by Prof Jim Norton. On 27th June the Director was the keynote speaker at the On 5th July POST hosted a special seminar for Romanian Parliament for a regional parliamentary postdoctoral scholars from the USA participating in the workshop organised by the Science Division of UNESCO. 2007 National Institutes of Health, Oxford University and This was the latest of a series of international Cambridge University Biosciences Fellowship scheme, parliamentary workshops on enhancing parliamentary with presentations from Dr Evan Harris MP, Dr Ian Gibson capacity in handling S&T issues and was attended by a MP, the Director and Dr Border. wide range of parliamentarians from SE European countries. Staff Fellows and Interns at POST On 29th and 30th of June Dr Nath and Board member Dr Martin Griffiths, formerly with the Institute of Physics Anne Snelgrove MP gave talks on POST at a conference publications division, joined POST as Physical Sciences on ‘The Role of POST and MP Pairing Schemes’ organised adviser on 30th July. Over the summer POST hosted by the Kenyan National Academy of Sciences in Nairobi.

Selected Debates and Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Following is a selection of Debates and Questions and Answers from the House of Commons and House of Lords. Full digests of all Debates, Questions and Answers on topics of scientific interest from 4th June to 26th July 2007 from both Houses of Parliament can be found on the website: www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Please log in using the members’ and subscribers’ password (available from the Committee Secretariat) and go to Publications: Digests

Energy target for greenhouse gas emission reductions from a greenhouse gas stabilization level without factoring in the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Target share that it must bear of global emission reductions. The Debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday 12 June formula that the 60% calculation relies on is called contraction and convergence. However, in the light of the Colin Challen (Morley and Rothwell): The Government’s Stern report this target will probably result in the world initiative to launch the draft Climate Change Bill is becoming “a very dangerous place”. The contraction and necessary to provide a clear, credible and long term convergence formula used by the RCEP seven years ago domestic framework for tackling climate change, whilst at should be re-run to get a more up-to-date figure, taking the same time allowing the UK to demonstrate strong account of positive feedbacks identified more recently. international leadership, which is a key to helping achieve These include melting of permafrost resulting in methane multilateral agreements. We have chosen the target of a release, loss of the albedo effect as the icecap melts with 60% cut in emissions by 2050 – a reasonably high figure seas absorbing more sunshine, dying rainforests, and sink by most other countries’ standards. That is the figure in failures such as acidity levels of the southern ocean the draft Climate Change Bill although I realise that the reaching dangerous levels. Bill refers to a cut of “at least 60%” which originated in the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution The Minister for Climate Change and the Environment (RCEP) report entitled “Energy – the Changing Climate”, (Ian Pearson): Climate change is the greatest long-term published in 2000. The 60% figure was derived from a challenge facing the human race and it is a top priority for calculation that suggested that a CO2 concentration in the this Government. That is why the draft Climate Change atmosphere of 550 parts per million may be an acceptable Bill has been published and consulted on and it has limit allowing us to contain global warming at a received wide support both in the House and in the reasonable level, but no country can calculate its own country at large. The G8 recognised for the first time last

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 47 week that a global emissions reduction goal must be nods vigorously. That is absolutely crucial and what we agreed, involving all major emitters and taking account of need. the European goal to halve emissions by 2050. At the United Nations framework convention on climate change Health (UNFCCC) meeting in Bali, we will need to launch talks immediately on a post-2012 climate change framework in Health: Sports Medicine order to conclude it by 2009. Also, for the first time the Debate in the House of Lords on Monday 4 June US has seriously committed to engaging in discussions on a post-2012 international climate change framework Lord Addington asked what steps are being taken to under the UNFCCC, and demonstrated its increasing make sports medicine more readily available through the engagement by pledging to host a meeting of major National Health Service so as to support healthy living energy consuming and greenhouse gas emitting countries, programmes, particularly those aimed at combating which will support and add momentum to the UNFCCC obesity through greater physical activity. This is sports and process. The G8 leaders also discussed the rapidly exercise medicine. The basic requirement is to make sure growing movement towards the global establishment of that people know how to exercise and more important, emission trading schemes – our preferred way of creating that they receive “repair work” help when something goes a price for carbon – at national and sub-national level. As wrong. One of the big health scares at the moment is the Stern review highlighted, establishing a carbon price obesity and the fact that we are all getting larger. People, signal across countries and sectors will ensure that particularly those in the lower economic groups, are not emissions reductions are delivered in the most cost- taking exercise. How do we get the help that this group effective way. needs? Most people in the higher economic groups have access to the help they need because they can pay for it Energy: White Paper themselves. The problem comes with those people who Debate in the House of Lords on Thursday 12 July may not have as much money or knowledge and are dependent on the NHS. The Government should indicate The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth how they intend to address the fact that we are not Office & Department for Business, Enterprise and helping people to help themselves, especially people who Regulatory Reform (Lord Jones of Birmingham): The are overweight or who have been inactive, back into Energy White Paper, which we published in May, made it exercise. The Government should support those doctors clear that we face two big challenges: first, the need to and groups who are trying to make people healthier by tackle climate change by cutting greenhouse gas making it easier for them to help themselves. emissions; and, secondly, the need to ensure that we have secure and affordable energy supplies. Greenhouse gas Baroness Royall of Blaisdon expressed the Government’s emissions will keep rising as world energy demand is commitment to healthier living by encouraging people to expected to be 50% higher by 2030 than it is today. That eat more healthily, take more exercise and participate in demand is likely to be met largely by fossil fuels for some more sport. The public health is everyone’s business and time to come. Greater competition for energy resources responsibility. Sports and exercise medicine is a preventive and the UK’s increasing reliance on imported energy will medicine and the case for it is a no-brainer. A summary also have implications for security of supply and we must record was presented of the numbers of doctors currently act now. Over the next few years, energy companies will undertaking speciality training in sports and exercise also need to replace ageing power stations and other medicine, with 16 in London alone and a few others infrastructure in the UK. It is vital that we create the right elsewhere, and the creation of 200 additional specialist conditions for this investment to ensure that we get timely medical training posts to include three appointments to and increasingly low carbon energy supplies. We must be sports and exercise medicine. These demonstrate the an active part of the European Union energy and climate Government’s commitment to strengthening the change policy that was agreed at the March Spring availability of sports and exercise medicine services Council. This included commitments to competitive throughout the NHS generally although it is not just markets, cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, more about complying with the Olympic bid. It is also about renewable energy and a central role for the EU Emissions supporting people as they make their healthy lifestyle Trading Scheme as the potential basis for a global carbon choices. market. Water and Sanitation (Developing Countries) Baroness Wilcox: It is unfortunate that the Government Debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 5 June are still unable to ensure that anything significant will happen about the critical need to reduce the Mr William Cash (Stone) asked the simple question, why environmental impact of our energy industry. This White does a child die from water-related disease every 15 Paper was an opportunity for the Government to give a seconds? That situation cannot continue. Clean water is clear indication of their policies and commitments that life, foul water is death. We now have the technology and will be needed to meet the energy challenge. Instead, we the facility, but do we have the political will? One billion again have a list of possibilities and half-hearted or people globally lack access to sanitation. Half the world’s unclear statements. Indeed the Government have created a hospital beds are taken up with people suffering from great deal of confusion over one of the most controversial water-borne diseases. Forty billion working hours are lost aspects of energy policy – whether nuclear power stations each year in Africa to the need to carry water, and 11% that are going to be decommissioned in the near future more children attend school when sanitation is available. will be replaced. New hospitals will remain full and new schools could remain empty unless water and sanitation are included in Lord Jenkin of Roding: The most encouraging statement the bundle of essential services that are given priority that the noble Lord made during the course of his tour nationally. Water and sanitation are also important to d’horizon was that decisions must be made this year. He improving the lives and status of women. However,

48 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 globally, aid to the sector has fallen and less aid has been system. At the core of our enquiry was a simple question: focused on the countries that need it the most. The is the system fit for purpose? We examined in detail the problem is compounded by the fact that renewable role played by the Government’s scientific advisory freshwater supplies are running low due to a sixfold committee, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. growth in consumption in the 20th century, and that issue Given the highly critical nature of our report, the is likely to be exacerbated by climate change. It is responses from both the Government and the ACMD were estimated that the target for water and sanitation in the extremely disappointing. The Government rejected more millennium development goals will be met in all regions than half of our conclusions and recommendations, and only if donors and developing country Governments the response from the ACMD was unnecessarily double their spending from $14 billion to $30 billion per aggressive. We felt that large elements of our report were year immediately, with priority given to Africa and south totally misunderstood and misrepresented. Asia and to the issue of sanitation. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the The Secretary of State for International Development Home Department (Mr Vernon Coaker) This is an (Hilary Benn): We have a world water crisis with 1.1 extremely important debate. The Committee is right to billion people lacking clean water, 2.6 billion have no hold the Government and the ACMD to justify their access to sanitation and 5000 children die every day policies. That means there will sometimes be passionate because they have no water. That is why we have the disagreement based on a clash of opinion out of which millennium development goal for water and sanitation, comes better public policy and a better outcome overall. but sub-Saharan Africa is really lagging behind on water The Minister then provided a detailed and very specific and most of the developing world will miss out on list of some of the differences that the report had already sanitation due to rapid population growth and rising made to the way in which the Government and the urbanisation. In the end the national Governments ACMD conduct their business in this area. The concerned will have to get the message from their own Government accepts that more is needed than a criminal electorate, we cannot do it for them. In almost every justice solution to the drugs problem and agrees with the country there is a national education Ministry and a Committee’s view that it wanted greater emphasis on harm national health Ministry, but no national Ministry with reduction, treatment and other alternatives. The responsibility for water and sanitation. The issue is dealt Government is trying to increase the number of people with regionally and by local authorities, at a very local receiving treatment and to ensure that the treatment is level. The part that we play is that of helping those who more effective. However alongside that the Government have the responsibility to get the message and get on with wants a strong law enforcement and criminal justice the practical work of providing the water and sanitation approach. required. That is why in every country there needs to be one water and sanitation plan and one national group that Health Services: Research co-ordinates action, bringing together Government, civil Question and Written Answer on Wednesday 25 July society, local authorities and donors to see what progress has been made and what the obstacles are and to agree on Dr Gibson (Norwich N): To ask the Secretary of State for who will do what. This is overshadowed by the problem Health when his Department expects to publish the as to what the world will do when people start fighting results of its scoping study of the burden of disease that not about national identity and political ideology, but over will inform future work on health priorities; how that water? Working to support countries to manage their study has been structured; and who is leading it. water resources, such as the Nile basin initiative is very Dawn Primarolo: The Department expects to receive the important because of the competing demands for water, final report on the scoping study by the end of August. especially from agriculture, which accounts for 80% of the No decision has been taken about its publication. world’s water consumption. The study is based on a review of existing datasets and Drug Classification has been commissioned from Dr Stephen Green and Dr Debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 14 June Rebecca Miles of Oxford Healthcare Associates. Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough) I am pleased to speak in this packed Chamber to open the Information Technology debate on the Science and Technology Committee’s report, Public Sector: IT Projects Drug classification: making a hash of it? Our report, on the Debate in the House of Lords on Thursday 21 June classification of illegal drugs, was part of an over-arching inquiry. Although it stood as a one-off piece, it was also Lord Lucas This Government have much to be proud of part of a major study that the Committee undertook on in what they have done in the field of Government IT. scientific advice and risk and evidence-based policy They have seen through some very successful projects: the making in Government. We chose to examine drug DWP payment modernisation system, Consumer Direct, classification for a variety of reasons, but mainly because pension credit, Warm Front from Defra and NHS Direct. the misuse of illegal drugs is a major public health, The Government have also made a number of structural criminal and societal problem. That was confirmed in the improvements in how IT is dealt with in the Civil Service. recent Reuter-Stevens report for the UK Drug Policy The gateway reviews are an excellent innovation. Senior Commission, which concluded that the United Kingdom responsible owners, chief information officers and the has the highest level of dependent drug use and among Office of Government Commerce all speak of a the highest levels of recreational drug use in Europe. The Government who have at least an understanding of what classification system plays a key role in directing is required to make a successful IT project. So why oh Government resources for tackling illegal drugs. About why are we faced with the likes of ID cards, the firearms 75% of the total budget in the area is spent on enforcing licensing system, the rural payments system and the drug laws, at the heart of which is the drug classification current mega NHS project? Why are we faced with failure

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 49 and catastrophe on that scale? I have concluded that there recommendations were so well received and that so many are four underlying themes. This Government have a of them are now being implemented. The Department for fondness for centralisation, a lack of trust in professionals Culture, Media and Sport stand accused of breaching the and others, a tendency to undermine rather than Government’s own sustainability code which asks all strengthen the Civil Service and a lack of openness. I departments to ensure that the natural resources needed suspect that these are ineradicable qualities of this for life are unimpaired and remain so for future Government. I have hope for a future Conservative generations. Conservation gets no mention in the Government. If I urge the Minister to do one thing, it is to department’s strategic objectives or in the public service drop the Government’s opposition to making gateway agreements that it negotiates with its non-departmental reviews public. When there is a real problem, as in the public bodies. The other main conclusion refers to the NHS, the Government must do what they did on NATS lack of strategic leadership in the sector arising from the and call in an outside consultant. The National Audit fragmentation of the sector by the practice of devolving Office is just too much part of Government to do these responsibility to non-departmental public bodies. As a things well. It is possible to get these things right but I do result there is no upward synthesis of needs and concerns. not have a lot of hope that this Government will. One could argue that the DCMS’s strategy is to “divide and conquer” and thereby manage England’s heritage in Lord Davies of Oldham: In one area I shall disappoint small parcels so that cumulative impacts are lessened or nearly everyone who spoke in the debate which relates to lost in the detail. The suggestion that the Arts and the greater transparency to be achieved from the Humanities Research Council and English Heritage take publication of gateway reviews. The gateway process has up leadership in this sector had been welcomed and were helped to achieve more than £2.5 billion in value-for- now in process of fulfilling many of the vitally important money savings. In the Government’s view, disclosure duties left unattended by the DCMS. would seriously undermine the effectiveness of the gateway process, as confidentiality is essential to the Lord Davies of Oldham indicated that the committee had whole process. The process is a crucial management tool done its most successful work in highlighting that the to improve the success of the Government’s projects and DCMS does not sufficiently appreciate the relationship programmes. In our view, it is just not in the public between the application of science and our heritage. The interest to put that effectiveness at risk by disclosing the committee states that DCMS has inadequate resources for information in the two reports in this case. I recognise heritage protection and that that is a threat to heritage that that will disappoint the House. The noble Lord, Lord science. The committee has helped to identify areas where Maclennan, is always assertive about the necessity for the department needs to make progress and develop an open government. He also raised the issue and I know he understanding of which resources can be employed. The will be disappointed by the response. However, a balance committee has also helped to stimulate the selection of a has to be struck between the undoubted merits of chief scientific adviser. No assurances about future openness about the Government’s actions and areas such funding can be given. However the committee indicated as this where there are delicate confidentiality issues that the report was a catalyst for action and had identified involved. important areas of work not previously identified in such a graphic manner. Electronic Warfare Question and Written Answer on Monday 16 July European Global Navigation Satellite System Debate in the House of Commons on Monday 2 July Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry S): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Ms discussions he has had with his NATO counterparts on Rosie Winterton): The Government welcome the cyber-warfare. opportunity for a full discussion on the Galileo programme which is at a turning point. Negotiations with Mr Jim Murphy: This issue has not been raised by NATO the merged consortium bidding for a public-private Foreign Ministers, but it was discussed by NATO Defence partnership concession have been ended. In October, the Ministers at their meeting on 14-15 June, who agreed to Transport Council and ECOFIN are likely to be asked to work to enhance the ability to protect infrastructure make a decision on the future direction of the programme. systems of critical importance to the Alliance from cyber- The Government intend that the decision should be based attacks. Cyber-defence is also the subject of discussion at on a full assessment of all relevant factors, including the official level in NATO. identification of the available options, their costs and risks, and the programme’s affordability. Science Policy Mr William Cash (Stone) It is not often that the European Science and Heritage (Science and Technology Scrutiny Committee ends up having one of its proposals Committee Report) for debate taken on the Floor of the House. I wish that Debate in the House of Lords Grand Committee on happened more often. At the heart of the Government’s Tuesday 12 June proposals is a severe question mark over the way in which the process is being conducted. As others have pointed Baroness Sharp of Guildford rose to move that the Grand out the abandonment of the PPP element demonstrates Committee report to the House that it has considered the the lack of the proposal’s viability. However the problem is ninth report of the Science and Technology Committee on that no one can actually stop them. The proposal is Science and Heritage in which a sub-committee of the hopeless, and it is appalling that a clear majority of Science and Technology Committee undertook to examine member states could continue to underline the strategic the application of science and technology to the care and nature of the Galileo programme. We know the project is conservation of our cultural heritage, an area that does not not a runner, and we know that there is no way that it can always receive the highest level of public attention. It is be made into one. The reality is that a huge amount of therefore particularly gratifying to note that the our taxpayers’ money is being subsumed in this absurd

50 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 project. It is not a laughing matter if we think of it as The Minister of State, Department of Innovation, money that could otherwise be spent on useful and Universities and Skills (Ian Pearson): Let me put on important projects such as hospitals and schools. record the great value that the Government attach to the work of the Science and Technology Committee and the Thomas Telford Anniversary positive and constructive spirit in which its work has been Debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday 3 July conducted. Whatever arrangements are proposed through the usual channels, I hope that value will be recognised David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and and reflected in future arrangements, and that there will Tweeddale): I see this debate as a contribution to the be the opportunity and ability for science to be examined celebration of the life and legacy of Thomas Telford, an right across Government. I believe that that is important, outstanding man, not just in his lifetime but as one whose but I would direct hon Members to the usual channels. work has shaped his profession to this day and many of whose engineering feats are still in use centuries later. His Machinery of Government work opened up the highlands with more than 900 miles Debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday 25 July of new roads, hundreds of bridges, ferry landing piers and dozens of churches. Indeed the work enabled the The Leader of the House of Commons (Ms Harriet transportation of goods and people across the whole of Harman) moved that with the next session of Parliament, Scotland, facilitating many aspects of the industrial the system of Select Committee scrutiny of the Executive revolution. Thomas Telford’s achievement was that he rose would be updated. Overall responsibility in Government from being the son of a shepherd on a remote for science and innovation issues was located in the Dumfriesshire hillside to being the most lauded and Department of Trade and Industry until the recent esteemed civil engineer in the empire. That is just one machinery of government changes. It now forms a core reason why I would like to see the Government in part of the new Department for Innovation, Universities Westminster and the Scottish Government in Edinburgh and Skills (DIUS). There has been great concern in the do more to promote recognition of the achievements of science community about ensuring the continuance of the Telford and people of his ilk, who did so much to shape work of the Science and Technology Committee, so that the modern world in the final centuries of the last science issues, particularly ones that cut across millennium. Departments, will continue to be properly scrutinised. Many individuals and Learned Society representatives and The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media others have submitted representations. We therefore and Sport (Margaret Hodge): Scotland has an propose that the DIUS Committee, instead of being a unparalleled record in producing civil engineers of the Committee of 11 members, should have 14 members. If finest calibre, and Thomas Telford was clearly one of the the Committee choose to have a Sub-Committee covering most eminent of them all, which is signified by his burial science and technology issues, it will be able to operate in Westminster Abbey. It is right that those communities that Sub-Committee, in effect, as a successor to the whose heritage has been enhanced by the work of Thomas current Science and Technology Committee. Telford should seek to commemorate the 250th anniversary of his birth in an appropriate manner. I Mrs Theresa May (Maidenhead) I understand that previously also had much interaction with the Institution questions to Chairmen of Select Committees will be of Civil Engineers who are co-ordinating events across the allowed in the House and there will be more debates on country. It is an excellent organisation that does an Select Committee reports, but under the new structure enormous amount of work in promoting engineering, and questions would not be able to go to the Chairman of the particularly in training. We have no specific plans, Sub-Committee. If we retained the Science and however, to mark the anniversary of Telford’s birth, nor Technology Committee, the Chairman of that Committee indeed that of William Blake, who was also born in 1757. would be able to receive questions. The Sub-Committee is I wish all those marking the occasion every success in therefore no replacement for a stand-alone specialist their activities, and I pay tribute to the life and work of Science and Technology Committee. Thomas Telford. Dr Brian Iddon (Bolton, South-East) I am with one Estimates, 2007-08 Department of Trade and Industry exception, Dr Turner, Member for Brighton, Kemptown, Debate in the House of Commons on Monday 9 July the longest serving member of the Select Committee on Science and Technology. I am particularly concerned Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough): I am about the amount of resources that the Sub-Committee concerned that the word “science” does not appear in the will have in the light of the current workload amounting title of the new Department. The widely held view in the to seven to nine reports a year. I doubt that the Sub- science community that this is a significant omission was Committee could get through two or three reports summed up by the president of the Royal Society, Lord annually such as the space policy report, or the marine Rees who said “we would have preferred the word science report. It takes at least nine months to collect ‘science’ to have appeared in the new department’s title.” evidence and we travel extensively collecting evidence There is concern that the Department will be dominated from abroad. In this country we must constantly measure by the university agenda, especially student fees, and that ourselves against the best, which is usually America but the focus on science and innovation will be diminished. also Japan, Germany and France. We have to travel to see There is also concern about the parliamentary scrutiny of what people are doing. Would adequate resources be science. Alone among Select Committees, the Science and available to provide sufficient Clerks and secretarial Technology Committee has a dual role, for departmental support for the Committee and to allow its members to and cross-government scrutiny of science, yet it appears travel? There are 11 members of the Science and that although departmental scrutiny may be Technology Committee but I guess that there will only be accommodated within a DIUS Select Committee, the five or six on members on the Sub-Committee. A scientist important scrutiny of science across Government will serving on the main Committee covering DIUS who is disappear. also on the Sub-Committee will find that they have a

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 51 considerable extra volume of work. The Government are encourage operators to keep the emission control systems also creating regional committees. We are asking an awful properly maintained and working, and so ensure that the lot of Members by creating this extra workload. intended reductions in emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) from current and future standards are actually Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough): I delivered in operation. understand that it will be for the new DIUS Committee – not the Government – to establish the Sub-Committee, The provisions apply equally to all HGV and bus engines, and it will then be that Committee’s job to establish its whether they are using exhaust gas recirculation or terms of reference and agree them with the House. It is selective catalytic reduction, but may be of particular important that it should be called the Science and relevance where selective catalytic reduction is being used Technology Sub-Committee, and it is also important that and the effectiveness of the system could be compromised it have free rein to go wherever it likes across Government by a simple omission, on the part of the vehicle operator wherever science is involved. It should be able to present or driver, to top up the AdBlue reagent. reports to this House without fear or favour. In order for that to happen it will need adequate resources. In the case of engines using selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a level indicator for the AdBlue reagent, Transport incorporating a low level warning, will be required to be displayed on the dashboard near the fuel gauge, and the Exhaust Emissions: EU Action On Board Diagnostic system will be required to monitor Question and Written Answer on Thursday 19 July the quality, as well as the presence, of the reagent. On Board Diagnostic systems are also required to monitor for Dr Kumar (Middlesbrough S & E Cleveland): To ask the failures which could lead to increased particulate Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to emissions. ensure that technologies aimed at enabling vehicles to meet European standards for nitrogen oxides and Using an SCR equipped vehicle with an empty AdBlue particulate matter emissions are installed and maintained tank would be an offence under regulation 61a of the in optimum ways, with particular reference to selective Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, catalytic reduction. as amended, in that it will lead to excess emissions which could have been avoided by routine maintenance. Jim Fitzpatrick: As I mentioned in my answer of 9 July 2007, Official Report, columns 1193-94W, from Summaries of further debates on Museums (Westminster Hall 6 November 2007 new HGV and bus engines will be June); and Packaging Manufacturing Industry required to monitor their emission control systems and to (Westminster Hall 12 June) can be found on our website limit engine power in the event of those emission control www.scienceinparliament.org.uk systems failing to operate. These provisions are essential to

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52 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Euro-News Commentary on science and technology within the European Parliament and the Commission

European Council News European Research Council (ERC) has high number of overseas applicants The European Council invited the Council of Ministers to agree swiftly on the first four proposals for Joint The ERC has provided further information on the 9167 Technology Initiatives (JTI), namely Artemis on embedded applications received for the ERC’s first round of grants computer systems, IMI on innovative Medicines, Clean which is much higher than many were expecting. Sky on aeronautics and air transport, and ENIAC on Excellence will be the sole criterion for selection of the nano-electronics technologies. The leaders also invited the first stage applications whose principal investigators (PIs) European Commission to present the remaining JTIs will be invited to submit full proposals to be funded later identified in the proposals for the Seventh Framework this year. The six founding members of the EEC (Belgium, Programme (FP7) as quickly as possible, and recalled the Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) importance of open and transparent management of these were by far the most active in submitting applications. issues. The work done so far on the regulation for the Some 44.8% of the PIs that submitted proposals are European Institute of Technology (EIT) was welcomed currently living in these countries, while 46.2% of the and the EU Competitiveness Council was requested to institutions at which the research would be carried out are agree on a general approach towards this initiative during in this part of Europe. The ERC pre-allocated most of the its June 2007 meeting which should include provisions starting grants to three broad domains: 15% for social for adequate financing, in accordance with Community sciences and humanities; 40% for life sciences, including budgetary procedures. The European Council is confident medicine; and 45% for physical, mathematical and that its final decision on the matter and that of the engineering sciences. The fields addressed largely mirrored European Parliament (EP) will be taken before the end of this division (14.9, 37, and 48.1% respectively). The PIs this year. can be of any nationality or current location, but must apply in conjunction with an institution in an EU Member Europe’s future satellite navigation system, Galileo, stalled State or associated country, where he or she will be based recently after the companies involved in the public-private for at least the period of the grant. partnership (PPP) charged with financing the initiative were unable to reach agreement on how to apportion the financial risks inherent in the project. In Brussels, the The start of a new science diplomacy with European Council reaffirmed the value of Galileo as a key Africa project of the EU and asked the Competitiveness Council to take a decision on how Galileo should be implemented Africa is tired of hand-outs from the West that take it in Autumn 2007. The Commission has already put nowhere, and is instead looking for support to help forward a number of suggestions on how public money strengthen its research base so that science can be used to could be used to finance Galileo. spearhead development. Africa still suffers from brain drain. In South Africa more than 300 specialist nurses The President of the European Council, German leave the country every month. Zambia has seen its pool Chancellor Angela Merkel, has previously underlined the of doctors diminish four-fold in recent years and 45,000 importance for competitiveness of securing the protection Egyptian scientists have emigrated over the last 50 years. of intellectual property, and spoke of a forthcoming EU The result is limited national systems that cannot take up charter bringing in a voluntary code of practice on technological opportunities, poor management structures, intellectual property, and promised that the German EU very basic infrastructure, and a lack of human resources. Council Presidency would be unstinting in its efforts to The problems are exacerbated by a lack of investment, push for both the implementation of the London protocol, which leads to poor working conditions for researchers, and then a Community patent. The initiative should and under-equipped universities that must restrict their improve the knowledge transfer between research and teaching to theory. The solution? Increasing the flow of industry and its contribution to the development of the information between Europe and Africa, putting scientists European research area (ERA). in touch with one another, and promoting best practice would be a start. Offices in Brussels and Addis Ababa ITER Fusion for Energy agency opens for could serve as a helpdesk for increasing collaboration between researchers in the two regions. It was proposed business that current initiatives should be looked at by MEPs to An agreement on the premises of Fusion for Energy, avoid duplication and if a favourable result is received, it setting out the conditions for the agency’s activities and could then be formally proposed at the March 2008 staff, was signed by the Spanish Minister for Science and conference. Education, Mercedes Cabrera Calvo-Sotelo and Commissioner Potocnik.v Based in Barcelona, the new European Union – Digest European Joint Undertaking for the International Experimental Thermonuclear Reactor (ITER) and the Monthly digests of European legislation, taken from the Development of Fusion Energy, also known as Fusion for Official Journal of the European Communities can be Energy, will work with industry and research organisations found on the website: www.scienceinparliament.org.uk around Europe to provide the components needed to Please log in using the members’ and subscribers’ build ITER. Almost half the parts that make up ITER will password (available from the Committee Secretariat) and come from Europe in the form of “in-kind” contributions. go to Publications: Digests

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 53 Volume 64 Numbers 1-4 Index – Science in Parliament 2007 ISSN 0263-6271

Opinions Elephants – Will they Survive the next 100 POST Papers Ian Taylor MP Spring 1 Years in the Wild? Ambient Air Quality Spring 47 Professor Fotis C Kafatos Spring 3 Dr Ian Whyte Autumn 21 Military uses of Space Spring 47 Giles Chichester MEP Spring 4 Professor Twink Allen Autumn 23 Food Security in Dr Robert Kirby-Harris Whit 1 Is Dual Funding of our Universities fit for Developing Countries Spring 47 Robert Freer Summer 2 Purpose in the 21st Century? UK Trees and Forests Spring 47 Brooks Newmark MP Summer 3 Rama Thirunamachandran Autumn 26 Ethnicity and Health Whit 42 Andrew Miller MP Autumn 1 Sir Keith O’Nions Autumn 28 Strategic Science Whit 42 Professor Alan Malcolm Autumn 5 Dr Peter Cotgreave Autumn 30 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Whit 42 The Design and Regulation of Modern Clinical Internet Governance Whit 42 Front and Back Covers Trials Electricity in the UK Whit 42 Research Council Support for Professor Sir Gordon Duff Autumn 32 Ecosystem Services Whit 42 Knowledge Transfer Spring 10 Professor Janet Darbyshire Autumn 34 Energy and Sewage Summer 36 State of Science UK Spring 12 Dr Julia Dunne Autumn 36 Health Behaviour Summer 36 Too hot NOT to handle: Tackling Malaria in Geothermal Energy in the UK Whit 12 Special Articles Developing Countries Summer 36 Business Sense from Universities Whit 14 Maintaining a world class Better Brains Summer 37 Shared Challenges, higher education system Spring 6 Grids and e-science Autumn 46 Shared Solutions Summer 12 Strategic Influence: Eating Disorders Autumn 46 Why Science needs Women Summer 14 Vision for the RSC Spring 8 New Industries in the Deep Sea Autumn 46 Rocks of Ages Summer 16 “SIP” gives Science a taste Urban Flooding Autumn 46 Global Climate Change: of public opinion Spring 36 Voluntary Carbon Offsets Autumn 46 Plans for a 15 year Space Odyssey Autumn 14 Maximising the Benefit from Electronic Waste Autumn 46 Imperial College Centenary Autumn 18 Scientific Innovation Spring 37 Radio Spectrum Management Autumn 46 Addresses to the Parliamentary and Science Education for All Whit 2 Transport Biofuels Autumn 46 Scientific Committee The Unkindest Cut! Whit 3 How can Science Help to Save the Marine Foresight brings Clarity to House of Commons Library Research Environment? the Future Whit 4 Papers Professor Edward Hill Spring 14 Science in Zoos and Aquariums Whit 6 The Greater London Authority Bill Spring 45 Dr Carol Turley Spring 16 The British Geological Survey Whit 8 The Planning-gain Supplement Mark Farrar Spring 18 National Space Centre Whit 10 (Preparations) Bill Whit 41 Satellites for Science, Engineering, Technology A Postcard from Brazil Whit 35 The Energy Saving (Daylight) Bill Whit 41 and Business The School Food Reform Journey Summer 5 The Land Use Professor John Zarnecki Spring 20 Yorkshire and Humber Summer 6 (Gardens Protection etc) Bill Whit 41 Colin Paynter Spring 21 The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Summer 8 Sir Martin Sweeting Spring 22 The Importance of Maintaining Summaries of Debates Are Patients Safe with the NHS? Chemistry within Universities Summer 10 National DNA Database Spring 50 Bill Murray Spring 24 Engaging the Disengaged Summer 32 Science in Higher Education Spring 50 Professor Tom Treasure Spring 26 The Linnean Tercentenary Universities RAE Spring 51 Professor Peter Buckle Spring 28 in London Autumn 2 Energy Supply Spring 52 Materials, Minerals and Mining – Innovation, The New Royal Institution Autumn 3 Water Management: S&T Report Spring 52 Conservation and Wealth Creation The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Programme for Research: Spring 53 Professor R J Pine Spring 30 ethical issues Autumn 6 US (Climate Change Policy) Whit 45 Dr Stuart Lyon Spring 32 Science in Scotland – World Class Skills 2020 Whit 45 Professor Colin J Humphreys Spring 34 Making a Difference Autumn 8 Energy: Electricity Supply Whit 45 Conflicts of Interest - Does Money Influence UK Biobank Autumn 10 Carbon Capture and Storage Whit 47 Scientific Publication? Science City York Autumn 12 Maggot Debridement Therapy Whit 47 Richard Smith Whit 16 A cross-disciplinary think tank – International Polar Year Whit 47 Sir Iain Chalmers Whit 19 very cool! Autumn 16 Innovation Policy Whit 48 Professor Clive G Wilson Whit 21 Parliamentary Links Day Autumn 40 Science Teaching Summer 39 The Large Hadron Collider Switch On Universities: Research Funding Summer 40 Dr Lyn Evans Whit 24 FCO Science and Innovation Energy: Biofuels (EUC Report) Summer 40 Dr Tara Shears Whit 24 New Delhi Spring 39 Nuclear Industry Summer 41 Innovative Scientific and Engineering Solutions Seoul Whit 33 Marine Environment Summer 43 for the Management of Climate Change Paris Summer 31 Plant Science and Climate Change Summer 43 Malcolm Wicks MP Whit 26 Brazil Autumn 20 Stem Cell Research Summer 44 Professor Martin Blunt Whit 27 Carbon Dioxide Reduction Target Autumn 47 Richard Budge Whit 28 Obituary Energy White Paper Autumn 48 Dr Steven E Koonin Whit 29 Sir Ian Lloyd Spring 2 Sports Medicine Autumn 48 Dr Robert Hawley Whit 30 Water and Sanitation Maria McCaffery Whit 31 Parliamentary and Scientific Committee (Developing Countries) Autumn 48 Science and Religion Visits Drug Classification Autumn 49 Dr Ian Gibson MP Summer 18 Visit to Imperial College Spring 40 Public Sector IT Projects Autumn 49 Professor David A Jones Summer 20 Visit to NPL Spring 41 Science and Heritage Professor Andy McIntosh Summer 22 Visit by Delegation from China Autumn 38 (S&T Committee Report) Autumn 50 Science Education for the 21st Century European Global Navigation Professor Robin Millar Summer 25 Book Reviews Satellite System Autumn 50 Dr Derek Bell Summer 27 Discarded Science Spring 43 Thomas Telford Anniversary Autumn 51 David Perks Summer 29 Stem Cell Wars Whit 32 Estimates DTI Autumn 51 The Man who Fed the World Autumn 42 Machinery of Government Autumn 51

54 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Science Directory DIRECTORY INDEX

Aerospace and Aviation Chemistry British Ecological Society Campden & Chorleywood Food SEMTA CCLRC British Nutrition Foundation Research Association Institution of Chemical Engineers British Pharmacological Society Institute of Biology Agriculture LGC British Society for Antimicrobial Institution of Chemical Engineers BBSRC London Metropolitan Polymer Chemotherapy LGC CABI Centre CABI Newcastle University Campden & Chorleywood Food Newcastle University Campden & Chorleywood Food The Nutrition Society Research Association Royal Institution Research Association Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Biology Royal Society of Chemistry Clifton Scientific Trust SCI LGC SCI Newcastle University Economic and Social Research Society for General Microbiology PHARMAQ Ltd Colloid Science Council SCI London Metropolitan Polymer Engineering and Physical Sciences Forensics Society for General Microbiology Centre Research Council LGC UFAW Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Biology Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Physics Animal Health and Welfare, Construction and Building Institution of Chemical Engineers Genetics Veterinary Research Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Engineering and ABPI ABPI London Metropolitan Polymer Technology BBSRC Academy of Medical Sciences Centre HFEA British Veterinary Association LGC Newcastle University London Metropolitan Polymer LGC Cefas SCI The Nutrition Society Centre Natural History Museum NESTA Newcastle University PHARMAQ Ltd Cosmetic Science UFAW Natural History Museum Society of Cosmetic Scientists Newcastle University Geology and Geoscience Astronomy and Space Science AMSI Earth Sciences Royal Institution Natural History Museum Natural England The Royal Society Institution of Civil Engineers STFC Natural History Museum Royal Statistical Society Natural Environment Research SEMTA Council Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Natural History Museum and Weather Ecology, Environment and Natural Environment Research Biodiversity Energy Council AMSI Institution of Chemical Engineers Hazard and Risk Mitigation Newcastle University Biosciences Federation Institution of Civil Engineers Health Protection Agency STFC British Ecological Society Institution of Engineering and Institution of Chemical Engineers CABI Technology Biotechnology Cefas Newcastle University Health BBSRC Economic and Social Research SCI ABPI Council Biochemical Society STFC Academy of Medical Sciences Biosciences Federation Freshwater Biological Association Biochemical Society Institute of Biology Campden & Chorleywood Food Engineering Biosciences Federation Research Association Institution of Chemical Engineers Engineering and Physical Sciences British Nutrition Foundation Eli Lilly & Company Institution of Civil Engineers British Pharmacological Society Institute of Biology LGC Research Council British Society for Antimicrobial LGC Natural England Institution of Chemical Engineers National Physical Laboratory Natural Environment Research Institution of Civil Engineers Chemotherapy Newcastle University Council Institution of Engineering and Economic and Social Research Royal Society of Chemistry Natural History Museum Technology Council SCI Newcastle University London Metropolitan Polymer Eli Lilly & Company Society for General Microbiology Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Centre Health Protection Agency Royal Society of Chemistry Royal Academy of Engineering HFEA Brain Research SCI SCI Institute of Biology ABPI Society for General Microbiology SEMTA Institute of Physics and Engineering Eli Lilly & Company STFC in Medicine Merck Sharp & Dohme Economic and Social Research LGC Newcastle University Economic and Social Research Fisheries Research Medical Research Council Council Newcastle University Cancer Research Newcastle University AMSI ABPI Cefas The Nutrition Society Eli Lilly & Company Education, Training and Skills Freshwater Biological Association Royal Institution Newcastle University ABPI Royal Society of Chemistry Academy of Medical Sciences Food and Food Technology Society for General Microbiology Catalysis Biosciences Federation Biosciences Federation Institution of Chemical Engineers British Association for the British Nutrition Foundation Heart Research Royal Society of Chemistry Advancement of Science CABI ABPI

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 55 Hydrocarbons and Petroleum Newcastle University Chemotherapy Seed Protection Natural History Museum UFAW Economic and Social Research CABI Newcastle University Council Royal Society of Chemistry Motor Vehicles HFEA Sensors and Transducers London Metropolitan Polymer NESTA AMSI Industrial Policy and Research Centre Prospect STFC AIRTO SEMTA Economic and Social Research Public Understanding of Science SSSIs Council Oceanography Academy of Medical Sciences Natural England Institution of Civil Engineers AMSI Biochemical Society Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Royal Academy of Engineering Cefas British Association for the SCI Natural Environment Research Advancement of Science Statistics STFC Council British Society for Antimicrobial Royal Statistical Society Chemotherapy Information Services Oil Clifton Scientific Trust Surface Science AIRTO Institution of Chemical Engineers Engineering and Physical Sciences STFC CABI LGC Research Council HFEA Sustainability IT, Internet, Telecommunications, Particle Physics Institute of Biology Biosciences Federation Computing and Electronics STFC Institute of Physics British Ecological Society CABI Institution of Chemical Engineers CABI Engineering and Physical Sciences Patents Institution of Engineering and Cefas Research Council The Chartered Institute of Patent Technology Institute of Biology Institution of Engineering and Attorneys Medical Research Council Institution of Chemical Engineers Technology NESTA Natural History Museum Institution of Civil Engineers Newcastle University NESTA London Metropolitan Polymer STFC Pharmaceuticals Prospect Centre ABPI Royal Academy of Engineering Natural England Intellectual Property British Pharmacological Society Royal Institution Newcastle University ABPI British Society for Antimicrobial The Royal Society SCI The Chartered Institute of Patent Chemotherapy Royal Society of Chemistry Attorneys Eli Lilly & Company Technology Transfer NESTA Institution of Chemical Engineers Quality Management CABI Newcastle University LGC Campden & Chorleywood Food Campden & Chorleywood Food Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Association Research Association Large-Scale Research Facilities PHARMAQ Ltd LGC LGC Campden & Chorleywood Food Royal Society of Chemistry London Metropolitan Polymer Research Association SCI Radiation Hazards Centre London Metropolitan Polymer Cefas NESTA Centre Physical Sciences Health Protection Agency National Physical Laboratory Natural History Museum Cavendish Laboratory STFC STFC Engineering and Physical Sciences Retail Research Council Marks and Spencer Tropical Medicine Lasers London Metropolitan Polymer Health Protection Agency STFC Centre Science Policy Society for General Microbiology National Physical Laboratory ABPI Manufacturing Academy of Medical Sciences Viruses ABPI Physics Biochemical Society ABPI AMSI Cavendish Laboratory Biosciences Federation Health Protection Agency Engineering and Physical Sciences Institute of Physics British Association for the Society for General Microbiology Research Council National Physical Laboratory Advancement of Science London Metropolitan Polymer British Pharmacological Society Water Centre Pollution and Waste Cefas AMSI SCI ABPI Clifton Scientific Trust Campden & Chorleywood Food AMSI Economic and Social Research Research Association Materials CABI Council Cefas London Metropolitan Polymer Cefas Engineering and Physical Sciences Freshwater Biological Association Centre Institution of Chemical Engineers Research Council Institution of Chemical Engineers National Physical Laboratory Institution of Civil Engineers HFEA Institution of Civil Engineers STFC London Metropolitan Polymer Institute of Biology LGC Centre Institute of Physics Royal Society of Chemistry Medical and Biomedical Research Natural Environment Research Institution of Chemical Engineers SCI ABPI Council LGC Society for General Microbiology Academy of Medical Sciences Newcastle University Medical Research Council Biochemical Society NESTA Wildlife Biosciences Federation Psychology Prospect Biosciences Federation British Pharmacological Society British Psychological Society Royal Academy of Engineering British Ecological Society British Society for Antimicrobial Royal Institution Institute of Biology Chemotherapy Public Policy The Royal Society Natural England Eli Lilly & Company Biosciences Federation Royal Society of Chemistry Natural History Museum HFEA British Nutrition Foundation The Science Council UFAW Medical Research Council British Society for Antimicrobial UFAW

56 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Association Association of the British of Marine Pharmaceutical Scientific Industries Industry Contact: Karen Gray, Secretary Contact: Mrs Mary Manning, Executive Director Contact: Dr Philip Wright Association of Marine Scientific Industries Director of Science & Technology 4th Floor, 30 Great Guildford Street Academy of Medical Sciences 12 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY London SE1 0HS 10 Carlton House Terrace Tel: 020 7747 1408 Tel: 020 7928 9199 Fax: 020 7928 6599 London SW1Y 5AH Fax: 020 7747 1417 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7969 5288 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.maritimeindustries.org Website: www.abpi.org.uk Fax: 020 7969 5298 The Association of Marine Scientific Industries E-mail: [email protected] The ABPI is the voice of the innovative (AMSI) is a constituent association of the Society Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk pharmaceutical industry, working with Government, of Maritime Industries (SMI) representing regulators and other stakeholders to promote a receptive environment for a strong and progressive companies in the marine science and technology The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes industry in the UK, one capable of providing the best sector, otherwise known as the oceanology sector. advances in medical science and campaigns to medicines to patients. The marine science sector has an increasingly ensure these are converted into healthcare The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical important role to play both in the UK and globally, benefits for society. The Academy’s Fellows are industry operating in the UK in a way that: particularly in relation to the environment, ● assures patient access to the best available the United Kingdom’s leading medical scientists medicine; security and defence, resource exploitation, and and scholars from hospitals, academia, industry leisure. AMSI represents manufacturers, ● creates a favourable political and economic and the public service. The Academy provides environment; researchers, and system suppliers providing a co- independent, authoritative advice on public ● encourages innovative research and development; ordinated voice and enabling members to project ● affords fair commercial returns their views and capabilities to a wide audience. policy issues in medical science and healthcare.

AIRTO Biochemical

Contact: Professor Richard Brook Society Contact: Dr Richard Dyer, Chief Executive AIRTO Ltd: Association of Independent Biosciences Federation Research & Technology Organisations Limited Contact: Dr Chris Kirk PO Box 502, Cambridge, CB1 0AL c/o CCFRA, Station Road, Chipping Campden, Chief Executive, Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. Tel: 01223 400181 16 Procter Street, London WC1V 6NX Tel: 01386 842247 Fax: 01223 246858 Tel: 020 7280 4133 Fax: 020 7280 4170 Fax: 01386 842010 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.airto.co.uk Website: www.biochemistry.org Website: www.bsf.ac.uk AIRTO represents the UK’s independent The Biochemical Society exists to promote and support research and technology sector - member the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. We have nearly The Biosciences Federation is a single organisations employ a combined staff of over 6000 members in the UK and abroad, mostly research authority representing the UK’s biological 10,000 scientists and engineers with a bioscientists in Universities or in Industry. The Society expertise. The BSF directly represents 45 is also a major scientific publisher. In addition, we turnover in the region of £1.5 billion. Work bioscience organisations, and contributes promote Science Policy debate and provide resources, carried out by members includes research, to the development of policy and strategy for teachers and pupils, to support the bioscience consultancy, training and global information in biology-based research – including curriculum in schools. Our membership supports our funding and the interface with other monitoring. AIRTO promotes their work by mission by organizing scientific meetings, sustaining building closer links between members and disciplines – and in school and university our publications through authorship and peer review teaching by providing independent industry, academia, UK government agencies and by supporting our educational and policy opinion to government. and the European Union. initiatives.

Biotechnology British British and Biological Association Ecological Sciences for the Advancement Society Contact: Nick Dusic, Science Policy Manager Research Council of Science - the BA British Ecological Society 26 Blades Court, Deodar Road, Putney, Contact: Dr Monica Winstanley Contact: Sir Roland Jackson Bt, Chief Executive London, SW15 2NU Head of External Relations The BA, Wellcome Wolfson Building, Tel: 020 8871 9797 Fax : 020 8871 9779 BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue 165 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5HD. E-mail: [email protected] Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413204 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.the-BA.net The British Ecological Society promotes the Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk The BA (British Association for the Advancement of science of ecology worldwide. The Society has The BBSRC is the UK’s leading funding agency for Science) is a charity which exists to advance the public 4,000 members who are active in advancing the understanding, accessibility and accountability of the academic research in the non-medical life sciences and science and application of ecology. sciences and engineering. The BA aims to promote is funded principally through the Government’s The BES publishes four internationally renowned openness about science in society and to engage and Science Budget. It supports staff in universities and scientific journals and organises the largest inspire people directly with science and technology and scientific meeting for ecologists in Europe. The research institutes throughout the UK, and funds basic their implications. BES also supports ecologists in developing and strategic science in: agri-food, animal sciences, Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives countries and fieldwork in schools biomolecular sciences, biochemistry and cell biology, across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of through its grants. engineering and biological systems, genes and Science, National Science Week, programmes of The BES informs and advises Parliament and developmental biology, and plant and microbial regional and local events, and an extensive programme Government on ecological issues and welcomes sciences. for young people in schools and colleges. requests for assistance from parliamentarians.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 57 British Nutrition The Foundation British Contact: Kate Baillie Psychological Society Contact: Professor Judy Buttriss, Chief Executive Director General British Pharmacological Society Contact: Dr Ana Padilla 16 Angel Gate, City Road Parliamentary Officer 52-54 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RQ London EC1V 2PT The British Psychological Society Tel: 020 7404 6504 Tel: 020 7417 0113 30 Tabernacle Street Fax: 020 7404 6747 Fax: 020 7417 0114 London EC2A 4UE Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7330 0893 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bps.ac.uk Website: www.nutrition.org.uk Fax: 020 7330 0896 The British Pharmacological Society has now been Email: [email protected] 2007 is the 40th Anniversary of the British supporting pharmacology and pharmacologists Website: www.bps.org.uk Nutrition Foundation. This scientific and for over 75 years. Our 2,000+ members, from academia, industry and clinical practice, are The British Psychological Society is an educational charity promotes the well-being organisation of over 45,000 members governed of society through the impartial trained to study drug action from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside. Our aim is to by Royal Charter. It maintains the Register of interpretation and effective dissemination of improve the quality of life by developing new Chartered Psychologists, publishes books, 10 scientifically based knowledge and advice medicines to treat and prevent the diseases and primary science Journals and organises on the relationship between diet, physical conditions that affect millions of people and conferences. Requests for information about activity and health. animals. Inquiries about drugs and how they psychology and psychologists from work are welcome. parliamentarians are welcome.

British Society British Veterinary for Antimicrobial Association Chemotherapy Contact:Chrissie Nicholls CABI 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ Contact: Dr Joan Kelley, Contact: Tracey Guest, Executive Officer Tel: 020 7908 6340 Executive Director Bioservices, CABI British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy E-mail:[email protected] 11 The Wharf, 16 Bridge Street, www.bva.co.uk Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY Tel: 01491 829306 Fax: 01491 829100 Birmingham B1 2JS. BVA’s chief interests are: Tel: 0121 633 0410 Email: [email protected] * Standards of animal health Fax: 0121 643 9497 Website: www.cabi.org E-mail: [email protected] * Veterinary surgeons’ working practices Website: www.bsac.org.uk * Professional standards and quality of service CABI brings together and applies scientific * Relationships with external bodies, particulary information and expertise to improve people’s Founded in 1971, and with 800 members government lives. Founded in 1910, CABI is owned by over worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the BVA carries out three main functions which are: 40 member countries. Today CABI publishes acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in books, journals and scientific outputs, carries * Policy development in areas affecting the the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The out scientific research and consultancies to find profession BSAC publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial sustainable solutions to agricultural and Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for * Protecting and promoting the profession in environmental issues and develops innovative its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of matters propounded by government and other ways to communicate science to many different educational activities, awards grants for research external bodies audiences. Activities range from assisting and has active relationships with its peer groups * Provision of services to members national policy makers, informing worldwide and government. research, to supporting farmers in the field.

Campden & Cavendish Chorleywood Laboratory Food Research The Administrative Secretary, The Cavendish Laboratory, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Centre for Environment, Association E-mail: [email protected] http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk Fisheries & Aquaculture Science Contact: Prof Colin Dennis, Director-General CCFRA, Chipping Campden, The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics of Contact: Anne McClarnon, Communications Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. the University of Cambridge. Manager Tel: 01386 842000 Fax: 01386 842100 Its world-class research is focused in a number of experimental Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT E-mail: [email protected] and theoretical diverse fields. Tel: 01502 56 2244 Website: www.campden.co.uk Astrophysics: Millimetre astronomy, optical interferometry Fax: 01502 51 3865 An independent, membership-based industrial research observations & instrumentation. Astrophysics, geometric E-mail: [email protected] association providing substantial R&D, processing, algebra, maximum entropy, neutral networks. Website: www.cefas.co.uk analytical, hygiene, best practice, training, auditing and HACCP services for the food chain worldwide. High Energy Physics: LEP, SPS & future LHC experiments. Cefas offers multidisciplinary scientific research Members include growers, processors, retailers, Detector development. Particle physics theory. and consultancy for fisheries management and caterers, distributors, machinery manufacturers, Condensed Matter Physics: Semiconductor physics, quantum aquaculture, plus environmental monitoring and government departments and enforcement authorities. effect devices, nanolithography. Superconductivity, magnetic assessments. Government at all levels, Employs over 300; serves over 2,000 member sites; thin films. Optoelectronics, conducting polymers. Biological international institutions (EU, UN, World Bank) and has a subsidiary company in Hungary. Activities Soft Systems. Polymers and Colloids. Surface physics, fracture, and clients worldwide have used Cefas services focus on safety, quality, efficiency and innovation. for over 100 years. Three laboratories with the Participates in DTI’s Faraday Partnerships and wear & erosion. Amorphous solids. Electron microscopy. Electronic structure theory & computation. Structural phase latest facilities, plus Cefas’ own ocean-going collaborates with universities on LINK projects and research vessel, underpin the delivery of high- studentships, transferring practical knowledge transitions, fractals, quantum Monte Carlo calculations between industry and academia. Biological Physics. quality science and advice to policy-makers.

58 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Chartered Clifton Economic and Institute of Scientific Social Research Patent Attorneys Trust Council

Contact: Michael Ralph - Contact: Dr Eric Albone Contact: Lesley Lilley, Senior Policy Secretary & Registrar Clifton Scientific Trust Manager, Knowledge Transfer, The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA Economic and Social Research Council, 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Tel: 020 7405 9450 E-mail: [email protected] Swindon SN2 1UJ Fax: 020 7430 0471 Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Tel: 01793 413033 Fax 01793 413130 E-mail: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, [email protected] Website: www.cipa.org.uk Science for Life, Science for Real http://www.esrc.ac.uk CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, We build grass-roots partnerships between The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training especially patents, trade marks, designs, and school and the wider world of professional agency addressing economic and social concerns. We copyright, either in private partnerships or science and its applications pursue excellence in social science research; work to industrial companies. CIPA maintains the • for young people of all ages and abilities increase the impact of our research policy and statutory Register. It advises government and • experiencing science as a creative, practice; and provide trained social scientists who questioning, human activity international circles on policy issues and meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby • bringing school science added meaning and contributing to the economic competitiveness of the provides information services, promoting the notivation, from primary to post-16 United Kingdom, the effectiveness of public services benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP • locally, nationally, internationally (currently and policy, and quality of life. The ESRC is protection, and to overseas industry of using between Britain and Japan) independent, established by Royal Charter in 1965, British agents to obtain international protection. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 and funded mainly by government.

Eli Lilly and Engineering Freshwater Company and Physical Biological Limited Sciences Association Contact: Dr Karin Briner, Research Council Managing Director, Contact: Dr Michael Dobson, Director. Eli Lilly & Company, Erl Wood Manor, Contact: Jenny Whitehouse, Freshwater Biological Association, The Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PH Public Affairs Mamager, Ferry Landing, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Tel: 01256 315000 EPSRC, Polaris House, Cumbria, LA22 0LP, UK. Fax: 01276 483307 North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET Tel: 01539 442468 Fax: 01539 446914 E-mail:[email protected] Tel: 01793 442892 Fax: 01793 444005 Website:www.lilly.com or www.lilly.co.uk www.fba.org.uk [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Registered Charity Number : 214440 Eli Lilly and Company Limited is the UK affiliate of Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk major American pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in Lilly and Company of Indianapolis. This affiliate is The FBA welcomes collaboration with Government one of the UK's top pharmaceutical companies with research and postgraduate training in the physical and Agencies. Founded in 1929 the Association significant investment in science and technology sciences and engineering, to help the nation handle promotes freshwater science through; innovative including a neuroscience research and development the next generation of technological change. The research, serviced facilities, a programme of centre and bulk biotechnology manufacturing areas covered range from mathematics to materials meetings, scientific publications, and sound operations. science, and information technology to structural independent advice. The FBA houses one of the Lilly medicines treat schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, engineering. world’s finest freshwater information resources osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, We also actively promote public engagement with and is the custodian of long term data sets from erectile dysfunction, severe sepsis, depression, science and engineering, and we collaborate with a sites of scientific significance. Membership is bipolar disorder and many other diseases. wide range of organisations in this area. offered on an individual or corporate basis.

Health Human Institute Protection Fertilisation of Agency and Biology Contact: Professor Pat Troop, Chief Executive Health Protection Agency Central Office Embryology Contact: Prof Alan Malcolm, 7th Floor, Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn Chief Executive London WC1V 7PP Authority Tel: 020 7759 2700/2701 9 Red Lion Court, London EC4A 3EF Fax: 020 7759 2733 Tel: 020 7936 5900 Email: [email protected] Contact: Tim Whitaker Web: www.hpa.org.uk 21 Bloomsbury St Fax: 020 7936 5901 The Health Protection Agency is an independent London WC1B 3HF E-mail: [email protected] organisation dedicated to protecting people’s health in Tel: 020 7291 8200 Website: www.iob.org the United Kingdom. We do this by providing impartial Fax: 020 7291 8201 advice and authoritative information on health Email: [email protected] The biological sciences have truly come of protection uses to the public, to professionals and to government. Website: www.hfea.gov.uk age, and the Institute of Biology is the professional body to represent biology and We combine public health and scientific expertise, The HFEA is a non-departmental Government research and emergency planning within one biologists to all. A source of independent organisation. We work at international, national and body that regulates and inspects all UK clinics regional and local levels and have many links with many providing IVF, donor insemination or the advice to Government, a supporter of other organisations around the world. This means we can storage of eggs, sperm or embryos. The HFEA education, a measure of excellence and a respond quickly and effectively to new and existing also licenses and monitors all human embryo disseminator of information - the Institute national and global threats to health including infections, environmental hazards and emergencies. research being conducted in the UK. of Biology is the Voice of British Biology.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 59 Institute of Physics and Contact: Public Relations Department 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Engineering Tel: 020 7470 4800 E-mail: [email protected] in Medicine Website: www.iop.org Contact: Robert Neilson, General Secretary Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, ("FCK$
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Institution Institution of LGC of Civil Queens Road, Teddington Engineering Middlesex, TW11 0LY Engineers Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 and Technology Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Contact: Nicola Bates, E-mail: [email protected] Senior Public Affairs Executive Contact: Tony Henderson Website: www.lgc.co.uk One Great George Street, Westminster, Institution of Engineering and Technology Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL LGC, a science service company, is Europe’s leading London SW1P 3AA, UK independent provider of analytical and diagnostic services Tel: 020 7665 2265 Tel: 020 7344 8403 E-mail: [email protected] and reference standards. LGC’s market-led divisions - Fax: 020 7222 0973 LGC Forensics, Life and Food Sciences, Pharmaceutical Website: www.theiet.org E-mail: [email protected] and Chemical Services and LGC Promochem (for Website: www.ice.org.uk Reference Materials) - operate in a diverse range of sectors The Institution of Engineering and Technology for both public and private sector customers. ICE aims to be a leader in shaping the was formed in 2006 by the Institution of Under arrangements for the office and function of engineering profession. With over 75,000 Electrical Engineers and the Institution of members, ICE acts as a knowledge exchange Government Chemist, LGC fulfils specific statutory duties Incorporated Engineers. The IET has more than and provides advice for Government and the wider for all aspects of civil engineering. As a 150,000 members worldwide who work in a analytical community on the implications of analytical Learned Society, the Institution provides range of industries. The Institution aims to lead chemistry for matters of policy, standards and regulation. expertise, in the form of reports and comment, in the advancement of engineering and LGC is based in Teddington, Middlesex, with other UK on a wide range of subjects from energy technology by facilitating the exchange of operations in Runcorn, Edinburgh, Culham, Risley and generation and supply, to sustainability and the knowledge and ideas at a local and global level Tamworth and facilities in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, environment. and promoting best practice. Spain, Sweden and India.

London Marks & Medical Metropolitan Spencer Plc Research Polymer Centre Contact: Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media & Design David Gregory Council Waterside House Contact: Alison Green, 35 North Wharf Road Contact: Simon Wilde London Metropolitan University London W2 1NW. 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL. 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB Tel: 020 7636 5422 Fax: 020 7436 2665 Tel: 020 7133 2189 Tel: 020 8718 8247 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.polymers.org.uk Main Business Activities Website: www.mrc.ac.uk The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre provides Retailer – Clothing, Food, Home and training, consultancy and applied research to the UK Financial Services The Medical Research Council (MRC) is polymer (plastics & rubber) industry. Recently, funded by the UK taxpayer. We are LMPC has merged with the Sir John Cass We have around 760 stores in 33 independent of Government, but work closely Department of Art, Media & Design (SJCAMD) to territories worldwide, employing with the Health Departments, the National provide a broad perspective of materials science and 75,000 people. Health Service and industry to ensure that the technology for the manufacturing and creative research we support takes account of the industries. SJCAMD contains Met Works, a unique We offer our customers quality, value, public’s needs as well as being of excellent new Digital Manufacturing Centre, providing new service and trust in our brand by scientific quality. As a result, MRC-funded technology for rapid prototyping and manufacture. applying science and technology to research has led to some of the most The new department will offer short courses in develop innovative products and significant discoveries in medical science and polymer innovation, print technology and services. benefited millions of people, both in the UK silversmithing & jewellery. and worldwide.

60 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 The National Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories National Physical Contact: Professor Ray Hill, FMedSci Endowment for Licensing & External Research, Europe Science, Technology Laboratory Hertford Road and the Arts National Physical Laboratory Hoddesdon Hampton Road, Teddington Herts EN11 9BU Contact: Nicholas Bojas Middlesex TW11 0LW Tel: 01992 452836 Head of Government Relations Tel: 020 8943 6880 Fax: 020 8614 1446 Fax: 01992 441907 1 Plough Place e-mail: [email protected] London EC4A1DE E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7438 2500 Website: www.npl.co.uk www.merck.com Fax: 020 7438 2501 Email: [email protected] The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the Merck Sharp & Dohme is a UK subsidiary of Website: www.nesta.org.uk Merck & Co Inc a global research-driven United Kingdom’s national measurement pharmaceutical company dedicated to NESTA’s aim is to transform the UK’s capacity for institute, an internationally respected and putting patients first. Merck discovers, innovation. We work across the human, financial and the independent centre of excellence in research, policy dimensions of innovation. We invest in early stage development and knowledge transfer in develops, manufactures and markets companies, inform innovation policy and encourage a vaccines and medicines in over 20 culture that helps innovation to flourish. The unique measurement and materials science. For more therapeutic categories directly and through nature of our endowed funds means that we can take a than a century, NPL has developed and its joint ventures. Our mission is to provide longer term view, and develop ambitious models to maintained the nation’s primary measurement society with superior products and services stimulate and support innovation that others can standards - the heart of an infrastructure replicate or adapt. NESTA works across disciplines, designed to ensure accuracy, consistency and by developing innovations and solutions bringing together people and ideas from science, that improve the quality of life. technology and the creative industries. innovation in physical measurement.

Natural Natural Natural England Environment History

Contact: Dr Tom Tew Research Council Museum Director Science and Evidence Contact: Judy Parker Contact: Joe Baker Natural England Head of Communications External Relations Manager Northminster House Polaris House, North Star Avenue Natural History Museum Peterborough Swindon SN2 1EU Cromwell Road PE1 1UA Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 London SW7 5BD E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5478 Tel: 01733 455056 Website: www.nerc.ac.uk Fax: +44 (0)20 7942 5075 Fax: 01733 568834 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council Website: www.nhm.ac.uk Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk funds and carries out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains Natural England is the Government's the next generation of independent environmental The Natural History Museum is the UK’s premier conservation agency working throughout scientists. institute for knowledge on the diversity of the England; we conserve, enhance and manage NERC funds research in universities and in a natural world, conducting scientific research of the natural environment for the benefit of network of its own centres, which include: global impact and renown. We maintain and current and future generations. We British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, develop the collections we care for and use them commission research and publish papers Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, National to promote the discovery, understanding, which underpin the development of our Oceanography Centre and responsible use and enjoyment of the world policies and programmes. Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory around us.

Newcastle The Nutrition University Society Contact: Dr Douglas Robertson Contact: Frederick Wentworth-Bowyer, PHARMAQ Ltd Chief Executive, The Nutrition Society, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU 10 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road Tel: 0191 222 5347 Fax: 0191 222 5219 London W6 7NJ Contact: Dr Lydia A Brown E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7602 0228 PHARMAQ Ltd Fax: +44 (0)20 7602 1756 Website: www.ncl.ac.uk Email: [email protected] Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Newcastle University has a well-balanced Founded in 1941, The Nutrition Society is the premier Estate, Fordingbridge scientific and professional body dedicated to advance portfolio of research funding with one of the the scientific study of nutrition and its application to the Hants SP6 1PA. highest levels of research projects funded by maintenance of human and animal health. Tel: 01425 656081 UK Government Departments, as well as a very Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. Fax: 01425 655309 significant portfolio of FP6 EU activity of more Membership is worldwide and is open to those with a E-mail: [email protected] than 140 projects involving some 1,800 genuine interest in the science of human or animal partners. A member of the Russell Group, nutrition. Website: www.pharmaq.no Principal activities include: Newcastle University is committed to 1. Publishing internationally renowned scientific 'excellence with a purpose' - a commitment it is learned journals Veterinary pharmaceuticals specia- taking further through the development of 2. Promoting the education and training of nutritionists lising in aquatic veterinary products. Newcastle Science City and as a partner in the 3. Promoting the highest standards of professional competence and practice in nutrition Fish vaccines, anaesthetics, antibiotics N8 group of Northern research-intensive 4. Disseminating scientific information through its universities. publications and programme of scientific meetings and other products.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 61 Prospect Contact: Sue Ferns, Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Services, New Prospect House 8 Leake St, London SE1 7NN Contact: Philip Greenish CBE, Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 Chief Executive E-mail: [email protected] 3 Carlton House Terrace www.prospect.org.uk London SW1Y 5DG Prospect is an independent, thriving and Tel: 020 7766 0600 forward-looking trade union with 102,000 E-mail: [email protected] members. We represent scientists, Website: www.raeng.org.uk technologists and other professions in the As Britain’s national academy for civil service, research councils and private engineering, we bring together the country’s sector. most eminent engineers from all disciplines Prospect’s collective voice champions the to promote excellence in the science, art and interests of the engineering and scientific practice of engineering. Our strategic community to key opinion-formers and priorities are to enhance the UK’s policy makers and, with negotiating rights engineering capabilities; to celebrate with over 300 employers, we seek to secure a excellence and inspire the next generation; better life at work by putting members’ pay, and to lead debate by guiding informed conditions and careers first. thinking and influencing public policy.

The Royal The Royal Institution Society The Royal Society Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Contact: Dr Peter Cotgreave Head of Programmes Director of Public Affairs The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace of Chemistry The Royal Institution London SW1Y 5AG. 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Tel: 020 7451 2502 Fax: 020 7930 2170 Contact: Dr Stephen Benn Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Email: [email protected] Parliamentary Affairs E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rigb.org Website: www.royalsoc.ac.uk The Royal Society of Chemistry Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA The Royal Institution has a reputation established The Royal Society is the UK academy of science Tel: 020 7437 8656 Fax: 020 7734 1227 comprising 1400 outstanding individuals over 200 years for its high calibre events that E-Mail: [email protected] representing the sciences, engineering and Website: http://www.rsc.org break down the barriers between science and medicine. As we prepare for our 350th anniversary society. It acts as a unique forum for informing in 2010, our strategic priorities for our work at http://www.chemsoc.org people about how science affects their daily lives, national and international levels are to: The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, · Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation and prides itself on its reputation of engaging the professional and scientific body of over 46,000 public in scientific debate. During 2007 the Ri is · Influence policymaking with the best scientific members with a duty under its Royal Charter advice “to serve the public interest”. It is active in the closed for the refurbishment of its Grade 1 listed · Invigorate science and mathematics education areas of education and qualifications, science building. The public and schools’ events · Increase access to the best science internationally policy, publishing, Europe, information and programme will continue throughout this time. internet services, media relations, public For more details on this and our refurbishment · Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and excitement of scientific discovery. understanding of science, advice and assistance plans, please see our website. to Parliament and Government.

The Royal The Science Statistical Council Society Contact: Diana Garnham, Chief Executive 32-36 Loman Street Contact: Mr Andrew Garratt Contact: Dr David J Winstanley Southwark Special Advisor for Science Press and Public Affairs Officer London SE1 0EH The Royal Statistical Society Tel: 020 7922 7888 SEMTA, Wynyard Park House, 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. Fax: 020 7922 7879 Wynyard Park, Billingham, TS22 5TB Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01740 627021 Mobile: 07973 679 338 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 The Science Council was established by Royal Charter in 2003 with the objects to advance science and its Website: www.semta.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] applications for public benefit. It is a membership Website: www.rss.org.uk organisation for learned and professional bodies across SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing The RSS is much more than just a learned society. science and its applications and works with them to Technologies Alliance) is the Sector Skills Council for the represent this sector to government and others. The Science science, engineering and manufacturing technology sectors. We lead the way as an independent source of advice Council promotes the profession of scientist through the on statistical issues and play a crucial role in raising Chartered Scientist designation and the development of Our mission is to ensure that our industry partners have the codes of practice; it promotes awareness of the contribution knowledge and skills required to meet the challenges faced the profile of statistics, through our links with of professional scientists to science and society and by the workforce of the future. government, academia and the corporate and advances science education and increased understanding of Our sectors account for a significant proportion of the UK voluntary sectors. We have a powerful voice at the benefits of science. The Science Council provides a forum for discussion and exchange of views and works to economy. There are about 2 million people employed in Royal Commissions, Parliamentary Select foster collaboration between member organisations and the about 76,000 establishments in the core Science, Committees and at public consultations, offering wider science, technology, engineering, mathematics and Engineering and Technology sectors, currently contributes medical communities to enable inter-disciplinary our own unique view on just about anything, from contributions to science policy and the application of over £74 billion per annum – about ten per cent – of total freedom of information to sustainable development. science. UK GDP.

62 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 Science & Society of Technology Chemical Facilities Council Contact: Public Affairs Administrator Industry Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Contact: Nigel Calvin Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. Contact: Andrew Ladds, STFC Tel: 0118 988 1843 Fax: 0118 988 5656 Chief Executive Polaris House E-mail: [email protected] SCI International Headquarters North Star Avenue Website: http//www.sgm.ac.uk 14-15 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS Swindon SN2 1SZ Tel: 020 7598 1500 Fax: 020 7598 1545 Tel: 01793 44 2176 Fax: 01793 44 2125 SGM is the largest microbiological society in E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Europe. The Society publishes four journals of Website: www.soci.org Website: www.stfc.ac.uk international standing, and organises regular SCI is an interdisciplinary network for science, Formed by Royal Charter in 2007, the Science and scientific meetings. commerce and industry. SCI attracts forward- Technology Facilities Council is one of Europe's largest thinking people in the process and materials multidisciplinary research organisations supporting SGM also promotes education and careers in microbiology, and it is committed to represent technologies and in the biotechnology, energy, scientists and engineers world-wide. The Council water, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, operates world-class, large-scale research facilities and microbiology to government, the media and the construction, and environmental protection sectors provides strategic advice to the UK Government on public. worldwide. Members exchange ideas and gain their development. It also manages international new perspectives on markets, technologies, research projects in support of a broad cross-section of An information service on microbiological issues concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, strategies and people, through electronic and the UK research community. The Council also directs, physical specialist conferences and debates, and co-ordinates and funds research, education and food safety, biotechnology and the environment our published journals , books and the respected training. is available on request. magazine Chemistry & Industry.

Society of Universities Cosmetic Federation Scientists for Animal Welfare

Contact: Lorna Weston, Contact: Dr James Kirkwood, Secretary General Scientific Director Society of Cosmetic Scientists The Old School, Brewhouse Hill G T House, 24-26 Rothesay Road, Luton, Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. Beds LU1 1QX Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Tel: 01582 726661 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01582 405217 Website: www.ufaw.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Registered Charity No: 207996 Website: www.scs.org.uk UFAW is an internationally-recognized independent Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary scientific and educational animal welfare charity. It objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide works to improve animal lives by: range of disciplines from organic and physical • supporting animal welfare research. chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, • educating and raising awareness of welfare microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. issues in the UK and overseas. Members are scientists and the SCS helps them • producing the leading journal Animal Welfare and progress their careers and the science of cosmetics other high-quality publications on animal care ethically and responsibly. Services include and welfare. publications, educational courses and scientific • providing expert advice to government meetings. departments and other concerned bodies.

Links to online publications in Science, Engineering and Technology that are likely to be of interest to readers of Science in Parliament 1. The United Kingdom Research Council Newsletter: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/news/bulletin 2. RCUK Dispatch which is a fortnightly round up of research stories and major funding announcements, and events from all of the United Kingdom Research Councils: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/news/dispatch N.B. Editors of online publications in Science, Engineering and Technology are invited to contact the Editor of Science in Parliament with a view to the mutual exchange and publication of links. Please note that back numbers of Science in Parliament that are more than one year old are currently freely available online from the website. Current issues are available to Members of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee or by subscription: http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 63 The Royal Institution 5, 8, 11, 13, 15 December 17.00 The Royal Institution’s lecture theatre The Royal Institution Christmas Science will reopen in autumn 2007, but the Lectures rest of the Ri will remain under Back from the brink: the science of refurbishment until summer 2008. See survival Diary www.rigb.org or telephone 020 7409 Dr Hugh Montgomery 2992 for full details and to book ______tickets. The Parliamentary and The Royal Society Friday 26 October 20.00 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, Scientific Committee Why can’t a man be more like a London, SW1Y 5AG Contact: Annabel Lloyd woman? 020 7222 7085: Dr Jane Mellanby The Royal Society runs a series of [email protected] events, both evening lectures and two- www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Friday 2 November 20.00 day discussion meetings, on topics Can chemical warfare be ethical? covering a whole breadth of science, Monday 22 October 17.30 Prof Alistair Hay engineering and technology. All events Global Population Growth – Is It are free to attend and open to all. Sustainable? Wednesday 7 November 19.00 Professor Malcolm Potts, University of An evening with Adam Hart-Davis Wednesday 24 October 18:30 California, Berkeley Baroness Susan Greenfield and Dr Thinking like a vegetable: how plants Dr Therese Hesketh, Institute of Child Adam Hart-Davis decide what to do Health, UCL Professor Ottoline Leyser FRS The Earl of Selborne FRS Friday 9 November 20.00 Scar Wars Monday 29 October 18:30 Tuesday 13 November 08.30 Prof Mark Ferguson Climate change on the living Earth Breakfast Briefing Professor James Lovelock FRS Potential for Concentrated Solar Tuesday 13 November 19.00 Power and Creation of a HVDC Grid The Faraday factor: why is he so Wednesday 7 November 18:30 Dr Gerry Wolff, Co-ordinator TREC- famous? The uses of infinity: a philosopher UK Prof Frank James looks at emergent phenomena in Neil Crumpton, Friends of the Earth physics Wednesday 14 November 19.00 Dr Jeremy Butterfield Monday 26 November 17.30 Boosting your brainpower: the How can Science help to prevent science and ethics of cognitive Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 November (all Natural Disasters becoming enhancement day) Economic and Human Catastrophes? Prof Robin Gill, Prof John Harris and Photosynthetic and atmospheric Professor Stephen Sparks FRS, Prof Barbara Sahakian evolution Director, Centre for Environmental and Geophysical Flows, Bristol Friday 16 November 20.00 Wednesday 14 November 18:30 University What is the brain for? Washing dirty lab coats on the page Professor Christopher Rapley CBE, Prof Geoffrey Raisman and the stage Director, Science Museum Professor Carl Djerassi Professor John Dewey FRS, University Tuesday 20 November 19.00 of California, Davis, and University From brains to black holes: what the Wednesday 28 November 18:30 College, Oxford future holds Nature and nurture in brain function: Baroness Susan Greenfield and Lord clues from synesthesia and phantom Wednesday 5 December Martin Rees limbs Annual Lunch at the Savoy Hotel Professor V S Ramachandran FRS Sir David King FRS Wednesday 21 November 18.30 The unusual world of tiling patterns Monday 3 December 18:30 Tuesday 11 December 10.00 and quasi-crystals Touchdown on Titan Visit to V&A Museum Conservation Prof Sir Roger Penrose Professor John Zarnecki Department Thursday 22 November 18.30 Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 December (all day) Tuesday 22 January 17.30 Medical research through thick and Titan: atmosphere and space New Diseases and Renewed Threats thin Professor Hugh Pennington FRSE, Prof David Carling, Matthew Sanders Wednesday 5 December 18:30 President, MRSA Action UK and Dr Michael Snowden Decoding consciousness Professor Nigel Minton, University of Dr Geraint Rees Nottingham Friday 23 November 20.00 Professor Andrew McMichael FRS, Space exploration: the next 50 years Weatherall Institute of Molecular Prof Monica Grady Please see www.royalsoc.ac.uk/events Medicine, University of Oxford for the full events programme, further Friday 30 November 20.00 details of the above events and Tuesday 26 February 17.30 Machines that learn webcasts of past events. Discussion Meeting – subject and Prof Christopher Bishop ______speakers to be confirmed ______

64 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 4 Autumn 2007 The Royal Academy of The Physiological Society Engineering Contact: Liz Bell 3 Carlton House Terrace, London e-mail: [email protected] SW1Y 5DG Tel: 020 7269 5711 www.raeng.org.uk/events or [email protected] Monday 19 November 13.00-16.00 020 7766 0600 Cystic fibrosis: latest advances in ______medical research and implications for patients and their families Kohn Centre, The Royal Society Royal Society of Edinburgh 6-9 Carlton House Terrace 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 London SW1Y 5AG. Officers of the Parliamentary 2PQ. Tel: 0131 240 5000 Fax: 0131 240 ______& Scientific Committee 5024 [email protected] President: The Lord Soulsby of www.royalsoced.org.uk Swaffham Prior All events require registration and, Chairman: Dr Douglas Naysmith MP unless otherwise indicated, take place at the RSE. Deputy Chairmen: Dr Desmond Turner MP Mr Robert Key MP Thursday 1 November 17.30 Hon Treasurer: Dr Ian Gibson MP The Science of Improvement: Why Hon Secretaries: Dr Evan Harris MP Scotland Needs its Public Intellectuals Mr James Paice MP Professor Duncan Rice FRSE, Principal Vice-Presidents: Professor Jane Plant CBE and Vice-Chancellor, University of Dr Brian Iddon MP Aberdeen Dr David Dent Thursday 29 & Friday 30 November Professor Peter Saunders Inflammation and Inflammatory Mr Andrew Miller MP Disease Mr Robert Goodwill MP Full day Conference Mr Philip Greenish CBE Mr Robert Freer Monday 3 December 17.30 Cellular Clocks in Humans Advisory Panel: Professor Julia King Professor Ole D Laerum CorrFRSE, CBE FREng President, Norwegian Academy Professor Alan Malcolm Mr Paul Ridout Monday 4 February 17.30 Secretariat: Professor Peter Simpson Security, Insecurity, Paranoia and Quantum Mechanics Mrs Annabel Lloyd Professor Stephen Barnett FRS FRSE, Professor of Quantum Optics, Science in Parliament Department of Physics, University of 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Strathclyde Tel: 020 7222 7085 Fax: 020 7222 7189 ______Editor: Professor Peter Simpson Editorial Assistant: Mrs Annabel Lloyd

Editorial/Management Board: Dr Brian Iddon MP (Chairman) Mr Robert Freer Dr Ashok Kumar MP Professor Alan Malcolm Mr Andrew Miller MP Dr Douglas Naysmith MP The Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior

SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Published four times a year. The 2007 subscription rate is £65.00. Single numbers £16.25 ISSN 0263-6271 All enquiries, including those from members wishing to take the front or back covers, advertise in the journal or appear in the directory to Mrs Annabel Lloyd, Tel 020 7222 7085 Copyright ©2007 by Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. All rights reserved. None of the articles in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Typeset and printed by The Bridge Press.

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