SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT

The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee sip MAY/JUNE 2015

This is not an official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its Committees. All-Party Groups are informal groups of members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed in this Journal are those of the Group. This Journal is funded by the members of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. www.scienceinparliament.org.uk The value of diagnostics: Using IVD’s can make a difference in reducing antibiotic resistance

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

The use of IVDs can significantly support the reduction of antibiotic resistance by: • Supporting antibiotic stewardship • Differentiating between bacterial and viral infection • Rapidly identifying cause of infection to allow targeted antibiotic usage • Monitoring infection levels during treatment

About BIVDA BIVDA is the national industry association for the manufacturers and distributors of IVD products in the UK. We currently represent more than 90% of the industry and over a hundred organisations ranging from British start-up companies to UK subsidiaries of multinational corporations. BIVDA members employ over 8,000 people in this country including in manufacturing and R&D, with a total industry turnover of approximately £900 million of direct sales.

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

British In Vitro Diagnostics Association Devonshire House (2nd Floor) · 164-168 Westminster Bridge Road · London SE1 7RW Tel: 0845 6188224 · Email: [email protected] · Web: www.bivda.co.uk Happily, once the House of transfer – and both went with Commons reappears, the the science. That is not to SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT phoenix of all the APPGs will downplay the ethical issues arise. which attach to human reproduction, but all the relevant I am therefore delighted to be sip issues were well aired. Once holding the fort pro tem. again the UK has shown the This also gives me an way in the application of science opportunity to comment on one to increasing human health and Lord Oxburgh KBE FRS of the differences between the happiness. The Journal of the Parliamentary and President, Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. Scientific Committee two Houses. The Committee is an Associate As I write, ministerial Parliamentary Group of members of The paucity of scientists in the appointments are being both Houses of Parliament and British Commons has often been announced by the new members of the European Parliament, representatives of scientific and commented upon. This is Government. We are watching technical institutions, industrial organisations and universities. It is a rare privilege to be exaggerated. There may only closely for the appointment of a allowed to write the Chairman’s have been one PhD scientist in Minister for Science. We shall Editorial, but as I write, we have the last Parliament, but there seek to have him speak to us at no Chairman - until our AGM on were many more with first an early date. We shall see. 16th June. After this we will degrees in science. know the name of the P&SC The Lords of course are chair. different because a dozen or so When Parliament is dissolved were appointed specifically Science in Parliament has two main because of their previous objectives: as happened at the end of 1. to inform the scientific and industrial scientific careers. March, many good things came communities of activities within Parliament of a scientific nature and to an end including all All Party Interestingly both Houses of the progress of relevant Parliamentary Groups (of which tackled an important topic legislation; there are more than 600!). recently – that of mitochondrial 2. to keep Members of Parliament abreast of scientific affairs.

CONTENTS

NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE 2 DEVELOPING LOW-FIELD NMR SPECTROSCOPY ELI IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC 44 Chas Bishop FOR TACKLING FOOD FRAUD 20 Otakar Fojt Dr Kate Kemsley and Dr David Williamson THE WORLD NEEDS SCIENCE AND SCIENCE NEEDS DEMENTIA HAS NO BORDERS 45 WOMEN 4 SUPPORTING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND BRITISH INDUSTRY 22 Professor Dame Carol Robinson TECHNOLOGY 46 Nigel Williams THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY: HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE ON CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF MATHEMATICS 6 THE ACOUSTIC DESIGN OF SCHOOLS 24 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 48 Professor Bridget Shield THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE ZONE 8 SET FOR BRITAIN 2015 27 SELECT COMMITTEE 49 Professor Chris Rudd VOICE OF THE FUTURE 2015 30 HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY SCIENCE AND WHY SCIENCE IS IN THE DIPLOMATIC TOOL KIT 10 A SCIENCE LEGACY FOR THE NEXT ENVIRONMENT SECTION 50 Professor Robin Grimes and Dr Emma Hennessey PARLIAMENT 32 SCIENCE DIRECTORY 47 KEW LAUNCHES NEW SCIENCE STRATEGY 12 Addresses to the P&SC by Baroness Finlay and Professor Katherine Willis Andrew Miller MP SCIENCE DIARY 56 DEVELOPING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY 14 LIGHT 36 Jacob Hayler Addresses to the P&SC by Dr Rob Massey, THE FUTURE OF LIFE SCIENCES IN THE UK 16 Susie Wheeldon, Liz Benson and John Allen Addresses to the P&SC by Doris-Ann Williams and THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT SHEDS LIGHT Dr Malcolm Skingle ON THE ‘DARK AGES’ 42 Dr Anne-Maria Brennan

The covers of this issue are sponsored by the London Mathematical Society, British In Vitro Diagnostics Association, the University of Nottingham and the Society of Biology.

Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 1 NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE Chas Bishop Chief Executive, National Space Centre

“A science centre can do so much more than entertain, but it must be entertaining”.

Richard Attenborough said that; Birmingham and Glasgow invest their own money, but not be a great opportunity to build not actually about science Science Centre to single out four enough to build new on success and offer more centres, but about films. It of the 60 operations that make classrooms, corporate facilities places to more people. There is seems to fit though, doesn’t it? A up the Association of Science & and new exhibition space to employment in it too: 165 science centre is likely to be run Discovery Centre network: all welcome ever more people people work on site, with a as a charity and have strict striving to meet curriculum through their doors. The further 25 teachers seconded charitable objectives, but unless needs whilst providing an National Space Centre is a case from their schools for 25 days a it attracts a mass audience it enjoyable day out. in point, turning away much- year to help deliver National isn’t going to last very long. prized school and corporate Space Academy programmes Most will tell you that visitor business and regularly running across the UK. The National Space Centre is numbers are growing, and that out of car parking space. It has a one of a raft of science centres So why the growth in volume: the past three years have seen £3m expansion plan and is able launched with Millennium is it the economy? Is it space? ever-increasing pressure on to stump up £1m itself, but Commission funding with the Probably both. Certainly the capacity. Most will say that their doesn’t have a dedicated grant express purpose of inspiring the three year growth trend mirrors ancillary business activities that funding body to approach for next generation of scientists and the UK’s climb out of recession. make best use of their assets support as do others in the arts, engineers. Leicester doesn’t The subject of space may be appear an obvious location for the trump card. Suddenly, it is such a project until one hears of front page news. First we had the brilliance of the University of Rosetta and the audacious Leicester’s Space Research landing of its Philae probe on Centre and its work on missions Comet 67P, “throwing a to Mars, to Mercury, to Jupiter hammer in the air in London and to look back at Earth. and hitting a nail in Beijing” as Andrew Miller MP recently How are these Millennium quoted one scientist putting it. centres doing fifteen years on? Next came the Americans and

... ‘Visitor numbers’ is ... a great opportunity the most obvious to build metric ... on success ...

Whatever your measure, the their test launch of Orion: the answer is “pretty well”. ‘Visitor successor to the Space Shuttle numbers’ is the most obvious with a deliberate nod – in its metric and the most likely splash down, trailing red and determining factor as to whether white striped parachutes – to or not costs are covered. It is the iconic Apollo programme. also a good indicator of one’s Then we had Beagle 2: the worth to society: of the 265,000 glorious affirmation of correct visitors to the National Space maths and brilliant engineering Centre in 2014, 77,000 were combining to land a tiny probe children in school groups led by are flourishing and adding vital heritage and museum sectors. on a distant, hostile planet. We teachers looking to supplement surpluses to the bottom line. All This sounds like a grizzle and it didn’t know this on Christmas their classroom teaching with will say that getting hands on really isn’t: we all recognise how Day 2003: a terrible misfortune exciting context. It is the same at capital funding is tough. The fortunate we have been with our for Prof Colin Pillinger and his the Centre for Life in Newcastle, really successful ones have cash lottery-injected starts in life. team who had put years of their @Bristol, Think Tank in reserves and some ability to There does, however, seem to lives into a project that was

2 Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 ultimately let down by a interesting question. 100,000 This all needs skilled appear to be heading in the malfunctioning solar panel. It by 2030 for the space sector engineers. In 1983 we had same general direction and was a bitter-sweet moment for alone is the UK Space Agency 55,000* A level physics similar full-time courses have Prof Mark Sims to present figure, fuelled by an expectation students in the UK. Today it is been started in Banbury, images of Beagle 2 from the of a plethora of start-ups around 35,000 a year; growing Birmingham, Salford and surface of Mars to a packed capable of taking data from from 27,000 in 2006 but still a Twickenham. 500 students will press conference eleven years space and turning it into long way short of where we be taught this way by 2016 and later. Every single box in the applications useful to all industry need to be. Space can help. It other colleges are asking to join most complicated of missions sectors and in all walks of life. may be optimistic to argue that the affiliation. A further 5,000 could be ticked. It just didn’t Telecommunications, banking, a happy day out at the National students and 1,000 teachers a transmit. public transport, driving, running, Space Centre leads directly to an year take part in half and full day engineering career, but a master classes. A post-18 Higher recognition that “space Apprenticeship in Space exploration” is a great moving Engineering is just under way. factor in teaching the science With high fixed costs and an ... land a tiny probe innate desire to keep costs affordable for families, science on a distant, centres have developed highly hostile planet ... creative ways of generating additional income. Some rent curriculum. This led to the out space for office use or launch of the National Space events, some have ice rinks at Academy in 2011 following a Christmas and some create three year pilot programme in exhibits for purchase or hire. The the East Midlands. Now, there is National Space Centre has NSC a two year student commitment, Creative: an animated film The image of the UK Space cycling, playing golf, looking after and this is providing increasing production company that makes Sector suffered in the original the Earth, responding to natural evidence of “impact”. Of the planetarium and simulator aftermath of Beagle 2: a gross disasters, finding oil, keeping an eleven guinea pigs who started shows for clients worldwide. injustice for such a vital eye on the kids, keeping an eye the post-16 course in Space With shows currently playing in contributor to UK plc that leads on people you want to keep an Engineering (run jointly with over 400 planetaria in 30 the world on so many fronts. Its eye on: all these are already Loughborough College and countries, it employs 30 full- work in planetary exploration, established. Farming, insurance, comprising A levels in physics time, highly creative individuals Earth observation, satellite town planning: locked and and maths and a BTEC level 3 who are also masters of story- navigation and loaded. It should be an easy sell telecommunications is worth and yet, to many, ‘space £13bn a year and employs applications’ remain unknown,

... Bringing down the cost of satellite launch ...

30,000 people in hi-tech jobs. It unexplained and seemingly has ambitious growth plans and, irrelevant. There is a big later this year, supports the first communications job to be UK national to travel with the done, led by the Satellite European Space Agency to the Applications Catapult in Harwell, International Space Station for a Oxfordshire. Bringing down the six month stint. In Major Tim cost of satellite launch will help, Peake it has chosen the perfect and this is where the UK is role model: a helicopter test pilot leading the way with pioneering in engineering), six had no telling: vital if you are to with the ability to speak and the projects to miniaturise satellites family history of higher entertain a diverse audience urge to tweet: a winning and create reusable space planes. A UK spaceport could education. Nine of the eleven with a great range of age and combination for somebody soon be built at one of four got the grades needed to go to understanding. already in hot demand to inspire short-listed sites: not to lift us their first choice university and the next generation of scientists up for a sub-orbital flight one took an apprenticeship with and engineers. (although that will come) but to Airbus. The eleventh hopes for *numbers from the Institute of Quite how many scientists and launch a myriad small satellites. an apprenticeship with Rolls- Physics engineers we need is an Royce. Cohorts two and three

Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 3 THE WORLD NEEDS SCIENCE AND SCIENCE NEEDS WOMEN Celebrating the 2015 European Laureate of the “L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science” awards, Professor Dame Carol Robinson.

I like to think that the barriers stage and to celebrate their Pfizer. When I finished my are reducing all the time but successes. I was delighted when degree I was delighted to be unfortunately evidence does not I learnt that I was to receive the accepted to do a PhD at support this. There are still award as the European Laureate Cambridge University. This was relatively few women who for 2015. It is a great honour beyond my wildest dreams. remain in science, despite a and I hope it has a very positive Finishing my PhD I then took good take up at the effect on young women another unconventional path by undergraduate level. More considering a career in science. I having an 8-year career break to programmes exist to address hope that it gives young women begin raising my children. I this but there is a lot more we something to aspire to. loved this time and didn't return can do to reach gender equality Professor Dame Carol Robinson I also would like to think that to science until my late thirties, in science. Professor of Chemistry, my unusual career path might initially at quite a low level. I was University of Oxford Science is still perceived as a inspire others into the world of grateful for the chance to prove man’s world and it really should science. I knew that when I left myself. By my mid-forties I was not be. A career in science is school I wanted to stay in appointed as a Research Over the past decade, both rewarding and exciting. ... senior women can make a difference ... Women should not be put off the percentage of by perceptions. One of the main science so I became a Professor at the University of women among issues is the lack of role models technician at Pfizer, aged 16, Oxford. I think in the mid scientific researchers with whom women can identify. working on a mass 1990s, when I obtained my first When I was young there were spectrometer. I was very grant, I felt I had started my has increased by 12% very few – Dorothy Hodgkin or fortunate that one of my career in science. but gender parity is Marie Curie. Nowadays, we are colleagues told me I should Nowadays the grant funding far from being seeing more women and have gone to university and that programmes like the L’Oréal- it wasn't too late. I didn't believe situation is much tougher. reached: women UNESCO For Women In Science him, but he encouraged me to Student numbers have account for only 30% Awards are helping to put study part-time for a degree increased dramatically in the last women scientists on the world while continuing my ‘day job’ at 10 years which brings its own of the world’s researchers. The current situation indicates that well into the third millennium, a discrepancy exists between what we believe is the right gender balance and what we are prepared do about changing it.

All photos L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science 2015

4 Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 biggest perceived obstacle for women entering science and academia but I am a strong advocate of how flexible a career in science can be. Commitment is the important thing. Balancing family and career was my biggest challenge. Initially, I resolved this by giving up my scientific career for eight years; later I managed to find the right balance between the two things that mattered most to me.

Finally I would like to stress the positives of careers in research: to work on something that becomes your hobby, flexible hours, international friendships, mentoring students and post- doctoral researchers – the list is long. Don’t think of it as being stuck in the lab all day. The opportunities to present your From left to right: Prof. Dame Carol Robinson – University of Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM; Prof. Thaisa Storchi research, to interact at Bergmann – Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre BRASIL; Irina Bokova – Director General UNESCO; Jean-Paul Agon – Chairman & Chief Executive Office, L’ORÉAL; Prof. Molly S. Shoichet – University of conferences and to carry out Toronto, CANADA; Prof. Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli - Mohammed V- Agdal University, Rabat, MOROCCO; Prof. Yi collaborations across the world Xie – University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, CHINA. Copyright Stephane Cardinal are tremendously exciting. It is pressures in terms of space and women to apply for senior The work-life balance also also very rewarding working with resources. Similarly the number academic positions and sitting plays a major role. The long bright young students, watching of academics has increased and on electoral boards is one way hours culture is in conflict with them develop and take up their in a tougher funding climate I in which senior women can family life, and life in general own careers. It really is a great have seen this cause some make a difference. and in my opinion this is the career choice. young scientists to leave research. If I were the Minister The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science International Programme was founded for Universities and Science, I seventeen years ago by L’Oréal and UNESCO on the premise that ‘the world needs science and would try to ensure that science needs women’. The awards programme is designed to promote and highlight the critical universities were properly importance of ensuring greater participation of women in science, by awarding promising funded. There are moves to put female scientists with fellowships to help them further their research. There are three distinct research into institutes and to schemes: leave universities to focus on teaching – I think this would be • 1.0 The International Laureate Programme: The founding awards provide five leading female a big mistake. Many of the great scientists, one from each continent, every year with a prestigious laureate of €100,000 in innovations in science were recognition of their ground-breaking achievements and contributions to scientific progress. discovered in universities. These women are at the cutting edge of their research fields. The international structure of the ... very positive effect programme ensures that the laureates are distributed among women who are working under a wide variety of conditions. 87 laureates have been given since this programme’s creation. on young women • 2.0 The International Fellowships – Rising Talents. These fellowships help young women considering a career scientists from around the world take up research positions in other countries, allowing them in science ... to pursue their research in some of the world’s most prestigious laboratories. There are 15 In my career I benefited fellowships given out each year to support ‘the faces of science for tomorrow’. enormously from good • 3.0 The National Fellowships, such as the UK & Ireland programme, are run in over 46 mentoring and I feel this is an countries around the world. Each National Fellowship helps women scientists at a critical point important part of getting women in their career to continue to pursue their research with flexible financial aid. to stay, and progress, in science. I would never have applied for Since its creation in1998 the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme has my Royal Society Chair without a supported 2,250 women in 110 countries lot of persuasion. Encouraging

Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 5 THE LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY: CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF MATHEMATICS

This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the London Mathematical Society (LMS), the UK’s learned society for mathematics. The Society is commemorating this with an exciting programme of events celebrating the contributions of UK mathematics through the years. The Society and its membership includes many creative mathematical scientists, past and present.

One of the objectives of the the following messages to as Society; 16th January 2015 was Over 300 guests, including celebrations is to reach out to wide an audience as possible: exactly 150 years to the day school and university students, both non-mathematicians and since the Society held its were entertained by talks from • Mathematics transforms mathematicians alike, and to inaugural meeting and leading mathematicians. In people’s lives foster a deeper appreciation of Goldsmiths’ Hall was also the addition to the Society’s the value of mathematics to our • Mathematics is everywhere location for the Society’s historical focus on pure culture and society. The varied and for everyone Centenary Dinner. The aim of mathematics, a range of applied topics was covered, including programme of activities and ... essential value of mathematics to events provides a wonderful machine learning for human opportunity to celebrate past the UK economy ... motion capture (particularly in Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox), the achievements, and also to look • Mathematics Research: the Launch was to introduce the linking of signals to masts that forward and challenge ourselves Curiosity, Creativity, Discovery Society’s year of celebrations, enable the use of mobile and society to make the best of recognise and promote the The year began with the phones, and the special effects this ever-changing and beautiful history of the Society, and Anniversary Launch on 16th behind TV programmes such as discipline. demonstrate the essential value January 2015 at The Doctor Who and Sherlock and of mathematics to the UK Under the overarching theme Goldsmiths’ Hall, London. Both films such as Harry Potter and economy. of Mathematics: Unlocking the date and venue were of Life of Pi. Worlds, we will communicate particular significance to the

6 Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 An Early Day Motion, dated Zeeman online archive with a Cambridge and included a day and architect George Legendre. 16 January, supported by small ceremony at Hertford of events celebrating the The year will culminate in an Andrew Miller MP, Stephen College, University of Oxford. Anniversary, with lectures from exciting, interactive five-day Metcalfe MP, Dr Julian Huppert The Archive was launched soon Professor Sir Andrew Wiles Mathematics Festival in MP and Sir Peter Bottomley MP, after Sir Christopher’s 90th (University of Oxford), who collaboration with the London congratulated the LMS on birthday and came to fruition as proved Fermat’s Last Theorem Science Museum which will be reaching its 150th Anniversary, a result of the hard work and and Professor Robert Calderbank held at the Museum from for which the Society is grateful. dedication of Sir Christopher’s family. The online archive ... platform for other Women in In February, there was an represents a lifetime of Sir exhibition of early documents Mathematics events ... Christopher’s work, including and photographs from the LMS (Duke University, US), followed Wednesday 25th – Sunday 29th letters he wrote, papers and archives at the University College by a special four-day Women in November in which nine books he published, and Mathematics event held at the research groups will be involved. interviews he gave. Sir University of Oxford. Christopher Zeeman is widely The usual Society events such considered an icon of modern As the year progresses there as the LMS Popular Lectures, mathematics and the LMS is will be a number of other which already attract large audiences from mathematicians and students to the general public, have been extended to include more speakers at various locations around the UK. Professor Sir Andrew Wiles There will also be a joint London (UCL) Main Library. The meeting with the Institute of exhibition will remain open until Physics (IOP) and the Royal December and highlights include Astronomical Society (RAS) in a student’s sketch of the LMS November to mark the founding President Augustus de centenary of General Relativity. Morgan, a sketch of an early LMS logo by Sophia de Morgan, The 150th year of the Society and a letter from George de is an opportunity to reflect on Morgan and Arthur Cowper the ground-breaking Ranyard inviting Thomas Archer achievements of the LMS Hirst to the inaugural meeting of through the years and to look the Society. forward to building a sustainable future for the discipline which This year’s Mary Cartwright will allow mathematics to Lecture was also held in continue to contribute to society February. The lecture, which and to provide the critical each year is given by a foundations to ‘unlocking prominent female worlds’. mathematician, was given by Maria Esteban (Université Paris- delighted to be hosting the notable events. Local Dauphine) on Bose-Einstein archive on its website, Mathematics Heroes Museum Condensation: History, Model particularly as he is a Past Exhibitions will be launched over and Recent Mathematical President of the Society. the summer and will take place across the UK which will bring ... interviews with prominent UK-based mathematics and mathematicians ... mathematicians into the local community celebrating the Results. The talk was described April and May proved busy origins of famous mathematical as “world-class” by LMS months for the Society with researchers. A series of short, Professor Robert Calderbank President Terry Lyons and it large events such as the joint filmed interviews with prominent provided a distinguished meeting between the British UK-based mathematicians will platform for other Women in Mathematical Colloquium be available to view online, an For more information about Mathematics events later in the (BMC) and the British Applied Artist Associate Scheme, where the Society’s 150th Anniversary year. Mathematics Colloquium the Society has commissioned visit www.lms.ac.uk/2015 You Later in March the LMS (BAMC), which this year was mathematics-related work from can also follow the LMS on launched the Sir Christopher held at the University of renowned artist Mark Francis Twitter @LondMathSoc

Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 7 THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM ENTERPRISE ZONE Helping to create the next generation of science and technology entrepreneurs

four new University Enterprise flexibility to host individuals in development and Intellectual Zones were to be created in both seminar and idea- Property Commercialisation. Nottingham, Liverpool, Bradford generation modes. Within the One of the key advantages for and Bristol. Centre, technology-based businesses which will be based University Enterprise Zones entrepreneurs will be able to in the Technology (UEZs) are specific geographical engage with our expertise in key Entrepreneurship Centre is the areas where universities and sectoral technologies and linkage with the local escalator businesses can work together to enterprise education, and link of finance, which includes increase local growth and with its significant international Nottingham City Council’s innovation. Each UEZ will be connections through its Regional Growth Fund grants for supported by a partnership campuses in China and Chris Rudd Pro-Vice-Chancellor between a university and Local Malaysia. (External Engagement), Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The University of Nottingham As part of our plans for the STIMULATING University of Nottingham TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN BUSINESSES In September 2013, Sir Enterprise Zone, we are The University of Nottingham’s Andrew Witty, Chief Executive of developing a new Technology Technology Entrepreneurship GlaxoSmithKline and Chancellor Entrepreneurship Centre (TEC). Centre will provide space and of The University of Nottingham, The £2.6m we have received incubation support for 50 published his independent from government for the UEZ is review, entitled ‘Encouraging a being matched pound-for-pound technology-driven start-up British Invention Revolution’ to develop a £5.2m state-of-the- businesses, (including student art business incubation facility. enterprises) from the local Enterprising Nottingham students which investigated how developed a pathogen diagnosis kit universities could drive for the agri-food industry economic growth, benefiting technology development, the both their local areas and the University’s Angel Network and wider UK. the City Council’s Foresight Fund The Witty Review called for for high-growth businesses, stronger incentives for providing the opportunity to tap universities to realise their into a unique package of potential to enhance national financial support. and local economic growth. It highlighted the need for SUPPORTING STUDENT universities to work with local SCIENTISTS TO BE partners to seek out small and ENTREPRENEURS medium enterprises (SMEs) University students are a rich with the potential to innovate, source of innovative business and to support such businesses ideas and creativity. However, A new Technology Entrepreneurship Centre for technology entrepreneurs these skills are often untapped, with technology, expertise, talent will be at the heart of Nottingham's University Enterprise Zone and know-how. under-supported and under- The new 2,000m2 building will business community or from utilised while they are at In response to the Witty provide office-based within the University. Focus for university. The University of Review and previous reports on accommodation for small support will include providing Nottingham recognises the need the subject of business- businesses, and will be advice on start-up and early- to develop the entrepreneurial university collaboration, in 2014 designed to facilitate interaction stage issues including business potential of science students so the government announced that between occupants, with the planning, new product that when they leave university

8 Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 they are given the tools to cause hundreds of deaths in the also developed to improve Other Nottingham spin-out launch successful new ventures, UK per annum. The mobile kit further the functionality and businesses in the medical sector creating jobs and wealth. One enables testing to take place in reusability of the product. are gaining worldwide interest. way in which the University is the field, producing results Scancell has developed a The device will enable helping to develop the next within just two hours, compared therapeutic DNA vaccine which skydivers to be filmed at any generation of entrepreneurs is with up to several weeks in lab- stimulates the body’s immune time they choose instead of through joint MSc courses, based tests. system to make T-cells which being bound by camera flyer where students are able to then seek out and kill tumour The three students have now availability. Tested in the combine studying science cells that would otherwise be formed a company, called windtunnel at Airkix in subjects with entrepreneurship, hidden. The company has DiagMole, and believe that it is Manchester, the prototype is where they can learn about the secured £17m funding to date. the combination of an academic now progressing towards practical aspects of business subject combined with the study becoming a fully developed NuVision is a spin-out that has development and build their of entrepreneurship which has marketable product. developed a biological wound entrepreneurial skills. given them the skills and dressing which aids the Student entrepreneurship at confidence to go into business. COMMERCIALISING regeneration and healing of the The University of Nottingham is They are all positive that their NEW TECHNOLOGIES surface of the eye. The dressing, supported through the Haydn business will become their Each year, a number of exciting known as Omnigen, can be Green Institute for Innovation employment for the foreseeable new technologies are developed used as a graft, or an innovative and Entrepreneurship, which future and has the potential for by universities across the emergency dressing to help hosts an Ingenuity Lab where high growth. country and Nottingham is no regenerate damaged or diseased students are able to come and exception. Most famous for corneal tissue. The technology get support to develop their developing Magnetic Resonance has been backed by £2 million ideas and set up their own Imaging, The University of research funding including businesses. The Haydn Green Nottingham is still support from the UK MOD. Institute also provides commercialising many exciting In the agricultural sector, Azotic competitions with financial and innovative technologies. Technologies is commercialising prizes to help students get their In recent years we have had a a new technology developed by ventures off the ground. One number of successful exits of the University called N-Fix. N-Fix such competition is the Rt Hon Greg Clark meeting the spin-out businesses. One of has the potential to enable crops Biotechnology Young University of Nottingham students these, Molecular Profiles, which to fix half their nitrogen needs Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) – who designed the Freefall Camera provides innovative services to from the atmosphere. This could an annual business plan THE FREEFALL CAMERA the pharmaceutical industry, transform global agriculture, by competition, designed to raise The Freefall Camera is an such as formulation, making it cheaper for farmers to awareness of commercialisation example of a University of manufacturing and expert cultivate crops while also among young researchers. Nottingham student-led research consultation for Intellectual reducing the massive damage Topics covered in the and development project which Property issues, was sold to an caused to rivers and lakes by Biotechnology YES competition has led to the development of a nitrogen run-off from fertiliser. include business plan writing, product with real commercial understanding intellectual potential. AN ENTERPRISING property and patents, raising FUTURE finance, marketing strategies and The starting point for this The creation of the Technology regulatory affairs. venture was a team of Entrepreneurship Centre at the Mechanical Engineering masters University of Nottingham DETECTING students, who are also skydiving Enterprise Zone will further help FOODBORNE DISEASES enthusiasts. They wanted to see students, academics and local One of the innovative student if it was possible to solve the Professor Ted Cocking has developed a technology which has businesses to nurture and ideas that came through the problems around autonomously the potential to enable crops to fix develop ideas, creating a new Biotechnology YES scheme was filming skydivers in freefall nitrogen atmospherically generation of science and from a group of University of without jeopardising safety. They technology entrepreneurs, Nottingham MSc Crop set themselves the challenge of American pharmaceutical bringing new jobs and wealth to Biotechnology and creating a fully working robot business for £16m in 2013. In the Midlands and beyond and Entrepreneurship graduates. The prototype designed with four addition, the University’s pre- helping to strengthen the UK’s students have developed a vertical aerofoils which adjust to clinical oncology research position as a world-leader in mobile diagnostic service for affect its terminal velocity. To company, PRECOS, which innovation. pathogen detection – an idea ensure the camera kept locked focuses on providing unique developed for their master’s on its target, a state-of-the-art patient relevant and predictive dissertation. Their method can vision sensor and glove were cancer models to international be used to detect foodborne used to develop the camera’s biotech and pharmaceutical diseases such as Campylobacter, tracking systems. A steerable companies, was also sold in a Listeria and Salmonella, which parachute and robust casing was multi-million dollar deal.

Science in Parliament Vol 72 No 2 May/June 2015 9 WHY SCIENCE IS IN THE DIPLOMATIC TOOL KIT

societies, with a particular scope of the Framework learned societies have played a interest where there might not programme aligns with UK’s particularly important role. The be other mechanisms for expertise to ensure UK scientists Royal Society as a sequel to its engagement at an official level 3.” can access such funds. Commonwealth Science It is an evolving concept but it Conference (in November Science for diplomacy is applies to the role of science, 2014), is working with the especially important when technology and innovation in: Commonwealth Secretary normal diplomatic relations are informing foreign policy General to put science at the difficult or even impossible. The objectives by supplying scientific heart of the Commonwealth scientific community often works advice (science in diplomacy); agenda. The Royal Academy of Professor Robin Grimes 1 beyond national boundaries so is 2 facilitating international science Engineering is currently and Dr Emma Hennessey well placed to support forms of cooperation (diplomacy for supporting an academic industry diplomacy that do not depend science); and using science exchange scheme, with the on traditional alliances and can cooperation to improve University of Zimbabwe as one be an important source of “soft international relations (science of the hubs. In 2010, the Royal Society power”. This was recognised in a published a report on “New for diplomacy). 2014 House of Lords report 6 Academics can work in places Frontiers in Science Diplomacy”, Science in diplomacy is akin to which recommended that the where diplomatic relations are which set the scene for UK evidence-based policy making: UK Government should identify fragile. The Royal Society brokers science diplomacy in the 21st the principle that the best policy ways in which science can arrangements by which Century. This built on over 280 decisions are those that are inform diplomacy. Scientists also volcanologists from Imperial years of international science informed by expert advice and provide longevity, developing College and Cambridge have engagement since the Royal evidence. This could include and maintaining international been working with North Korean Society appointed its first foreign economic advice and statistics relationships, complementing the scientists to monitor Mount secretary, Philip Zollman, in about trade opportunities, social shorter-term personal Paektu, responsible for one of 1723. The UK Government’s first research on behaviour or relationships of diplomats and the largest eruptions in history. Foreign Secretary, the colourful perhaps information on politicians. The international Charles James Fox, was only technological advances. Science relationships of scientists at RBG The British Council has appointed in 1782! This paper can play a particularly important Kew are excellent examples of commented that science and reminds us of the various role during emergencies when a this. research diplomacy is one of the contributions of science State’s response can rely heavily most powerful tools for building UK excellence in research is diplomacy, reviews the current on predictions of how events are trust and understanding with the acknowledged overseas 7 and as 8 state of play and looks to the likely to unfold. During the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). such the UK is in an especially future. Fukushima nuclear power plant IRI has maintained some leading good position to use science for accident in Japan, science advice science education and research diplomacy. It enhances our WHAT IS SCIENCE underpinned the decision by the facilities; IRI scientists contribute national reputation, opens doors DIPLOMACY? UK embassy in Tokyo not to to projects such as CERN, and to influence trade and In addition to the traditional evacuate personnel, leading to a lead the region in terms of investment, and can help with foreign policy issues of security, long term benefit to UK-Japan contributions to peer-reviewed power projection when used trade and international relations, relations. journals. The UK's science and there is a host of new appropriately. Further benefits research is highly regarded in Diplomacy for science builds challenges, including food and arise, such as when other Iran, and there is a strong desire networks for research energy security, health (Ebola, nations use our science to move forward with exchange cooperation. Researchers have anti-microbial resistance, AIDS), structures or standards, making and research partnerships. always sought out the best national disaster management the UK a natural trade partner, or people with whom to when overseas students, who After a hiatus of several years, a and the environment (climate collaborate. National academies studied in the UK, maintain their strategic agreement on change). These demand are increasingly international in connections, building confidence cooperation has been signed by international collaboration and their scope and reach. and relationships that will last the British Council, The Royal require new ways of working, Programmes such as the decades. Society and the Russian including science diplomacy. Newton Fund 4 and the Foundation for Basic Research, Science diplomacy has been European Commission WHAT IS THE UK opening the way for defined as “the use and Framework programmes 5 DOING? collaboration. President Putin’s application of science facilitate collaboration. High-level There are many examples of Russian Academic Excellence cooperation to build bridges and national engagement/diplomacy UK institutions contributing to Project provides opportunities to enhance relationships among is essential to ensure that the s