SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT 6 0 1 2

G N I The Journal of the R

Parliamentary and P Scientific Committee sip S

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 Naturally, those that condemn the Royal Society for Public the decision are from the UK Health, calls for “activity labelling” SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT soft drinks industry which is on pre-packaged foods as she reported to be worth £15.7 argues that the current “traffic billion. Speaking from my own light” food labelling system is not experience, the closure of the promoting positive changes in Britvic factory in Chelmsford in public health. sip 2014 was a sad day for the area Amidst the debate over sugar with many in my constituency consumption, one voice which losing their jobs. It will be The Journal of the Parliamentary and has largely ignored in the debate interesting to see the impact of Scientific Committee. Stephen Metcalfe MP, is the sugar beet farmer. Sugar The Parliamentary and Scientific the tax on small independent Chairman, Parliamentary and beet growers are already faced Committee is an All-Party Scientific Committee drinks companies. Parliamentary Group of members of with a challenging outlook, and both Houses of Parliament and British The tax will be exclusively on they are now concerned about members of the European Parliament, representatives of scientific and soft drinks, which leads me to the impact of the sugar tax on The Treasury’s recent technical institutions, industrial question, where does this leave the crop’s economics. With the organisations and universities. announcement about the the fruit juices, smoothies and sugar tax not due till 2018, there introduction of a sugar tax has milkshakes which are also high is plenty of time for the soft received a mixed response. The in sugar? Many are unaware of drinks manufacturers and beet new levy on the soft drinks the specific foods and drinks that farmers to prepare for solutions industry is welcomed by health are naturally high in sugar. This is that will cause minimal impact to campaigners, reflecting a bold an important point that Dr Alison the industry. and important move towards Tedstone illustrates in her article. reducing childhood obesity. The Perhaps technology is the Science in Parliament has two main £520m a year it is expected to answer? Public Health England is objectives: raise will be used to boost sport 1. to inform the scientific and leading the way with their sugar in schools and fund breakfast industrial communities of activities smart app which helps families within Parliament of a scientific clubs at 1,600 schools in keep track of how much sugar is nature and of the progress of England. If the money raised is relevant legislation; in certain foods. used wisely, initiatives such as 2. to keep Members of Parliament abreast of scientific affairs. these will undoubtedly be Some interesting alternative beneficial to encouraging solutions have been proposed to healthier lifestyles from a young help tackle the issue of obesity. age. Shirley Cramer, chief executive of

CONTENTS

SEVEN WAYS TO SAVE OUR SOILS 2 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2016 19 BRITISH SCIENTISTS HONOURED WITH 37 Helen Browning WOMEN IN SCIENCE – 21 PRESTIGIOUS NEUROSCIENCE PRIZE SO WHAT? UK-TURKEY YEAR OF SCIENCE AND 38 OUR BATTLE WITH SUGAR – 4 INNOVATION 2015-2016 MAKING THE SCIENCE FAMILY FRIENDLY AUTHENTIC BIOLOGY – MAKING STEM REAL 22 Dr Alison Tedston IN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC EXCHANGE 40 Dave Colthurst PROGRAMMES – BETTER SCIENCE, LIGHTWEIGHT DRONES IN 6 DEEPER LINKS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FLOODING: WHAT IS NORMAL? 25 IS OUR AIR FIT TO BREATHE? 42 Dr Karen Anderson Professor Paul Bates Cheyenne McCrae DOES SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY INCREASE THE 9 OUR APPROACH TO FLOOD RISK 27 HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT 43 RISK OF INADVERTENT OR MALICIOUS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES 2015 RELEASE OF HIGH-VIRULENCE PATHOGENS? David Balmforth John McCarthy HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 46 WEATHER DIPLOMACY 30 SELECT COMMITTEE REPAIRING THE PIPELINE OF NEGLECTED 11 POPULATION, POLICY AND PRACTICE 31 DISEASE VACCINES PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF 46 PROGRAMME SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST) Peter J Hotez Professor Tim J Cole SCIENCE DIRECTORY 48 ZIKA 13 SCIENCE AT DAVOS 34 Professor Jimmy Whitworth

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 1 SEVEN WAYS TO SAVE OUR SOILS Helen Browning Franklin D. Roosevelt stated in 1936 that ‘The history of every nation is eventually written in the way in which it cares for its soil’. Certainly many great civilisations have crumbled alongside their soils, 1 degraded through years of cultivation to the point where food production was not viable.

Sadly – despite all our modern (Good Agriculture and organic matter is the key to with farm trials, on your own technology and scientific know- Environment Conditions) in soil health. This means farm or in a network such as how, we are at risk of repeating England will not prevent all ensuring that farms are the Soil Association’s ancient mistakes. Soil damaging operations, let alone recycling more plant and Innovative Farmers. degradation is happening at a promote widespread positive animal matter back into soils. Government: Invest in R&D global and UK scale, and the management. And while soil Farmers: Learn about the on the role of soil biology in impacts of this in the long-term, should be given the same level additional benefits of animal yields and carbon/water if left unaddressed, would be of protection as water and air, an manure and composts and storage. Address regulatory catastrophic for our climate and EU Soil Directive is still not on bring livestock onto arable gaps to ensure new pesticides our food production. the table. farm do not damage soil life. The UN designated 2015 to be We have therefore been Government: Commit to our 4. Cover up bare soil with the International Year of Soil to working on a report to detail SOM target. Stop subsidising continuous plant cover raise awareness of this issue. how we can save UK soils. We damaging practices. Increase What happened in the UK? Soils You can’t see healthy soil – it will be presenting not just to farmer awareness. really have upped the farmers, but also to policy is covered by plants. Plant environmental and agricultural makers and advisors. Here is a 2. Improve soil health roots hold soils together and agenda; at most conferences, I quick summary: monitoring across the UK encourage healthier soil hear soil actually mentioned – communities through plant- Analysing soils is an essential and repeatedly too. fungal interactions. Benefits COMMIT TO OUR first step to support effective spread beyond the farm in TARGET: INCREASE SOIL decision making on soil BUT IN TERMS OF REAL, terms of biodiversity, carbon ORGANIC MATTER health, but some farmers DEFINITIVE ACTION? storage, flood and drought LEVELS BY 20% IN 20 neglect to do this routinely. The main issue to solve here is YEARS control, and water quality. a farming culture where agro- Farmers: Routinely analyse This is the main target of the Farmers: Use cover crops, chemicals are seen as the main your soils, including organic Soil Association’s Soils green manures, longer grass source of fertility and matter. Test and monitor soil Campaign. In other words, we leys and under-sown crops. pest/disease control. This is health – especially if you are want to see arable and Utilise agri-environment combined with short-term leases arable. horticultural soil organic matter schemes to bring back and the pressure to compete levels raised by 1% on existing Government : Using cross- permanent grassland where with other global suppliers with levels, every year. Currently – compliance, ensure farmers appropriate. lower overhead costs. The result? levels are actually declinin g2. We monitor soil health and SOM Short-term and quick-fix Government: Introduce know this target is entirely levels on a representative area management decisions, resulting stricter cross-compliance possible – it is based on what of their farms. in high value but soil damaging measures. Support research to organic farmers frequently simple rotational crop systems 3. Encourage soil organisms help farmers choose the right achieve, as found by a meta- with quick returns. Unintended cover crops and ensure analysis of comparative studies The current focus on chemical consequences are overlooked knowledge exchange. between organic and non- inputs began at a time when and soil health is often forgotten organic farms. we did not yet understand the 5. Bring more trees onto within decision making. This has importance of soil life to need farmland led to declining UK food Seven ways to save our soils, to crop productivity, pests and Trees reduce erosion, can diversity, weeds which we can with some examples of how disease and the ability to cope help draw up nutrients and no longer control and soils which to do this: with extreme weather. This hold soils together. But they are being stripped of their 1. Increase animal and plant needs to change. can be valuable assets to nutrients and organic matter. matter going back onto fields Farmers: Think about soil life farmers in their own right. Not enough is happening to Reversing declines and before making decisions. Be solve this. The upgraded GAECs achieving good levels of innovative and get involved

2 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 Farmers: Learn about the It is vital we ensure farmers per hectare or 4-10 litres per m 2 References value of farmland trees from are able to design diverse, 4. Water quality would also be 1 http://www.sciencemag.org/ content/ the Woodland Trust. long-term crop rotations that improved – increasing soil 342/6158/565.short Plant/encourage trees on our soils need. organic matter levels helps 2 Countryside Survey Soil Report from vulnerable soils and rough protect underground water 2007 http://www.countryside Farmers: Design longer survey.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdfs/ grazing. supplies by neutralising or rotations with more varieties reports2007/CS_UK_2007_TR9- filtering out potential pollutant s5. Government: Create and catch-crops. Focus on revised.pdf confidence in agroforestry financial margins across your There would also be l ess soil 3 Palmer, R. C. and Smith, R. P. (2013) through research and financial rotation, not just annual erosion and rivers would need ‘Soil structural degradation in SW England and its impact on surface-water support. margins. to be dredged less: Research in runoff generation’, Soil Use and Management , 29: 567–575 http://eureferendum.com/documents/ sum12068.pdf

4 1% SOM = an additional 20,000 to 25,000 gallons per acre, or at least 225,000 litres per hectare. 0.2-0.4% increase (20% increase on 1-2%) = 45000 to 90000 litres. Laura Byrant (2015) Blog: Organic Matter Can Improve Your Soil’s Water Holding Capacity – covers these calculations and the assumptions made http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/lbryan t/organic_matter.html

5 European Commission Joint Research Centre European Soil Portal – ‘key facts about soil’ http://eusoils.jrc.ec. europa.eu/projects/soil_atlas/Key_ Factors.html

6 Palmer, R. C. and Smith, R. P. (2013) ‘Soil structural degradation in SW England and its impact on surface-water runoff generation’, Soil Use and Management, 29: 567–575 http://eureferendum.com/documents/ sum12068.pdf

7 Based on the USA’s Environmental 6. Reduce soil compaction Government: Introduce Southwest England found Protection Agencies Greenhouse Gas from machinery and requirements on tenants and around 4 out of 10 farms Equivalencies Calculator - livestock land owners to ensure soil studied were visibly increasing http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/ health is not degraded during surface run-of f 6 and there is energy-resources/calculator.html Soil compaction is a major tenancies. Change policies to grave concern that the 8 Skinner et al 2014 http://www.ncbi. problem in the U K3 – it can enforce longer rotations for at production of maize in nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24061052 found lead to increased surface run- risk crops, such as potatoes. particular is leading to huge in a review of 12 comparative studies that organic farms emit the equivalent off as well as drought stress, amounts of soil being eroded. of 492kg CO 2e less N 20 and take up an fewer grazing days, poor root additional 3.2kg CO e of methane per SO WHAT WOULD THE Lastly, based on what organic 2 growth and reduced yields hectare per year on average. farms can achieve, meeting overall. BENEFITS BE IF ALL our target could result in 9 Based on the croppable area of the UK THESE AREAS WERE as 4.8m ha https://www.gov.uk/ Farmers: Routinely assess ADDRESSED? incredible climate change government/uploads/system/uploads/a your soils visually and use the mitigation; carbon ttachment_data/file/355868/structure- The benefits go right beyond wealth of alleviation practices sequestration equivalent to jun2014final-eng-18sep14.pdf and total soil health and long-term current agricultural emissions of 53.7 m that can reduce compaction that stored annually by an area maintenance or increase of CO 2e https://www.gov.uk/government/ yields. Farmers would see of forest three-quarters of the uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ Government: Raise 7 hugely improved flood and size of Wale s . If you include data/file/449266/agriclimate-6edition- awareness on the impact of 30jul15.pdf drought resilience: For the reduced N20 soil compaction on crop and degrading UK arable soils which emissions and the increased livestock performance. Have a 8 can contain as little as 1-2% soil methane uptak e , the GAEC standard specifically on organic matter in total, meeting greenhouse gas savings could compaction. our target would increase the amount to 13% of current 7. Design crop rotations to water holding capacity by annual UK agricultural greenhouse gas emission s 9. improve soil health between 40-100 thousand litres

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 3 OUR BATTLE WITH SUGAR – MAKING THE SCIENCE FAMILY FRIENDLY

Dr Alison Tedstone Research shows that the New However, the National Diet and Measurement Programme Chief nutritionist at PHE Year is a time when people are Nutrition Survey (NDNS), shows (NCMP), almost one in 10 more willing to consider making that average sugar consumption children starting school is obese positive lifestyle behaviour is three times higher than the and this doubles to almost one changes. As such, it provided maximum recommended level in five by the end of primary Public Health England with a in school-aged children and school, which is deeply perfect opportunity to tap into teenagers. The main source of concerning. Childhood obesity is this January mindset and help sugar consumption in children is still unacceptably high and much tackle a major health challenge: sugary drinks, which have no worse in the poorest areas. sugar consumption. place in a child’s daily diet. Overweight and obesity is As chief nutritionist at Public The evidence shows that there becoming normalised in children Health England, one of my main is a strong link between having so it is no wonder that the concerns is the diet of our too many sugary foods and evidence tells us that parents

Sources of sugar in the UK – children aged 4 to 18 years

children. Following an expert drinks, and becoming overweight and even health professionals review of the evidence by the or obese. Too much sugar in the struggle to identify when a child Scientific Advisory Committee on diet can result in too many is overweight by sight alone. calories being consumed, Nutrition (SACN) in July 2015, it In addition to obesity, too leading to weight gain and was recommended that no much sugar causes tooth decay. obesity. Obese children are more than 5% of people’s (from One in three 5-year olds has more likely to have low self- age 2 years and above) daily tooth decay, which is painful and esteem, be bullied, miss school can lead to having rotten teeth calorie intake should come from and become obese adults who removed under general free sugar s1. For children aged have a greater risk of developing anaesthetic in hospital. 11 upwards and adults, this is type 2 diabetes, heart disease There is no doubt sugar has the equivalent of 30 grams or 7 and certain cancers. been one of the most hotly cubes of sugar per day, based According to the latest data debated and discussed health on average population diets. from our National Child topics over the last 12 months.

4 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 The case is clear for us to do (total sugar). The technology As well as encouraging parents childhood obesity strategy by the everything we can to help supports parents to take control to download the app, we also Department of Health will further younger generations eat a of sugar consumption and helps believe that it is vital for children help our efforts to reduce excess healthy, balanced diet and have protect their children from the to understand the importance of fewer calories and less sugar. weight in children. potential future health a healthy diet from a young age. What is clear is that we need to But while the message that too implications of eating and With this in mind, we’ve worked provide people with the tools to much sugar is bad for you drinking too much sugar. with educational experts to seems to be gaining traction, help them make healthy choices develop a range of ‘Food arguably the more important Since the campaign’s launch at while also changing the Detective’ teaching resources for aspect of this debate is how we the beginning of January, obesogenic environment in key stage 1 and key stage 2 age help families to reduce the feedback from app users has groups. The toolkit aims to help which we live. Our sugar amount of sugar they are eating shown that some of the biggest teach pupils about sugar and evidence report highlights that and drinking. surprises in terms of sugar having 5 portions of a variety of while education is important we content have come from juice Turning the scientific evidence fruit and vegetables every day as need to go much further and drinks (as opposed to fruit juice) from the SACN report into part of a healthy, balanced diet. make the healthiest choice the and seemingly healthy something that consumers can easiest choice. easily understand and act upon afterschool snacks, such as split Schools will also receive free has been a key component of pot yoghurts or chilled desserts. Sugar Smart packs which contain The Sugar Smart app jumped Public Health England’s latest These can contain over five further information about sugar to11 number one on the iTunes Change4Life campaign. Our sugar cubes, taking a four-year- guidelines and practical app store and was downloaded research shows that parents are old child over their maximum suggestions for families on how more than a million times in its looking for a simple way to recommended sugar allowance. to cut down on sugar. There is a first three weeks, illustrating the

UK sugar intake compared to the recommended maximum of 5% energy understand how much sugar is The app was launched as part range of further information, clear demand for tools which in the food and drinks they are of the wider Change4Life Sugar support and engaging materials can help people to make having so they can make Smart campaign which raises available on the Change4life healthier choices. While we informed decisions about their awareness of the new guidelines website. recognise that an app alone children’s diet. cannot change the behaviour of on sugar whilst also illustrating There is not one definitive That’s why we developed the the nation, it is a step in the right the levels of sugar children are reason as to why children in Sugar Smart app which direction. actually consuming. The England are eating too much visualises the total amount of campaign revealed that typical sugar. Obesity has multiple Reference sugar in everyday food and four to 10-year-olds are eating complex causes which is why a 1 Free sugars are those added to food or drinks. It allows families to those naturally present in honey, syrups and drinking more than 5,500 corresponding range of bold simply scan the barcode of over and unsweetened fruit juices, but sugar cubes each year – the measures are needed to tackle excludes those naturally present in 80,000 everyday food or drink intact fruit and vegetables or dairy equivalent to the average weight products to see how many 4- this issue – there is no single products. gram sugar cubes they contain of a five-to nine-year-old child. silver bullet solution. The

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 5 LIGHTWEIGHT DRONES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Dr Karen Anderson and since then, remote sensing rapidly expanding toolkit for dimensional information into of the Earth from space has Earth and environmental point clouds in three Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter transformed scientific scientists. Most of the dimensions 2,3 . Examples from understanding of Earth system environmental scientists in my my own scientific work 4-6 , show functioning and facilitated an field (landscape ecology, how drone-based remote improved quantitative view of geomorphology, hydrology) are sensing can contribute to the the life and processes that shape using lightweight drone global monitoring system and Earth. Remote sensing data are platforms (in the sub-7kg take- complement coarser-grained now used routinely and with off-weight category) to collect satellite remote sensing hundreds of Earth observation fine-grained observations 1. I observations. Today, drones satellites in orbit, it is possible to demonstrated how simple provide a unique opportunity for The ‘blue marble’ image of the measure global dynamic cycles overlapping aerial photographs science and society to make a Earth captured by a camera on in near-real time. In the same of surface features can now be step change in global system board the Apollo 17 mission vein, but operating within translated into three-dimensional understanding, in much the transformed the way that proximal airspace (up to 100 m models with the help of same way as the launch of the humans understand the Earth. above the ground, typically) ‘structure from motion’ first satellite Earth observation The blue marble became an drone-based remote sensing has photogrammetry – a process sensors did 45 years ago. There icon of a new consciousness recently emerged as a new, that translates the two are three reasons for this:

6 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 1. CALIBRATION AND the farmyard buildings, across upland restoration scheme on played by soils in providing well- VALIDATION. fields and into small streams is Exmoor which is seeking to being to society has been clearly We know that satellite remote critical effluent flow into nearby improve downstream water articulated in the recent “Soil sensing data needs improved rivers is to be managed and quality, reduce flooding, and Strategy for England”. Estimates local, fine-scale calibration and reduced. To provide the best ensure water security in the for the UK put the total marginal validation across a range of Earth advice to the farmer on how to region. The catchments that we cost of soil degradation at systems. For example, recent achieve this, an environmental focus on are around 100 – 200 between £206-315 million per work has suggested that there adviser or consultant requires ha in extent. Using piloted survey year. Evidence suggests that needs to be a “strategic fine-resolution data both aircraft equipped with these costs are incurred in many combination” of remote sensing temporally and spatially. From specialised laser scanning different ways, affecting diverse and in situ data if uncertainties in satellites, it is currently not sensors, thermal imagers and ecosystems and stakeholders, terrestrial carbon sinks and possible to model topographic optical sensors, we have over a range of spatial and sources (critical to understanding variation around features at a previously generated a range of temporal scales. Spatial data at ecosystem responses to global farmyard scale, and yet, this is scientific products describing the fine resolution are required to change and climatic trends) are the scale at which water structure and function of these quantify the impact of erosion, to be better quantified and pollution incidents can be landscapes 8-11 . However, these and to monitor change at modelled 7. Such validation can managed and mitigated most data are very costly to capture landscape extents. In this be achieved by local non-spatial effectively. Drones uniquely (upwards of £10,000 per extensive project with a range of observations (e.g. meteorological provide a close-range ‘proximal’ survey) and with a drone costing academic institutions data, flux observations) but is probably better delivered by finer-grained spatial observations collected proximally to the Earth’s surface and at a grain size appropriate to the patterns driving the processes. Drones uniquely provide researchers and citizens alike with a toolkit that can be readily used for such purposes. By fitting sensors to drones that allow similar radiometric remote sensing products to be gathered it is then within reason that satellite data products can be calibrated or validated using such approaches.

2. GRAIN SIZE, FLEXIBILITY AND RESPONSIVENESS. viewpoint from which a wide a few hundred pounds, we have (Universities of Exeter, Lancaster, Second, current data streams, range of features can be shown that we can deliver Cranfield, Manchester and the even from the most capable surveyed, and with the help of equivalent data repeatedly, for a British Geological Survey) our satellite systems are often too new image processing tools, it is fraction of the cost, at user- aim was to test the effectiveness coarse in time or space to be also possible to turn the 2D defined time-steps 5. We are of new ways of quantifying able to capture the dynamics photographs into accurate 3D working with South West Water spatial soil erosion parameters and complexity in crucial topographic models from which to pioneer this approach. and therefore provide important environmental processes. hydrological flow can be To provide further evidence of information that can help target Resultantly, existing spatial modelled 2. optimal soil conservation datasets from satellite systems the cost-effectiveness of drone- are often not useful or suitable 3. COST EFFECTIVENESS based remote sensing over other practices. Figure 2 shows some for guiding environmental OF REMOTE SENSING approaches I want to refer to a data from the project which decision making. An example is SURVEY. case study. My group is also shows how the spatial models shown in Figure 1. Imagine that Finally, we can gather data from part of a broad consortium derived from drone-based this is a dairy farm located in the drones that cannot be captured working with DEFRA, to explore imaging compare to an existing headwaters of a sensitive so cost-effectively by other and evaluate the potential that and widely used method catchment. Being able to model means. For example, we are drone-based surveying offers for (terrestrial laser scanning, TLS) the way that water flows around monitoring the impacts of an soil erosion monitoring. The role for quantifying gully erosion in

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 7 upland soil systems. The table, shown right in Figure 2, demonstrates how drone data are processed more rapidly (200% more quickly than TLS), and how lightweight drone survey equipment is typically 1% of the cost of TLS equipment, whilst spatial accuracy is equivalent (graph, left).

It is my belief that drone-based remote sensing data cannot replace the global extent surveying that is currently delivered operationally by satellites, drones do provide a complementary technology that allows ‘fine-grained’ data problems and upscaling questions to be tackled across the environmental sciences. My research group at the DroneLab of the University of Exeter is not alone. Globally, drone use has escalated and now, there is a lightweight drone on every continent on Earth. Figure 3 shows the number of publications with the words ‘unmanned aerial vehicle’ or similar term in the title, and inset, the number of citations to those papers in recent years. Sales figures for drones globally suggest that this trend will continue to increase. Scientists are only just beginning to realise the benefits of the self-service data potential offered by drones, References: and it is my belief that this trend 1. Anderson K, Gaston KJ (2013) 5. DeBell L, Anderson K, Brazier RE, King really measure in upland ecosystems? will continue if legislation Lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles N, Jones L (2015) Water resource Ecohydrology 8: 584-594. remains flexible enough to will revolutionize spatial ecology. management at catchment scales 9. Luscombe DJ, Anderson K, Gatis N, Frontiers in Ecology and the permit activities in this area to using lightweight UAVs: current Grand ‐Clement E, Brazier RE (2015) Environment 11: 138-146. capabilities and future perspectives. continue. It is my hope that the Using airborne thermal imaging data to 2. Westoby MJ, Brasington J, Glasser NF, Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems measure near ‐surface hydrology in UK will remain as one of the Hambrey MJ, Reynolds JM (2012) 3: 1-24 DOI: 10.1139/juvs-2015- upland ecosystems. Hydrological world leading countries in which ‘Structure-from-Motion’ 0026. Processes 29: 1656-1668. drone-based remote sensing can photogrammetry: A low-cost, effective 6. Anderson K, Griffiths D, DeBell L, 10. Grand-Clement E, Anderson K, Smith be developed, deployed and tool for geoscience applications. Hancock S, Duffy JP, et al. (2016) A D, Angus M, Luscombe DJ, et al. Geomorphology 179: 300-314. grassroots remote sensing toolkit using explored. (2015) New approaches to the 3. Dandois JP, Ellis EC (2010) Remote live coding, smartphones, kites and restoration of shallow marginal Sensing of Vegetation Structure Using lightweight drones PLOS One in press. peatlands. Journal of Environmental Computer Vision. Remote Sensing 2: 7. Schimel D, Pavlick R, Fisher JB, Asner Management 161: 417-430. 1157-1176. GP, Saatchi S, et al. (2015) Observing 11. Gatis N, Luscombe DJ, Grand-Clement 4. Puttock AK, Cunliffe AM, Anderson K, terrestrial ecosystems and the carbon E, Hartley IP, Anderson K, et al. (2015) Brazier RE (2015) Aerial photography cycle from space. Global Change The effect of drainage ditches on collected with a multirotor drone Biology 21: 1762-1776. vegetation diversity and CO2 fluxes in reveals impact of Eurasian beaver 8. Luscombe DJ, Anderson K, Gatis N, a Molinia caerulea-dominated reintroduction on ecosystem structure. Wetherelt A, Grand ‐Clement E, et al. peatland. Ecohydrology Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems (2015) What does airborne LiDAR 10.1002/eco.1643. 3: 123-130.

8 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 Does Synthetic Biology increase the risk of inadvertent or malicious release of high-virulence pathogens?

John McCarthy Pathogens are a serious risk to the health of humans, animals and Professor of Molecular Systems plants, and are consequently responsible for suffering and Biology in the School of Life Sciences, and Director of the economic damage on a global scale. Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology (WISB) Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK High-profile epidemics caused advancing understanding of the could theoretically include those by viruses and bacteria feature principles underpinning life and of the naturally evolved Variola all too frequently in the media, (ii) generating products, devices (smallpox; against which thus reminding us of our and processes that benefit vaccines can be readily vulnerability to attack by the society. In doing so, this highly available) or Ebola viruses. microbial biosphere. We have interdisciplinary area draws upon However, the fact that synthetic learned that pathogens are multiple sources of knowledge methods can enable the highly adept at adapting to and skills from across the generation of complete changes in their environment – sciences and engineering, thus pathogen genomes does not the most worrying manifestation pushing at new (and potentially necessarily mean that synthetic of this is their ability to develop ethical) boundaries. The biology provides mechanisms that confer synthetic biology community is encouragement, or even a resistance to antimicrobial drugs. subject to the same stringent set shortcut, to the creation of There is also concern that of health and safety regulations bioweapons. As we shall see, dangerous pathogens might be that apply to other areas of this is because constructing a released inadvertently from bioscience and is committed to synthetic genome is only one of research laboratories or that exploring the ethical, legal and a large number of steps that are terrorists might incorporate them societal aspects of the research. required to construct a into bioweapons. I consider the bioweapon, particularly if this is The core question is whether possibility that synthetic biology to be applied on anything other synthetic biology has the might enable the development than a small scale. potential to create of new types and release of (genetically of dangerous pathogen. It has been suggested that modified) pathogens, potentially Sensitivity around this issue has current technological with increased virulence, been heightened by some developments could be leading whereby release could be either confused reporting on a number to a ‘de- skilling’ of synthetic inadvertent or malicious. of projects involving known biology, thus potentially For those not fully familiar with pathogens. This relates, for providing a platform for ‘garage the meaning of the term example, to the chemical bioterrorism ’4. For example, a synthetic biology, researchers synthesis of the poliovirus number of the procedures that manipulate and rearrange genom e2 and to the underpin the construction of existing biological systems, or to reconstruction of the 1918 synthetic genomes can be build new types of biological Spanish influenza pandemic performed by following system that differ from naturally vir u3. It is certainly true that established protocols and even evolved one s1. The capabilities developments in DNA synthesis using commercially available kits. and achievements of synthetic and assembly methods are However, the tacit knowledge biology are dependent upon accelerating towards a scenario and expertise that are gained by detailed understanding of how in which semi-automated research scientists through biological systems function. synthesis of bacterial and viral multiple years of experience in Synthetic biology applies (a new genomes will become feasible formally recognised research type of) engineering to biological for many suitably skilled institutions remain indispensible systems with the intention of (i) laboratories. Such genomes to the successful completion of

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 9 whole genome assembly pathogens is accordingly even especially to the non-expert attempts have had little projects. In addition, while the less likely than unintentional user. Equally challenging are the succes s6. We should ongoing development of release of known (natural) mechanisms of weapon delivery continuously monitor the computational models and pathogens. But how great is the and agent dispersal, both of situation over time as algorithms facilitates system risk of malicious release of which pose formidable technologies develop further, design, these resources do not genetically modified pathogens challenges when the agent is an proactively reassessing the remove the need for project in the form of bioweapons? The organism that has to remain potential ease of exploitation for 4 management by suitably trained reality is that this path is beset biologically activ e . non-experts. Finally, in the individuals. Overall, synthetic with a whole series of In conclusion, the probability is interests of society as a whole, it biology is still far from providing challenges in addition to those low that current synthetic is essential that public debate (automated) ‘black box’ related to genome modification biology methods will provide, for about such issues is fully operations that can allow and/or synthesi s5, and these the malicious user, a significantly informed by all of the relevant inexperienced personnel to additional challenges can only accelerated path to the scientific knowledge.

Figure 1. A series of technical and logistical challenges determine the overall likelihood of successful construction of a functional bioweapon. The hypothetical ‘progress’ trajectory is depicted as a downhill path since it represents an entirely negative type of potential human endeavour. perform complex genome be overcome through the production of potent large-scale References construction projects. application of multiple skills bioweapons. Indeed, the 1. Khalil & Collins Nature Rev Genet 11 outside synthetic biology (Figure committed terrorist is likely to (2010) 367-379; While it is undoubtedly 2. Cello et al Science 297 (2002) 1016- 1). One of these challenges is choose other, less technically important to maintain a watchful 1018; how to generate very large challenging, ways of harming eye on the potential for misuse 3. Tumpey et al Science 310 (2005) 77- of rapidly developing DNA amounts of a synthetic people. However, this does not 80; technology, this should not be pathogenic organism. mean that we should ever be 4. Jefferson et al Frontiers in Public Health 2 (2004) 115; allowed to distract us from the Construction of a synthetic viral complacent about the potential genome is of little use if this risk of misuse. We should also 5. van Aken & Hammond EMBO Rep 4 bigger picture. The volume of (2003) S57 – S60; cannot be packaged into a viable be conscious of the possibility research being performed that 6. Danzig et al (2011) Aum Shinrikyo: has the goal of creating variants (infectious) virus particle, and that highly motivated (and well- Insights into How Terrorists Develop of known pathogens is tightly this process has to be scaled up funded) groups might attempt Biological and Chemical Weapons. regulated and therefore limited using advanced technology that the dissemination of pathogens Washington DC: Centre for a New American Security. in scope and volume. is likely to be expensive, far from (not necessarily synthetic) on a Unintentional release of easy to implement, and which small scale, although it is synthetically generated can also pose major risks, noteworthy that previous

10 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 REPAIRING THE PIPELINE OF NEGLECTED DISEASE VACCINES

Peter J Hotez We learned several difficult lessons during the 2014-15 Ebola epidemics in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. While much of the post-outbreak criticisms of our global response focused on public health preparedness, a critical realization is that we also have a broken system for developing, manufacturing, and testing countermeasures to combat neglected and emerging infections like Ebola.

Let’s briefly review what Ebola epidemic was mostly forces that promoted the happened – the fundamental halted, but not before thousands emergence of Ebola in West science for developing the perished. Africa – poverty, conflict and adenovirus-vectored Ebola post-conflict decimation of Ebola was a debacle in terms vaccine was published in 2003; of how we advance urgently health systems, climate change, the VSV-Ebola vaccine a few needed neglected disease internal displacements and years after that. But the vaccines beyond research human migrations – remain in technology waited a decade until laboratory and into advanced play. There are at least a dozen the African situation became process development, new serious neglected diseases dire, and the US Government that require vaccines. They put up close to US$100 million manufacture, regulatory filing, include vaccines for: through its Biomedical Advanced and clinical development. Our Research Development Authority technical capacity has outpaced • Neglected diseases in the (BARDA). The funds our financial and social Middle East and North Africa, incentivized three major instruments required to make including the ISIS-occupied pharmaceutical companies to vaccines for the poor. conflict zones of Syria, Iraq, and further develop these The scary piece of this Libya, as well as Yemen. Among technologies in order to produce dilemma is that Ebola virus them are MERS Coronavirus, vaccines for large-scale clinical infection will not be the last leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, testing. By the time clinical trials catastrophic neglected disease and TB, which has seen an commenced in West Africa the that we will face. The same increase amongst refugee

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 11 populations. In some cases we should not rely only on large Library of Science (PLOS) I Finally the United Nations these and other diseases, such pharmaceutical companies, but found that most of the world’s agencies have important roles. as Chikungunya and Dengue are others in the vaccine neglected diseases and NTDs The World Health Organization also now threatening Southern development arena. We are paradoxically found in the (WHO) has established a Europe. urgently need additional actors, wealthy group of 20 (G20) product development for including three types of nations (which includes large vaccines advisory committee, • Arbovirus infections, such as organizations with a promising middle-income countries such as while the World Intellectual dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, track record for advancing NTD the BRICS) together with Nigeria. Property Organization (WIPO) is chikungunya, and West Nile and technologies: The extreme poor who live exploring the possibility of Zika virus infections. Zika is now amidst the wealthy in these expanding its WIPO Re:Search causing significant concern in • Academic research institutes . nations today account for one- enterprise. Brazil, with potentially very In the UK, there are several half the world’s helminth worrying links with congenital important academic research Together the G20 nations and infections, and most of the infections, infants born with institutes that are working to lead UN agencies have dengue, leishmaniasis, Chagas congenital birth defects such as create a pipeline of neglected enormous capacity to expand disease, TB, and other NTDs and microcephaly. The virus is disease technologies. A good the pipeline of urgently needed neglected diseases. I have used spreading rapidly with more than example is the Jenner Institute, a neglected disease vaccines. Last the term “Blue Marble Health” to one million cases in Brazil, partnership of the University of year’s Ebola epidemic describe this changing global almost as many in Colombia, Oxford and The Pirbright highlighted the fact that health paradigm, with a new and rapid dissemination to Institute. However, there are neglected diseases and NTDs book on the topic forthcoming. Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. many others throughout the UK are a global security issue that is Given the propensity of and globally. Accordingly, the G20 nations every bit as important as wars, terrorism, and climate change. arboviruses like Zika to affect • Product development need to expand their We desperately need innovation people who live in extreme partnerships (PDPs) . PDPs are commitment to fostering and in our global response to poverty, there are particular non-profit organizations that supporting NTD technologies. produce neglected disease concerns for the poorest areas of were established to develop and The U.S., UK, Dutch, and countermeasures. the Americas, including Haiti, test products for NTDs, TB, Australian governments, as well and even impoverished areas of malaria, and other neglected as the EU stand out for their Peter Hotez, MD PhD is the US Gulf Coast. Zika diseases. There are financial support of vaccines for President of the Sabin Vaccine represents the latest severe approximately 20 PDPs globally, the poor. It is especially exciting Institute, Texas Children’s public health and socioeconomic including a half-dozen that are to see the UK Department of Hospital Endowed Chair in threat to the Americas. developing vaccines. Our Sabin Health, Medical Research Tropical Pediatrics, and Dean of Council and Biotechnology and • Other chronic and debilitating Vaccine Institute PDP in the National School of Tropical Biological Sciences Research Medicine at Baylor College of neglected tropical diseases Houston, Texas, for example has Council establishing the UK Medicine (Houston, Texas). He (NTDs), such as helminth a pipeline of six vaccines for Vaccine Network, with £120m of also serves as University infections, Chagas disease, Buruli NTDs. funding, as part of the £1bn Professor at Baylor University, ulcer, and mycetoma. • Developing Country Vaccine Ross Fund announced by the Baker Institute Fellow in Disease Manufacturers Network How then do we best close the Chancellor in November. The and Poverty at Rice University (DCVMN) . The DCVMN is an technology gap in order to recent commitment by the and U.S. Science Envoy for the alliance of vaccine developers develop these neglected disease Japanese Government and State Department and White and manufacturers in the BRICS and NTD vaccines? There is no partners for a Global Health House. countries, as well as in nations one-size-fits-all answer, but there Innovation Technology (GHIT) such as Cuba, Indonesia, and The views expressed are those are several opportunities and Fund is also a welcome addition Vietnam, which is leading of the author and not options. First, we need to as are new revenue streams innovation in the Global South to necessarily those of the US or recognize that the major from the German government. produce several important UK Government. pharmaceutical companies have However, we urgently need the vaccines, many in partnership an outstanding track record of other G20 countries to also step with the multinational developing new drugs and up and contribute to NTD pharmaceutical companies, or vaccines, including a few that innovation for vaccines. For PDPs, or both. target NTDs, as well as malaria instance, the BRICS nations and and tuberculosis. But the We also urgently need new other NTD-endemic G20 failures in Guinea, Liberia, and financing schemes. In a series countries have the capacity to do Sierra Leone have taught us that of papers published in the Public much more.

12 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 ZIKA MEETING Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Thursday 10 March ZIKA Professor Jimmy Whitworth INTRODUCTION TO ZIKA VIRUS Department of Infectious Disease • Zika was first identified in Uganda – first in monkeys (1947), then in humans (1952). At first Epidemiology at London School of confined to equatorial Africa, then moved into South East Asia and to the Pacific Islands. In 2015 it Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. was recorded in Central and South America. Professor Whitworth is co-ordinating the schools’ response to Zika. • Zika is a flavivirus generally transmitted by the Aedes genus of mosquitoes (these also carry dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever), although some sexual transmission occurs.

• Symptoms of Zika are usually mild and may include a rash, itching, fever, muscle pain and conjunctivitis, however there are two conditions thought to be associated with Zika which are especially worrying:

– Microcephaly - babies born with small and malformed craniums, and a non-fully developed brain

• So far an increase in microcephaly cases, other neonatal malformations and adverse pregnancy outcomes has been reported only in Brazil and Columbia (about 1000 cases confirmed)

– Guillan-Barre syndrome – a temporary ascending paralysis, which is seen on recovery from a number of viral infections

• 8 countries have reported an increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and/or laboratory confirmation of Zika virus infection among GBS cases (about 1000 reported)

• These additional conditions are only seen in Central and South America, and the Caribbean

• Genetic analysis of the virus showed it arrived in Brazil in 2014, and the geographical distribution has steadily widened since. It was not noticed and recorded until 2015.

• There were 1 million cases in Brazil in 2015, and 4 million are expected in 2016.

• Active transmission has been reported in 31 countries.

ACTIONS ON ZIKA IN community engagement geographical range of competent ACTIVE TRANSMISSION • research at global, mosquito vectors, especially ZONE regional and country Aedes aegypti – so there is a need to assess and mitigate the • Public Health Emergency of levels risk of spread by looking at: International Concern declared • $56 million over 6 months • Mosquito distribution by WHO in February 2016 – has been requested by the • Preparedness of health their highest emergency category WHO (World Health services – due to the possible links to Organisation) for the response in • Anti-mosquito measures microcephaly and GBS, rather the active transmission zone and plans than the infection itself. • Disinsection of aircraft – Launched a Strategic Response ACTIONS ON ZIKA OUTSIDE ACTIVE spraying of insecticide Framework, which incorporates: inside planes TRANSMISSION ZONE • coordination, surveillance, • Zika virus is likely to be • Travel – infected humans or care, vector control transmitted and detected in mosquitos can spread the • risk communication and other countries within the infection

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 13 • 10 countries have • Contributing to outbreak to do for a disease which QUESTIONS reported imported cases response in Haiti is usually mild, but can Q: Sir Peter Bottomley – from this outbreak have devastating What was the historic impact of WHAT MORE DO WE consequences • 9 imported cases in the NEED TO BE DOING Zika? Why has it only just come UK ABOUT ZIKA? • Need to work out how to our attention? best to provide • Evidence of sexual Urgent: information and advice on A: The disease used to be fairly transmission and • Develop a reliable risks, pregnancy, inoffensive. It was only in transmission via blood diagnostic test – ideally contraception, abortion Polynesia (5 years ago) that we transfusion we need diagnostics that Medium term: started to see epidemics WHAT IS THE UK can be used at the • Vaccine development – (Royal GOVERNMENT bedside to give a quick Q: Stuart Taylor vaccines are at least 18 CURRENTLY DOING answer, rather than in the Society) – Is it known when in months away ABOUT ZIKA? lab, but at the moment pregnancy that birth defects • Public Health England are any reliable test would be • Drug development - arise? supporting WHO control an advance although if developed, A: It is known from studying activities through expert • Assess modern anti- could possibly be assistance Rubella that the first trimester is mosquito measures – problematic – how do you persuade people, the most risky stage of • Contribution to WHO currently relying on old especially those who are pregnancy. But early work on Contingency Fund for methods Emergencies pregnant, to take drugs Zika seems to suggest any stage • Assess risks of for a disease which is risky – Zika infection in • Funding research through microcephaly and GBS – generally has mild rapid response calls (MRC, DFID, pregnancy has led to miscarriage currently not able to give symptoms? EC) at 37 weeks. accurate risk predictions • Establish host range in • DFID is: Q: Baroness Tonge – have we • Also need to understand vectors – need to • helping African countries when transmission from establish which seen microcephaly associated prepare for future mother to foetus occurs mosquitoes could start with Zika virus before? potential spread of Zika in pregnancy acting as vectors A: It is not thought there were • providing health sector • Community engagement • Plans to care for those the same epidemics in humans support in Caribbean and communication – with disability – those before – the virus was mainly • assisting disease need to get messages with microcephaly will endemic in primates, only 7- surveillance in SE Asia around risk clear – hard need life-long support 10% of the human population in endemic areas would have caught it.

Q: Claire Mouchot (French Embassy) – does the virus stay in the body and have longer term effects?

A: Currently no evidence of such.

Q: How long after infection is the virus found in semen?

A: Known to stay in blood in urine for a week. Longer in semen, but not known how long exactly.

14 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 Dr James Logan • More of a PR exercise? Very • But importantly they still toluamide): a synthetic visual, but evidence for have a role for those repellent - the best and Senior Lecturer in Medical Entomology at the London School effectiveness is sparse. sleeping during the day – eg. most widely used. 20-50% for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, • Residual spraying is long children napping, shift concentration and Director of arctec lasting but expensive workers, those taking a siesta recommended. THE MAIN VECTORS • Insecticide resistance is an – so should be Recommended for recommended pregnant women. Safety • Primary vector: Aedes aegypti issue – mosquitoes can • Evidence that vector control proven. – a mosquito species highly adapt to survive treatment reduces mosquito populations. • PMD (p-menthane diol): a adapted to the urban with insecticides So it could work in theory but natural repellent from environment • Can also use insecticides to there are many challenges: lemon eucalyptus • Aggressive biters – bite target the larvae, which grow in • Resistance • Icaridin (Bayrepel): even through clothing, and stagnant water synthetic repellent will take multiple blood • Temephos – resistance has • Education of communities meals developed • Co-ordination and • IR3535 : synthetic repellent • Bite during day and night, • Bti and Pyriproxifen show sustainability Latter three are effective indoors and outdoors no resistance • Lack of evidence for ➢ but require more frequent • Do not fly far: ~50m – so • Can also just remove effectiveness in containing control measures around homes/schools can be effective • Mainly absent from Europe – too cold here •Secondary vector: Aedes albopictus • Less adapted to urban environment – forest dwellers • Less aggressive biters • Usually smaller populations • Can survive in temperate regions • There are populations in southern Europe – probably only a matter of time before they arrive in the UK • The disease has been isolated from certain species from the following genera of mosquito, but not to the extent to prove them as vectors: • Anopheles (malaria vector) • Aedes (other) (vector of dengue, chikungunya, Figure 1 - Global map of the predicted distribution of the two main vectors: Aedes aegypti top, and Aedes yellow fever) albopictus bottom. The maps depict the probability of occurrence (from 0 blue to 1 red) at a spatial resolution of • Culex (vector of filariasis 5 km × 5 km. Taken from (Kraemer et al. 2015) and West Nile virus) stagnant water from the disease due to lack of reapplication than DEET WHAT VECTOR CONTROL neighbourhoods – cheap but studies – more research • However, resistance to IS BEING DONE? very labour intensive needed DEET has been shown to • Insecticides are used to kill • Water pools in rubbish, • Insect repellents highly develop after just one adult mosquitoes tyres, flat roofs… recommended – provide generation in the lab • Results of ‘fogging’ with • Promotion of bed net usage personal protection. Are being (Stanczyk et al. 2010), so insecticides are often short – good for malaria (as the vector given out to pregnant women in needs to be monitored in lived – resident mosquitoes mosquitoes bite at night), but Brazil by government and clinics. the wild. Repellents have killed, but there is influx of not so helpful for Zika, which is • Four main active not been used on this mosquitoes from vectored by day biting ingredients: scale before, so need to surrounding populations mosquitoes • DEET (diethyl-m- watch closely for

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 15 resistance. • Trials have been carried out in very early stages – but in at risk countries • Evidence out on in Brazil (several locations), this outbreak is a good • Define accurate levels of effectiveness of repellents Cayman Islands and opportunity to develop it resistance to insecticides & in controlling disease. There Panama. They showed up further. repellents have been eight trials of to 90+% suppression of • We may be able to exploit • Development and large trials the effectiveness of total Aedes aegypti humans’ natural differential of new technologies repellents against malaria, mosquitoes (measured by attractiveness to mosquitoes. It four of which are adequate direct counting of larvae). has been estimated that 10% of QUESTIONS for meta-analysis. Meta- • Over 150 million Oxitec the population are unattractive to Q: Stephen Metcalfe MP – analysis found there was a mosquitoes released mosquitoes – if we can Are some countries better at non-significant reduction of worldwide; no adverse understand why we may be able vector control than others? 30% in risk of P. falciparum effects on people or the to make others unattractive to A: Yes – it’s very much wealth infection (Wilson et al. environment. mosquitoes too. dependant. Different countries 2014) - more trials • Potential issues: Social • This has never been also have different techniques needed. dislike, reinvasion of adults investigated in disease they favour – and these are not • Aircraft disinsection – cabin from other areas, endemic countries – again necessarily the most efficient. crew spray inside cabin with technology is species this is a good opportunity. Q: Lord Selbourne – How aerosol insecticide. Very little specific, scale up is hard • We know that pregnant practical is it looking to scale up evidence this works; further trials This is not an immediate women are more attractive the production of mosquitoes by needed – yet recommendations ➢ solution, but it has potential to malarial mosquitoes – is Oxitec? (for usage) have been made. There is a good it the same for Aedes ? A: They think it is feasible, just • Wearable technologies – ➢ opportunity now to take this • Attractiveness to a matter of getting enough clothing impregnated with technology to the next level mosquitoes is under strong funding. They have just built a repellent or insecticide, provide and investigate its efficacy genetic control – so could second factory in Brazil – will be 50-100% protection against further there be populations that able to protect 1 million people. bites, and lasts for 4-5 months. • Another potential method of have evolved natural Are also able to build temporary Affective even against resistant control is the use of the bacteria repellency? (Fernández- factories in trucks. However for mosquitoes Wolbachia . This is an Grandon et al. 2015) scale up to be effective they • Could be used to protect need to develop methods of endosymbiotic bacteria which If the genes can be identified, against mosquitoes that • aerial deployment (currently just lives inside cells and infects then a pill could be developed transmit malaria, Zika, throw mosquitoes out of lorries) >65% of insects. It is maternally that upregulates the genes in dengue and other insect- – and that will require more inherited and manipulates host question, and generates an borne diseases research. reproduction to enhance ‘aurora of repellency’ around • Further work underway at transmission. Importantly it individuals. Q: Sally Cutter – Do we know LSHTM and via arctec and inhibits the replication of how Zika virus interacts with the a new spin-out company Dengue, Chikungunya & Zika NEEDS GOING mosquito host? from LSHTM called viruses in Aedes aegypti FORWARD A: Not yet – more research Vecotech to develop this mosquitoes. • Global mosquito database – needed! technology further • Rapidly invades and currently no global database of Q: Are there reservoirs in other POTENTIAL NEW establishes in wild mosquito vectors of disease animals? METHODS OF VECTOR mosquito populations • Guidelines & training for A: Don’t yet know how wide CONTROL • Released in wild mosquito vector control in S. America the host range is – but primates • GM Mosquitoes – populations in Brazil, • Community educational are definitely important. Rio has developed by Oxitec, a startup Indonesia, Vietnam and campaigns forested areas in the city, which based in Oxford. Engineered to Australia • Guidelines for vector control hold animals which act as not produce viable offspring. • This technology is currently for mitigation and rapid response reservoirs.

Professor Trudie Lang OVERVIEW and typically there are little or • Progress with DNA vaccine – NIH program has been in Professor of Global Health • Drugs: could assess existing no symptoms to prompt Research; Director of the Global anti-viral drugs - nothing on the treatment. Also issues in news – will have Phase 1 Health Network and Senior shelf as there was with Ebola as trails by the summer Research Scientist in Tropical giving drugs to pregnant it was not seen as a threat Medicine, Nuffield Department of women, and so it is unlikely • But who do we target the Medicine; Senior Research Fellow, • Could be effective too late to Green Templeton College that drug therapy research will vaccine at? How do we stop effect on pregnancies plan clinical trials and be a priority because anti-virals work best then scale it up? Issues at early stages of infection • Vaccines: with price and access –

16 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 will it be affordable and trials in 16 weeks (usually important – eg. generators rather than receivers available to the countries takes 18 months) – but InterGrowth are working of research and data, then we affected? Vaccine this is not fast enough. to unify how baby are not prepared for future manufacture is also an measurements are taken outbreaks. This has not • We have to embed research important issue. – important if we are to happened. into immediate response to a have worldwide • Traditional vaccine – slower – new outbreak in order that the • Need a change in mind-set in knowledge of the extent but work was underway to disease can be understood and low income countries – of microcephaly. Now develop a vaccine for similar drug and vaccines can be research seen as a Western their tools – ‘The viruses like Western Nile evaluated within the very limited thing. Start with simple International Fetal and disease. time within which an outbreak pragmatic trials, then build up Newborn Growth occurs research base. Health and • Need a diagnostic test to use in Standards for the 21st laboratory workers in these community settings - some • need to ensure this the Century‘ - are regions need to be engaged, progress has been made, but research effort is coordinated recommended by the supported and trained. there is cross reactivity with and led by a neutral agency, WHO and 11,728 have Dengue or yellow fever such as the WHO, and not by been downloaded, in 163 • There will be other outbreaks – any one country • It is also important to include countries from The Global and we are not prepared. Global foetal scanning in the • WHO have developed an R&D Health Network travel and urbanisation are discussion on diagnostics. framework - http://www.who. (www.TheGlobalHealthNe raising the stakes on a future Here standardised int/csr/research-and- twork.org ). This means outbreak. everyone is measuring in assessments need to be development/blueprint/en/ • Therefore it is vital we work to agreed and validated to the same way, and • It is important that the develop (and get funding for) determine what is abnormal therefore can agree what response is strongly led and cross cutting research capacity and what is happening when is abnormal and the key questions such as to development platforms. If we in regard to the viral infection situation can be properly which studies to priorities as had these systems in place and developing baby. It needs assessed. agreed by all. That way all before Zika arose we would to also be remembered that stakeholders are able to • ISARIC are coordinating an be much better able to very few women in low- contribute to the international research answer all these unknowns income countries have access development of response. response and developing much faster. to scans, and that abortion is sharing protocols and data illegal in most of the countries • Collaborative efforts with Zika • Important that MRC, DFID capture tools. The Global affected by Zika. shows the need and importance and the Wellcome Trust Health Network is providing of integrated research platforms need to change their What did we learn from Ebola ISARIC with a secure, online, – which typically cannot get funding frameworks to about drug, vaccine and digital information platform funded. These need to operate reflect this, and fund diagnostic research and for sharing these research outside of outbreaks to increase capacity development development during documents, standards and as regional research capacity for and research platforms outbreaks? a mechanism for agreeing tackling on going health issues that operate in between research priorities, logging • Scientists were only just starting and then are able to respond in outbreaks and therefore who is doing what and for to reflect on the Ebola response outbreaks as they are already have the ability to providing training, tools and when Zika appeared – so they trained and active. respond. are having to apply lessons from guidance - www.zikain • Zika has required Ebola straight away, before there fection.org . This work is lead • We also need to look at coordination between has been time to embed them by researchers in Brazil and what slows the process of maternal health researchers, into international responses. everything is translated into setting up new studies. epidemiologists, vector Spanish and Portuguese Delays such as regulatory • In West Africa, for Ebola, there experts, which just shows approval and contracts was very minimal clinical trial • It is vital to put in place the how this ability to collaborate can be solved ahead of capacity and this slowed the ability to undertake research in and share knowledge via time and this should be response and resulted in areas of the world where the research platforms is so resolved through WHO outside organisations having next outbreak is likely to be. important as so many working groups running to take the lead. Research different types of research There will be others new cross-cutting projects to infrastructure needs to be and research disciplines are diseases and we are not ready put solutions in place. improved in low-resource needed – and they need to for future outbreaks, because it countries so that they are communicate, share and takes too long to set up research QUESTIONS able to respond to outbreaks studies engage. Q: Stephen Metcalfe MP – locally. • For example, data capture • In 2014 WHO said that unless How much of this needs to be • Still managed to set up standards are really low income countries become global?

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 17 A: It all does; and the UK takes • The mosquito has already in many affected countries. disease before – so more a key leadership role, such as been found in France and Other factors are important to susceptible to the disease. the work that the Wellcome Trust Belgium – could easily come consider. Need more • Hard to say which of these is doing. UK Organisations such over this summer, like background research. factors is more important in as the MRC, DFID and the Bluetongue disease did last • May be that in Africa the this epidemic. Wellcome Trust work alongside year. human population has been and in close partnership with A: TL – Recent research has Q: Lord Selbourne – If previously exposed to Zika WHO and Gates Foundation etc. shown that this virus is quite Oxitec’s mosquitoes are so and so there are lower cases to drive international effort and highly conserved (similar promising, should the UK be of microcephaly because collaboration. genetically to other strains) – so leading on the scale up women become immune it seems likely that this has Comment: Stuart Taylor research? before they reach child occurred because these (Royal Society) – There has bearing age – but this is not A: JL – Would agree that this is populations have not previously already been a call for freedom proven either. the time to focus on scale up – been exposed to the virus and of information surrounding Zika but warns that the trials will take Q: Dr Jane Pritchard (GAIN) – so the problems arise as women research. Nature and Springer around 2 years, and we need GBS is treated with blood are being infected for the first [science publishers] have agreed viable control solutions now. products, so do we need to time when they are pregnant, – Zika papers are no longer Good success from other mobilise such products from when the foetal damage is behind a paywall. techniques too – need to scale Zika-free areas? occurring – but this is still a Response: This is a very up accessible tech. Conventional theory. A: The priority treatment for important and game changing tools should not be ignored. GBS in affected areas in announcement – is a huge shift Q: Tim Roberts (Institute of currently ventilation in the ICU References in the workings of science. But it Patent Attorneys) – The Nagoya (intensive care unit) – patients Fernández-Grandon, G.M. et al., 2015. will take time to see the full protocol of 2014 requires the get better over time without the Heritability of attractiveness to impact. Important to remember mosquitoes. PloS one, 10(4), country of sample origin to give need for blood products. But the need to enable the p.e0122716. Available at: permission for any genetic healthcare facilities are hugely http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id collection of data in the first research – does this raise variable in Central and South =10.1371/journal.pone.0122716 place, and that it needs to be difficulties for Zika research? America. [Accessed February 14, 2016]. standardised and of good quality Kraemer, M.U.G. et al., 2015. The global so that it is ready for sharing. A: JW – At the level we work Q: Cheryl Tweed – when/why distribution of the arbovirus vectors Aedes we haven’t seen any impact. But did all this hit the news? aegypti and Ae. albopictus. eLife , 4, WIDER QUESTIONS there has been discussion going p.e08347. Available at: http://www.pub A: TL – The outbreak was AIMED AT ALL THE on at high levels in the WHO medcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid widely known about in the =4493616&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype= SPEAKERS and Dept of Health. More likely medical community in early abstract [Accessed June 30, 2015]. Q: Stephen Metcalfe MP – Is to have an impact of influenza December, but in the UK the Stanczyk, N.M. et al., 2010. Behavioral our government doing enough? research? Thought article 4.4 – if press were only mobilised when insensitivity to DEET in Aedes aegypti is a research is for global health A: JW - The UK is second in patients brought Zika back to the genetically determined trait residing in research in a pandemic then it is changes in sensillum function. terms of funding donated (only UK. BBC response has been excepted – may be of help. Proceedings of the National Academy of the US have donated more), very responsible. Great Sciences of the United States of America , and have made a considerable Q: What are we doing about opportunity to explain why 107(19), pp.8575–80. Available at: contribution to the contingency screening blood products for research is needed in low http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articler ender.fcgi?artid=2889326&tool=pmcentre fund for the emergency. But we Zika? income regions of the world and z&rendertype=abstract [Accessed March are not acting in Central and in neglected tropical diseases, 23, 2016]. A: Minimal risk in UK, so no South America (instead the which normally gets ignored. need as yet. Wilson, A.L. et al., 2014. Are topical insect focus is on strategic areas in Q: is this incursion into South repellents effective against malaria in Africa and Caribbean) – so the A: This is an issue in Puerto endemic populations? A systematic review America of a certain subtype of government should think about Rico, and they are having to and meta-analysis. Malaria journal , 13, Zika virus? import blood from the US. p.446. Available at: http://www.pub expanding their response into medcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid the Americas. A: JW – There are two factors Q: Baroness Tonge – Is there =4246562&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype to consider: =abstract [Accessed March 23, 2016]. A: JL - Also need concrete proof of the link between plans for what to do if Aedes microcephaly and Zika? Could it • The strain of Zika seen is the albiopictus is found in the UK – not be other reasons – eg. Crop Asian strain (not the African including where funding for a spraying? strain), which is more response would come from. transmissible. A: TL – The link is indeed not Currently the only monitoring is proven yet, and ‘normal’ base • The Central and Southern through the public sending in levels of birth defects are hard to American population is naive samples – not good enough. establish as recording is limited – have not encountered the

18 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2016: Scientific Organisations Celebrate the Contribution of Women

Taking place annually on the 8th March, International Women’s Day (IWD) first started as Socialist political event in 1909. Today, its focus has shifted to being an international celebratory day to reflect on women’s contribution and achievements across a wide variety of sectors, including science and politics. The official United Nations theme for this year’s celebrations was “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”, reflecting the UN’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals.

In the UK, many scientific leadership roles in science. In IMPERIAL COLLEGE and an outreach event to institutions took this occasion to the light of this year’s IWD, LONDON encourage young women to celebrate the increased Science in Parliament takes a The achievements of Imperial’s enter STEM. A public exhibition participation of women in STEM, look at how two scientific women were showcased during of photographs and archive but also to highlight where a organisations marked the a week-long ‘Women@Imperial’ material was displayed in the change is required to encourage occasion. series of events which included entrance of the Business School more women to take up an exhibition, reception evening, to highlight the contribution of

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 19 female researchers, pioneering women in STEM at Imperial. This Slingo, visited the University of are able to follow their own women from Imperial’s history, event allowed school girls to visit Leicester to officially open a curiosity as far as they desire.” and female entrepreneurs at Imperial College to meet women photography exhibition, ‘Space Since 2001 the Met Office has Imperial. who work in different areas of Girls Space Women’. The trained 34 women and 30 men the College and to understand exhibition was commissioned by The exhibition was unveiled to be World Meteorology more about STEM-related the European Space Agency in during a reception evening at the Organisation qualified careers. As well as a chance to order to communicate space start of week, in which guests meteorologists. To continue the experience an inflatable from the perspective of female gathered to listen to a welcome trend of increased participation planetarium, there were scientist, engineers and students. address by Imperial’s President of women in meteorology, the opportunities to meet live Commenting on her own Professor Alice Gast (pictured). Met Office has a whole host of earthworms and other soil scientific career, she said in an Professor Gast said that Imperial initiatives in order to recruit more animals. interview with the Met Office is “committed to improving women. This includes Met Office news team: “Throughout my gender equality, and I look STEM ambassadors – of whom THE MET OFFICE career my scientific curiosity has forward to making progress over half are women – who will As a leading and progressive taken me to many unexpected the coming days and months”. inspire girls to consider a career scientific organisation, the Met places: from working in deeply She also discussed the rising Office is keen to encourage academic university research within the sector. They are also challenges that women in more women to consider a departments to advising the UK engaging with local communities leadership positions face in what career in meteorological science. government on national in Exeter (where the Met Office she described as “today’s The Met Office marked IWD by emergencies. I have always HQ is based) by partnering with competitive, connected and looking at the key contribution found the pursuit of research University of Exeter to put on a collaborative environment”. that women make to our thoroughly enjoyable, and I hope Soapbox event on 11 June The week-long celebration was understanding of weather and that future generations of 2016. Soapbox is a public- brought to a close with an climate. Chief scientists at the women and girls find the same outreach platform for promoting outreach event to celebrate Met Office, Professor Dame Julia enjoyment in STEM subjects and women scientists and their work.

Professor Alice Gast

20 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 WOMEN IN SCIENCE – SO WHAT? Woman influencing the Scientific Landscape in China

In the UK only 13% of all those working in occupations classed as STEM (including health occupations) are women. Only 21% of the people who studying A-level Physics and 24% of those studying A-level maths are woman. 1 Although these figures are improving (slowly) the UK has a long way to go in terms of encouraging and inspiring girls to study science to higher levels and go on to consider careers in these sectors. The Science and Innovation Network (SIN) in China agrees, and during the British Embassy’s Be Y♀urself campaign throughout March they recognised the achievements of women in society and in the economy. We have laid out some of the more inspiring stories for you below;

QIN CHUAN, PRESIDENT, JUDITH GREEN, NATIONAL CHINESE ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIALIST LEADER IN LABORATORY ANIMAL EDUCATION AND NATIONAL SCIENCES (CALAS) SPACE ACADEMY MASTERCLASS CALAS co-hosted the 3rd UK-China TEACHER Seminar on Laboratory Animal Welfare Judith is an A-level teacher in Physics and with the British Government earlier this Chemistry. She holds Advanced Skills month. Qin Chuan and her team’s Teacher status, and is one of the top science involvement has ensured the annual seminar is now considered teachers in the UK. She works with the UK’s National Space the top national level seminar in this field. The CALAS Committee Academy and the European Space Agency to develop new under her oversight has drafted the first ever Standard for Animal chemistry teaching methodologies using space science. This month, Welfare in China and it will be published later this year. Judith, with the NSA team, launched a programme in schools to offer teacher and student space science masterclasses in schools across China. In her awe-inspiring masterclasses in China she JUDY MACARTHUR CLARK CBE, “cooked up a comet” (pictured). HEAD OF ANIMALS IN SCIENCE REGULATION UNIT (ASRU), HOME OFFICE The people who work in UK’s Science and Innovation Network (which is a jointly funded network by the FCO and BIS works with Judy is a key player in our UK-China host countries on promoting UK Science and Innovation) meet and collaboration projects on Animal Welfare work with inspiring woman (and men) every day. Karen Maddocks, and Ethics in China, and as Head of ASRU SIN officer in Beijing and original author of a blog on this subject in the Home Office and a former sums up the sentiment I have towards woman in STEM perfectly; President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she is one ‘My hope is that we can live in a world where seeing women in of the top scientists and policymakers in the field of animal positions of influence and leadership, including our Senior Civil welfare. She visited Anhui Province in March for the 3rd UK-China Servants and Ambassadors, can become so universally normal (not Seminar on Laboratory Animal Welfare and Ethics to promote the just in the science world) that it is no longer worthy of note, and replacement, reduction and refinement of animal use in the certainly not worth a page of this blog’. laboratory (the “3Rs”). Judy’s energy and leadership has forged warm links with China and supported their authorities in Reference incorporating these international principles into China’s regulations 1 https://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/uploads/wise/files/WISE_UK_Statistics_2014.pdf under revision.

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 21 AUTHENTIC BIOLOGY – MAKING STEM REAL IN SCHOOLS

Dave Colthurst Seven years ago, a phone call to the Wellcome Trust triggered a chain of events that led to the development of a national programme of genuine academic research being carried out by A-level students in their schools.

A cohort of MBP2 students, staff and university colleagues

The phone call was to see if The idea behind the project which we could transfer into into groups which would work anyone would consider funding was to study human Myelin either E. coli or yeast. E. coli on different areas, from bio- the idea of a school carrying out Basic Protein (MBP). Doing this made the DNA relatively easy to informatics, to working with research into a protein type of work in a school work with, but we wanted to use yeast or E. coli, to purifying implicated in the development immediately raised potential yeast as a model organism, to protein, carrying out western of Multiple Sclerosis. As a blots and working with DNA. teacher and a former research scientist, I wanted to give my The work has progressed to students the opportunity to be the point that we are now involved in some genuine purifying human MBP from research and I had a new-found yeast and assessing the degree interest in MS following my to which the biochemical wife’s diagnosis with the disease. pathways in the yeast have modified the protein. We have The Wellcome Trust has a been able to use antibodies to number of funding opportunities probe the MBP to see which available and I was told about modifications have been carried their People Awards, sums of up out and we are now mutating to £30,000 to allow novel public the gene to create variant forms engagement activities to go of the protein to see what we ahead. I was successful in my Loading an SDS-PAGE gel can learn about the effect these bid and MBP 2 – the Myelin Basic issues, but we were granted a mimic many of the biochemical Protein Project started in changes have on the ability of pathways in humans, but in an September 2008. At the time, licence to carry out transgenic MBP to carry out its function in entirely safe organism suited to our school had about 90 work by the H.S.E. and were the myelin sheath of nerve cells. work in a school. students studying A-level Biology therefore able to work with the We are currently preparing a and 50 of them choose to human gene. Our first step was The project was quite complex, manuscript for submission to a become involved in the project. to clone the gene into a plasmid so the students were divided up peer-reviewed science journal.

22 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 This will allow us to share our our school or whether it could Each school also receives inspire the students – speakers results with fellow researchers be replicated in other schools salary replacement costs for a have included Professor Robin and validate our assertion that across the country. The granting senior teacher and experienced Franklin (Cambridge); Professor school students can carry out of a Biochemical Society Award technician for half a day each Russell Foster (Oxford); Lord genuine, novel research. in January 2012 saw the per week. This type of project Robert Winston (Imperial) and creation of the Authentic Biology could not run as a lunchtime Professor Jeremy Farrar (Director At the end of two years, the project, five state schools across club or after school activity, it of the Wellcome Trust). project was progressing so well, the country all carrying out their requires dedicated curriculum The first Authentic Biology that the Wellcome Trust granted own novel research projects time for the students, the Symposium was held at the a second People Award to under the guidance and teachers and the support staff. People’s Palace, Queen Mary extend it for a further year. At supervision of their local Finally, each school has an this point, the number of university. annual consumables budget of University of London, but the £2,000 per year; this covers the subsequent symposia have all cost of plastic ware, chemicals, been hosted by the Wellcome antibodies and other materials. Trust at their Headquarters in Euston Road. These symposia Another important feature of have proved to be a fantastic the project was the holding of an showcase for the students and annual Research Symposium. clearly demonstrate the This was an opportunity to bring effectiveness and power of this all the schools together and have programme. the students present their work to their peers both in talks and in Who are the other schools and a poster session. We also what are they researching? The invited senior researchers to give Tapton School in Sheffield is key-note lectures to inform and working with a team from the University of Sheffield and they are using zebra fish embryos to Professor Jeremy Farrar addressess the 3rd AB symposium.tiff investigate genes associated with heart disease. They are growing students studying biology in the The funding allows each school the embryos in the school and to buy a “starter kit” of basic school had doubled and we had using in-situ hybridisation laboratory equipment with a about 100 students involved in techniques to identify the budget of £6,300. Since each the research work. 65% of our location and “activity” of specific school has chosen a different students leaving for university target genes and their effect on project, the exact nature of this were choosing STEM subjects the normal development of the start-up kit has varied, but (the national average is around circulatory system of the includes such things as breeding 45%). embryos. tanks for zebra fish, fluorescence At this point, the Wellcome microscopes, DNA and protein The St Paul’s Way Trust School Trust wanted to see if this was electrophoresis equipment, in Tower Hamlets decided to simply a phenomenon linked to centrifuges and incubators. study diabetes. Over 85% of Dr Dave Colthurst in the Lab

Students from SPWT present at the 3rd AB symposium

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 23 their students are of Bangladeshi slightly different path for their could apply to their research Parkside Federation Academies origin and diabetes is practical work, and decided to questions. They use Drosophila in Cambridge. significantly more prevalent in offer practical EPQ’s. The melanogaster (the fruit fly) and The project has proved that their community. A local GP Extended Project Qualification or Caenorhabditis elegans (a collects blood samples from EPQ is the equivalent of an AS nematode worm ) as model school students are fully capable volunteers which are then and most students who systems and each student of engaging in highly passed on to research scientists complete one will research an carries out their own sophisticated academic research at Queen Mary University of issue, write a detailed report and experiments and writes a report and that this encourages them London. They purify the DNA present their findings as a talk to on the outcomes. to be far more likely to consider from the blood and pass these their peers and assessors. There biomedical research as a future samples on to the students in the school who then use PCR to identify different variants of the FTO gene. Different versions of the FTO gene show correlations with increased body mass and this is linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes. Cotham School in Bristol is also using zebra fish embryos and GWAS (Genome Wide Association Studies) to identify novel genes involved in osteoarthritis. Working with researchers at the University of Bristol, they are selecting genes which are up-regulated in patients with osteoarthritis, The protein purification team finding the zebra fish homologue is an option of carrying out a At the end of the initial three career option. It has provided and using in-situ hybridisation practical research project for the year grant, the Wellcome an excellent example of how techniques to localise the genes EPQ but this is relatively awarded us a two year extension universities and schools can and assess their activity in the uncommon. Peter Symonds to the funding which also work together on extended embryos. worked with researchers at the allowed the project to expand to collaborations to the mutual The fifth school is Peter University of Southampton to seven schools – we are now advantage of both sides. Symonds Sixth Form College in identify a range of practical joined by the Archbishop’s Our aim now it to explore Winchester. They chose a techniques that the students School in Canterbury and the ways of extending this type of research work to a much wider audience across the UK and to this end we are working closely with the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) to see how schools can be encouraged and supported to initiate novel research activities in physics; chemistry; biology and engineering. This would tap into a huge resource of enthusiastic, enquiring young minds and encourage a much wider participation in STEM.

dcolthurst@thelangton. kent.sch.uk www.mbp-squared.org

Students from SLBS present their work at the 3rd AB symposium

24 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 FLOODING: WHAT IS NORMAL? Professor Paul Bates School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol

Over the last several years multi-decadal series of river flow annual basis. The Figure below number of relatively undisturbed widespread episodes of measurements and computing shows the annual total number sites in the UK where we have flooding have led to extensive the statistical distribution for of properties flooded in the UK really long flood records. The media coverage and national extreme floods. We then use from 1998 to 2015. Every year next Figure shows data for the debate that at times has come this to estimate the magnitude of sees ‘100 year floods’ size of the largest flood in each to dominate the political the 1% annual chance event in somewhere on the UK river year on the River Severn at agenda. Flooding of the order to design defences to network, and whilst storm Bewdley from the 1920s to the Somerset Levels during the protect people and property Desmond broke the UK 24 hour present day. The red line shows winter of 2013-14 and as a against floods up to this size. rainfall record in terms of national the changing trend in these data, result of storms Desmond and Defences can always be over- annual flood losses 2015 was and this clearly highlights the Eva in 2016 have led to topped or fail for floods larger depressingly normal. Flooding in presence of ‘flood rich’ and ‘flood concerns over whether the UK is sufficiently resilient to flooding, whether we have correctly identified the risks we face and whether we are spending enough money on flood defences. An answer to any of these questions first requires that we understand just how often we can expect damaging floods, both in specific locations and in terms of national scale aggregated losses. Almost by definition, river flows need to be extreme to cause to flooding at specific locations, and we therefore tend to view all episodes of flooding as somewhat unprecedented. Over many years in the UK a consensus emerged among than the design event, i.e. those 2015 was extreme where it poor’ periods. We can clearly politicians, risk managers and the with a less than 1% annual occurred, absolutely terrible for see a period of large floods public that communities should chance of occurring, and here those affected, but the national during the 1940s and 1950s be protected against river floods the UK relies on the insurance annual loss was not at all and again in the 2000s, with that have a 1 in 100 (i.e. 1%) system to collectivize the losses. unusual. In fact consideration of several decades of smaller chance of occurring in any given The insurance system also deals these data shows that we can annual maximum floods in year. On average, one would with the losses for surface water expect to see annual flood losses between. Such decadal expect such a flood to occur at a flooding away from main rivers similar to 2013/4 and 2015/6 variations in the frequency of specific location only once in a and for properties built within the every 2-3 years in the UK. extreme floods are likely driven century, and hence this event is floodplain. Moreover, despite the by large scale cyclical changes in ‘unprecedented weather’ the atmosphere and ocean, but known as the ‘100 year flood’. Based on the above one might narrative of much media will also be affected by long term This terminology is however conclude that floods should be a coverage of recent flooding, trends such as those caused by misleading as it implies such rare occurrence, yet this does not similar losses occurred in 2000, man-made climate change. floods can only ever occur once seem to accord with our recent 2007 and 2012. What is clear is that with the in a century; it is always possible, experience. Is flooding more benefit of hindsight we can albeit unlikely, for very rare common now, and if so why Has it always been like this? Is identify the Easter 1998 floods in events to occur close together might this be? First, it should be collective memory really that the Midlands as the point at simply by chance. noted that whilst particular places short, or are there more floods which we began to enter a flood should only see flooding very now than there were? We can We estimate the magnitude of rich period that is apparently still rarely, damaging floods will occur answer this question by looking the 1% annual chance flood for continuing. particular places by analysing somewhere in the UK on an at the data from the very small

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 25 Decadal variability also makes it robust in enforcing flood risk In fact, it is very likely that frequent and larger floods in the difficult to correctly estimate the control, and whilst this situation is increasing exposure and future. magnitude of the 1% annual much improved inappropriate vulnerability have, to date, done In conclusion, in terms of chance flood. The majority of development in floodplains still at least as much to increase national scale annual losses we our river flow measuring stations continues. Data presented to the flood risk in the UK as changes in were installed in the ‘flood poor’ latest UK Climate Change Risk the magnitude and frequency of can see that, contrary to the period of the 1960s and 1970s Assessment shows that between flooding that we have standard media narrative, as a result of the 1963 Water 2001 and 2014 250,000 experienced. By definition risk is flooding during winter 2015/6 Resources Act, and the data homes, approx. 12% of all the product of the scale of the was, by recent experience, collected from this period may development, were built in areas threat, the number of assets that entirely normal. At present it not be a good guide to the classified as having a greater than are exposed and how vulnerable seems we should expect annual frequency of flooding during the 1 in 100 annual chance of these things are to damage, so total flooded properties to ‘flood rich’ period we are flooding. More worryingly, since all three factors need to be taken exceed 10,000 every few years. experiencing today. 2001 approximately 23,000 into account when we think Whether this degree of resilience Unfortunately, the obvious homes have been built in areas about flood risk. As well as is acceptable needs a wider solution of using only the last 15 having of high risk (defined as a increasing exposure and debate; personally I don’t think it years of data to estimate our 1-in-30 or greater annual chance vulnerability, the future may also is. We also need to examine design flood magnitudes does flooding). With the UK bring increases in flood hazard as openly whether the consensus

not work well because with far population projected to increase a result of both natural variability, of protecting against the 1% fewer data points available large from 64.6 million in 2014 to catchment alterations and man- annual chance event is statistical errors can creep in. 74.3 million by 2039 these made climate change. As the something we as a society are trends are highly likely to River Severn flood data indicate, still comfortable with. At the There are two other reasons continue. the natural variability in flood same time scientists need to why flooding seems more climatology is large, and decadal undertake further work to make common now than in the past. Secondly, over the post-war scale cyclical variations and sure our hazard assessments are The first is that we have period our vulnerability to confounding factors within the not biased by the ‘flood rich’ and substantially increased our flooding has also increased. catchment, such as land use ‘flood poor’ periods in our data. exposure to floods over the post- Rising incomes have increased change, will mean it may be Most importantly we need a war period. Population increases the assets at risk and losses are some time before we can more sophisticated view since 1950 have resulted in a now proportionately greater. As identify conclusively the effect of amongst politicians and the substantial expansion of housing a result resilience has reduced. man-made climate change on general public alike of how and development, a significant We now own far more than our the frequency of flooding. events which may be extreme in proportion of which took place parents did, and consequently However, there are very good particular places can lead to on floodplains as the land was when flooding does occur we physical reasons to believe that levels of national scale loss that flat and cheap to develop. have more possessions that can warmer atmospheres will also be are seen much more frequently. Unfortunately the planning be damaged. Economic growth wetter atmospheres, and this is system has not been sufficiently will exacerbate this trend too. very likely to lead to more

26 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 OUR APPROACH TO FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT David Balmforth

better information of flood risk THE THREE QUESTIONS available to the public When I meet people who have suffered from flooding they invariably have three questions: (http://webarchive.national archives.gov.uk/201008070347 “How much am I at risk of flooding?” 01/http:/archive.cabinetoffice. “What are you going to do about it?” and gov.uk/pittreview/thepittreview/ “What can I do about it?” final_report.html ). The second question is usually delivered with a pointed finger. These questions form a useful Tier 1 Local Authorities (County framework for exploring our approach to flood risk management in this country 1. Councils and Unitary Authorities) have been given the HOW MUCH AM I AT a little more searching, a surface There are maps to show the responsibility for overseeing RISK OF FLOODING? water flood map. This appears in impact of reservoir failure, but flood risk management in their In the absence of any real an entirely different format but only for those reservoirs area. They have a duty to understanding of the has the advantage for many that containing 25000m 3 or more. investigate flooding incidents complexities of flooding, where do ordinary people go to answer this question? A quick search on Google reveals that some way down the list of organisations offering professional risk assessment services there appears the Environment Agency’s web site, which for England1 is the primary place to gain an understanding of flood risk. Here we find maps indicating the parts of the country at risk from coastal flooding or inland flooding from rivers. It is clear that areas shaded blue are at some risk of flooding. However the likelihood of flooding is not clear to many users. Expressing the likelihood of flooding as a return period often lulls the public into a false sense of security (does a 1% chance of flooding mean that I will not be flooded for the next 100 years?). A further The sad fact is that the first time many people realise that they are at risk of flooding is when they actually flood. complication is that areas “protected” by flood defences it indicates if a particular location Smaller reservoirs are not and to undertake strategic flood are show with cross hatching on is at high, medium or low risk of included (e.g.10000 to risk assessments. With the EA, top of the blue shading. Does flooding. For many this is easier 25000m 3). Following the 2007 they are also statutory this mean those areas will not to understand. What we do not floods, the Pitt Review consultees over planning then now flood? How secure are find here is any information on recommended that there should applications for major the defences? What if they are the risk of sewer flooding, or the be a more joined up approach development where this might overtopped? Then we find, with risk from groundwater flooding. to flood risk management with have an impact on flood risk. But

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 27 the level of resource allocated to In defence of this we describe hment_data/file/381939/FCRM (http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/wp- this function is often inadequate, floods as “unprecedented”, _Long_term_investment_scenari content/uploads/2015/11/prs_ meaning that they are unable to “once in a lifetime” and os.pdf . Of the total agricultural pre1103susdrain_ofw4.pdf ). develop the expertise necessary “extreme”. When such floods land in England, approximately Further to this there can be to properly quantify and occur year after year, this 1.3 million hectares (14%) is flooding from local water courses communicate flood risk or to message wears a bit thin. We within flood risk areas. During and culverts (jointly the coordinate responsible bodies in have world class weather the winter floods of 2015/16 responsibility of local authorities a meaningful effort to tackle forecasting in the Met Office and some 20 000 properties were and riparian land owners), and excellent modelling and flood flooded in England compared for groundwater (local authority flood risk holistically. Some 8 assessment capability in the with about 55000 in 2007. But responsibility). years after the Pitt Review, we Environment Agency. Yet we do in 2007, almost none of the still have to fully implement So the first challenge our not seem to be able to property flooding came from many of the recommendations. questioner faces here is at who communicate with the public in rivers or the sea. The 2007 The sad fact is that the first time do they point the finger? Such a a meaningful way. Perhaps now floods were largely attributable to that many understand that they diverse range of responsibilities is the time for us to step up to localised surface water flooding. split across many bodies without are at risk of flooding is when the challenge and be more open There are over 770000 an effective overarching policing they actually flood. with the public over the risk that properties at risk of surface water function fails to achieve the “one they face – and if there are flooding and the responsibility It is also clear that many of our stop shop” to strategic flood risk uncertainties around answering for managing surface water flood infrastructure operators are also management envisaged by the that question, then let’s be open risk rests with local authorities. confused about the risk of Pitt Review. Even professionals in about that too. However, surface water flooding flooding to their assets. At times the business struggle from time in urban areas is very much they appear unable to reliably to time to be sure about who is WHAT ARE YOU GOING influenced by the effectiveness answer the question “what if it responsible for what. TO DO ABOUT IT? of sewerage systems which are floods?” This results in critical The Environment Agency the responsibility of water The Water Companies have failure of key infrastructure estimates that over 2.4 million companies. OFWAT, the made significant progress on during floods such that the properties in England are at risk Government regulator for water reducing flooding from effects of the flooding are felt of flooding from rivers and the companies estimates that there overloaded sewers (but still have over a much wider area than sea are between 5000 to 8000 some way to go on blockages that actually inundated by flood (https://www.gov.uk/governmen incidents of property flooding a and collapse). The 2013/14 water. t/uploads/system/uploads/attac year from the sewerage system floods showed that our coastal

The first challenge our questioner faces here is at who do they point the finger?

28 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 defences just about held up to to get involved. For this to temporary flood barriers to doors return to “business as usual” the storms. The 2007 floods happen, those of us and air-bricks can help to keep quickly after a flood event, with demonstrated the effectiveness professionally engaged in flood floodwater out of property, minimal loss and without the of river defences, but in the risk management need to see though it is important that need for extensive drying out recent 2015/16 floods our river the public and business as part adjacent properties are similarly and renovation works. defences in many parts of of the solution rather than part protected. Good advice on this Or course there are strategic England fell well short of the of the problem. Engaging the can be obtained from the measures that can also be mark. community opens up the National Flood Forum implemented to make potential to significantly reduce Whilst a good deal of the http://www.nationalfloodforum.o communities and infrastructure flood risk by building resilience. additional flooding experienced rg.uk/ . Such measures can help more resilient to flooding. in 2015/16 can be attributed to Resilience involves both to keep properties free of Flooding should be a key the severity of rain events, a structural measures (those flooding for all but the most element of spatial planning, significant part can be put down involving a physical intervention) severe events. Beyond that, the considered at day 1 of any new to inappropriate development. and non-structural measures use of cementitious wall linings development or regeneration Local authority responsibilities for (personal actions to prepare or and concrete floors with tiles can project. More creative spatial flooding are separated from recover from flood events). The enable flooded properties to be planning can see roads act as decisions on planning, leading at flood channels in extreme times to inappropriate events and parks and urban development and a lack of squares used as sacrificial flood uptake of SUDs. Splitting the areas. All this can help to keep responsibility for flood risk flood water away from management across so many vulnerable areas. New properties agencies does not make sense. in flood risk areas can be built It means that our strategy with raised thresholds and flood becomes far too fragmented resistant materials, and this resulting in non-optimal should be considered when schemes being developed. renovating properties after a Worse than that, it inhibits flood. There is a strong argument engagement with the public and for tightening planning guidelines acts as a barrier to effectively and amending building dealing with the third question. regulations to facilitate this. The additional cost incurred during Our understanding of the likely new construction or building effects of a changing climate, restoration would be small growing population and compared with the benefits from constraints on investment mean reduced flood risk. that we will not be able to protect every community from Finally, the application of flood the risk of flooding from all resilience measures within the future events. This means that wider community can be seen in we must learn to live with floods the context of the wider water and build resilience in our cycle where measures to reduce communities and infrastructure. flood risk can also deliver We need to be honest and open Flooding should be considered at day 1 of any new development or amenity, biodiversity and water regeneration project…measures to reduce flood risk can also deliver resource benefits. A more with the public and business amenity, biodiversity and water resource benefits. sympathetic approach to urban about this, to build trust in the Met Office and the Environment restored to use quickly after planning which fosters the community, engage the public Agency have together made very flood events. Setting electrical concept of living with water is a and make them part of our significant progress on flood sockets higher up walls can future aspiration that is worth future strategy. forecasting and can now forecast avoid the need to rewire, and recognising. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT floods with good accuracy four lightweight furniture at ground IT? days in advance. A free flood level will allow rooms to be alert service is available to allow There is much that the public quickly cleared out in the public to prepare. and businesses can do to help preparation for a flood event. Footnote themselves and much that they Householders and businesses Property owners who have 1. This paper is written in the context of can contribute to a flood resilient can do much to make their made their properties resilient England, though similar roles and future. Perhaps the most property more resistant and and resistant to flooding responsibilities exist in other member important action they can take is resilient to flooding. Fitting demonstrate that it is possible to states of the UK

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 29 WEATHER DIPLOMACY

Diplomacy is usually thought are then shared, allowing nations possibly unique. It happens understanding of our shared to be the preserve of Foreign around the world to make the because of a recognition that weather and climate. and Commonwealth Office best use of these global through this open exchange, To ensure these collaborations diplomats working overseas to forecasts, maybe by running meteorologists and their continue, the Met Office needs build and maintain local models to add more detail, governments can do more to to maintain its credibility as a relationships with other or combining the information keep people safe, drive their world- leading science institution. nations. Who would have from many different sources to economies and increase security To this end, Met Office scientists thought that television and stability within their own make an assessment of what have co-authored papers with weather forecasters were part borders but also beyond. the future holds. scientists from over 440 of a powerful and important • Warning – These forecasts This collaboration also operates institutions across 41 countries, diplomatic tool? Welcome to are then used to support at the European level, with and they represent the UK on the world of weather National Met Services to provide nations across the continent over 220 independent science diplomacy! services to their own coming together to make the committees. The Met Office The weather is something we governments, businesses and most of our shared expertise. participates in the talk about everyday and we citizens, helping to protect life Through the European Centre for Intergovernmental Panel on often feel it is part of what and property from the impacts Medium Range Forecasts Climate Change (IPCC), makes us uniquely British. But of weather and climate (ECMWF) or EUMETSAT, who supporting work to catalyse weather not only brings the extremes. In a recent example, operate our shared weather understanding and response to British together, it brings nations people on the Eastern Seaboard satellites, we are working climate change, and which was around the world together to of the USA were warned in together to deliver and exploit awarded the Nobel Prize for share information on what is January about the exceptionally world-leading science and Peace, surely the ultimate happening, and what might heavy snow storm before it hit, technology. achievement for any form of happen, with our weather and diplomacy! no doubt saving lives as a The UK’s Met Office, for climate. Our global community consequence. example, has exported its world There are always opportunities works together on weather- to do more. The Newton Fund, related activities such as: WEATHER AND CLIMATE – which is part of the UK’s official • – Most nations Monitoring WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? development assistance, builds are monitoring their weather and science partnerships that Weather: the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere that climate, but all countries promote economic can vary quite quickly recognise that they can’t just development and welfare of look at their own weather if they Climate: the average weather conditions over longer developing countries. The Met want to make sense of what the periods and over large areas Office is a key partner for weather is doing or, perhaps Newton Fund work on weather more importantly, what it might and climate in China, South do next. Around the world, 191 nations, from Australia to leading weather forecasting Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia every single day, nations freely Iran and North Korea to model. This “Unified Model” is and expanding to Brazil. share the observations they Zimbabwe, work together now used by partners in Enabling countries to understand collect from land sensors, ships, through the World Australia, South Korea, South and forecast their own weather ocean buoys, aircraft and Meteorological Organization , Africa and India. In addition, the and to prepare for weather increasingly from satellites. the UN specialised agency for Met Office has formal emergencies supports national weather, climate and water. Each agreements to work with China, stability which in turn enhances • Forecasting – These nation undertakes to ensure South Africa, Philippines, USA, global security. Also, by working observations are a vital part in ‘free and unrestricted exchange Australia, South Korea, Finland, collectively in an area such as forecasting the weather. Without of data and information, Singapore, France, Germany, weather and climate it is hoped a good picture of what our products and services on matters Rwanda, Kenya, Brazil and that this may break down weather is currently doing we relating to safety and security of Malaysia. By collaborating on barriers, or open opportunity for can never forecast what it might society, economic welfare and this world-leading capability, countries to speak on wider do next. Once we have shared the protection of the nations are able to benefit while issues. these observations, some environment’. also contributing to its National Meteorological Services, development, which in turn Perhaps the next time we find like the Met Office in the UK, run Such an undertaking to share brings benefit back to the UK. ourselves discussing the large global weather forecasting data, information and forecasts Other areas of diplomacy could weather, we should be mindful models to predict what the across national borders, learn from this openness and that by doing so, we are part of a weather might do in the next including with countries where transparency. It fosters trust and global conversation! days, weeks, months and traditional diplomatic greater levels of collaboration seasons ahead. These forecasts relationships are difficult, is which can further our scientific

30 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 POPULATION, POLICY AND PRACTICE PROGRAMME

Professor Tim J Cole Tim Cole, Professor of medical cohort studies that had been set showed it is better to multiply or MA PhD ScD HonFRCPCH FMedSci statistics at UCL’s Institute of up to investigate chronic divide the age prediction by the UCL Institute of Child Health, Child Health, has been awarded bronchitis in the mining town of square of height. This exploits 30 Guilford Street, London the 2016 Rank Prize for Staveley Derbyshire, and he the body size scaling that relates WC1N 1EH Nutrition, for “ seminal used them to explore the lung volume and height, in that contributions to mathematical relationship between lung lung volume is proportional to modelling of childhood growth function (forced expiratory heigh t3. But for statistical and its application in nutrition, volume in 1 second, FEV 1), reasons the adjustment works epidemiology, medicine and height and age. The clinical better with heigh t2 than heigh t3 public health ”. He is well-known for his work on the statistics of growth, in particular his LMS method, which he developed for the construction of growth centile charts. He applied it most famously to derive international body mass index (BMI) cut-offs for childhood overweight, obesity and thinness. Based on reference data for BMI in six countries, his BMJ paper in 2000 with Katherine Flegal, Mary Bellizzi and Bill Dietz provided overweight and obesity cut-offs, while a follow-up BMJ paper in 2007 with Katherine Flegal, Dasha Nicholls and Alan Jackson developed analogous thinness cut-offs. Originally sponsored by the International Obesity Task Force, the IOTF cut-offs have subsequently become the international standard for defining child obesity, and the Figure 1. International BMI cut-offs for thinness, overweight and two papers have been cited obesity in children aged 2-18, based on BMI at age 18. Obesity 12,000 and 1500 times corresponds to BMI 30 at age 18, overweight to BMI 25, and thinness (three grades) to BMI 18.5, 17 and 16 (Cole et al. BMJ respectively on Google Scholar. 2007;335:194-7).

After studying at the Universities of Cambridge and management of lung disease (the same argument applies to Oxford, in engineering and then involves comparing the patient’s BMI, which is defined as 2 biomathematics, Tim Cole joined FEV 1 with an expected value weight/heigh t ). the Medical Research Council’s based on their age and height. Recently Tim Cole has Pneumoconiosis Research Unit Up to then the procedure had collaborated with Professor Janet in South Wales in 1970 as a been to predict their FEV 1 for Stocks of ICH, Professor Philip junior statistician. He was age and then add or subtract a Quanjer (Erasmus University) presented with data from two height adjustment. But Tim and Dr Sanja Stanojevic

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 31 (Hospital for Sick Children, (BMI), already widely used in varying adjustment for skewness, this has meant that many British Toronto) to create international adults, was also valid for and also allowing the calculation parents have become familiar lung function references children. of z-scores. As such it has with growth charts. During the extending from age 3 to 95 revolutionised the construction 1990s the increasing worldwide This in turn led to an interest in years. Based on work of 20-30 of growth charts, particularly for interest in child obesity was ways to construct growth years earlier, the paper was measurements with a skew constrained by the lack of a reference ranges, which are published in 2012 and already distribution such as weight and suitable BMI reference, and the widely used as growth centile has 500 Google citations. BMI. The Cole-Green paper has British 1990 reference was one charts. The procedure is to over 1400 Google citations, and of the first in the world to In 1975 he transferred to the measure large numbers of its methodology has been used include BMI. MRC Dunn Nutrition Unit in children (e.g. their heights and to construct growth charts in Cambridge, where his interest in weights) and plot the values The World Health Organization some 40 countries worldwide. child growth developed. Working against age. The statistical published its own growth with colleagues Roger challenge is then to draw growth Working with Professor Mike standard in 2006, and the UK Whitehead and Mike Rowland in centiles that summarise the Preece of the UCL Institute of decided to incorporate it in the The Gambia he first quantified distribution of the measurement Child Health Tim used the LMS UK growth reference. The result the impact of infection, as it changes with age. This method to construct new growth was the UK-WHO growth particularly diarrhoea and culminated in the publication in charts for the UK. The British reference, published in 2009, malaria, on growth in 1988 of his LMS ( ) method, 1990 charts were published in which combined the WHO chart malnourished infants. Arising subsequently imprλoμveσ d with 1995 and subsequently became for age 0-4 with the British 1990 from this he became interested Professor Peter Green of Bristol the official UK growth reference, chart for age 4-18. The UK-WHO in the performance of weight- University in 1992. The LMS distributed to all new parents in charts were designed by an height indices to measure child method provides a way to the parent-held child health expert group led by Professor malnutrition and obesity, construct age-related reference record (usually known as the Charlotte Wright of Glasgow showing in 1979 that with age ranges based on the normal Red Book). With around seven University, and they set new adjustment the body mass index distribution but including an age- hundred thousand births a year, standards for the quality of chart

Figure 2. UK-WHO growth chart for weight, height and head circumference in girls aged 0-4 (Wright et al. BMJ 2010;340:c1140).

32 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 design and associated training growth curve model is unusual Check consists of 19 simple years unless they can show they materials. in that it adjusts for questions about signs and are minors, in which case they developmental age. This means symptoms (e.g. “does your baby are repatriated. The age test Tim Cole moved to the UCL seem more floppy than usual?”). used has until recently been Institute of Child Health in 1998, that it deals appropriately with Each question scores a number based on bone age. Tim has while continuing to be funded by growth during puberty, where of points if positive, and the testified that markers such as the Medical Research Council the pubertal growth spurt may scores are added up. The total occur as early as age 10 or as these are unreliable, giving the (funding which continues to score is a sensitive measure of late as age 19. Taking into wrong answer over one-third of now). His work from around that illness, where well babies score account puberty timing, the rate the time, and that they should time covered several distinct 0 while seriously ill babies not be used for this purpose. areas of growth: developing of passage through puberty and needing be assessed ways to extend the conventional individual height prior to puberty, immediately score 20 or more. He has been a statistical editor growth chart to measure growth the model can explain as much Baby Check has recently been with the BMJ for 25 years, and velocity; improving methods for as 99% of the variance in height produced as a smartphone app, supervises statistical review for

Figure 3. Height growth curves for 3245 boys during puberty (left), and the same growth curves after SITAR adjustment for mean height, puberty timing and growth rate (right), with the mean curve shown in white (Cole et al. International Journal of Epidemiology 2010;39:1558-66).

predicting adult height from (see Figure 3). So differences in thus providing access to the the Archives of Disease in height in childhood (later pubertal height growth between diagnostic skills of an Childhood. He was appointed an incorporated in the UK-WHO individuals can be summarised experienced paediatrician in Honorary Fellow of the RCPCH in charts), and documenting the by these three numbers. As a one’s pocket. 2006 and Fellow of the nature of secular trends in summary of individual growth Academy of Medical Sciences in Tim has also recently acted as growth over time – how children patterns they are useful in 2007, and awarded the 2015 an expert witness in age have become larger earlier experimental medicine and life Royal Statistical Society Bradford assessment court cases in the during and since the 19th course epidemiology. Hill Medal. UK and Australia, where century. Over 25 years ago, working in radiographs of hand bones or He has become interested in collaboration with Professor wisdom teeth are used as modelling the pattern of growth Colin Morley of Cambridge markers of developmental age in individuals, that is to say the University, Tim Cole developed to decide if individuals are aged shape of growth curves made a system called Baby Check for over 18. For example up of serial measurements, for helping mothers to decide if Indonesian fishermen convicted example height, plotted against their baby is seriously ill. Based of crewing ships bringing asylum age. His SITAR (SuperImposition on a large research study of seekers to Australia (people by Translation And Rotation) 1007 well and ill babies, Baby smuggling) are jailed for five

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 33 SCIENCE AT DAVOS

Each January, 2,500 public and private sector leaders gather in Davos, Switzerland for the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum. This year’s agenda was built around ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’; a forecast shift in product manufacturing arising from developments in rapid prototyping, new manufacturing techniques and automation. Recognising the critical underpinning role of research, a dedicated programme of interactive IdeasLab sessions placed science in the spotlight by introducing delegates to the vision and expertise of leading academics from Imperial College London, Cambridge University and other global science institutions.

At this year’s World Economic Group. The IdeasLab with a diverse audience of Forum meeting in Davos, UK programme recognised the decision-makers. institutions played a leading role strength of universities in The IdeasLabs showed how in encouraging an audience of fundamental blue-skies research the problems facing the world policy-makers and industry and subjects ranged from the today include a broad range of leaders to share ideas and to neural basis of decision-making scientific, technical and societal collaborate. hosted by Stanford University, to issues. This provided a welcome The focus of discussion at this carbon reduction technologies opportunity for researchers, year’s Davos meeting was ‘The presented by Cambridge policy-makers and business Fourth Industrial Revolution’. In University. Imperial College leaders to consider long range, this revolution, rapid prototyping, London’s session explored open-ended research that will Prof Alice Gast computer simulation and materials of the future; an area provide the breakthroughs that President where the UK boasts world-class Imperial College London intelligent systems speed up the the world needs; the kind of design process, while new expertise. discoveries that are driving ‘The manufacturing techniques, IdeasLabs are presented in a Fourth Industrial Revolution’. coupled with robotics and format called PechaKucha, which The four scientists from automation, offer alternatives to means ‘chit-chat’ in Japanese. Imperial College’s IdeasLa b2 centralised models of Four experts give five-minute showcase the ideas that they productio n1. Novel materials, presentations with fifteen slides presented at Davos in 2016. artificial intelligence and displayed continuously for only Videos of their five-minute talks neuroscience open up entirely twenty seconds each. Having are available online at new product categories. This laid out a provocative idea or http://tinyurl.com/WEF16 revolution will transform our vision, discussion then opens to Materials. lives, and fundamental research delegates. Delegates benefit is embedded at its core. from a discussion grounded in The World Economic Forum the latest science and the held interactive IdeasLab opportunity to talk to world- discussion sessions hosted by leading experts. Scientists benefit universities and other institutions from being able to communicate such as Nature Publishing opportunities and challenges

34 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 SCIENCE AT DAVOS ENGINEERING CRYSTALS FOR BETTER TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Noise is the bane of electronic noise: unexpectedly dropped breakthrough means the cost of engineers. We see it on our TVs calls, crosstalk and Wi-Fi that manufacturing and operating and hear it on our mobile grinds to a halt. As more devices masers could be dramatically phones and our radios. A recent attempt to communicate, this reduced, paving the way for their discovery indicates that there problem will get worse. widespread integration into may well be a solution. Engineering electronics telecommunications. In the world of Big Data, we resistant to noise is technically When lasers were invented no are increasingly dependent on possible but has been costly. one knew exactly how they accurate, reliable and secure One early promising noise- would be used; yet they are now communications. Countries with limiting technology was the used everywhere. Already we the best communications maser, discovered by Charles can foresee additional Prof Neil Alford infrastructure experience faster Townes in the 1950s and a applications for the re- Professor of Materials Science and 3 Nanotechnology rates of economic growt h . The sister technology to the laser. But engineered maser that include Imperial College London rapidly falling costs of data while lasers are ubiquitous today, more sensitive medical connections means that the masers are rarely used. Unlike scanners; chemical sensors for number of services built around the relatively simple laser, linked remotely detecting explosives; connected devices will increase. problems of complexity and cost and better radio astronomy had always proved This rapid growth poses a devices for detecting life on insurmountable for the maser. challenge. The microwave other planets. In the near term, technologies that underpin At Imperial, we have a the discovery of a room today’s communications discovered a new design for a temperature maser solves a real infrastructure – from satellite maser that overcomes these world challenge. It promises networks to Bluetooth to 4G – problems .4 The performance of better communications that are are all susceptible to this new maser is orders of resilient to the growing problem electromagnetic interference. We magnitude better than the best of noise in our connected have all experienced microwave competing technology. The infrastructure. HOLISTIC HEAT MANAGEMENT From transistors to industrial fuel use and reduces efficiency. swapped into existing systems to processes, waste heat is always At the other end of the provide energy-efficient cooling. produced when machines do temperature scale, 15% of Current research is focussed on work. This year seven billion global electricity production is two key challenges. It takes the already used for cooling. people will consume about 25 right chemistry for materials trillion kilowatt hours of electricity To reduce energy consumption efficiently to convert between and much of this will end up and waste, we need to change heat and electricity. It takes the generating waste heat. Today, we our approach to heat right structure to control heat treat heat like an unwanted by- management. A transformational and energy transport. We will product: a persistent challenge approach would involve the need new materials, structured for industrial design. But what if ability to efficiently convert at the nanoscale, to perform Prof Mary Ryan heat were not a waste product, Professor of Materials Science and between heat and electricity. both functions well. When we Nanotechnology but a resource? Then we would Recent materials research look into nature we see this Imperial College London be throwing huge amounts of promises new smart materials combination of chemistry and resource away. Dealing with heat that can be embedded into nano-structuring everywhere, so also consumes energy. In systems to remove and recycle we know that it is possible! aircraft, controlling heat increases heat. Smart materials can be Creating these composites – and

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 35 making them efficient, reliable simply scavenge energy from reduce resource use, production changes will have big impacts. In and easy to manufacture – is their environment. Combined costs and environmental the future, smart composites will work that we do in my lab at with local renewable production impacts. make it possible to build heat Imperial College. and energy storage, you could Today we face a triple capture into everyday objects, to Being able to combine imagine a future of factories or challenge of energy security, transform our approach to heat structure and chemistry will open data centres that operate totally equity and sustainability. Heat is in both industrial and urban up new applications. You could off-grid. By developing closed such a huge part of our energy design. The first challenge is to build miniature sensors that heat-energy cycles we would ecosystem that even small recognise heat as a key resource. PLASTICS THAT CAN MANIPULATE LIGHT

With seabirds trapped in properties we want. At Imperial telecommunication, but we can discarded packaging, and mid- College, we blend different envisage products lightweight ocean islands of indestructible materials to create new ‘hybrid’ and cheap enough to be able to rubbish, the idea that plastics plastics with new functional ‘plumb’ heat and light, just as we could play a big part in a more properties. We use them to plumb water today across our sustainable future world might make transparent mirrors – buildings and infrastructure. We seem far-fetched. However, new which is a paradox. These can even imagine a plastic light- smart plastics are challenging mirrors are perfectly transparent powered computer chip. For this perspective. In sports we to visible light and yet reflect these, we need manufacturing already rely on smart plastics to infrared heat with total precision. approaches that can scale up. make sails that are ultra-strong, They are designed to reduce the With tunable plastics that can Prof Natalie Stingelin yet ultra-light. Artificial tissues energy we waste keeping control light, such as those we Professor of Functional Organic made of plastic can be incredibly buildings at the right have developed at Imperial Materials Imperial College London intricate, yet stable and flexible, temperature because they are College, we are one step closer and plastics that conduct perfectly transparent and can to that goal. And if transparent electricity promise a future of keep heat in – or keep heat out. mirrors or plastic computer chip bioelectronics. are possible, we can now start When we start to stack our asking ourselves: “In the future It Is not just individual plastics. materials in two and three what else could we do for By layering different plastics dimensions, the possibilities agriculture… for medicine… or together, we can produce new multiply. Today, fibre-optics for architecture?” materials with exactly the transmit light for COMPUTER SIMULATION OF TOMORROW’S MATERIALS Our success as a civilisation is smart materials to the genuine energy security, climate change based on our ability to ‘unknowns’ – exotic materials and population growth. Some continually find the right with properties we cannot yet of the materials that are the materials. When we talk of the anticipate. The problem is that to “right tools for the job” today will stone and iron ages – or the era explore all possibilities through no longer be available. Their of plastics and steel – we experimentation, as we have constituent elements will be too recognize the central role of been doing, would take billions scarce, too expensive or they will materials in shaping societies of lifetimes. be too resource hungry to and economies. Today we know produce. So, we need to get Yet the need rapidly to identify of at least 10 million materials quicker and smarter at materials new materials options has never but there are at least a hundred identification. Prof Robin Grimes been greater. We face interlinked Professor of Materials Physics times more yet to be discovered, constraints of resource scarcity, This is the promise of Imperial College London from novel composites and CSA to the FCO computer simulation, which is

36 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 already “a UK success story”. 5 an active and multidisciplinary build ever better computer References Sheer processing power allows research challenge that spans models. In other words, the key 1 Department for Business Innovation and the natural sciences, computer is to develop an approach to Skills. Future of manufacturing: a new rapid prediction of material era of opportunity and challenge for properties – even those that science and materials research. materials research that combines the UK – summary report. the power of both approaches. https://www.gov.uk/government/public have yet to be made. For What we do know is that ations/future-of-manufacturing (2013) example, my own research has computer simulation can never Putting this power to work 2 http://www.imperialtechforesight.com predicted the radiation tolerance be the whole picture. Predicted promises smarter, cleaner and of materials using atomic scale materials still need to be tested more sustainable materials. It 3 Deloitte LLP. What is the impact of simulations. However, we need in the real world. Computer gives us the resilience to adapt mobile telephony on economic growth? GSM Association (2012) to go well beyond the atomic simulation can help us focus in to our changing world – whether scale if we are to make on interesting possibilities, but it it’s re-engineering industry or 4 Oxborrow M., Breeze J. D., Alford N. M. addressing resource scarcity. Room temperature maser . Nature predictions relevant to materials is experimental work that tells us 488:353–356 (2012) used in manufactured products. if computer predictions are right, 5 Grimes R. The rise of scientific Modelling across scales is today and – in turn – challenges us to computing – a UK success story. Science in Parliament 71/4 (2014)

BRITISH SCIENTISTS HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS NEUROSCIENCE PRIZE

A trio of British scientists have claimed the prestigious Grete Crick Institute in London, is no stranger to winning prestigious Lundbeck European Brain Research Prize – the largest prize for awards, having previously won the Ipsen Prize and the Croonian neuroscience in the world. It was announced in Copenhagen on 1st Prize. Responding to the news of his latest prize, he said “I am of March that Tim Bliss, Graham Collingridge and Richard Morris will course delighted to be awarded a share of this prestigious prize. share the €1 million award for their contribution to our Research into LTP has been a wonderfully stimulating field to work understanding of memory. This is the first time the prize has been in. Experimentally it can be studied at so many levels, from the won by an all-British team. molecular machinery that underpins it to the behaviours that depend on it. And from the beginning it has held up the promise of The scientists were awarded the prize for their studies on how the explaining the neural basis of memory.” brain makes and retains memories through a mechanism known as long-term potentiation (LTP). Sir Colin Blakemore, chair of the The three scientists overcame the challenge of not being located in selection committee, said: “Memory is at the heart of human the same lab. Morris is professor of Neuroscience at University of experience. This year’s winners, through their ground-breaking Edinburgh, whilst Collingridge splits his time between the University research, have transformed our understanding of memory and of Bristol and the University of Toronto. This recent advancement learning, and the devastating effects of failing memory.” holds may hold promising implications for conditions affected by memory, such as Alzheimer’s. In response to the potential treatment Prior to their work, we had identified the hippocampus as an area implications, Collingridge said “I am really excited about now of the brain involved in memory, but we lacked any real translating discoveries about LTP into new treatments for dementia”. understanding of how the process worked. The three scientists have shown how synapses – the connections between nerve cells – can The recent award is a testament to to the strong support that UK be strengthened through repeated stimulation in the hippocampus. research funding bodies have given to their research over the past Their work crystallises the idea that LTP is the basis for our ability to three decades, particular the Medical Research Council. The prize learn and remember. will be presented at a ceremony on 1 July in Copenhagen by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. Tim Bliss, who was previously associated with National Institute for Medical Research but more recently a visiting worker at the Francis

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 37 UK-TURKEY YEAR OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION 2015-2016 Celebrating successful partnerships and reflecting on excellent cross-team work

Launched at the TUBITAK seven-year £40 million joint UK- headquarters in Ankara in March Turkey grant-giving fund, was 2015, the Year of Science (YoS) crucial in laying foundations for comprised some 50 events - intensive two-way researcher reaching over 850 researchers, exchanges with as many as 100 policy makers and businesses - awards granted so far, to held at a number of leading partnerships between 51 UK universities and research and 53 Turkish universities and organisations across both Turkey research institutions, worth a and the UK. The resulting total of £3 Million. Initially academic and commercial planned for 5 years, NKCF has partnerships are already helping now been extended until 2021 to boost the UK’s profile and our aiming to increase bilateral growing bilateral scientific entrepreneurial activities, collaboration with Turkey. High- bringing the brightest and the level visits and a series of best to make a contribution to thematic missions, including a the UK’s research excellence. joint mission to the Milan EXPO, Annual NKFC investment of up helped the UK and Turkey to £4m enables UK researchers improve understanding of one to collaborate with leading other’s strengths, priorities and Turkish counterparts in energy, infrastructure capabilities, paving agri-tech and food security, the road to what President of health and biotechnology. TUBITAK, Professor Arif Ergin Following BIS-TUBITAK called ‘future-targeted research agreement, 6 different MoUs On 7-11 March the UK Science and Innovation collaboration’. The YoS has have been signed between Network in Turkey (SIN Turkey), FCO, BIS, shaped a sustainable UK-Turkey TUBITAK and different UK network of scientists, Delivery Partners for the British Council and other UK partners entrepreneurs and businesses, implementation of these celebrated the conclusion of the UK-Turkey Year building the kind of mutual programmes. of Science and Innovation. Closing events were awareness and trust which The YoS programme has been should continue generating held in Manchester, one of the cities at the a living example of science positive academic and centre of HMG’s Northern Powerhouse agenda, diplomacy. Over the past 12 commercial partnerships well months, the programme has and host city for the upcoming EuroScience into the future. Open Forum (ESOF) in July 2016. UK helped to forge bilateral scientific More than 50 UK and Turkish links, while also strengthening colleagues were joined by a 40-strong Turkish Universities participated in YoS economic, cultural and policy delegation of rectors, researchers and activities. Universities, including relationships between our entrepreneurs from Turkey’s leading universities Manchester, Edinburgh, Sussex countries. YoS support helped to and research centres as well as representatives and Imperial College, took up a open the door for the from Turkey’s Ministry of Science, Industry and range of societally important establishment of at least three issues: from energy efficiency, formal institutional and business Technology, and the Scientific and through marine sciences, to partnerships. With a focus on the Technological Research Council of Turkey disaster resilience. The Newton Turkish aerospace and nuclear (TUBITAK). Katip-Celebi Fund (NKCF), a supply chain, the Rolls Royce

38 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 Advanced Manufacturing science and innovation. The Year best infrastructure and resources effective delivery partnership. Technology Centre will help to has laid the groundwork for and generating powerful Working as part of cross- build capacity for future planned further work and demonstrated synergies. It has showcased UK organisational team of this kind projects in these fields. Following what Lord Janvrin, the PM’s research excellence on the multiplies SIN the depth and a study visit by Ricardo Software, Special Trade Envoy to Turkey, international stage and boosted breadth of our understanding three major Turkish universities described as ‘a huge potential UK and Turkish capacity to tackle and influencing capacity, and specializing in the automotive for cooperation in technology, some of the most pressing better enables us to develop sector have now purchased infrastructure, financial services global challenges. At HMG level, high-performing international UK Ricardo Software products for and healthcare’. it also illustrated the capabilities science and innovation academic research (not and dynamism of the UK partnerships which will support commercially funded) or for use International cooperation under Science and Innovation Network, UK growth. in the Formula SAE. In 2015- the YoS has opened up new and its ability to convene leads 2016, SIN Turkey and the Royal opportunities for UK scientists, from BIS, FCO, Newton Fund Academy of Engineering giving them access to Turkey’s and the British Council in an supported 15 Turkish researchers, as part of the Leadership in Innovation Fellowships scheme developed under the Newton-Katip Celebi Fund. Focused primarily in health and biotechnology, these fellowships include intensive training on commercialization, business plan development, and pitching in the UK.

As key note speakers from BIS and TUBITAK concluded during the YoS closing events in Manchester, the YoS is just a beginning, not the end of the UK-Turkey collaboration on

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 39 INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES – BETTER SCIENCE, DEEPER LINKS

In January this year, British Council and Professor Lord Hunt of Chesterton convened a symposium in the House of Lords to bring together international PhD and early career postdoctoral researchers who are currently based in the UK supported by Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)-funded Newton Fund 1 scholarships and travel grants. The premise of the symposium was to give participants the opportunity to hear about how UK Government and Parliament operate and facilitate conversations with parliamentarians, members of the Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and Professor Robin Grimes (Chief Scientific Adviser to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) about how science interfaces with policy making in the UK. The visiting researchers – from China, Colombia, Egypt, Kazakhstan and Turkey – learnt about how science interacts with policy making here in the UK. Meanwhile, UK parliamentarians and parliamentary staff were able to learn from the diverse perspectives – and insightful questions – from these future global research leaders. For the British Council, who organised this event, it makes intuitive sense that supporting scientific links and knowledge exchange between the UK and other countries is a worthwhile endeavour – but what exactly are the benefits? How do such linkages benefit the UK itself? And what is being done to foster them?

The world has witnessed a collaborating not only within Indeed, there is growing shift from an age of the ‘solitary one’s own institution or country, evidenc e3 that a country’s genius’ breaking new ground in but also beyond national and scientific excellence and impact the sciences towards much cultural boundaries. Prominent of its research are strongly more collaborative ways of examples of successful correlated to the extent to which working with other scientists to international collaborations its researchers are mobile and create and apply knowledge. include large-scale, national collaborate internationally. One Lines between disciplines and government-driven partnerships of the widely accepted metrics between institutions are such as CERN’s particle physics of research quality measures becoming blurred, and national laboratory (which hosts many how and where scientific science and innovation thousands of physicists and publications are cited, and ecosystems are increasing in engineers from 21 countries) citation rates have been shown complexity in line with this multi- and the multitude of scientists to increase with increasing institutional/multi-disciplinary feeding into the international co-authorship. way of working. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. But more Similarly, productivity levels of RESEARCH THRIVES ON modest-sized multi-country researchers who are INTERNATIONAL collaborations, involving just a internationally mobile are higher COLLABORATION few research groups, are also than those of researchers There can be great value in producing high-impact outputs. remaining within their countries.

40 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 UK SCIENCE HAS THE postdoctoral researchers from vehicle for deepening cultural countries, scholars visiting the EDGE – FOR NOW abroad and returning UK relations UK represent the future of scholars bring in new ideas and global research, and many of A recent analysis The British Council was skills as well as different them will become conduits for commissioned by BIS founded in 1934 in a time of perspectives. sustained links to the UK. established that the UK research global uncertainty and base is world class, generating Therefore, we see great benefit impending war to create ‘a almost 16% of the world’s most THE BENEFITS OF in supporting them as they friendly knowledge and highly-cited academic papers HAVING A STRONG AND immerse themselves in another understanding between the across all major research fields, INTERNATIONALISED culture. people of the UK and the wider second only to the USA. RESEARCH BASE world’. It has a clear mission Germany, China and France The UK hosts a plethora of CONCLUSION anchored in its Royal Charter to ranked as the third, fourth and multi-disciplinary research with a International collaboration and encourage cultural, educational fifth, respectively. This is global dimension that researcher mobility have and also scientific and significant in that the UK fundamentally relies on become the lifeblood of the UK technological cooperation. Still represents less than 1% of the international collaboration, research base and play an pursuing the same mission world population and, with a including research into disaster increasingly important role today, the British Council comparatively modest Gross risk reduction, the food-water- globally. But only if conditions promotes ‘cultural relations’ Expenditure on Research and energy nexus, rapidly emerging for academic exchange continue between the UK and third Development, just over 4% of infectious diseases, climate to be safeguarded and fostered countries across the sciences, researchers worldwide. Indeed, change and other issues with a – through political will, strategic enabling researchers to work another indicator of research worldwide impact and relating to funding and enabling legal together for mutual benefit and quality, the field-weighted the Sustainable Development frameworks – can science be longer-term, sustainable citation impact, suggests that the Goals. The UK’s input into these sustainably internationalised, collaboration. UK is right at the top of the pressing topics will contribute to continuing to generate mutual game. the well-being of vulnerable As highlighted in a recent benefit and deepening cultural article in this publicatio n4, the relations between countries and Importantly, a key contributing populations globally – but is also UK has a keen interest in peoples. factor to the UK’s pole position clearly in the UK’s national science collaboration as a in science appears to be its interest. platform for bilateral disproportionally high level of The UK’s global reputation for References relationships with other international collaboration. More research is a key factor in 1 The £375M BIS-administered Newton countries. British Council’s focus than 50% of all UK publications attracting not only international Fund supports bilateral science and on scientific cultural relations innovation partnerships between list international contributors, researchers but also young enables us to work even under groups in the UK and 15 partner resulting in publications with people from overseas wishing to countries to work collaboratively on politically and diplomatically international co-authorship that study at a UK university. This is research questions that have the challenging circumstances promotion of economic development have a markedly larger field- not inconsequential in economic because science is widely and welfare of the poor at their core. weighted citation impact than terms since, for example, some perceived as primarily neutral The Fund is delivered by a range of UK those articles authored figures suggest that each non- organisations – including the learned territory and a vehicle to build exclusively by UK researchers. EU student generates an academies, the Research Councils, trust and deepen links. For Innovate UK, the Met Office and also Many of these are pan-EU average of £20,000 per annum example, recently we ran the the British Council – and in-country collaborations funded through for the UK economy and the UK-Iran Water Management funding partners. the European Commission, and income of UK higher education Research Symposium, the first 2. Adams, J. (2013) ‘The fourth age of the UK is the largest beneficiary institutions from non-EU official science cooperation research’. Nature 497, 557-560. of EU research funds in some students currently hovers around sectors of science, for example between the two countries in 3 ‘International Comparative Performance the £4bn mark. of the UK Research Base’, Elsevier health research. seven year s 5 and also fund UK- 2013. A strong, internationalised Russia collaborations through a The mobility of researchers https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa research base brings many other long-standing partnership with ds/system/uploads/attachment_data/fi into and out of the UK is also benefits to the UK and there is the Royal Society and the le/263729/bis-13-1297-international- thought to be a key driver of increasing recognition that skills Russian Foundation for Basic comparative-performance-of-the-UK- scientific success. UK research-base-2013.pdf in science, technology, Research. researchers themselves are engineering and mathematics, 4 Grimes, R. and Hennessy, E. (2015) highly mobile across national ‘Brokers’ of international ‘Why science is in the diplomatic and scientific literacy more borders, while more than a third research links are in prime toolkit’. Science in Parliament 72:2, 10- generally, can be vital to 11. of academics employed in UK position to deepen relations evidence-informed decision Higher Education Institutions between countries beyond the 5 https://www.britishcouncil.org/ making and underpin economic organisation/press/first-uk-iran-science- come from outside of the UK. joint pursuit of scientific prosperity. and-research-cooperation-7-years The constant influx of highly- knowledge. Serving, in a sense, qualified postgraduate and Science collaboration as a as ambassadors for their own

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 41 IS OUR AIR FIT TO BREATHE? Meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on Tuesday 24 May IS OUR AIR FIT TO BREATHE?

Written by Cheyenne McCrae

London’s air quality is a matter of public concern. MP Stephen Metcalfe chaired the P&SC’s monthly meeting on the topic of air pollution levels in the city on 24 June in the Boothroyd Room. Four speakers (Professor Frank Kelly, Ruth Calderwood, Dr. Ian Mudway, & Professor Terry Tetley) with varying backgrounds in academic sciences, government, and medical sciences introduce the current state of London’s air pollution and explain its causes, affects, and calls for actions from their qualified perspectives. Professor Frank Kelly, the head elucidates the governmental recommending governmental oxidation in the cell to increase. of Environmental Health at action taken on air pollution in actions on air pollution. Next, to As oxidation stress is crucial to King’s College London, begins London as an EU Member State. demonstrate the biological lung inflammation, adding ceria the discussion describing the Calderwood describes that limit plausibility of illness to diesel to diesel lowers bio-reactivity in sources of London’s air values are met on lead, carbon exposure, Dr. Ian Mudway, cells acting as a possible anti- pollutants, particularly focusing monoxide, benzene, and lecturer in Respiratory Toxicology inflammatory. Following the on those of power generation sulphur-dioxide, but PM and at Kings College, discusses his speakers’ presentations, and road traffic. Kelly defines the NO2 levels still require further results from several past committee members pose most prevalent air pollutants actions to reduce current limits. scientific experiments. Through questions about the resulting from these sources as She adds that while Member controlled diesel exposure consequences air pollution has Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen States must rectify air quality modelling, Mudway shows that on unborn babies and the Dioxide (NO2), and Ozone issues found in their reporting PM induces inflammation in the vertical accumulation of (O3) and asserts that over zones (43 total in the UK), airways and causes impairment pollutants in buildings, while 29,000 premature deaths result Defra’s Air Quality Plans are to lung function. Mudway further emphasizing the need for from PM exposure annually (UK being challenged by Client Earth expresses that lung functionality polluters to take actions to in 2008). He shows that as insufficient to meet necessary damage is irreversible and that reverse the damage they are increase exposure to road traffic quality improvement demands hundreds of children in the causing in lieu of citizens taking increases pollutant levels within an appropriate time scale. Hackney and Tower Hamlets personal precautions to avoid present in body, the London Calderwood cites actions taken areas show this health pollution exposure. Government, Underground being the highest by the City Corporations through consequence in one study’s scientists, and academics are exposure chamber. The impacts its Air Quality Strategy (reducing findings. To end, Professor Terry currently acting on the air of air pollution on the public emissions, working with the new Tetley, a lung cell biologist at pollution matter in London, burdens both individuals on the Mayor of London, & raising Imperial College London, though further collaborative clinical level and the NHS on awareness) but also stresses the discusses the cellular actions must be put forth to the institutional level. Following need to consider future implications of exposure to notably improve London’s air this, Ruth Calderwood, the challenges of attainment of nano-sized diesel PM once quality. The next meeting will Environmental Policy Officer for diesel alternatives and meeting combined with ceria. Tetley discuss the Haldane Principle on City of London Corporation, WHO limit levels for PM when states that ceria allows for Monday 27 June.

42 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEES 2015

BUSINESS INNOVATION AND SKILLS Fellows (Scottish National Party, Motherwell and COMMITTEE Wishaw); Suella Fernandes (Conservative, The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee is Fareham); Lucy Frazer (Conservative, SE appointed by the House of Commons to examine Cambridgeshire); Catherine McKinnell (Labour, the administration, expenditure and policy of the Newcastle Upon Tyne North); Ian Mearns Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Labour, Gateshead); Stephen Timms (Labour, (BIS) and its associated public bodies, including East Ham); William Wragg (Conservative, Hazel the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Mr Iain Wright Grove). (Labour, Hartlepool) was elected Chair. Other members of the Committee, formally appointed INQUIRY on Wednesday 8 July 2015, are: Paul Blomfield The inquiry is based on a memorandum from the (Labour, Sheffield Central); Richard Fuller Department for Education on the Government's (Conservative, Bedford); Peter Kyle (Labour, approach to children's social work reforms. The Hove); Amanda Milling (Conservative, Cannock Committee invites written submissions on the Chase); Jonanthan Reynolds (Labour, Stalybridge Government’s approach to children’s social work and Hyde); Amanda Solloway (Conservative, reform outlined in the memorandum, seeking Derby North); Michelle Thomson (Scottish comments on its content, focus, and breadth. Oral National Party, Edinburgh West); Kelly Tolhurst evidence sessions are currently underway. (Conservative, Rochester and Strood); Craig Contact: Education Committee, House of Tracey (Conservative, North Warwickshire); Chris Commons, London SW1A 0AA. White (Conservative, Warwick and Leamington). Telephone: 020 7219 1376; Contact: Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, House of Commons, Email: [email protected] London SW1A 0AA. Telephone: 020 7219 5777; ......

Email: [email protected] ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE INQUIRY The Committee is appointed by the House of Business views on EU Referendum inquiry Commons to examine the expenditure, The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee administration and policy of the Department of launches an inquiry aiming to test business Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and its reasons cited by businesses on both sides of the associated public bodies. Angus Brendan MacNeil EU referendum debate. The Committee wishes to (Scottish National Party, Na h-Eileanan an Iar) was help inform the debate in the run up to the elected Chair. Other members, appointed 8 July, referendum on 23 June by exploring the rationale are: Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael (Liberal for the views expressed by British businesses on Democrats, Orkney and Shetland); Glyn Davies the question of Britain’s continued membership of (Conservative, Montgomeryshire); James the European Union. Written evidence was Heappey (Conservative, Wells); Matthew submitted by 15 April 2016. Pennycook (Labour, Greenwich and Woolwich); Dr Poulter (Conservative, Central Suffolk and ...... North Ipswich): Antoinette Sandbach EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Conservative, Eddisbury); Julian Sturdy (Conservative, York Outer); Rushanara Ali (Labour, The Education Committee monitors the policy, Bethnal Green and Bow); Tom Blekinsop (Labour, administration and spending of the Department Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland); Jamie for Education and its associated arms’ length Reed (Labour, Copeland). bodies, including Ofsted. Mr Neil Carmichael (Conservative, Stroud) was elected Chair. Other INQUIRIES members of the Committee, formally appointed 2020 renewable heat and transport targets on Thursday 6 July, are: Lucy Allan (Conservative, inquiry Telford); Ian Austin (Labour, Dudley N); Michelle Donelan (Conservative, Chippenham); Marion The Committee will explore the main challenges

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 43 with, and potential solutions to, meeting the UK’s 2020 renewable Mr Peter Lilley (Conservative, Hitchin and Harpenden); Caroline energy targets for heat and transport. Oral evidence to begin shortly. Lucas (Green Party, Brighton Pavilion); John Mc Nally (Scottish National Party, Falkirk); Rebecca Pow (Conservative, Taunton Setting the fifth carbon budget inquiry Deane); Rory Stewart (Conservative, Penrith and The Border). The Committee gathers views on the fifth carbon budget, in particular in relation to the advice provided by the Committee on INQUIRY Climate Change and challenges faced by the Government in setting Flooding: Cooperation Across Government and meeting the fifth carbon budget. The report was published on Following another winter of severe UK floods, EAC is launching an Wednesday 27 April 2016. inquiry into Government policy and action on flooding. The Contact: Energy and Climate Change Committee, House of committee will be focusing on whether the Government’s approach Commons, London SW1A 0AA is ‘joined-up’, and the extent to which cooperation across Government on this matter is successful. As part of the inquiry we Telephone: 020 7219 2158; Email: [email protected] will be using the resilience of UK infrastructure as a case study. We ...... will use this to investigate issues such as: how Government ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS departments and public bodies can better cooperate to offer COMMITTEE coherent policy and action on flooding; what the strengths and weaknesses of the Government’s current approach are; and what is The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) is required from Government to ensure that the UK’s development is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, sustainable and best-placed to face future floods. If you would like administration and policy of the Department for Environment, Food to submit evidence relating to cooperation across Government and Rural Affairs (Defra) and its associated public bodies. Mr Neil Parish (Conservative, Tiverton and Honiton) was elected Chair. regarding flooding, please contact the Committee team on Other members (appointed on 8 July) are: Chris Davies [email protected]. (Conservative, Brecon and Radnorshire); Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour, ...... Poplar and Limehouse); Simon Hart (Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire); Dr Paul Monaghan (Scottish HEALTH COMMITTEE National Party, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross); Rebecca The Health Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to Pow (Conservative, Taunton Deane); Margaret Ritchie (Social examine the policy, administration and expenditure of the Democratic & Labour Party, South Down); David Simpson Department of Health and its associated bodies Dr Sarah Wollaston (Democratic Unionist Party, Upper Bann); Rishi Sunak (Conservative, was elected Chair. The remaining members of the Committee, who Richmond); Angela Smith (Labour, Penistone and Stocksbridge); were elected by the House on Wednesday 8 July, are: Dr James Valerie Vaz (Labour, Walsall South). Davies (Conservative, Vale of Clwyd); Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative, Morley and Outwood); Andrew Percy (Conservative, Brigg and INQUIRY Goole); Paula Sherriff (Labour, Dewsbury); Maggie Throup The work of Defra (Conservative, Erewash); Helen Whately (Conservative, Faversham The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee examines the and Mid Kent); Dr Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party, Central work of Defra and hear from the Secretary of State and the Ayrshire); Emma Reynolds (Labour, Wolverhampton North East); Permanent Secretary on topics such as flood recovery and Common Julie Cooper (Labour, Burnley); Ben Bradshaw (Labour, Exeter). Agricultural Policy. Discussions also focus on funding of the Department and the work of its agencies following the INQUIRY Comprehensive Spending Review in November 2015. Impact of membership of the EU on health policy in the UK In order to inform the debate ahead of the referendum on EU ...... membership on 23 June, the Health Committee invites written ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT COMMITTEE evidence on the impact of membership of the EU on health policy The remit of the Environmental Audit Committee is to consider the in the UK. Accepting written submissions until 31 May 2016. extent to which the policies and programmes of government ...... departments and non-departmental public bodies contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development, and to audit SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE their performance against sustainable development and The Science and Technology Committee exists to ensure that environmental protection targets. Mary Creagh (Labour, Wakefield) Government policy and decision-making are based on good was elected Chair on 10 February 2016. The remaining members of scientific and engineering advice and evidence. The Science and the Committee were appointed on Monday 20 July 2015: Peter Technology Committee is unusual amongst departmental select Aldous (Conservative, Waveney); Caroline Ansell (Conservative, committees in that it scrutinises the Government Office for Science Eastbourne); Jo Churchill (Conservative, Bury St Edmunds); Geraint (GO-Science), which is a “semi-autonomous organisation” based Davies (Labour, Swansea West); Zac Goldsmith (Conservative, within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). GO- Richmond Park); Margaret Greenwood (Labour, Wirral West); Luke Science “supports the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Hall (Conservative, Thornbury and Yate); Carolyn Harris (Labour, works to ensure that Government policy and decision-making is Swansea East); Peter Heaton-Jones (Conservative, North Devon); underpinned by robust scientific evidence”. The committee therefore

44 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 has a similarly broad remit and can examine the activities of Robotics and artificial intelligence inquiry departments where they have implications for, or made use of, The Science and Technology Committee is undertaking an inquiry science, engineering, technology and research. into robotics and artificial intelligence. Robotics and Autonomous The Members of the Science and Technology Committee are: Nicola Systems (RAS) is one of the 'Eight Great Technologies' identified by Blackwood (Conservative, Oxford West and Abingdon) was elected the UK Government in 2012. A national strategy for RAS innovation as Chair. The other members, appointed on 13 July, are: Victoria from a 'RAS Special Interest Group' was published by Innovate UK in Borwick (Conservative, Kensington); Jim Dowd (Labour, Lewisham 2014. The Committee is still accepting submissions. West and Penge); Chris Green (Conservative, Bolton West); Dr Tania Zika virus inquiry Mathias (Conservative, Twickenham); Carol Monaghan (Scottish The Science and Technology Committee holds a one-off session on National Party, Glasgow North West); Graham Stringer (Labour, the Zika virus. The session examines the state of knowledge on the Blackley and Broughton); Derek Thomas (Conservative, St Ives); link with babies born with microcephaly and the increased incidence Matt Warman (Conservative, Boston and Skegness). of Guillain-Barre syndrome. The Committee also examines what INQUIRIES monitoring and research have been done on the virus, and the scientific advice being presented to the UK Government and the Graphene inquiry public. The Committee recently published a report on the UK The inquiry will explore the lessons from graphene for research and lessons from Ebola, and the Committee explores the extent of read- innovation in other areas, as well as the management and across of the issues to Zika. commercialisation of graphene's intellectual property. The ...... Committee is still accepting submissions.

Forensic Science Strategy inquiry TRANSPORT COMMITTEE The Science and Technology Committee scrutinises the The Transport Committee examines the expenditure, administration Government's Forensic Science Strategy and the extent to which it and policy of the Department of Transport and its associated public addresses the concerns of the previous Science and Technology bodies. Mrs Louise Ellman (Labour, Liverpool, Riverside) was elected Committee. The Committee also seeks views on the links between Chair. The remaining members of the Committee, appointed on 8 the Forensic Strategy and developments in biometric sciences and July, are: Robert Flello (Labour, Stoke-on-Trent South); Mary Glindon regulation, ahead of the still awaited publication of a separate (Labour, North Tyneside); Karl McCartney (Conservative, Lincoln); government biometric strategy. The Committee is still accepting Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party, Glasgow submissions. South); Mark Menzies (Conservative, Fylde); Huw Merriman Regenerative medicine inquiry (Conservative, Bexhill and Battle); Will Quince (Conservative, Colchester); Iain Stewart (Conservative, Milton Keynes South); The Science and Technology Committee is undertaking an inquiry Graham Stringer (Labour, Blackley and Broughton); Martin Vickers into regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine (or advanced (Conservative, Cleethorpes). therapies) involves replacing or regenerating cells, tissues or organs in order to restore or establish normal function in people with INQUIRY chronic illnesses. It has been used, for example, in bone marrow Improving the rail passenger experience inquiry transplants and offers the prospect of more effective repairs for The Transport Committee's inquiry looks to identify faulty hearts, skin burns and worn-out joints. Regenerative medicine recommendations to improve the main aspects of a rail journey includes cell therapy, gene therapy, tissue engineering and other from the perspective of the passenger: from planning a journey, methods. Accepting written submissions; the deadline is Tuesday 31 arriving at a station, making the journey, and any necessary post- May 2016. journey information. Science in emergencies: chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents inquiry The Science and Technology Committee is undertaking an inquiry into science advice in relation to planning for and responding to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incidents. CBRN emergencies include events such as industrial fires, chemical contamination and nuclear accidents. The inquiry follows previous Committee reports 'Scientific advice and evidence in emergencies' in 2011 and 'Science in Emergencies: UK lessons from Ebola' in January 2016. The inquiry coincides with the 5th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan and the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. Accepting written submissions; the deadline is Friday 20 May 2016.

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 45 HOUSE OF LORDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE

The members of the Committee (appointed 8 June 2015) are: the Earl of Selborne (Chairman), Lord Cameron of Dillington, Lord Fox, Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, Lord Hunt of Chesterton, Lord Kakkar, Baroness Manningham-Buller, Lord Maxton, the Duke of Montrose, Baroness Morgan of Huyton, Baroness Neville-Jones, Viscount Ridley and Lord Vallance of Tummel.

GM Insects has concluded and the report has been In July 2015, the Committee launched an inquiry published. into GM Insects. Written submissions were sought by 18 September and oral evidence will FURTHER INFORMATION be taken in the autumn. The Committee report The reports, Government responses, written and was published on 17 December 2015 and the oral evidence to the Committee’s inquiries government response was published on 1 March mentioned above, as well as the Calls for 2016. Evidence and other documents can be found on The Relationship between EU Membership the Committee’s website. Further information and the effectiveness of Science, Research about the work of the Committee can be and Innovation in the UK obtained from Chris Clarke, Committee Clerk, In July 2015, the Committee agreed to conduct [email protected] or 020 7219 4963. an inquiry into the relationship between EU The Committee Office email address is Membership and the effectiveness of science, [email protected]. research and innovation in the UK. The inquiry

...... PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (POST) RECENT POST PUBLICATIONS Psychological Health of Military Personnel Trends in the Environment February 2016 POSTnote 518 January 2016 POSTnote 516 The prevalence of common mental health Human activities interact with natural systems in problems in the military is higher than in the complex ways; they can cause long-term general population. This POSTnote examines the damage to systems humans are dependent on. impact of military service on the psychological This POSTnote summarises a range of such health of serving personnel, reservists, veterans pressures on the environment. It also identifies a and their families. The MOD has several number of trends and their effects on the UK, as strategies to protect the mental health of the well as the policy options that could protects the Armed Forces, however stigma associated with environment while meeting human needs. mental ill health is a major barrier to accessing help. The paper outlines what is known about Intellectual Property and Plants the effectiveness of interventions, and highlights January 2016 POSTnote 517 areas for further research. Plant breeding is an essential practice in Electronic Health Records agriculture and horticulture. Plant breeders may February 2016 POSTnote 519 seek intellectual property rights (IPR) over plant varieties and breeding techniques to protect This POSTnote explains the plans to introduce their investment in research. This POSTnote electronic health records for everyone. Electronic considers the different IPR approaches available health records contain information about to plant breeders. patients’ medical histories, health, care preferences and lifestyles (such as diet and exercise). The paper discusses the opportunities

46 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 and challenges of implementing electronic health records will Liverpool University; Minni Jain, Director, The Flow Partnership; and, involve. Paul Nolan OBE, Director, Mersey Forest and Prof David Shaw, Liverpool University. Digital Forensics and Crime March 2016 POSTnote 520 Assessing the Global Status of Pollinators

Digital forensic science is the process of obtaining, analysing and The purpose of this POST session on 11th May was to explore the using digital evidence in investigations or criminal proceedings. findings of a report published by the Intergovernmental Science- Digital evidence ranges from images of child sexual exploitation to Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services with UK the location of a mobile phone. This note looks at the use of digital authors prominent in the production of the assessment and discuss forensics by UK law enforcement agencies. It covers how evidence the options for safeguarding pollinators highlighted in the report. The is obtained, the legislation and regulation in this area, and the efforts session was chaired by Huw Merriman MP. Speakers included: being made to address the challenges faced by practitioners. Professor Simon Potts, Professor of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Reading University; Dr Tom Breeze, Research Fellow in the Access to Water and Sanitation School of Agriculture, University of Reading; Dr. Adam Vanbergen, April 2016 POSTnote 521 Invertebrate Ecologist, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Emily This POSTnote discusses the challenge of increasing access to water Musson, Senior Policy Adviser, Nature and Pollinators Strategy Team; and sanitation in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and, Mark Stevenson, Natural Science Adviser and Evidence (SDGs). Almost a third of the global population (2.4 billion people) Programme Manager, Defra lack access to sanitation facilities. Improving access to water, Evidence Based Policing sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has been a key aim of the UN’s On 20th April, POST hosted a session for MPs, Peers and their staff Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve universal access to discuss evidence-based policing. It helps the police service make to safe water and sanitation by 2030 more informed decisions about what policies and practices are cost- CURRENT WORK effective and improve their service to the public. One session focused on domestic abuse, estimated to account for 11% of Biological Sciences – Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Guidelines, reported crime in 2015. It was chair by James Berry MP, for Kingston Nature and Health, Putting a Value on Nature, Anti-ebola Treatments, and Surbiton. The speakers included: Rachel Tuffin, Director of Trends in Infectious Diseases, Trends in Non-communicable Knowledge, Research and Education, College of Policing; Inspector Diseases, UK Neonatal and Infant Mortality, Sugar and Health Steve Goodier, Hampshire Constabulary; Inspector Ben Linton, Update, Integrating health and social care, Electronic Cigarettes Metropolitan Police; Carol Vigurs, Evidence for Policy and Practice Update Information Co-ordinating Centre, UCL Institute of Education; Environment and Energy – Managing the Plutonium Stockpile, Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton, Hampshire Constabulary and Trends in Agriculture, Carbon Footprint of Heat Generation, Adapting Thames Valley Police and Chair of the Society of Evidence-Based Urban Drainage, Marine Microplastics Pollution, Ecological rewilding, Policing; Sian Hawkins, Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager, Designing a circular economy, Women’s Aid; Catherine Owens, Evidence and Evaluation Adviser, Physical sciences and IT – Space Weather, Trends in Defence, College of Policing & Commander Jeremy Burton, Metropolitan Financial Technologies, Automation and the workforce Police; and, Professor Martin Innes, Cardiff University; Dr Jason Roach, Huddersfield University. Social Sciences – Global Health Inequality, Preventing Extremism, Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility, Educational Provisions for INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITES Young Offenders, Creating age-friendly cities, Comparing economic POST is collaborating with the African Institute for Development and behavioural interventions, Access to Healthy Food Policy as part of the DFID funded SECURE health consortium which seeks to strengthen the capacity of policymakers to utilize research CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS evidence in health policymaking in Kenya and Malawi. Managing the Water Cycle More Effectively In 2016 POST will be hosting two Parliamentary research staff from Some of the most challenging societal questions of the next two each parliament on one-month internships to help develop their decades will concern water and well-being. On 3rd May, POST skills in handling research evidence and briefing their hosted a joint All Party Parliamentary Water Group and POST session parliamentarians. in order to explore the practices of integrated catchment management, to examine how evidence is used, how decisions are made and how interventions could be undertaken effectively with the community. The session was chaired by Neil Parish MP, Chair of the EFRA Committee. Speakers included: Professor Louise Bracken, Executive Director, Institute of Hazard Risk and Resilience, Durham University; Dr Paul Quinn, Civil Engineering and Geoscience, Newcastle University; Dr Mark Wilkinson, Research Scientist, The James Hutton Institute; Dr David Brown, Environment Agency, Senior Advisor in Flood Risk Management and Michael Norbury,

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 47 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Research Councils UK Contact: Alexandra Saxon Head of RCUK Strategy Unit Research Councils UK Polaris House North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1ET

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

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

Biotechnology Economic and and Biological Social Research Sciences Research Council Council (BBSRC) Contact: Jacky Clake, Head of Contact: Sarah Crew, Communications , Parliamentary Relations Manager, Contact: Matt Goode Economic and Social Research Council, EPSRC, Polaris House, Associate Director, Communications & Polaris House, North Star Avenue, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET External Relations Swindon SN2 1UJ Tel: 01793 444570 BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Tel: 01793 413117 E-mail: [email protected] Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413299 E-mail: [email protected] Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.esrc.ac.uk Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk EPSRC is the UK’s main agency for funding research The ESRC is the UK’s largest organisation for funding and training in engineering and physical sciences, BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research, research on economic and social issues and is investing around £800m a year in research and innovation and training on behalf of the UK public. committed to supporting the very best research with postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the Our aim is to further scientific knowledge to wide-ranging impact. Social science contributes to next generation of technological change. promote economic growth, wealth and job creation greater knowledge and understanding of the many The areas covered range from information and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond. challenges our society faces today and by ensuring technology to structural engineering, and BBSRC research is helping society to meet major that ESRC-funded research makes the biggest mathematics to materials science. This research challenges, including food security, green energy possible impact, our research shapes public policies forms the basis for future economic development in and healthier lifespans and underpins important UK and makes business, voluntary bodies and other the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, organisations more effective, as well as shaping lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial wider society. We also develop and train the UK’s Research Councils with responsibility for other areas biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. future social scientists. of research.

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

48 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Association AIRTO of the British Pharmaceutical Contact: Professor Richard Brook OBE FREng Contact: Dr Matt Norton AIRTO Ltd: Association of Innovation 3 Riverside, Granta Park Industry Research & Technology Organisations Limited Cambridge, CB21 6AD c/o National Physical Laboratory Tel: 01223 824575 Contact: Audrey Yvernault Hampton Road, Teddington E-mail: [email protected] Head of Policy and Public Affairs Middlesex TW11 0LW Website: 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, Tel: 020 8943 6600 http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/ London SW1E 6QT E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7747 7136 Twitter: @airtoinnovation Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading Email: [email protected] Website: www.airto.co.uk dementia research charity. Currently, we support Website: www.abpi.org.uk AIRTO – Association of Innovation, Research & Technology 132 projects worth over £26.4m and have The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Organisations – is the foremost membership body for the committed over £60m to research since the charity represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical UK’s innovation, research and technology sector, companies, large, medium and small, leading an exciting new era began. As research specialists, we fund pioneering of biosciences in the UK. Our industry, a major contributor to the representing 80% of organisations in the sector. research at leading universities across the UK and economy of the UK, brings life-saving and life-enhancing AIRTO’s members deliver vital innovation and knowledge medicines to patients. Our members are researching and the globe with the goal of defeating dementia. Our developing over two-thirds of the current medicines pipeline, transfer services which include applied and collaborative expertise brings together leading dementia ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients R&D, (frequently in conjunction with universities), prevent and overcome diseases. Topics we focus on include: consultancy, technology validation and testing, incubation scientists to share ideas and understanding. We • All aspects of the research and development of medicines of commercialisation opportunities and early stage work with people with dementia to reflect their including clinical research and licensing financing. AIRTO members have a combined turnover of concerns and firmly believe that science holds the • Stratified medicine over £5.5bn from clients both at home and outside the UK, and employ over 47,000 scientists, technologists and key to defeating dementia. • Vaccines, biosimilars, small and large molecules, cell therapy and regenerative medicine engineers.

AMPS The British Ecological Contact: Tony Harding Contact: Gabriele Butkute Society Science Policy Assistant 07895 162 896 for all queries whether for Biochemical Society Contact: Jackie Caine, Policy Manager membership or assistance. Charles Darwin House British Ecological Society Branch Office Address: 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU Merchant Quay, Tel: +44 (0)20 7685 2401 Email: [email protected] Salford Quays, Salford Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7685 2510 M50 3SG. Website: www.biochemistry.org Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org Ecology & Policy Blog The Biochemical Society works to support the advancement http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/ Website: www.amps-tradeunion.com of the molecular biosciences; facilitating the circulation of Twitter: @BESPolicy We are a Trades Union for Management and knowledge and supporting innovation, raising awareness of the importance of our discipline in addressing societal grand Professional Staff working in the pharmaceutical, challenges. The British Ecological Society’s mission is to generate, communicate and promote ecological solutions. The chemical and allied industries. We achieve our mission by: Society has over 5,000 members worldwide, publishes We have produced a training programme funded by • Supporting the next generation of biochemists five internationally renowned scientific journals and the EU on diversity and helping women managers • Bringing together molecular bioscientists; fostering organises the largest scientific meeting for ecologists in remain in the workplace after a career break. This connections and providing a platform for collaboration Europe. Through its grants, the BES supports ecologists in training programme is aimed at both men and women and networking developing countries, public engagement and research. and is intended to address the shortfall in qualified • Promoting and sharing knowledge through meetings, The BES informs and advises Parliament and Government personnel in the chemical and allied industries. publications and public engagement on ecological issues and is committed to ensuring that • Highlighting the role of molecular biosciences in We are experts in performance based and field related interdisciplinary and translational research, while policy-makers have access to the best available evidence. issues and are affiliated to our counterparts in EU supporting the fundamental science that underpins The BES welcomes requests for assistance from Professional Management Unions. applied studies parliamentarians.

British British In Vitro Nutrition Diagnostics Association Foundation

(BIVDA) Contact: Professor Judy Buttriss, Contact: Jonathan Brüün Director General Chief Executive Contact: Doris-Ann Williams MBE Imperial House 6th Floor British Pharmacological Society Chief Executive 15-19 Kingsway The Schild Plot, 16 Angel Gate, British In Vitro Diagnostics Association London WC2B 6UN City Road, London EC1V 2PT Devonshire House Tel: +44(0) 20 7557 7930 Tel: : 020 7239 0171 164 – 168 Westminster Bridge Road Email: [email protected] Fax: 020 7417 0114 London SE1 7RW Email: [email protected] Websites: www.nutrition.org.uk Website: www.bps.ac.uk Tel: 0845 6188224 www.foodafactoflife.org.uk Email: [email protected] The British Pharmacological Society is a charity with a www.bivda.co.uk The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), a mission to promote and advance the whole spectrum of registered charity, delivers impartial, authoritative pharmacology. It is the primary UK learned society BIVDA is the UK industry association representing concerned with drugs and the way they work, and leads the companies who manufacture and/or distribute the and evidence-based information on food and way in the research and application of pharmacology diagnostics tests and equipment to diagnose, nutrition. Its core purpose is to make nutrition around the world. monitor and manage disease largely through the NHS science accessible to all, working with an Founded in 1931, the Society champions pharmacology in pathology services. Increasingly diagnostics are used extensive network of contacts across academia, all its forms, across academia, industry, regulatory agencies outside the laboratory in community settings and also education and the food chain, and through BNF and the health service. With over 3,500 members from over 60 countries worldwide, the Society is a friendly and to identify those patients who would benefit from work programmes focussing on education in collaborative community. Enquiries about the discovery, specific drug treatment particularly for cancer. schools and nutrition science communication. development and application of drugs are welcome.

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 49 SCIENCE DIRECTORY The British Psychological Mrs Tracey Guise Contact: Jo Revill, CEO Society Chief Executive Officer Vintage House British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Contact: Tanja Siggs 37 Albert Embankment Griffin House | 53 Regent Place | Birmingham London SE1 7TL. Policy Advisor - Legislation B1 3NJ Tel: 020 3031 9800 The British Psychological Society www.bsac.org.uk | www.antibiotic-action.com Fax: 020 7582 2882 St Andrews House www.e-opat.com | www.nas-pps.com E-mail: [email protected] 48 Princess Road East |www.appg-on-antibiotics.com Website: www.immunology.org Leicester LE1 7DR www.bsacsurv.org Tel: 0116 252 9526 The BSI is one of the oldest, largest and most active The BSAC is an inter-professional organisation with over Email: [email protected] forty years of experience and achievement in antibiotic immunology societies in the world. We have over Website: www.bps.org.uk education, research and leadership. The Society has an 5,000 members who work in all areas of active international membership and: immunology, including research and clinical • Is dedicated to saving lives through the effective use and The British Psychological Society is an organisation development of antibiotics, now and in the future. practice. of 50,000 members governed by Royal Charter. It • Communicates effectively about antibiotics and antibiotic The BSI runs major scientific meetings, education maintains the Register of Chartered Psychologists, usage via workshops, professional guidelines and its own programmes and events for all ages. We high impact international journal, the Journal of publishes books, 11 primary science Journals and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. disseminate top quality scientific research through organises conferences. Requests for information • Is home to the UK-led global initiative Antibiotic Action our journals and meetings and we are committed about psychology and psychologists from • Serves as secretariat to the All Party Parliamentary Group to bringing the wonders and achievements of on Antibiotics immunology to as many audiences as possible. parliamentarians are very welcome.

British Society Brunel Cavendish of Soil Science University Laboratory London Contact: Departmental Administrator , Contact: Ian Brown The Cavendish Laboratory, Contact: Geoff Rodgers J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. LR8, Vincent Building, Cranfield University, Brunel University London Kingston Lane E-mail: [email protected] Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL Uxbridge UB8 3PH http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk Tel: 01895 265609 Tel: 01234 752983 Fax: 01895 269740 The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics E-mail: [email protected] of the University of Cambridge. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.brunel.ac.uk Brunel University London is an international research active university The research programme covers the breadth of Website: www.soils.org.uk with 3 leading research institutes: contemporary physics Institute of Energy Futures: Led by Professor Savvas Tassou, the main themes of the Institute are Advanced Engines and Biofuels, Energy Extreme Universe: Astrophysics, cosmology and high Efficient and Sustainable Technologies, Smart Power Networks , and The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) or "BS Resource Efficient Future Cities . energy physics Institute of Materials and Manufacturing: The main themes of research Quantum Universe: Cold atoms, condensed matter theory, cubed" as it is fondly known was founded in are Design for Sustainable Manufacturing, Liquid Metal Engineering, 1947 by a number of eminent British soil Materials Characterisation and Processing, Micro-Nano Manufacturing , scientific computing, quantum matter and semiconductor and Structural Integrity . The Institute is led by Professor Luiz Wrobel. physics scientists. It was formed with the aims: to Institute of Environment, Health and Societies: Professor Susan Materials Universe: Optoelectronics, nanophotonics, advance the study of soil; to be open to Jobling leads this pioneering research institute whose themes are Health and Environment, Healthy Ageing, Health Economics Synthetic Biology, detector physics, thin film magnetism, surface physics and membership from all those with an interest in Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Technologies , and Social Sciences and Health . the Winton programme for the physics of sustainability the study and uses of soil; and to issue an Brunel University London offers a wide range of expertise and Biological Universe: Physics of medicine, biological knowledge, and prides itself on having academic excellence at the core annual publication. of its offer, and was ranked in the recent REF as 33rd in the UK for systems and soft matter Research Power (average quality rating by number of submissions) and The Laboratory has world-wide collaborations with other described by The Times Higher Education as one of the real winners of the REF 2014. universities and industry

Clifton The Council Scientific for the Trust Mathematical Sciences Contact: Dr Christopher Flower Contact: Dr Eric Albone MBE Contact: Lindsay Walsh Josaron House Clifton Scientific Trust De Morgan House 5-7 John Princes Street 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA 57-58 Russell Square London W1G 0JN Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 London WC1B 4HS Tel: 020 7491 8891 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7637 3686 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Fax: 020 7323 3655 Website: www.ctpa.org.uk & Email: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, Website: www.cms.ac.uk www.thefactsabout.co.uk Science for Life, Science for Real

We build grass-roots partnerships between school The Council for the Mathematical Sciences is an CTPA is the UK trade association representing and the wider world of professional science and its authoritative and objective body that works to develop, applications manufacturers of cosmetic products and influence and respond to UK policy issues affecting • for young people of all ages and abilities mathematical sciences in higher education and suppliers to the cosmetic products industry. research, and therefore the UK economy and society by: • experiencing science as a creative, questioning, • providing expert advice; ‘Cosmetic products’ are legally defined and human activity subject to stringent EU safety laws. CTPA is the • engaging with government, funding agencies and • bringing school science added meaning and other decision makers; authoritative public voice of a vibrant and notivation, from primary to post-16 • raising public awareness; and responsible UK industry trusted to act for the • locally, nationally, internationally (currently • facilitating communication between the consumer; ensuring the science behind between Britain and Japan; also the Ukraine) mathematical sciences community and other cosmetics is fully understood. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 stakeholders

50 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Eli Lilly and Energy Company Institute

Ltd Contact: Louise Kingham OBE FEI Chief Executive Contact: Thom Thorp, Senior Director, 61 New Cavendish Street Tamzin Caffrey Corporate Affairs London W1G 7AR Head of Communications Tel: 01256 315000 Tel: 020 7467 7100 EngineeringUK Fax: 01256 775858 Email: [email protected] 5th Floor, Woolgate Exchange Eli Lilly and Company Ltd, Lilly House 25 Basinghall Street, London EC2V 5HA Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hants, Website: www.energyinst.org Tel: 020 3206 0444 RG24 9NL The Energy Institute (EI) is the chartered professional body Fax: 020 3206 0401 Email. [email protected] for the energy sector, supporting over 22,000 individuals E-mail: tcaffrey@engineeringuk.com Website: www.lilly.co.uk and 200 companies worldwide. The EI provides learning Website: www.EngineeringUK.com Lilly UK is the UK affiliate of a major American and networking opportunities, professional recognition pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company and technical and scientific knowledge resources on EngineeringUK is an independent organisation that of Indianapolis. This affiliate is one of the UK’s top energy in all its forms and applications. promotes the vital role of engineers, engineering pharmaceutical companies with significant The EI’s purpose is to develop and disseminate and technology in our society. EngineeringUK investment in science and technology including a knowledge, skills and good practice towards a safe, partners business and industry, Government and secure and sustainable energy system. It addresses the neuroscience research and development centre and the wider science and technology community: bulk biotechnology manufacturing operations. depth and breadth of the energy sector and informs policy by providing a platform for debate and producing evidence on the state of engineering; Lilly medicines treat schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, scientifically-sound information. sharing knowledge within engineering, and osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity A registered charity, the EI serves society with inspiring young people to choose a career in disorder, erectile dysfunction, depression, bipolar independence, professionalism and a wealth of expertise engineering, matching employers’ demand for disorder, heart disease and many other diseases. in all energy matters. skills. Fera First Group GAMBICA Association Ltd Contact: Mac Andrade Contact: Director of Science Director Infrastructure Fera Science Ltd. (Fera) First Group Contact: Dr Graeme Philp Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ 4th Floor, Capital House 25 Chapel Street Broadwall House Tel: 01904 462000 London NW1 5DH 21 Broadwall E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] London SE1 9PL Website: www.fera.co.uk Website: www.firstgroup.com Tel: 020 7642 8080 Fax: 020 7642 8096 Fera provides expert analytical and professional E-mail: [email protected] services to governments, agrichemical companies, FirstGroup is the leading transport operator in the Website: www.gambica.org.uk food retailers, manufacturers and farmers to UK and North America. facilitate safety, productivity and quality across the GAMBICA Association is the UK trade association agrifood supply chain in a sustainable and environmentally compatible way. for instrumentation, control, automation and Our services help create strong, vibrant and Fera uses its world leading scientific expertise to laboratory technology. The association seeks to provide robust evidence, rigorous analysis and sustainable local economies and our opportunity is promote the successful development of the professional advice to governments, international to be the provider of choice for our customers and industry and assist its member companies through bodies and companies worldwide. Our food communities. During the last year around 2.5 billion integrity, plant health, agri-tech and agri- a broad range of services, including technical policy informatics services ensure that our customers have people relied on us to get to work, to education, to and standards, commercial issues, market data and access to leading edge science, technology and visit family and friends and much more. export services. expertise.

The Glass and Geological Glazing Society Federation

Contact: Nic Bilham Contact: James Lee Contact: Delia Mertoiu Director of Policy and Communications 54 Ayres Street 5 Cambridge Court Burlington House London SE1 1EU 210 Shepherds Bush Road Piccadilly Tel: 020 7939 9100 London W6 7NJ London W1J 0BG Fax: 0870 042 4266 Tel: 020 7603 6316 Tel: 020 7434 9944 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7439 8975 Website: www.ggf.org.uk Website: www.ifst.org E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.geolsoc.org.uk The GGF is the main representative organisation for IFST is the independent qualifying body for food companies involved in all aspects of the professionals in Europe. Membership is drawn from The Geological Society is the national learned and manufacture of flat glass and products and services all over the world from backgrounds including for all types of glazing, in commercial and domestic professional body for Earth sciences, with 12,000 industry, universities, government, research and Fellows (members) worldwide. The Fellowship sectors. development and food law enforcement. encompasses those working in industry, academia Members include companies that manufacture and and government, with a wide range of perspectives install energy efficient windows, in homes and IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge and views on policy-relevant science, and the commercial buildings, the performance glass used relating to food science and technology and Society is a leading communicator of this science to in every type of building from houses to high-rise promoting its application. Another important government bodies and other non-technical tower blocks and the components that are used to element of our work is to promote and uphold audiences. manufacture every type of glazing. standards amongst food professionals.

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 51 SCIENCE DIRECTORY Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Contact: Alex Connor Technology (IMarEST) 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Tel: 020 7470 4819 Contact: Bev Mackenzie Contact: Mr Peter Martindale, CEO and Secretary E-mail: [email protected] Institute of Marine Engineering, Science Website: www.iop.org and Technology (IMarEST), Aldgate House, The Institute of Measurement and Control 33 Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1EN 87 Gower Street, London WC1E 6AF Tel: +44 (0) 20 73874949 The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society. Tel: +44(0) 20 7382 2600 Fax: +44 (0) 20 73888431 We are a charitable organisation with a worldwide membership of more than 50,000, working Fax: +44(0) 20 7382 2667 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] together to advance physics education, research Website: www.instmc.org.uk and application. Website: www.imarest.org Reg Charity number: 269815 We engage with policymakers and the general Established in London in 1889, the IMarEST is a The Institute of Measurement and Control provides a public to develop awareness and understanding of leading international membership body and forum for personal contact amongst practiioners, the value of physics and, through IOP Publishing, learned society for marine professionals, with over publishes learned papers and is a professional we are world leaders in professional scientific communications. 15,000 members worldwide. The IMarEST has an examining and qualifying organisation able to confer extensive marine network of 50 international the titles EurIng, CEng, IEng, EngTech; Companies and In September 2013, we launched our first branches, affiliations with major marine societies Universities may apply to become Companions. fundraising campaign. Our campaign, Opportunity Physics, offers you the chance to support the work around the world, representation on the key marine Headquartered in London, the Institute has a strong that we do. technical committees and non-governmental status regional base with 15 UK, 1 Hong Kong and 1 Malaysia at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as Local Section, a bilateral agreement with the China Visit us at www.iop.org, follow us well as other intergovernmental organisations. @physicsnews Instrument Society and other major international links.

Institute of Institution Physics and of Civil

Engineering The Institution of Chemical Engineers Engineers in Medicine Contact: Alex Green-Wilkes, With over 42,000 members in 120 Public Affairs Manager , Contact: Rosemary Cook CBE (CEO) countries, IChemE is the global One Great George Street, Westminster, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, London SW1P 3AA, UK York, YO24 1ES membership organisation for Tel: 020 7665 2109 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 chemical engineers. A not for profit E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] organisation, we serve the public Website: www.ice.org.uk Website: www.ipem.ac.uk interest by building and sustaining IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the an active professional community Established in 1818 and with over 86,000 and promoting the development, advancement, in the public interest, of physics and members in 167 countries worldwide, ICE is a engineering applied to medicine and biology. Its understanding and application of leading source of expertise in infrastructure and members are medical physicists, clinical and bio- chemical engineering worldwide. engineers, and clinical technologists. It organises engineering policy and is widely seen as the training and CPD for them, and provides opportunities independent voice of infrastructure. ICE provides for the dissemination of knowledge through Alana Collis, Technical policy manager publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is licensed by +44 (0) 1788 534459 advice to all political parties and works with the Science Council to award CSci, RSci and RSciTech, [email protected] industry to ensure that civil engineering and and by the Engineering Council to award CEng, IEng www.icheme.org construction remain major contributors to the and EngTech. Kuala Lumpur | London | Melbourne | Rugby | Singapore | Wellington UK economy.

Institution of Institution of Engineering Mechanical Designers Engineers

Contact : Libby Meyrick Contact: Richard Campbell Contact: Paul Davies 1 Birdcage Walk Courtleigh IET, Westbury Leigh London SW1H 9JJ Michael Faraday House, Tel: 020 7973 1293 Westbury Six Hills Way, Wiltshire BA13 3TA E-mail: [email protected] Stevenage, Website: www.imeche.org Tel: 01373 822801 SG1 2AY Fax: 01373 858085 Tel: +44(0) 1438 765687 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.ied.org.uk Web: www.theiet.org The Institution provides politicians and civil servants with information, expertise and advice on a diverse The only professional membership body solely for those working in engineering and technological The IET is a world leading professional organisation, range of subjects, focusing on manufacturing, product design. Engineering Council and Chartered sharing and advancing knowledge to promote energy, environment, transport and education Environmentalist registration for suitably qualified science, engineering and technology across the policy. We regularly publish policy statements and members. Membership includes experts on a wide world. Dating back to 1871, the IET has over host political briefings and policy events to establish range of engineering and product design 163,000 members in 127 countries with offices in disciplines, all of whom practise, manage or a working relationship between the engineering educate in design. New for 2015: Chartership for Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. profession and parliament. Product Designers (CTPD).

52 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 SCIENCE DIRECTORY LGC

Queens Road, Teddington Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Dr Elizabeth Rollinson, Contact: Anna Lucuk, Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Executive Secretary Director of Corporate Communication, E-mail: [email protected] The Linnean Society of London L’Oreal UK & Ireland Website: www.lgcgroup.com Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BF 255 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8AZ LGC is an international science-based company and Tel: 020 7434 4479 ext 12 Tel: 0208 762 4374 market leader in the provision of analytical, forensic E-mail: [email protected] and diagnostic services and reference standards to Website: www.linnean.org E-mail: [email protected] customers in the public and private sectors. Website: www.loreal.co.uk Under the Government Chemist function, LGC As the world’s oldest biological society, the Linnean fulfils specific statutory duties as the referee analyst Society of London is an essential forum and meeting and provides advice for Government and the wider point for those interested in natural history. The Society L’Oréal employs more than 3,800 researchers € analytical community on the implications of holds regular public events, publishes three peer- world-wide and dedicates over 850 million each analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards reviewed journals, promotes the study of the natural year to research and innovation in the field of and regulation. LGC is also the UK’s designated world with several educational initiatives and is home to healthy skin and hair. The company supports National Measurement Institute for chemical and a world famous library and collection of natural history women in science research through the L’Oréal biochemical analysis. specimens. The Society’s Fellows have a considerable UNESCO For Women In Science Programme and With headquarters in Teddington, South West range of biological expertise that can be harnessed to engages young people with science through the London, LGC has 36 laboratories and centres across inform and advise on scientific and public policy issues. L’Oréal Young Scientist Centre at the Royal Institution. L’Oréal also collaborates with a vast Europe and at sites in China, Brazil, India, South A Forum for Natural History Africa and the US. number of institutions in the UK and globally.

Marine Biological Met Office Association

Contact: Dariel Burdass Contact: Dr Matthew Frost Contact: Dr Matt Huddleston Deputy Chief Executive Marine Biological Association, Met Office Microbiology Society The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB 127 Clerkenwell Road Charles Darwin House Tel: 07848028388 London EC1R 5LP. 12 Roger Street, London Fax: 01752 633102 Tel: 020 7204 7469 WC1N 2JU E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: mba.ac.uk Website: www.metoffice.gov.uk Website: www.microbiologysociety.org Since 1884 the Marine Biological Association has The Met Office doesn’t just forecast the weather on The Microbiology Society is the largest learned been delivering its mission ‘to promote scientific television. Our forecasts and warnings protect UK microbiological society in Europe with a worldwide research into all aspects of life in the sea, including communities and infrastructure from severe membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, the environment on which it depends, and to weather and environmental hazards every day – research institutes and schools. The Society publishes disseminate to the public the knowledge gained.’ they save lives and money. Our Climate Programme key academic journals, organises international scientific conferences and provides an international The MBA represents its members in providing a delivers evidence to underpin Government policy forum for communication among microbiologists. clear independent voice to government on behalf through the Met Office Hadley Centre. Our Mobile The Society promotes the understanding of of the marine biological community. It also has an Meteorological Unit supports the Armed Forces microbiology to a diverse range of stakeholders, extensive research programme and a long history as around the world. We build capacity overseas in including policy-makers, students, teachers, an expert provider of advice for the benefit of policy support of international development. All of this journalists and the wider public, through a makers and wider society. built on world-class environmental science. comprehensive framework of communication activities and resources.

National Natural NEF: The Physical History Innovation Laboratory Museum Advancing the science of nature Institute

Contact: Fiona Auty Contact: John Jackson Contact: Michelle Medhat National Physical Laboratory Head of Science Policy and Communication NEF: The Innovation Institute Natural History Museum 29 Harley Street Hampton Road, Teddington Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD London W1G 9QR Middlesex TW11 0LW Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5257 Tel: 0208 786 3677 Tel: 020 8977 3222 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.npl.co.uk/contact-us Website: www.nhm.ac.uk Website: www.thenef.org.uk

The Innovation Institute aims to drive innovation and growth The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the United We challenge the way people think about the natural world in science, technology and engineering to achieve growth, – its past, present and future Kingdom’s national measurement institute, an prosperity and wellbeing in the UK. Our partners, clients and internationally respected and independent centre We use our unique collection and unrivalled expertise to stakeholders include: of excellence in research, development and tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. n Businesses knowledge transfer in measurement and materials We are leaders in the scientific understanding of the origin n Education providers n Government bodies science. For more than a century, NPL has of our planet, life on it and can predict the impact of future change. New Engineering Foundation, our charitable arm, focusses on developed and maintained the nation’s primary We study the diversity of life and the delicate balance of SciTech skills development. NEF work in vocational training measurement standards - the heart of an ecosystems to ensure the survival of our planet. and further education is supported by a Panel drawn from key industries. infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, We help enable food security, eradicate disease and manage Our Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange is a resource scarcity. consistency and innovation in physical professional body and a “do tank”, led by the Innovation measurement. We inspire people to engage with science to solve major Council to support the role of innovation in society. societal challenges.

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 53 SCIENCE DIRECTORY

Contact: Nick Allen PHARMAQ Ltd Executive Officer Boughton Green Road, Contact: Alex Miles Contact: Dr Benjamin P North Northampton, NN2 7AL Deputy Director, External Relations PHARMAQ Ltd Tel: 01604 735500 (Public Affairs) Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Estate University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD Fordingbridge Fax: 01604 716502 E-mail: [email protected] Hants SP6 1PA. E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 07917115197 Tel: 01425 656081 Website: www.northampton.ac.uk Twitter: @AlextoMiles E-mail: [email protected] www.nottingham.ac.uk Website: www.pharmaq.no

The University of Northampton is an institution With 43,000 students and campuses in PHARMAQ is the only global pharmaceutical company with a primary focus on aquaculture. Our mission is to committed to science education through initial Nottingham, China and Malaysia, The University of provide environmentally sound, safe and efficacious teacher training, a STEM Ambassador network Nottingham is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly health products to the global aquaculture industry global university’. With more than 97 per cent of through targeted research and the commitment of which works within the community and teaching dedicated people. We have a product portfolio that research at the University recognised internationally and research to doctoral level. We are an Ashoka U includes over 20 fish vaccines along with specialist feed according to the Research Excellence Framework additives, anaesthetics, antibiotics, sea lice treatments and ‘Changemaker Campus’ status university 2014, the University is ranked in the top 1% of the biocide disinfectants. Through our sister company, recognising our commitment to social innovation world’s universities by the QS World University PHARMAQ Analytiq, we also offer a range of diagnostics services that can be used to help safeguard fish welfare and entrepreneurship. Rankings. and improve productivity.

Prospect

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

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

54 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 SCIENCE DIRECTORY The Royal Royal Society Society of Contact: Becky Purvis Biology Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Head of Public Affairs Director of Science and Education The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace Contact: Dr Stephen Benn The Royal Institution London SW1Y 5AG. Director of Parliamentary Affairs 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Tel: 020 7451 2261 Royal Society of Biology Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Email: [email protected] Charles Darwin House E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.royalsociety.org 12 Roger Street Websites: www.rigb.org, London WC1N 2JU www.richannel.org Tel: 020 7685 2550 The Royal Society is the UK academy of science Twitter: ri_science E-mail: [email protected] comprising 1400 outstanding individuals The Royal Institution (Ri) has been at the forefront of Website: www.rsb.org.uk representing the sciences, engineering and public engagement with science for over 200 years The Royal Society of Biology is a single unified voice, and our purpose is to encourage people to think medicine. It has had a hand in some of the most representing a diverse membership of individuals, further about the wonders of science. We run public learned societies and other organisations. We are ® innovative and life-changing discoveries in scientific events and the famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES , a committed to ensuring that we provide Government history. Through its Fellowship and permanent staff, national programme of Masterclasses for young and other policy makers – including funders of people in mathematics, engineering and computer it seeks to ensure that its contribution to shaping biological education and research – with a distinct point science, educational activities at the L’Oréal Young the future of science in the UK and beyond has a of access to authoritative, independent, and evidence- Scientist Centre and policy discussions with science based opinion, representative of the widest range of students. And through the Ri Channel we share the deep and enduring impact. bioscience disciplines. Our vision is of a world that stories behind cutting-edge science with people understands the true value of biology and how it can around the world. contribute to improving life for all.

Society for Society for Applied Underwater Microbiology Technology

Contact: Lucy Harper Society for Applied Microbiology Society for Underwater Technology Contact: Clare Viney Bedford Heights, Brickhill Drive Contact: David Liddle, Business Executive Director, Communications, Bedford MK41 7PH Development Executive Policy and Campaigns Tel: 01234 326661 1 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1 BR Royal Society of Chemistry, Thomas Graham Fax: 01234 326678 House (290), Science Park, Milton Road, Tel: 020 3440 5535 E-mail: [email protected] Cambridge, CB4 0WF Fax: 020 3440 5980 Tel 020 7440 2267 Website: www.sfam.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Email [email protected] Website: www.rsc.org SfAM is a UK organization, serving microbiologists Website: www.sut.org internationally. It works to advance, for the benefit of The Royal Society of Chemistry is the world’s leading The SUT is a multidisciplinary learned society that the public, the science of microbiology in its application chemistry community, advancing excellence in the brings together individuals and organisations with a to the environment, human and animal health, chemical sciences. With over 50,000 members and a common interest in underwater technology, ocean knowledge business that spans the globe, we are the agriculture, and industry. With Wiley-Blackwell, S fAM science, and offshore/subsea engineering. The UK’s professional body for chemical scientists; a not- publishes five internationally acclaimed journals. Value society was founded in 1966 and has members for-profit organisation with 170 years of history and for money and a modern, innovative and progressive an international vision of the future. We promote, outlook are its core principles. A friendly society, S fAM from over 40 countries, including engineers, support and celebrate chemistry. We work to shape values integrity, honesty, and respect, and seeks to scientists, other professionals and students working the future of the chemical sciences – for the benefit promote excellence and professionalism and to inspire in these areas. of science and humanity. young microbiologists.

Science Society of Society of Chemistry Cosmetic Maritime Innovation Scientists Industries Contact: John Murray Contact: Reshna Radiven Contact: Gem Bektas, Society of Maritime Industries SCI Secretary General 28-29 Threadneedle Street, 14-15 Belgrave Square Society of Cosmetic Scientists London EC2R 8AY London SW1X 8PS Suite 109 Christchurch House Tel: 020 7628 2555 Fax: 020 7638 4376 Tel: 020 7598 1500 40 Upper George Street E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2RS Website: www.maritimeindustries.org Website: www.soci.org Tel: 01582 726661 The Society of Maritime Industries is the voice of The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) is a unique multi- Fax: 01582 405217 science and multi-disciplinary forum that connects E-mail: [email protected] the UK’s maritime engineering and business sector Website: www.scs.org.uk Scientists and Business people. Established in 1881, as promoting and supporting companies which a hub for innovation, by leading scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs and investors, SCI continues to work in Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary design, build, refit and modernise ships, and supply objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide this way. Many current SCI members include leaders equipment and services for all types of commercial and innovators representing many different areas of range of disciplines from organic and physical industry and academia. chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, and naval ships, ports and terminals infrastructure, microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. SCI’s community promotes applied science through offshore oil & gas, maritime security & safety, more than 100 conferences and events each year, 7 Members are scientists and the SCS helps them marine science and technology and marine leading scientific journals and Chemistry and Industry progress their careers and the science of cosmetics magazine. We also support and celebrate science ethically and responsibly. Services include publications, renewable energy. through bursaries and awards for a spectrum of educational courses and scientific meetings. scientific areas.

Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 55 SCIENCE DIRECTORY STEMNET Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Contact: Kirsten Bodley, Chief Executive Contact: Dr Robert Hubrecht Contact: Chris Eady 5th Floor, Woolgate Exchange Chief Executive and Scientific Director The Welding Institute, Granta Park, Great 25 Basinghall Street The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. London EC2V 5HA Tel: 01223 899614 Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Tel: 020 3206 0450 Fax:01223 894219 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Website: www.stemnet.org.uk Website: www.twi-global.com Registered in England Charity No: 207996 STEMNET is an independent charity which enables young The Welding Institute is the leading institution people to meet inspiring role models, understand real world UFAW, the international animal welfare science providing engineering solutions and knowledge applications of STEM and experience practical activities that society, is an independent scientific and educational transfer in all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and bring learning and career opportunities to life. We do this charity. It works to improve animal lives by: whole-life integrity management. through three core programmes: Industrial membership provides access to innovative • supporting animal welfare research • STEM Ambassadors - We run the UK network of STEM problem-solving from one of the world’s foremost Ambassadors: over 30,000 inspiring volunteers • educating and raising awareness of welfare independent research and technology organisations. • STEM Clubs Programme - We provide free, expert advice issues in the UK and overseas Non-Corporate services include membership and and support to all schools which have set up or plan to registration, education, training and certification for • producing the quarterly scientific journal Animal internationally recognised professional development develop a STEM Club Welfare and other high-quality publications on and personnel competence assurance. • Schools’ STEM Advisory Network (SSAN) - We deliver free animal care and welfare TWI provides Members and stakeholders with impartial advice to teachers and use our business links and authoritative and impartial expert advice, knowhow partnerships to enhance the STEM curriculum in secondary • providing advice to government departments and safety assurance through engineering, materials schools in the UK and other concerned bodies. and joining technologies.

56 Science in Parliament Vol 73 No 1 Spring 2016 sSCIENCEiIN Pp ARLIAMENT Where Science, Innovation and Politics Meet

www.scienceinparliament.org.uk