Spring 2007 SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT

Research Councils’ support for knowledge transfer

UK Science Prospect Marine Environment Satellites

Patient Safety Materials

The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk SCIENCE IN Science in Parliament has two main objectives: a) to inform the scientific and industrial communities PARLIAMENT of activities within Parliament of a scientific nature The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. and of the progress of relevant legislation; The Committee is an Associate Parliamentary Group b) to keep Members of Parliament abreast of members of both Houses of Parliament and British members of the European Parliament, representatives of scientific affairs. of scientific and technical institutions, industrial organisations and universities.

Since 1997, this Government has doubled the amount of money invested in science and engineering, yet significant tensions remain. It seems that there is a recognition at last that university science and engineering departments Contents are underfunded, with a one-off extra investment Spring 2007 Volume 64 Number 1 to them of £60 million during 2006/07, and a promise of a further £75 million to support Conservative Party Science, Technology, applied research during 2007/08. Engineering and Mathematics Task-Force 1 Sir David Cooksey’s Opinion by Ian Taylor MP report has resulted in Sir Ian Lloyd 2 a jointly held health A tribute by Sir John Osborn research fund of at The European Research Council 3 least £1 billion, to Opinion by Professor Fotis C Kafatos ensure that medical research is translated Nuclear Energy 4 into health and Opinion by Giles MEP economic benefits. Maintaining a World Class Higher Education System 6 The pressure to move Professor David Eastwood medical research Strategic Influence: my vision for the RSC 8 closer to the clinic is Dr Richard A Pike being felt acutely by the National Institute of Research Council Support for Knowledge Transfer 10 Medical Research, which is at the centre of a Professor Philip Esler controversial proposal to move it into central State of Science UK 12 London. PPARC is merging with the CCLRC, and the How can Science help to save the Marine Environment? 14 NERC is reorganising the CEH, with four of its Addresses to the P&SC by Prof Edward Hill, Dr Carol Turley and Mark Farrar centres closing. According to the public sector Satellites for Science, Engineering, Technology and Business 20 union Prospect, “more than 4 in 10 working Addresses to the P&SC by Prof John Zarnecki, Colin Paynter scientists are either unsure they will be able to and Sir Martin Sweeting stay in science or certain that they will have to Are Patients Safe with the NHS? 24 leave”. No wonder, with all these changes afoot. Addresses to the P&SC by Bill Murray, Prof Tom Treasure and Prof Peter Buckle 2006 was a significant year for the Royal Society. Materials, Minerals and Mining – innovation, As part of the Queen’s 80th birthday celebrations, conservation and wealth creation 30 they organised a special science exhibition at Addresses to the P&SC by Prof RJ Pine, Dr Stuart Lyon Buckingham Palace, the fourth of the Prime and Prof Colin J Humphreys Minister’s “Our Nation’s Future” series of lectures “SIP” gives Science a taste of Public Opinion 36 in Oxford, and Sir Nicholas Stern was present at the Royal Society’s HQ, along with the Prime Maximising the Benefit from Scientific Innovation 37 Minister, the Chancellor and the Secretary of State Dr David Dent at DEFRA, to launch the “Stern Review on the Riding the wave of the latest Asian Tiger 39 Economics of Climate Change”, which will be Dr Rob Daniel, British High Commission, New Delhi hard to ignore. Visit to Imperial College 40 After more than eight years in the job, Lord Visit to NPL 41 Sainsbury announced his retirement as Science Minister in November last year, although he is Discarded Science – Ideas that seemed a good idea at the time 43 Book Review by Reg Sell now carrying out a review of the Government’s policies on science and innovation. His successor, House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology 44 Malcolm Wicks MP, will find him a hard act to House of Commons Library Research Papers 45 follow. House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee 46 2007 will see the launch of “International Polar Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology 47 Year”. Therefore, it seems appropriate that the House of Commons Science and Technology Letters to the Editor 48 Select Committee has launched an inquiry into Parliamentary and Scientific Committee News 49 “Investigating the Oceans”. Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions and Answers 50 Euro-News 54 Dr Brian Iddon MP Chairman, Editorial Board Science Directory 55 Science in Parliament Science Diary 64

Cover image supplied by Totally Textures (www.totallytextures.com), a spin-out company from Heriot-Watt University and a finalist in the 2006 RCUK Business Plan Competition ISSN 0263-6271 OPINION Conservative Party Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Task-force Ian Taylor MP Chairman of the Conservative Party STEM task-force

s global competition especially if an important part of the needs driven and tolerant of risk, intensifies, the UK has to prospective market lies in the public working with staff recruited from Acapture and stimulate public sector where the risks and rewards industry and higher education. and private sector R&D and are stacked in favour of the second Projects would be time limited, goal innovation more effectively. Without customer, not the brave first one. orientated and selected through a the ability to create and retain high- One way of using procurement to competitive process. This process quality, knowledge-intensive jobs and drive innovation is to offer challenge would both provide opportunities for the innovative businesses that funds to stimulate industry and funding beyond established research develop and apply new technology, universities to come up with communities and companies and our economy and well-being will innovative solutions to important attract public attention. Establishing suffer. national problems. The Longitude Act the IPA would raise the profile of So when invited me 1714 famously offered a reward to STEM in society and show how it can to chair a Conservative policy task- anyone who could come up with an contribute to a better quality of life force to examine future policy on accurate method of determining for all. science, technology, engineering and longitude. Such an approach could It is important to understand that we mathematics (STEM), I was delighted be used today to develop, for are not proposing a diminution of the to accept. With the help of a group of example, viable wave power schemes importance or resources of “blue distinguished colleagues from across or affordable desalination. skies” research. What we want to do business, the universities and politics A second bridge between invention is to raise the status of those who we have published two reports so far. and innovation can be built by better find viable applications for ideas It has long been recognised that there focusing some of the resources arising from research or who can turn is a gap between invention and Government devotes to research and such ideas into products valued by innovation; that is, between the time development. The best way to do that customers. In many cases, this when a new idea is shown to be would be to take the Labour should enhance the esteem of possible and the time when it has Government’s Technology Strategy engineers in this country. been shown to be viable. Research Board (TSB) and transform it into Having examined how the UK funds, from Government or industry, something bolder and more effective. Government can better stimulate support invention; venture capital We believe that there should be an innovation, my group is now turning supports applied innovation. There is Innovative Projects Agency (IPA) that its attention to the anti-science little in the middle. Those inventions uses targeted resources on specific culture in Britain. Many of the that make it might rely on years of projects. The budget of £1 billion passionate unfunded work. We would come not just from the TSB problems with science education believe that Government can tackle but also from the DTI’s innovation derive from cultural barriers that the gap between invention and programmes, the science aspects of discourage young people from innovation in two ways. the regional development agencies studying STEM subjects. Distrust of science is a major problem at a time The first thing Government can do is and some re-allocated from the existing Research Councils. Such an when science has never been more to make better use of the £150 crucial to our economy and society. billion a year it spends on goods and agency would ensure that when the market could not respond quickly to The international dimension and how services. The concept that we are science policy should be made in developing is to shift the emphasis of scientific and technological change, governmental support for innovation there was an effective mechanism for Whitehall and Westminster are the from input (subsidising embryonic the state to ensure that someone did. two remaining areas of our work. ideas) to output (procuring effective All IPA projects would bring together This is an exciting time to be looking solutions to society’s needs). Instead those who have ideas with those who at future science and technology of offering capital, the Government can see a use for a product (or policy. I am confident that the group could offer the much more effective service) that will come from I am privileged to lead will continue incentive of revenue – what developing the original discovery. to develop new ideas for future innovators lack are customers, Our vision is of an IPA that would be Conservative policy.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 1 Sir Ian Lloyd 1921-2006 A tribute by Sir John Osborn

Preface: A personal interest in Energy, being a member of Appreciation the Parliamentary Group on Energy Studies formed in 1980, and serving I have known and worked with Sir on the Select Committee (1979-89). Ian Lloyd for over 40 years, and we He was a prominent supporter of have been life members of the Nuclear Power. Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. We have had many Sir Ian joined the P&SC in 1965. He mutual interests. He has done much was Vice President (1984-87), deputy to promote the understanding of Chairman (1988-90) and became Science and Technology, especially President in 1990, leading a amongst fellow politicians, and in delegation to China in 1991. Government. Following a brief period as editor in 1997, he has been a regular I well remember his vision of over contributor to Science in Parliament, thirty years ago, when he predicted reviewing “Chernobyl – Catastrophe that containerisation would become a and Consequences” just before his dominating aspect of the transport of death. He concluded that the authors goods by land and sea. It was an “Have effectively demolished any interest that concerned us both. He excuse for publishing any nonsense on was Economic Advisor to British and the topic of Nuclear Power”. Commonwealth Shipping (1956-83), together at the 7th Conference in and Chairman of the Conservative He worked closely with Sir Trevor Ottawa in 1990. I had set in hand the Skeet and Sir Gerard Vaughan in 1986 Parliamentary Shipping and arrangements with a Canadian MP but Shipbuilding Committee (1974-77). to set up the P&SC Science and by 1990 we had both retired. He Technology Working Group. One aim The impact of the computer and IT invited Ian Lloyd, who was leading was to set up a British version of the was also of importance to us at the the UK delegation, and me to have Office of Technology Assessment in same time. I chaired a P&S committee lunch in the dining room of the Washington, which they visited. By which reported in 1968 on “The Canadian Parliament. When we asked 1988 briefs were being sent out on Collection, Dissemination, Storage, how it was possible for a former key issues to members of the Lords, and Retrieval of Scientific and Canadian MP to have access to Commons, and the European Technological Information”. It foresaw “Parliament Hill”, he explained that he Parliament by the Parliamentary Office the role of the computer in was President of the Canadian of Science and Technology (POST), of Information Technology and the Association of Former which Sir Ian was the first Chairman. impact of the memory and random Parliamentarians, recognised in an Act access but for the next fifteen years it of the Canadian Parliament. Ian Lloyd Some other highlights of was impossible to forecast the was on the Services Select Committee, the Life of Sir Ian Lloyd implication of it all. The P&SC, an all and was so briefed by our Canadian Born on 30th May 1921 in , party IT Committee, and a host that he was able to insert the he was educated in , Conservative Committee chaired by appropriate amendments into the attending Natal-Witwatersrand Ernest Marples were interested in 1992 Services Bill. Former MPs now University. He read Science at Kings developments. Sir Ian was the driving have passes to give them access to College, Cambridge, becoming force behind the founding of PITCOM many parts of the Palace of President of the Union in 1947. He in 1981. I had always used secretaries, Westminster. There is an Association returned to South Africa and was typists, and a variety of office machine of Former MPs, backed by the Speaker economic advisor to the Central operators, but he insisted that in the Michael Martin, who has hosted Mining and Investment Corporation next century all senior officials in reunions in the Speaker’s House. They until 1949, entering the South African Government, civil servants, MPs, and number 350, but many more Former Board of Trade and Industries. He top executives would have to operate MPs have been granted passes since resigned in 1955, because of a their own computers and word the Services Act of 1992. “profound disagreement with processors in order to hold down their ”. posts. Another prediction that is Sir Ian Lloyd’s Contribution to Science and Technology, In 1957 he moved to , surely true. becoming MP for Langstone- He was a member of the UK including the Parliamentary in 1964. Boundary delegation to the Assemblies of the and Scientific Committee redistribution created contests, but he Council of Europe and Western With the Council of Europe he continued in Havant & Waterloo, and European Union and served on their undertook a survey of the use of then Havant until he retired in 1992. Science and Technology Committees computers in European Institutions; He married Frances Addison in 1951 (1968-72). I followed him, to learn this survey took him to the USA and and they had three sons. He was that his original and thought- Canada, which enabled him to take an knighted in 1986. provoking work there was greatly active role in the All Party IT He displayed considerable vision and valued. Committee formed in 1979. He joined was a distinguished back-bencher, We both took part in many European the Select Committee on Science in who made an outstanding Parliamentary and Scientific 1975, and was concerned with contribution to many aspects of Conferences, and by chance we were Scientific Innovation. He took a deep Science and Technology.

2 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 OPINION The European Research Council (ERC): Putting Excellence at the Heart of European best, already established investigators Science Policy through Advanced Investigator Grants (AG). To make a difference, they will average €1.5m and €3.0m, respectively Professor Fotis C Kafatos, over 5 years. All fields of science, technology and scholarship are eligible; ERC President and Chairman of the Scientific Council excellence will be the sole criterion, permitting overseas investigators to be The Origins committee of European scientific leaders grant holders if they come to Europe. To to identify the members of the ERC’s keep flexibility, the review panels will In 2000 European Commissioner P Scientific Council (ScC) amongst some decide the funding levels which the Busquin enunciated the European 400 nominations from learned societies, investigator can re-budget subsequently. Research Area (ERA) concept. In 2001 academies and national research The grants will be portable, allowing prominent European scientists debated councils. Poto˘cnik accepted the investigators to move with these funds at the Swedish Academy of Sciences committee’s 22-person proposal in full. within Europe, if their host proves whether Europe should invest more in Ever since, the (non-remunerated) ScC disappointing. We expect that StG will fundamental research, and in 2002, has served as the driver for the ERC, establish ca 200 new investigators pa, during its EU Presidency, Denmark even before being established formally some 1400 in 7 years; and that some organised a broad meeting on “Do we (which will occur in early 2007, 1700 AG grants will be funded during need a European Research Council?” To following the legal decisions for starting the same period. the surprise of many, the overwhelming FP7). We hope that through its policies, the response was YES. ERC will facilitate progress in enhancing Busquin then embraced ERC as a road The Rationale and Prospects the European research structures with a to ERA, and Director General A Mitsos One important reason for the ERC is light touch. correctly identified the inherent added that science and knowledge are at the We are comfortable being experimental value: competition for excellence at the heart of European civilisation – our and will monitor developments over European level. A high level advisory identity. Further, Europe can only time, making changes as required. group established by the Copenhagen compete as a Knowledge Society, based Provisionally we earmarked 15% of the meeting (lead by F Major) and another on the knowledge triangle: budget for Social Sciences and from ESF (lead by R Sykes) concurred Education/Research/Innovation. And it Humanities, 40% for Life Sciences and with arguments. In August 2004 a large is a triangle; investment in research 45% for Physical and Engineering number of leading scientists signed the excellence is an imperative, not an Sciences, the rough average in research- manifesto of the grass-root “Initiative for option. We must generate, attract and intensive areas of the world, but Science in Europe” in support of the retain top research talent by depending on high-quality proposal ERC (Science 305, 1327). The new modernising our research system; invest numbers we may re-examine this European Commission, in which J consistently across our narrow borders distribution. The StG evaluation panels Poto˘cnik replaced P Busquin, in a globalised world; encourage the have been designed not on a narrow incorporated an autonomous ERC for young by establishing attractive career disciplinary basis, but by mixing related frontier research in its April 2005 paths and a competitive Champions disciplines to facilitate consideration of Framework Programme 7 proposal with League for setting standards, as in boundary-crossing proposals. We invited a budget that was ultimately agreed at football. eminent scientists to serve on them, and € 7.51b over 7 years. Some feared that a Since October 2005 the ScC has interpret the unprecedented high rate of Commission-established Executive developed our strategy and made critical acceptance as a gratifying token of the Agency would compromise autonomy, decisions. To avoid a fatal split between community’s trust in the ERC. Whilst but an EA was accepted because of strategy development and we are focusing on the individual Poto˘cnik’s strong commitment to ERC implementation, we created an ERC investigator’s excellence, we are aware of autonomy and the pragmatic Board with our Chair and Vice-Chairs, the importance of critical mass in requirement for speed. the Director of the EA and our research, and will be monitoring with At that stage, a Slovenian and two experienced Secretary-General E-L interest the impact of the ERC in British political leaders were Winnacker. We selected a clear and restructuring the European research instrumental in securing support by the compelling strategy to address to landscape. We expect that the StGs will European Council. Lord Sainsbury, obvious gaps in Europe: by creating encourage proactive institutions to widely appreciated as Research Minister, Starting Independent Researcher Grants create poles of excellence with fresh supported the ERC despite contrary (StG) for exceptional individual young recruitments, including from overseas. advice, because its focus on excellence scientists to become independent and We hope to encourage their pursuit of matched the UK’s long-standing vision. work where they choose, and by the three Rs: Recruit, Repatriate, Retain Poto˘cnik entrusted Lord Patten and his funding frontier research projects of the top talent.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 3 OPINION

Nuclear Energy

Giles Chichester MEP

t is abundantly clear to me that for me the fundamental truth is that capital cost of building a nuclear the case for nuclear energy does we keep on using more electricity power plant being high, the cost per Ineed to be made, repeatedly, and there can be no substitute for a kilowatt hour is one of the lowest both to inform the vast majority of 1000MW plant belting out power of all generating technologies over people who don't really know much 24/7. the full working life. Having a long about it and to counter the negative The fourth strength is the working life means it is possible to propaganda so passionately predictability of nuclear power amortize construction, de- promoted by opponents. So, I have output particularly by comparison commissioning, waste treatment made a list of pros and cons which with some alternatives such as wind and disposal costs over a longer helps me see the issues clearly. or tidal, never mind gas supplies period. Above all, it means prices My first advantage is the basic fact subject to arbitrary interruption and will be stable and predictable over of this technology creating a new dramatic volatility in price. the full working life. and additional source of energy. I The fifth strength is the operating It follows that I also think it cannot am no physicist so it seems all the safety record for nuclear power. be said too many times or more remarkable that so much Even that disaster the opponents emphasised too much that nuclear energy can be extracted from so love to mention, Chernobyl, has energy is cost competitive. Statistics small an amount of material in a actually had a positive effect in regularly compiled by the NEA way unimaginable a hundred years providing a stimulus for ever greater (OECD Nuclear Energy Agency) ago. attention to safety in Western underline this fact. Study after study The next strength is that nuclear reactors through the efforts of by reputable and independent energy is a well-proven and mature WANO, the World Association of bodies tell the same story. And new technology. 441 reactors operating Nuclear Operators, and WENRA, designs of the next generation of worldwide, some for over 50 years the Western European Nuclear reactors promise greater efficiency, and some licensed for 60 years Regulators Association. The lower costs and even better safety working life, make this point. This industry safety record stands well in with less waste product. The is not to denigrate other, newer comparison with those for oil, gas historic fact of some reactor types technologies because we need all and coal. turning out very expensive, and I the energy we can get but things Next, I come to security of supply can think of the go-it-alone AGR like hydrogen fuel cells have it all to derived from a proven technology technology we embraced in England prove while nuclear fission is well giving a reliable, consistent, for example, is against the trend, in established. predictable volume of output power a very small minority and should The third advantage lies in the bulk, over a very long working life. not be allowed to detract from the volume base load electricity Because the fuel component is a overall picture. generated by nuclear energy. Not relatively small part of overall cost, My ninth advantage is the excellent everyone sees large capacity power nuclear is much less vulnerable to long term return on investment plants as a plus in an age where the raw material price changes or prospects offered by nuclear energy. concepts of distributed, interrupted supplies. Just look at the USA where PWR's decentralised generation are on the My seventh advantage for nuclear, is licensed for 40 years operation are verge of becoming fashionable but long-term price stability. Despite the being re-licensed for a further 20

4 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 years and consider the financial it, for example. Yet all animal life the accusation that nuclear is too return that implies even after the has lived on earth for hundreds of expensive has been the most serious cost of updating improvements thousands and millions of years and effective argument used by required as a licensing condition. Of unaware of background radiation opponents and doubters alike. The course, a stable regulatory and from the ground. In Britain the only thing to say in addition to my market framework is essential, radiation the average person is remarks above about requiring politicians and officials to exposed to is 75% from background competitiveness is that we know a swear a self-denying ordinance to sources, 34% from medical and lot more now about these costs than leave things alone. This is difficult chemical sources and 1% from was the case twenty years ago. to imagine, but not beyond the man's uses in the nuclear industry, A different point has been made bounds of possibility! other industrial applications and about the security risks arising from My tenth advantage of nuclear fall-out from the testing and use of the vulnerability of nuclear power energy has only become apparent nuclear weapons. The challenge stations and spent fuel repositories since the emergence of climate remains to inform people about to some form of terrorist attack or change theory and concerns about this. theft of fissile material. I am not a the potentially dramatic impact on Chernobyl was like manna falling security expert and would not wish our environment of global warming. from heaven for the opponents of to speculate on what form of attack For some years now climatologists, nuclear energy. Never mind the facts and systems of defence might be or most of them, have identified of how it happened, the extent of involved, but if one considers the CO2 emissions from burning coal, the damage and the number of size and expense of plant required oil and gas for energy as the deaths and casualties this was a to re-process spent fuel or enrich principal culprit. Nuclear energy powerful, emotive argument that uranium then it seems to me the emits a negligible amount of carbon nuclear energy is dangerous, unsafe, only realistic threat would be from a over its full life cycle and a study by nasty and should never have been rogue state in cahoots with a the UK Government Energy invented. There is no doubt in my terrorist organisation. I think we Technology Support Unit highlights mind that those scientists and should put our trust in modern this advantage. The study calculates technicians who monkeyed around methods of intelligence and the amount of carbon per kilowatt with and over-rode all the safety surveillance to counter that risk. hour of electricity produced. The mechanisms to the point of The latest argument concerns the numbers are striking. Coal 955 precipitating the event have much availability of uranium. It goes grams, oil 828, gas 430, hydro and to answer for in terms of people’s something like this. There is only wind both 8 grams and nuclear a perceptions about safety. The only 30-40 years supply of uranium at mere 4 grams. answer can be full explanation the present rate of utilisation so coupled with complete openness there is no point in building any I now turn to the arguments against and availability of information from nuclear energy. more reactors. If a shortage appears the whole industry. Those who likely the price will rise and make Originally opponents linked the know have a duty to inform those deposits with lower concentration peaceful use of nuclear energy with who don't. viable for extraction. Other the military applications of fission Next, the complexity of the back responses include: re-processing and fusion, ie the bomb. This end of the fuel cycle allowed the spent fuel; fast breeder reactor played easily on people’s still widely held myth and technology; mox fuel fabrication; understandable fears about the perception that “nobody knows and more efficient reactor designs. mushroom clouds and the horrors what to do with radioactive waste” And by the time we have done all of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. to take hold. It clearly worries many that we may be on the threshold of Gradually over time I think people people who only hear the line about the fusion era. have come to accept that the nobody knows and do not go on to I make that ten arguments for and physics and engineering of using listen to answers giving the facts seven against with plenty of nuclear fission to generate electricity about decommissioning and the potential for debate. I want to see is fundamentally different and safe various options for engineered more public debate and but I believe an educational solutions. Yet again there is a crying dissemination of information challenge remains. need for information to be widely because I believe the case for safe, The next argument was also about disseminated. reliable, ultra low carbon emitting, exploiting people’s fears of the A related argument is that nuclear secure and competitive energy from unknown and unseen. Radiation, energy is expensive and nuclear can only benefit. Scientists, radioactivity can indeed be uncompetitive partly because of the politicians and industrialists must dangerous if not handled properly cost of construction, but mainly all contribute. We have a quality but so can that most innocuous because of extravagant estimates of and standard of life to safeguard as commodity water if you drink too the costs of decommissioning, waste well as global warming to cope with much of it or if you try walking on treatment and disposal. In my view, and time is short.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 5 Maintaining a world class higher education system Professor David Eastwood Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England

igher education in the experience, encouraging social is world inclusion, sustaining world-class class. It is an indispensable research and supporting the wider H roles of universities and colleges part of the competitive knowledge- based economy and a major force within the economy and society. for securing a democratic, civilised Uppermost in our mind is the need to maintain institutions’ autonomy, and inclusive society. Although it has only 1 per cent of and to identify policies and funding By any standards it is a high the world’s population, the UK methods which minimise burden, performing sector of which the carries out 5 per cent of world provide stability, and help to secure nation can be proud. Its many research and produces over 12 per the long-term sustainability, vitality achievements – in terms of research cent of all cited papers and almost and excellence of higher education. output, knowledge transfer, 13 per cent of papers with the increasing and widening In 2006-07 HEFCE will allocate highest impact. On average, UK participation, and quality of £6.7 billion in public funds to 275 scientists receive about 10 per cent learning and teaching – have been universities and colleges in England of internationally recognised science realised despite a real-terms to support high quality education, prizes. research and related activities. reduction of one-third in the unit of This places the UK second in the These include 132 higher education funding since 1989-90. Higher world in terms of percentage share institutions (88 universities, 2 education is also an international of citations and high impact general colleges, and 42 specialist business: it is worth £45 billion to research. While we recognise that institutions) and 143 directly the UK economy, based on a public the Government has made funded further education colleges investment of £15 billion, and significant steps in increasing providing higher education courses. generates £3.6 billion in gross investment in research and export earnings. We are committed to funding development over the past 10 years, Within this broad context HEFCE further growth in student numbers. UK success has occurred in spite of has a pivotal position in ensuring This is essential if we are to meet historically lower public and private that the country continues to have a the challenges of widening access, investment in research and higher education system to match increasing participation, and development than our leading the best in the world. We are and encouraging students to progress to competitors. higher education, which all remain will continue to be the largest single In 2006-07 HEFCE will distribute crucial to meeting the needs of funder. We are responsible for £1,342 million in recurrent funding students and employers and providing sound evidence-based for research. This funding is achieving national prosperity. advice to Government. allocated to institutions selectively We are also an influential partner A key feature of the next 10 years to support and reward excellence in with Government and with will be maintaining a dynamic, research of all kinds and in all universities and colleges in world-class research sector. We will subjects. We welcome the developing policies and spreading work with the Government, the Government’s continuing good practice to meet future Research Councils and other commitment, expressed in the pre- challenges. As a regulator we are funders to ensure that the UK’s budget statement, to the dual accountable for the proper use of record in creating new knowledge support system of public funding public funding, ensuring that higher and opening up new fields of for research. Our element of the education institutions are financially research is matched by dual support (the other being the healthy and well managed. achievements in applying them. Research Councils) is distributed as Our policies are focused on The UK has been exceptionally quality-related funding. It enhancing the quality of the student good at generating new knowledge. underpins the costs of the research

6 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 infrastructure and enables working much more closely with the problems. universities and colleges to support business. The surveys of We have a watching brief on the path-breaking blue skies research in interactions between higher potential national consequences accordance with their own education and business and the when institutions are considering priorities. community over the past five years the closure of courses or Since 1986 HEFCE, on behalf of the demonstrate the considerable departments. Acting with regional UK funding bodies, has periodically progress made in building partners, such as Regional assessed research quality through relationships with business, not Development Agencies, we are able the Research Assessment Exercise only in R&D, but also through to sustain disciplines of strategic (RAE). This peer review system consultancy and training. For importance in a region where an involves expert panels rating the example, the surveys highlight that individual institution’s decision may quality of research conducted in UK higher education institutions are have led to some decline. We also departments across the UK. In more successful than US institutions keep abreast of the data so that we addition to informing our grant in forming spin-out companies can understand trends over time in allocations, the RAE has been (even if at present UK institutions strategic subjects. generate proportionally less licence influential in driving up the quality We are acting to raise the income). We are supporting these of research and of research aspirations of young people to study activities in partnership with the management, and in benchmarking certain subjects, in collaboration Office of Science and Innovation, quality in an international context. with the Institute of Physics, the and will be distributing a total of In the December 2006 pre-budget Royal Society of Chemistry, The £234 million over two years from report the Government announced Royal Academy of Engineering and the Higher Education Innovation the development of a new other professional bodies in science, Fund to all the institutions we fund. framework for the assessment and technology, engineering and funding of research, to follow the Research, increasing links with mathematics (STEM subjects). We 2008 RAE. The new system will be business and a skilled workforce go are also working with the Research designed to reduce significantly the hand in hand in securing national Councils and the UK’s other higher operating cost and administrative prosperity. We welcome the report education funding bodies to sustain burden associated with the RAE, from the Leitch Review, which research capacity and capability in while still producing robust rightly sets targets which will areas that are of critical importance indicators that can be used to challenge higher education in to the nation. benchmark quality and to drive meeting the country's future needs Such demand-raising activity will HEFCE’s funding for research. We for higher level skills. Some take some time to deliver increases will now undertake the detailed expansion in higher education in student numbers. Therefore we work necessary to develop and should be delivered through a are helping universities and colleges implement the new framework, demand-led mechanism such as to maintain provision in those including consultation with the Train to Gain, a brokerage service subjects that are particularly sector. We will seek to ensure a designed to help businesses get the expensive to teach: chemistry, smooth transition to the new training and staff development that physics, chemical engineering, and arrangements, to be fully in place they need to succeed. We have mineral, metallurgy and materials by 2014. already established Higher Level engineering. We announced in Publicly-funded research Train to Gain pathfinders in three November 2006 that we would contributes significantly to regions, and we will roll these out provide an additional £75 million to industrial and economic growth, as nationally in the very near future. sustain capacity in these very high the business sector seizes We will explore with partners how cost subjects over the next three opportunities from the generation of to extend our support for years. Overall, we have committed knowledge. We recently announced universities and colleges in taking a nearly £250 million to supporting that we will allocate a portion of greater role in workforce and developing strategically quality-related research funds (£60 development, and increase their important and vulnerable subjects. million in 2007-08) to support and capacity to deliver the tailored With ever-increasing competition, encourage research that directly flexible courses that businesses and the challenge for the higher meets the needs of business and individuals need. education system in England is to industry. This new element of It is essential that disciplines and stay ahead. The introduction of HEFCE funding will provide the subjects that are of strategic variable fees is providing a much- incentives that universities and importance to the nation are needed stream of additional income. colleges need to seek commissions sustained and developed. Some Our approach will be to rely on a from the users of research for strategic subjects may be vulnerable combination of market forces and activities which are both high because of a mismatch between selective interventions to ensure the quality and directly responsive to supply and demand: action to English higher education sector their needs. support them needs to be maintains its leading global Universities and colleges are proportionate and tailor-made to position.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 7 Strategic Influence: My Vision for the RSC Dr Richard A Pike Chief Executive, Royal Society of Chemistry

he Royal Society of Chemistry The spirit in which we do this is (RSC) is one of the UK’s equally important. Our Royal leading science organisations Charter specifically requires us “to T serve the public interest”, and the with a global reach. This year, 2007, brings new challenges and RSC does this in its work with opportunities in a world where the Government, Parliament, the chemical sciences can contribute devolved bodies in Scotland and seek to nurture the core chemical constructive solutions to so many of Wales, the European Parliament and sciences, including supporting the the problems that we face. Commission, and with a wide range chemical sciences in chemistry- of other public and private bodies. using industries, promote and For example, take the current facilitate innovation, expand our Session of Parliament. MPs and We also see the RSC continuing to scientific footprint, enhance the Peers will be dealing with some of play an active part with the support for applied science, and the major issues facing the UK – Parliamentary and Scientific provide services to companies of all such as climate change, energy Committee, which does such a sizes. policy and the future shape of tremendous job in bringing science public expenditure to promote to Parliament. During the last few months we have innovation – and the role of science The last year brought significant engaged with Government over is absolutely vital and central to engagement between the RSC and energy and global warming, in each of these issues. Government, in developing the particular, and contributed to changes in legislation in other fields The scientific community, of which Chemistry Innovation Knowledge within both the UK and EU. the RSC is a key part, wants to be Transfer Network (CIKTN), and fully engaged in the public and launching the Chemistry For Our The RSC is in a unique position to parliamentary debates on these and Future (CFOF) initiative to improve bring together its academic and other issues. curriculum development and industrial component parts, and we teaching. We also highlighted the want to invest, in a prioritised way, My vision for the RSC is to develop adverse funding gap between in our many subject and interest our strategic influence. income and expenditure in teaching groups to broaden RSC involvement As an organisation, the RSC does a laboratory-based subjects at in the chemical sciences and related remarkable job in many different university, and this resulted in topics, including the life sciences. areas, and as its Chief Executive I further governmental commitment Encourage the Study and want to weld all these strands over the next three years. We have together into an effective and Teaching of the Chemical also broadened our contact with Sciences efficient whole. industrial leaders, and see the Our key priorities, as we look engagement of key decision-makers The educational work of the RSC is ahead, can be stated very simply: right across society as vital for the probably its most enduring future prosperity of the country. contribution to the cause of science. Influence the Decision We encourage the study, and Makers Broaden Our Science Base enhance the teaching, of the We want to ensure that the RSC is Chemistry is an enabling and chemical sciences at all levels, from influential in a world where there is expanding science that underpins so the primary to tertiary sectors. This enormous competition for attention many different fields. We want to means securing the role of in every area of public life. We seek promote the importance of chemistry in a modernised school to participate in, and influence, chemistry to energy, materials, the curriculum and augmenting the science and education policy environment, sustainability, food supply and capability of teachers. discussions across the UK and and health, identifying it as the key We will continue to lobby for within the EU, and be recognised as science in addressing future global improved teacher training while for a key source of expertise and advice issues and offering business our part we will continue to provide on the chemical sciences. opportunities in these sectors. We RSC-managed inset training and

8 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 opportunities for scientists to established reputations for building new partnerships with consider a career change to excellence. We seek to build upon emerging economies – especially in teaching. our international reputation by Asia. We aim to refine our It will be essential that this is linked improving our service to authors international strategy, taking to university education, and to the and subscribers, adding value to our account both of country overall needs of industry and existing products and developing characteristics, and the competition society at large. The RSC already innovative ones to serve new areas that we face, and place our priority plays a key role in accrediting of science. As science continues to on our commercial and high-level degree and training courses to expand, we are targeting to produce networking activities (including, support this. new or enhanced journal and book where appropriate, formal co- titles to cover emerging areas of the membership arrangements) in Enhance Our Membership chemical and related sciences. This Europe, China, India, Singapore, The RSC has over 44,000 members activity will increasingly link with South Africa, Japan and Brazil. in all its various categories our other roles in education and the There are also great opportunities (including over 1,000 school wider promotion of science and for developing our educationally- children), and we aim – like any technology. The last year saw our based activities elsewhere, in modern organisation – to make monthly magazine Chemistry World support of teaching and promoting membership worthwhile and acclaimed as the best in its class of science. beneficial. Old-fashioned notions of professional journalism. Improve Our Governance what “chemistry” comprises need to Improve Our Channels of be discarded. We strive to become As a registered charity, with an Communication increasingly relevant, receptive and annual turnover of around £30 responsive to a broader range of Every modern forward-looking million, and extensive member- chemical scientists across the UK, organisation needs to pay special based activities supported by over the EU and internationally. Our attention to the way it 300 staff at two sites (London and objective is to develop and enhance communicates, both internally and Cambridge), it is always important current networking opportunities externally. We seek to enhance the to have the best governance and activities to support members, perception and image of the possible, especially now that bringing together the local, the chemical sciences and its “science” has at last been included academic and the industrial practitioners amongst our own formally as a definition in the networks that exist all over the UK. members, the international scientific Charities Act 2006. We are already This will also improve synergies in community and the general public. implementing a new governance addressing key issues. A good relationship between the structure fit for the challenges of the world of science and that of society 21st Century, and the provision of Promote Professionalism at large is vital to both. This calls the necessary resources and and Ethics for more effective listening, frameworks to deliver effectively The RSC is responsible for insightful comment that captures our new strategic plan. important professional qualifications the imagination, and conveying Invest in Our Staff and which are the bedrock of the RSC’s information that is relevant to the Volunteers scientific and other expertise. We needs of society. seek to promote our professional Finally, the RSC depends for its Develop Our Partnerships qualifications, as well as best effectiveness upon its own staff and practice, in the chemical sciences Science is international, and no volunteers. We know that if we are and encourage members to scientific society can be effective to deliver our strategy, we need to develop our staff capacity and participate in Continuing without developing partnerships with support our volunteer network. Professional Development (CPD). its scientific “neighbours” – both at This will involve training We also want to secure our home and abroad. We must build programmes and development members’ rights to practise their national and international alliances to initiatives to enhance the profession by influencing European further the impact of the chemical competencies of our staff. and national legislation and sciences and its practitioners. We aim standards and professional mobility. to build on partnerships with other The RSC is a tremendously dynamic At the same time, it is important professional and learned societies, organisation which covers a that we continue to uphold the and trade associations, within the surprisingly wide range of activities: highest ethical standards. UK. This multi-disciplinary approach scientific, publishing, educational, will help deliver the solutions needed professional, learned, public and Expand Our Publishing in an increasingly complex society parliamentary. The more effective Activity like ours. and efficient we are, the greater the Publishing is a vital part of the life We already have good relationships strategic leadership we can offer. of the RSC, and our journals (23 in with chemical societies from the We are a scientific society on the all) have well-deserved and well- developed world. We are now move.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 9 Research Council Support for Knowledge Transfer

Professor Philip Esler

lobalisation is both a process my own domain in the arts and published its report on 14 July 2006. and a precipitator of humanities. We are clear that the Similar themes emerged from the turbulent change. It is one of benefits to the economy are derived two exercises. The Research G from the full spectrum of our the key challenges facing the UK in Councils had pivotal roles, both as coming decades. In order to create investments. funding bodies and as leaders of the and maintain the highly skilled, With this scale of activity, it is research base and had made great knowledge-based economy that will appropriate that the Government strides in increasing the impact of allow this country to thrive when looks to us as central contributors to their investment, but there was other countries can undertake the establishment of the UK as a more that could be done. For manufacturing so cheaply we need world-leading knowledge based example: to harness the world-leading economy. It is also right that our • There was scope for more co- research in our universities and activities are open to close scrutiny ordination between Councils and research institutes. As the and the early part of 2006 saw two there needed to be greater Chancellor reminded us in his major exercises. leadership within the Councils. statement on his Pre-Budget Report, The House of Commons Science “Economies like ours have no choice • There needed to be greater and Technology Committee looked national co-ordination of but to out-innovate and out-perform at Research Council Support for competitors by the excellence of our knowledge transfer and the Knowledge Transfer. Its report was Research Councils had a science and education.”1 published on 15 June 2006. In significant role in bringing the With a combined budget of around parallel, Sir Keith O’Nions, the main players together. £2.6 billion, the Research Councils Director General of Science and • Research Councils needed to comprise the largest single funder in Innovation, invited a group of increase their engagement with the UK research base. We currently Research Council chief executives, users and their requirements must support around 50,000 researchers senior academics and business be fully considered when on 18,000 grants and each year people, to form an Economic Impact determining funding priorities almost 7,000 doctorates are awarded Group, led by Peter Warry, the as a result of our funding. Research Chairman of the Particle Physics and • Research Councils needed to Councils will therefore play a Astronomy Research Council, to evaluate the impact of their significant role in meeting Mr advise him on how Research knowledge transfer schemes and Brown’s challenge, funding the Councils can deliver – and of the impact of their investments. social, environmental and life demonstrate they are delivering – a The Research Councils are willing to sciences, through to chemistry, major increase in the economic take up these challenges, working physics and engineering, as well as impact of their investments. It together through Research Councils UK (RCUK), the strategic Knowledge transfer by the Research Councils partnership of the eight Councils. We have set up a new high level • Co-operation in education and training at masters and doctoral strategic cross-Council group, level. We will spend £83 million this year on collaborative training. chaired by myself to drive the This includes awards for some 3,000 PhD students who are being trained collaboratively. The scheme involves over 500 companies necessary changes. While there are and users range from Reebok UK to BP to county councils. differences in Research Councils’ knowledge transfer activities, • People and knowledge flow. Through a range of schemes, we aim depending on remit and the level of to fund researchers to work in industry or government for a period. intramural research, there is the • Collaborative research with users. Next year we expect to spend potential for greater learning from £260 million on collaborative research. one another’s experience and for • Commercialisation including IP exploitation and entrepreneurial rationalisation and joint branding. activities. We aim to maximize the opportunities from the research We aim to report on the options in in our institutes and encourage entrepreneurial activity in autumn 2007. universities. 1. HC Deb, 6 Dec 2006, Col 306

10 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 A new national forum will enhance done economic impact studies for co-ordination with partners two Research Councils and we are Some success stories including higher education and working to apply this approach More than 14 million people were research institutions; the four UK glued to BBC2 when Arts and across all eight. Humanities Research Council award Funding Councils; users of the Generating the data is only one part holders lifted the lid on the Lost research in the private, public and of demonstrating the impact of our World of Mitchell and Kenyon. voluntary sectors; and organisations investments; it also requires effective Thousands more turned up to touring such as the Regional Development exhibitions throughout the country, Agencies that play a role in communication. Some of the the book sold out, and the DVD has mediating between the researchers criticism that has been levelled sold almost 20,000 copies. against the Research Councils in and other users. RCUK will enable Research funded by the sharing of best practice across the relation to knowledge transfer and Biotechnology and Biological Research Councils and among economic impact in the last couple Sciences Research Council led to a higher education institutions in of years stems from our failure vaccine that protects chickens collaboration with other adequately to tell our success against the disease coccidiosis, and stakeholders. stories. We believe that better of which around eight million doses are sold annually worldwide. All the Councils have a mechanism communication with our by which research users can stakeholders of our activities and Oxensis, a spinout company from the Council for the Central Laboratory of influence their strategies. To successes will not only correct negative impressions but also create the Research Councils, is developing improve these channels, we will be advanced instrumentation for gas commissioning a pilot user survey to a more positive environment in turbines in the aviation and power be conducted by about the middle which to achieve our aims. sectors; this is designed to achieve of 2007. We anticipate that such Research Councils will play a pivotal major reductions in greenhouse gas role in ensuring that all those with a emissions as well as considerable surveys will be undertaken regularly fuel savings. in the future, providing valuable stake in the success of the UK data to the Research Councils research base are pulling in a A hi-tech ‘watermark’ that can show individually and collectively. common direction. By achieving whether a digital image has been tampered with has been developed Demonstrating the impact of our this, the UK can achieve its potential by researchers funded by the investments and the effectiveness of to be a dynamic and successful Engineering and Physical Sciences our knowledge transfer programmes knowledge economy. That will prove Research Council. This has is a major challenge for the Research that for us globalisation proved an applications in legal cases where opportunity and not a threat. CCTV footage or digital images are Councils, and indeed for research used as evidence. funders the world over. We are Professor Philip Esler is Chief Executive determined to be at the forefront of of the Arts and Humanities Research Work undertaken by the Economic Council. And Chair of the Research and Social Research Council’s world efforts to demonstrate the Violence Research Programme has economic impact of funded Councils UK Knowledge Transfer and enabled the Metropolitan Police to research. PriceWaterhouse has now Economic Impact Group. better decide which domestic violence 999 calls require the fastest response. Business Plan Competition Medical Research Council trials in The RCUK Business Plan Competition provides researchers who Africa of a vaccine against have ideas with commercial potential the skills, knowledge and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) support needed to develop a first-rate business plan. This is provided have shown how the lives of through expert trainers, coaches and mentors. The competition hundreds of thousands of children provides the opportunity to win funds to help with the development of can be saved worldwide each year. business ideas. The 2006 winner, announced in December, was Hib infection is a major cause of Warwick Warp (http://www.warwickwarp.co.uk/), which is developing pneumonia and meningitis. a highly accurate fingerprint identification technology for use in Natural Environment Research personal ID cards, passports and access control systems. It is not Council-funded research at the just the winners who benefit. All the entrants benefit from expert University of Nottingham has used guidance on how to make their research a commercial success. the Research Councils’ Follow-on Fund to develop a revolutionary www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/fundingkt/bpc/ technique called hydropyrolysis that Warwick Warp, a spin-out company will be valuable in oil exploration and from the University of Warwick, display the detection of steroid abuse. the 2006 Research Council Business Plan Competition trophy. Warwick Warp Particle Physics and Astronomy is developing a unique software-based Research Council-funded fingerprint identification system which researchers at Cambridge University is substantially more reliable and also have set up a company Geometrics, faster than those currently available. to apply a geometric algebra theory Warwick Warp's technology can be to the computer games industry. The incorporated into identity cards and technology rapidly calculates how biometric passports - and so could help combat crimes such as identity theft, light and shade fall on objects as social security fraud, people trafficking they move producing more realistic and terrorism. images.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 11 State of Science UK Political rhetoric about the health of the UK science base does not match the reality, according to Prospect’s survey of almost 1,000 scientists and technologists

ore than four in 10 results, said: “In a climate in which with their opportunities to working scientists are scientific skills are in increasingly publish research Meither unsure they will be short supply, this seepage of talent • one in four cannot make enough able to stay in science or certain must be a major concern.” contact with others in the same they will leave. field of research. That is the key finding of a State of Why are so many planning Science survey, undertaken at the to drop out of science? Chasing the money, instead end of 2006 by the scientists’ union One major cause of career of doing science Prospect, which reveals a huge level dissatisfaction leaps out from the Whatever the Government and of anxiety about their personal figures: a dramatic decline in industry may say about putting future among both public and promotion opportunities, reported more money into research and private sector scientists. The figure by more than half of all respondents development, that’s not the is all the more disturbing when compared to just 7 per cent who experience of Prospect members. more than three quarters of all say they have increased. This More than two in three of all respondents – 77 per cent – say decline has taken place in the last respondents – and 63 per cent of they would prefer to stay in science. five years, pointing to accelerating those in the private sector – report A total of 952 members from both pressures as round after round of that their team’s work has been public and private sectors cutbacks, relocations, reviews and affected by funding cuts over the responded to the union’s survey, contracting out take their toll of job past five years. Fewer than one in using a questionnaire on the opportunities. five have not been affected by cuts, Prospect website or printed in its Younger respondents were more and the number voicing concern members’ magazine. Overall, just 58 upbeat in their assessment as were over this issue rises with age, per cent of respondents say they respondents from the private sector: probably reflecting additional expect to stay in science, with a 12 per cent of those under 35 and managerial responsibilities acquired slightly higher level of confidence 11 per cent from the private sector with seniority. among the private sector (62 per reported an increase in promotion The consequence of this financial cent) than the public sector (57 per opportunities. But overall, 51 per squeeze is that large numbers of cent). The reason why 42 per cent cent of members say promotions scientists have to chase funding for are fearful for the future has nothing have declined – easily outweighing science rather than doing science. A to do with the nature of the work. any other issue of concern. quarter of all scientists now spend An encouraging 70 per cent find one day of each working week their work interesting, and 78 per Next on the list of personal gripes is pay. Thirty-five per cent of trying to secure funding, and one in cent consider they are working at an ten respondents spend a staggering appropriate skill level. respondents say they are dissatisfied with their rate of pay, and that 20-50 per cent of their time seeking But a significant group expect to be dissatisfaction rises with age. But funds. Again, these pressures forced out through redundancy or professional issues are almost as increase with age. early retirement, while a desire for important: These new patterns of funding better pay and conditions is the • one in three scientists does not come at a price. Seven in ten say most common reason cited for that the limited duration of project wanting to leave. Others are low believe they have opportunities to influence the nature of their work funding interferes with the quality morale; lack of confidence in the of science undertaken. This trend is long-term prospects for their • lack of training is a major consistent across both public and organisation; better career demotivator, rated as insufficient private sectors. Almost half of those progression; more control over their by 28 per cent of respondents surveyed report that the proportion own work; and more family-friendly • more than one in four say they do of core funding for their work has employment. not have the opportunity to decreased over the past five years, Sue Ferns, head of Prospect develop their own ideas making it less secure. Over the same research who analysed the survey • almost as many are dissatisfied period, nearly two-thirds of

12 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 respondents report an increase in impacted negatively on their ability management roles. This is reflected the volume of work, in part because to provide independent advice in in pay and status within the “budget constraints have resulted in the public interest, including 8 per organisation and the absence of any fewer staff to do the same amount cent who simply don’t do it any more. scientists from the senior of work as before.” This problem is As one respondent noted: “The management team.” widespread across the private sector continual push towards privatising The figures show that it would be (52 per cent) as well as the public public sector science is wrong to paint a uniformly grim sector, though a higher proportion undermining the independence it picture of UK science today. But its in industry have seen their work was set up to achieve. If it is not world-class reputation will be lost volume fall (17 per cent, compared stopped soon there will not be unless it is valued and nurtured by to 8 per cent in the public sector). enough left to save.” In the words of decision-makers, said Sue Ferns. Has your team’s work been another: “Government is making a “Prospect is not opposed to change affected by cuts in funding over business out of something that is and this is not an anti-science the last five years? (%) not naturally so.” Government – far from it. But the Yes 68 No 17 Have you ever been asked to tailor your research conclusions or resulting advice to: (%) Don’t know 13 All Public Sector Private Sector Suit the customer’s preferred outcome 17 15 20 Does the limited duration of project funding interfere with the Obtain further contracts 8 6 14 quality of science? (%) Discourage publication 3 3 3 Yes 68 Never been asked 75 No 27

1 in 4 is asked to doctor The future in jeopardy voices of those who are best their findings Despite all the frustrations, qualified to comment should give Exactly one in every four scientists remain dedicated to the us all cause for concern. Prospect is respondents to the Prospect survey work they do and maintain a strong bound to conclude that there is a has been asked to tailor their commitment to the public interest. strategic failure across Government to take on the key responsibility of research findings or advice – and Two thirds of all respondents would care for the national science base. these pressures are greatest in the advise their own children to pursue private sector. a career in science and technology, “If the Prime Minister is serious about encouraging more people to The same proportion reports that it though disenchantment increases take up science, he must also is difficult to maintain with age and is higher in the public answer why they should do so independence from their sponsor, than the private sector. Respondents when jobs are limited, poorly paid and this has been a consistent give a sense of being caught and highly competitive. finding of Prospect science surveys between their own enjoyment of for the past 15 years. Usually science and the reality of working in “Our survey demonstrates that scientists are asked to tailor their it. One said: “I would advise my while newer entrants still have a findings to suit the customer’s children to become well educated reasonably positive outlook, the preferred outcome, but often they about science, but it is honestly reality is that many people can only have to do so to obtain further difficult to recommend it as a career stay in science if they make contracts or to discourage choice. My experience is that personal sacrifices and work very publication. Equally disturbing is careers that involve working in a long hours. However much the PM that half of all respondents say that laboratory or making calculations might wish it, this is not the way to contracting out or privatisation have are seen as less valuable than build the path to the future.”

For more information about the survey or Prospect please contact the communications department on 020 7902 6607 or visit the website at www.prospect.org.uk Prospect is a trade union representing 102,000 scientific, technical, managerial and specialist staff in public service, related bodies and major companies. It is the main union for scientists in the public sector, with members ranging from chief scientific adviser to laboratory technician, spanning government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 13 HOW CAN SCIENCE HELP TO SAVE THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT? MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY, 23RD OCTOBER The effort to protect and preserve marine life is the "second biggest environmental challenge the world faces after climate change" – Ben Bradshaw, Fisheries Minister, on the Today programme. The oceans have been under attack from a massive influx of carbon dioxide and toxic elements derived from burning fossil fuels since the beginning of the industrial revolution. The Marine Bill currently in preparation will attempt to address and reconcile the multitude of overlapping and conflicting interests of government departments, devolved administrations, public bodies, defence, energy from renewables, oil and gas, environmental, fishing, shipping, ports, aggregates and recreation. The UK is the world- leading centre of marine renewables technology and home to the greatest concentration of wave and tidal stream technology developers with plans for offshore power generation. Scientific advice on effective environmental monitoring and fisheries management is an essential basis for a sustainable marine fisheries policy. How then can science help to provide a rational basis for preservation in the longer term of the marine environment combined with effective economic management of this strategic resource on which we all ultimately depend?

How can Science Help Protect the Marine Environment? Professor Edward Hill Director, National Oceanography Centre,

he marine environment is the proposed Maritime Policy) is be proportionate to the risks posed; subject of growing public presently being negotiated. In the consistently applied; transparent Tinterest. It is now widely UK, the proposed “Marine Bill” is and defendable in its underlying recognised that the oceans are part of the Government’s proposed basis, and is targeted on the real integral to the regulation of our response to this wider call for a issues. A robust scientific planet as the major reservoirs of more integrated approach to marine underpinning gives the best carbon and heat, and so regulation which has for some time prospect of challenging vested understanding our oceans is key to been perceived as complex and interests, winning public confidence better prediction of future climate confusing. for unpopular measures that may be scenarios. We also expect that the The underlying vision is that of required and enabling those whose largest impacts on people arising achieving sustainable development, role is to enforce measures to from climate change will be the namely striving for a balance demonstrate their accountability. increased exposure to flood risk between social, economic and The fundamental context for from the sea. environmental considerations whilst management of the marine There is a progressive international ensuring that we live within environment is global change, trend towards more integrated environmental limits. A move including climate change. Our policies for maritime activities and towards an “ecosystem-based” planet is out of range compared to the marine environment (eg approach to management of human its natural “self regulating state” Australia’s Ocean Policy; Canada’s activities in the marine environment before human influence. In the 21st Oceans Act 1997; USA’s Oceans Act is a common thread through all century marine science is 2000). The European Commission proposals. fundamentally concerned with is presently consulting on a broad- The result should lead to much decadal scale variability (and the ranging Maritime Policy Green more sophisticated approaches to science integral to observing on Paper. The Marine Thematic management of the marine these scales) and its interaction with Strategy Directive (intended as the environment. Any regulation must shorter and longer time scale environmental pillar of the be based on robust science if it is to phenomena in the marine

14 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 environment. We increasingly view and regulations such as those under routes and linkages established to the marine environment as part of consideration in the UK and Europe ensure that timely, broadly based the larger earth system. There is include: independent science input feeds consequently strong interest in the identifying and filling key into the policy process (IPCC for interfaces between the ocean and knowledge gaps; the seas). other parts of the earth system investigating the non-linearities It is noted that in developing new (land-ocean, atmosphere-ocean and (possible “tipping points”) in the legislation and regulation, the UK ice-ocean interactions). marine system; seeks to apply the following tests. Is Within this context the key roles for contributing to developing a the measure (a) proportionate – science are three fold: definition of “good environmental relative to risk; (b) accountable – gain deeper understanding of status” that is more than just a can decisions can be justified fundamental earth system processes “value judgement by society” and objectively; (c) consistent – joined- (so we know what is going on); one that can be turned into a sound up and fair, (d) transparent – open develop better prediction and basis for effective monitoring and and user friendly (e) targeted – scenario testing systems (models) assessment and recognises the focused on the real problems. and sustained and properly inherent variability in natural Robust science, well communicated, specified global and regionally systems; can provide the evidence and information base necessary to observing systems – so we are more designing, optimising and reviewing continually aware of changes in the support the above objectives by the effectiveness of monitoring underpinning sensible, defensible earth system – and can predict what programmes; might happen next; risk-based approaches. developing novel technologies for inform and guide public policy, In the UK, Europe and globally the reliable measurements in the parts marine science community is regulation and management and of the marine system that matter; help find the innovative solutions becoming progressively more “self providing the techniques to include and opportunities to live and do organised” as it strives to rise to the the fourth dimension (time) into business in a changing world. major challenges ahead through marine spatial planning systems; more coordinated approaches and Sustained observation is central to developing next-generation address the science challenges that the science of decadal variability – if modelling and simulation tools for cannot be undertaken by a single the object of 20th century marine spatial planning and institution or nation on its own. For (environmental) science was to ecosystem based management; example, in the UK, seven major understand better the processes at marine science institutions have work on our planet, then the goal of putting the marine system in its wider earth system context with joined forces to develop “Oceans 21st century science is to enable us 2025” a 5-year programme of to be more continually aware of those better knowledge of the key earth system interfaces; strategic research to run from 2007- processes. This is because living on 2012, funded by the Natural a planet that is well outside its horizon scanning, evaluating and Environment Research Council normal range of behaviour than has rapidly communicating to policy- (www.oceans2025.org). Oceans prevailed for all human existence, makers new knowledge (eg ocean 2025 will address the key science and probably much longer, calls for acidification was not fully challenges outlined above, us to be much more in tune with appreciated until a couple of years embracing knowledge transfer to changes taking place so we can ago); the wider stakeholder community, rapidly assess their significance and In order to be effective the role that and provide the basic underpinning adapt and respond accordingly. science can play in the policy to ensure that the best UK science is The key roles for marine science in making process must be available to protect our marine helping formulate practical policy acknowledged and well structured environment.

The big science challenges: Climate variability and long-term change (now the context for all long term management) The role of the oceans in fundamental earth system (the earth’s life support systems) Marine biodiversity and ecosystem function (the diversity of life) The deep oceans and continental margins (where life on earth originated, but the last frontier to be explored) Coastal and shallow continental shelf seas (our backyard) Natural hazards (all disasters are global in a global economy) Environment and human health (health of people and the environment are intertwined) Pollution and waste (a problem solved or a legacy waiting to bite?) Sustainable use of natural resources (energy, bioresources, water) Technology (giving us the capacity to measure new things in new ways) Ocean predicting and forecasting (science is ultimately valued by its ability to make reliable predictions – that we can act on) Sustained observing (continually taking the pulse of the oceans)

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 15 HOW CAN SCIENCE HELP TO SAVE THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT?

Ocean Acidification – the Other Half of the CO2 Problem Dr Carol Turley Plymouth Marine Laboratory

arine ecosystems make up altering the chemical balance of the with the calcium carbonate approximately two thirds oceans. This – “the other half of the sediments and through their Mof the Earth’s surface, carry CO2 problem” – has received little dissolution raise pH again. out about 50% of global primary attention until quite recently, but it Such a reduction in pH is far greater production and support a great may turn out to be as serious as the than the annual variation that biodiversity. Oceans also play an more familiar one. organisms currently experience and important role in transfer of heat The surface waters of the oceans has not occurred for at least around the planet and in have already taken up over 500 420,000 years and probably for the determining weather systems and thousand million tonnes of CO2 past tens of millions of years. climate at sea and on land. Oceans (500 Gt CO2), about half of all that Marine organisms have therefore are also key in the cycling and generated by human activities since had a constant pH environment to storage of the Earth’s elements. For 1800. By absorbing all this evolve in. About 55 million years example, the oceans are the largest additional CO2 the oceans have ago ocean pH did decline to levels reservoir of carbon (other than that buffered the effects of atmospheric we can expect to see at 2300 and in rocks) on the planet, around 19 climate change. But there is a cost. this resulted in the extinction of and 54 times greater than that in CO2 reacts with seawater to form a many marine bottom dwelling the terrestrial biosphere or in the weak acid (carbonic acid) and calcifying (shell producing) atmosphere, respectively. Marine results in a greater seawater acidity organisms even though it took ecosystems also provide livelihoods (expressed as a reduction in pH). thousands of years for the pH to for millions of people through Surface ocean pH has already fall. The current decline in ocean fisheries, aquaculture, transport, declined by about 0.1 since pre- pH will happen far more rapidly, tourism and recreation. In essence, industrial times which may not over decades to a couple of sound much but as pH is measured marine ecosystems play a large role centuries. It is not then surprising on a logarithmic scale and measures in providing the Earth’s life support that scientists are concerned with the amount of hydrogen ions (H+) system. not only the level of decline in in the water it means that the ocean pH but also the speed at Marine ecosystems are already being amount of H+ has increased by affected by climate change through 30%. If this trend continues and we which it will happen. ocean warming. For example, long burn all available fossil-fuel Increase in seawater CO2 results in a term records from Plymouth, of reserves, ocean pH will fall further decrease in the amount of carbonate microscopic animals called plankton (and acidity increase) by as much as ions which are used by calcifying which are the food of many fish 0.4 units from its current level of organisms to make calcium show substantial geographical shifts around pH 8.1 by the year 2100 carbonate shells, skeletons and liths in their distribution in European and 0.67 by 2300. It will take tens (small platelets). Currently most Shelf water in response to the of thousands of years for ocean surface waters of the world’s oceans ~1.5ºC rise in seawater temperature. chemistry to return to that of pre- are saturated with carbonate ions. That same manmade CO2 that we industrial times because it will take However, the lower the observe to be the major greenhouse this long for the surface oceans to concentration of carbonate ions, the gas causing climate change is also mix with deep waters and react harder it will be for calcifying

16 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 organisms to make their shells or this horizon aragonite is sediments and their biodiversity and skeletons. In waters undersaturated undersaturated, above it aragonite is biogeochemistry. Some of these in carbonate ions the shells of saturated. This horizon is currently animals (eg starfish, sea urchins and organisms will dissolve. Recent 100’s to 1000’s of meters deep but shellfish), which burrow and studies predicting future carbonate as the surface oceans take up more plough through the sediments, play ion concentration using the IPCC and more CO2 it will move upwards a key role in maintaining the “business as usual” scenario of fossil towards the sea surface. In high biodiversity and important chemical fuel burning show that the latitudes, it may even surface this feedback processes to the overlying carbonate ion in aragonite, used by century so that those waters will be seawater that help sustain primary corals to make their hard skeletal undersaturated and corrosive to production. reefs, will be so low in tropical organisms such as the deep cold Ocean acidification is now a waters with a doubling of CO2 that water corals. mainstream scientific concern for coral calcification will be reduced Microscopic plants called the majority of international marine by 20-60% so the framework of the coccolithophores produce blooms research organisations. As the reefs may be weakened and more that are so extensive they can be research of impacts of ocean erodible. Warm water corals also seen from space. They are currently acidification is just emerging or still suffer from another climate change thought to be the largest producers in the planning stage there will impact, coral bleaching, through of calcite on the planet. When they undoubtedly be impacts and rising sea surface temperature die their calcium carbonate adaptations that have not been caused by global warming. Our platelets, which are known as liths addressed here. Understanding current understanding would rain down to the ocean floor where these and predicting what future suggest that corals could become over geological time they are buried marine ecosystems will look like rare on tropical and sub tropical and can form vast structures such as and determining the feedbacks to reefs by around 2050 because of the white cliffs of Dover. The liths the functioning of the Earth’s life raised sea temperature and also act as “ballast” making the support system will undoubtedly be declining aragonite concentrations. aggregates sink faster to the deep one of the biggest challenges for Coral reef ecosystems harbour a sea bed and thus transferring marine scientists in future decades. huge number of species and are the carbon before it has time to be Surface ocean acidification is most diverse of marine habitats. recycled and respired to CO2 in the They are also important socio- surface of the ocean. This happening now and will continue as economically through tourism, “biological pump” helps to control humans put more CO2 into the fishing and their role in protection the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere. It is happening at the of shores from waves. oceans, atmosphere and sediment. same time as the world is warming. In polar and sub-polar waters the Without it, there could be large Organisms and ecosystems are aragonite concentration is predicted changes in the Earth’s carbon cycle. going to have to deal with a number to become marginal or Scientists have shown that one of major rapid global changes at undersaturated (so low that it will important coccolithophore species’ once – unless we urgently introduce become corrosive to shells and they ability to form calcite (calcium effective ways to reduce CO2 will dissolve) by 2100. All of the carbonate) liths is impaired when emissions. These changes are Southern Ocean, the ocean around grown at CO2 concentrations happening on human time scales so the Antarctic, and large parts of the expected by the end of the century that our children and grandchildren Arctic will suffer from aragonite so much so that the calcification is will experience them. Avoiding even undersaturation. Organisms that use reduced and liths deformed. The more serious ocean acidification is a aragonite to make their shells such impact of this on the extent of the powerful additional argument to as pteropods (the sea butterfly) and biological pump is of concern. that of future dangerous climate shellfish, which form an important The study of the impact of altered change for the urgent reduction of part of the food web, in some areas ocean chemistry on these organisms global CO2 emissions. It is for this as important as krill, will not be is still in its infancy and scientists reason that Plymouth Marine able to live there. Whales and are currently using seawater and Laboratory has also worked to bring salmon are amongst the animals seabed mesocosms (large volume this issue to the attention of that eat pteropods while mammals natural enclosures) dosed with stakeholders and policy makers at such as walruses feed on shellfish. future CO2 concentrations as well as the national and international level The importance of cold water corals complex ecosystem models to (eg English Nature, Environment as a habitat and their substantial predict future impacts. At Plymouth Agency, Royal Society, Defra, Dti, geographic distribution is only just Marine Laboratory mesocosms are NERC Intergovernmental Panel on emerging as is concern over their being used to look at the impact of Climate Change, OSPAR, The vulnerability to the rising of the a high CO2 ocean on animals that London Convention, UNFCCC, aragonite saturation horizon. Below live on the seabed and within the UNEP, EU, IGBP, SCOR, IWC, GECC).

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 17 HOW CAN SCIENCE HELP TO SAVE THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT?

Sustaining our Marine Inheritance

Mark Farrar Chief Executive, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

iving on an island should The challenge is to harness the wide practices might best be adjusted to provide ample reason for all of range of skills and knowledge across support local communities. Lus to pay close attention to the UK Marine Science base, to Closer to home, managing the high the surrounding marine provide such assessment and profile nature of the European environment. The marine advice. For example, at Cefas we fishing industry requires a thorough inheritance we pass on to future have developed our strategy understanding of an extremely generations will partly depend on recognising Government priorities complex food web and associated how we provide for clean, safe and for future science and technologies distribution changes in the healthy seas whist ensuring effective and partnering with other research whereabouts of fish. Data from economic management of a strategic organisations to provide integrated research cruises and other industry science across Europe. Our science resource that dominates many sources is utilised to support covers analysis of the wider aspects of our lives. complex models and simulations ecosystem interactions, Marine science has a particularly and so predict the impact of future understanding of organism health management actions. important role to play in providing and input to how resource an underpinning evidence base to managers utilise both the biological This is not without its challenges. aid understanding of an and non-biological resources The complexity of the food web environment that is constantly available to them. needs to take account not just of changing, where access is both The following examples provide an man’s interaction, but the fact that difficult and costly and our current insight into how Cefas and other fish eat other fish. And of course knowledge is far from complete. UK marine scientists can provide a there is also the interaction with the However, if science is to provide pivotal role in advising Government bird population. Acoustic surveys, solutions and help influence our and others on the best course of hard sampling and modelling all actions, it cannot act alone. To action in particular circumstances. help to supplement reported catch information and aid interpretation succeed it must align with the Firstly, at a global level, it can be and prediction. policy needs of Government and shown that fish provide more than work alongside the many individual 50% of the essential protein and Through a Defra-funded programme and commercial stakeholders with mineral intake for c400 million the fishing industry is now engaged an interest in marine resources. people around the world. Initial in ongoing surveys, gear and catch The scale of the task is immense, research carried out for DfID studies. Harmonising the power and requiring an understanding of long- suggests that some countries, buy-in of industry knowledge term trends and changes in global particularly those in Africa, will face alongside scientific skills has proved terms at one end of the spectrum, difficulties in adapting to the a powerful, positive benefit. through to a need for detailed impacts of climate change on their Recent work in the Irish Sea has monitoring, assessment and advice fisheries. Further work is now examined spawning and settlement on more localised issues at the needed to examine on a finer scale locations underpinning Plaice other. how policy levers and working distribution. This is a response to

18 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 the need to understand which example. Scientists are not only comparable data are available to pathways Plaice followed and which involved in the initial environmental underpin our knowledge of climate behavioural processes were impact assessments but also have a change and a wide swathe of important to the settlement continuing role in ongoing ecology. New compounds we do not distribution. Once it was monitoring to ensure that lessons even know about may be understood how the larvae moved learnt are incorporated in the influencing the marine environment vertically in the water column, this planning and licensing of future and the impact of nanotechnology understanding combined with tidal, developments. needs to be better understood. As wind and other environmental Of course, operating in a difficult information becomes more information enabled fine-scale environment provides challenges of complete in one area, attention models to be developed. Without an its own in data collection. Here needs to turn to others where ability to interpret information at science and industry can assist by activity may have been traditionally this level it would not be possible developing new methods for better less comprehensive. accurately to predict movement (and cheaper) data capture. A All of this underpins the need both and, in turn, link this to control of network of “Smartbuoys” around to maintain and develop the UK’s man’s interaction in fisheries. the UK coastline now collects marine science skill base. There is a Studies to reduce the environmental increasing amounts of information need to ensure strong linkages to impacts of trawling perhaps provide on key indicators, enabling models coherent policy architecture, and a particularly tangible example of to be refined still further and orchestrate our science resource how science can make a positive support policy needs and decision- appropriately. The recent European difference. Working with the fishing making. green paper on Marine Policy will industry, one programme of work Studies using small electronic data draw our European partners into examined beam trawling with a storage tags on Rays have the debate and the UK’s own Marine view to ensuring nets released non- dramatically changed our Bill is seeking to provide a common target, bottom-dwelling understanding of their movement spatial planning and licensing invertebrates rapidly, unharmed and during the year, in turn suggesting framework for the marine close to the point of capture. The different actions were required to practical solutions used to amend environment. The UK’s marine ensure this safe management. science base will need to ensure it is traditional net mesh panels Historic measures aimed at positioned appropriately. produced a 75% release rate with sustaining this pressured species over 90% survival. went so far, but science has now For all of us, whether scientist or Equally important is the need to shown that more effective measures not, perhaps the importance of the understand and influence man’s are possible. marine environment is best interaction with the wider marine Looking to the future, there is a underlined by the opening environment as offshore energy and need to ensure marine science quotation, attributed to Arthur C other sectors are further developed. adapts to changes in the Clarke, in the European This encompasses aggregate environment and mankind’s Commission’s recent green paper. extraction sites, disposal grounds, evolving behaviours. The UK’s “How inappropriate to call this windfarms, oil and gas platforms, Marine Monitoring Assessment planet Earth when it is quite clearly wells, pipelines and cables for Strategy must ensure that sufficient Ocean”.

In discussion the following points were made: The present organisational structure underpinning marine science in the UK came in for strong criticism as being a rather unusual and poorly defined mixture comprising a Research Council, University based Institutes and a Government Agency. It is therefore not easy for anyone to identify areas of responsibility and the roles of the various components of the structure and the nature of formal linkages to other topics such as the atmospheric science community, for example. Indeed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a highly regarded Government Agency in the USA, was hailed as an exemplary model for the UK to follow compared with the UK muddle in the organisation of marine science. It was also pointed out however that the NOAA also lacked satisfactory linkages to other Government Agencies and Universities. Marine science is highly technology dependent and therefore depends on close relationships being developed between Government funded organisations and SMEs who develop and manufacture the innovative technology required for marine research. However there has been a notable decline in the introduction of innovative technology, which suggests that collaboration between Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and SMEs is not all that it should be in order to ensure that academia, Research Councils and SMEs and Defra will have access in future to the technology required to undertake state of the art science in the marine environment. These will be important issues for the Marine Bill to consider.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 19 SATELLITES FOR SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE BREAKFAST BRIEFING ON WEDNESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER Hardly a day goes by without reports on new discoveries being made from space by unmanned satellites. While manned spaceflight consumes the greatest proportion of funds allocated internationally to space research, unmanned satellites continue to deliver the goods on time and to budget and at minimal risk to the people involved. Indeed satellite technology is evolving so rapidly that manned spaceflight is now mainly reserved for work requiring human intervention. This is an innovative technology where the UK is a world leader in the science, technology and manufacture of satellites and in creating successful business applications with the help of London’s comprehensive financial expertise in this field. Satellite technology underpins television, weather forecasting, telephone, internet and navigation, with applications in agriculture, fisheries, urban planning, geological exploration, risk management, humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Satellite-based positioning and timing is used by transport, aviation, banking, emergency services and for military applications. Satellites support the information society by generating and transferring data at regional and global scales and thereby contributing to e-learning, telemedicine, and monitoring global climate change. It is a fertile technology stimulator with spin-offs leading to innovative and commercial applications in manufacturing and the service sector. Unmanned satellites are increasingly being used to promote science and economic and social well-being on a global scale.

Professor John Zarnecki Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)

he Particle Physics & Apart from the basic science, there Astronomy Research Council are three other principal outcomes T(PPARC) is responsible for of PPARC Space Science research. delivering fundamental scientific First there is the driving effect on research – some of this is delivered innovation – very often, the through the medium of activities in demands of scientific space missions space, either in order to escape the push the technology to the limits of deleterious effect of the Earth's what is achievable. Secondly, in atmosphere or to give the delivering its programme of Space science missions can be opportunity to visit our own cosmic scientific research, a raft of trained divided into 4 broad categories: neighbourhood. PPARC is one of people, scientific and technical, are the partners within the British produced, the majority of whom (i) Earth orbiting space telescopes National Space Centre (BNSC) end up working beyond the PPARC (such as the Hubble Space which provides the "glue" that binds domain in both the public and Telescope or the XMM-Newton together the various space "players" private sector. The City, large X-ray observatory) which need Other participants include industry, industry and small IT companies to be lofted above the degrading from SMEs up to large have traditionally all been effects of the atmosphere; multinationals who build the beneficiaries of trained PPARC (ii) missions which visit their spacecraft, after competitive students. targets within the Solar System such as Mars or a comet; selection, and who sometimes work Thirdly is inspiration and outreach. with scientists to design and build Some of these space missions are (iii)Sun-Earth missions which study the innovative instruments that are truly inspirational. Who can forget our "star", the Sun, and the needed to make the scientific the Beagle 2 Mars lander – although environment between the Sun measurements. Much, though not ultimately unsuccessful, it caught and Earth which has such an all, of the UK's space science is the imagination of the nation during impact on our local terrestrial done through the European Space Christmas in 2004. Or the landing environment; Agency, who have overall of the Huygens Space Probe on the (iv) Fundamental Physics responsibility for the complex task surface of Titan, Saturn's largest measurements in space for of putting together a space project. moon, in January 2005? Events purposes such as the detection There are 10 University research such as these can be quite of gravity waves or to confirm groups who actively design and inspirational and are instrumental in the principles of Einstein's build space hardware and some 30 the business of attracting the next General relativity. who teach some aspects of space generation of scientists and UK scientists and engineers have science and technology. engineers. been involved in a veritable Who's

20 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Who of successful space missions. from our involvement in space certainly the outputs place the UK In the past, ESA's Giotto spacecraft science and technology. The spin off close to the international forefront flew past Halley 's Comet in 1986 or knowledge transfer from these in many areas. But the picture is not while more recently, the NASA Swift very demanding space programmes universally rosy. The UK's spacecraft has been studying gamma is increasingly being recognised as investment is falling behind our ray bursts, the most violent having significant economic European competitors. Judged by explosions that we have detected. benefits. Companies such as E2V, the percentage of GNP invested in The UK is involved in spacecraft CODASciSys and Logica, to name civilian space activities, the UK is currently orbiting Venus and Mars only a few, all benefit from the well down the table, committing as and is also working on the James extremely demanding requirements little as one third (in relative terms) Webb Space Telescope, the placed on them by these space of what our main competitors do. replacement for the Hubble Space programmes and increasingly are And furthermore the national space telescope. Scientific results from able to transfer the knowledge programme (as opposed to our recent and present space science developed into other applications. contribution to ESA) is woefully missions ensure that the UK is well Space science and the associated under-funded. This situation represented in terms of papers in technology have often been shouldn't be allowed to continue if the front line scientific literature. regarded as "the jewel in the crown" the UK's standing is to be There are also very tangible benefits in the UK's space programme. And maintained.

Colin Paynter Managing Director, EADS Astrium Ltd

“ didn’t know Britain had a space emissions and improve the policy” – a common enough efficiency of our roads. Satnav is I response when the subject is also being trialled by the ever raised in Parliament. After all, Metropolitan police to help deploy Britain doesn’t have a manned space their forces more effectively. And the programme, it doesn’t support the Home Office is trialling the tracking International Space Station, and it of offenders by satellite. Aid doesn’t build rockets. So what then agencies already rely on satellites is UK space policy and why does it both for emergency mobile matter so much that it merits a full communications in the field and for inquiry by the Science and the imagery that helps them locate Technology Select Committee? and monitor disasters. Firstly, because UK space policy Satellites keep an eye on our planet does matter. The global reach, 24:7. They monitor land use, vision of a low-carbon economy. reliability and accuracy of satellites coastal erosion, fishing stocks and Satellites run on sunshine – ground- can help improve both the evidence other scarce resources; they help based infrastructure doesn’t. Take base behind decision making and its predict and monitor natural the digital switchover as an implementation. disasters, and they monitor the example. Britain’s 1,100 UHF Secondly, the timing of the inquiry impacts of climate change, such as transmitters emit 250,000 tons of could not have been more crucial. rising sea-surface temperatures and CO2 every year. Just one of today’s In fact, Britain does have a space melting ice caps. advanced satellites can carry 150 strategy, a strategy that is currently More immediately, we all benefit HDTV channels. being rewritten, in only its third from satellite based weather Some of the striking benefits are strategic review. Space investment is forecasting. The Met Office’s economic. Satellite technologies and also under scrutiny through the forecasting has improved by 25% in applications are a major catalyst in Comprehensive Spending Review. the last ten years, much of this high growth sectors such as the Today, satellites provide our Armed thanks to advances in satellite media and communications. Forces with a secure global meteorology. Oxford Economics Mobiles are expected to be routinely communications system. Elsewhere estimates the economic value of fitted with satellite navigation chips in Whitehall, satellite navigation, or satellite-based weather data at by 2020. So when you ask satnav, could become the basis of a between £400m and £1 billion a Directory Inquiries for Thai fairer national road use taxation year. restaurants in your area, it can scheme, which taxes use not And satellites are themselves green. direct you to the nearest one. How ownership, helping to reduce Satellites can help deliver Stern’s much is that worth to advertisers?

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 21 As a result, the sector scores well Britain’s Space Strategy is £8million, and it will disappear against the Chancellor’s hot buttons. supposedly “user driven” – the end altogether in two years. Yet DTI Its value added is four times the users across Government decide figures point to a return of 7:1. national average. It employs the what to put in and where. In the How will this level of investment most highly skilled workforce in centre, it is left to around 35 civil impact the future competitiveness of manufacturing – with two thirds of servants to do the co-ordinating. UK Space? its workers holding a degree or The French space agency, CNES, Space is undoubtedly one of equivalent. Space is six times more employs around 1,500. Does Britain’s great opportunities, both R&D intensive than the economic Britain’s approach work? In economically and politically. Across average. And the sector is growing December 2005, Defra led the UK the world, satellite technology is consistently four times faster than decision to put in a minimal cherished as a strategic national the rest of the economy. Moreover, amount into Europe’s flagship asset. Yet Britain, the world’s fourth Britain enjoys a 7.3% stake in a environmental monitoring biggest economy with one of the global industry forecast to be worth programme GMES. world’s leading space sectors, ranks $1 trillion by 2020. Space also How can the UK maximise the 16th in the world in GDP terms inspires Britain’s next generation of commercial opportunities? Space is when it comes to investing in space scientists and engineers. 38% of a fast-moving industry – today’s – behind Belgium, amongst others. I respondents to an IMechE poll of its media satellites are 24 times as believe that Space technology and engineer members said space powerful as those built only ten applications will help to shape the influenced their education choice. years ago. This pace of change is world we live in. UK technology How much is each extra engineer driven by technology. And yet last and UK policy provide Britain with worth to our economy? December, the DTI cut its space an opportunity to play a lead role. So is UK space policy working? technology fund from £20million to Now is the time to decide.

Sir Martin Sweeting Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

e have come to take Creating prosperity in a space for granted – so competitive globalised economy; Wmuch so that we do not Responding to and driving rapid realise how deeply embedded it has technological change; become in our everyday lives. Climate change & environmental Of course, if we stop to think for a constraints – it was space that moment, most people would alerted us to climate change, ozone recognise that space provides us depletion and desertification; with satellite TV, weather pictures, Rising to public expectations of Sustainable development and stunning images of far galaxies from world-class public services – Hubble, the excitement of landing inclusion – satellites bridge the transport planning and management digital divide; on Titan or rovers on Mars – but all Furthermore, active participation in too few outside the space New complex security threats space creates political opportunities community realise that their including terrorism – transparency that allow the UK to achieve a more personal in-car navigation system is from space underpins risk balanced relationship with the USA, using transmissions received assessments and international to increases its influence in Europe, directly from 4-5 US military security; distant operations need and to shape standards worldwide satellites orbiting some 20,000 km maps, navigation and mobile (critical for the success of our above us. communication from space; BBC industry). World Service Arabic satellite TV for The world is increasingly dependent Fortunately, the UK possesses a on satellites – and space technology trusted, independent news and vibrant and capable space industry is delivering major benefits to UK cultural understanding; – both manufacturing large and citizens: indeed, as a nation, we Fostering scientific excellence small satellites and exploiting their have become fundamentally reliant that creates wealth and guides use once in orbit – contributing on space to underpin our lifestyle policies – space attracts youngsters billions into the UK economy and and security. to science, maths and engineering; creating a world-class technical Space addresses UK Government space is at the heart of international workforce. Recognising the need to priorities, such as: science co-operation; concentrate on specialist areas

22 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 appropriate to our national skills both science and enterprise and maximise its benefit and financial and resources, the UK space positions UK academia and return; industry focuses on: commerce to take advantage of Review regulation – to stimulate applications and services; international opportunities. free and competitive markets for However this is only half the satellite payloads; space-derived services. picture; a complementary national Unfortunately, however, space does innovative small satellites; space focus is also needed, both to not command much attention or cost reduction and capacity position UK organisations to bid priority at the top levels of UK building; successfully for worthwhile Government and this represents a innovative financing strategies activities through ESA and then subsequently to exploit them. Other real risk to the nation. So, in (HYLAS, Paradigm) and conclusion and to put all of the international co-operation (DMC). member countries in ESA recognise the value of this and recently have above into context, just contemplate The Government has a key role to some of what would happen if, play alongside industry and increased their support for national programmes accordingly. hypothetically, we “switched off commerce in space. Global space space”: markets are growing and the UK There are therefore four urgent Disruption to telecommunications to can increase its market share and issues that need to be addressed by remote locations around the world; create wealth, but this needs Government: to ships or aircraft in flight; no live significant investment by industry Renewed public investment in news feeds from many parts of the and the capital markets and space technology – the UK should complementary seed-corn invest sensibly in Galileo, GMES world; no ability to support disaster investment by Government where and Aurora; and create a national relief operations; no satellite TV and the risks are too high for industry to satellite programme supporting consequential loss of revenues to bear alone. The Government needs research, technology development the UK; to be an investor with industry in and pre-service demonstrations; Loss of accurate weather forecasts – major wealth creation opportunities Security & defence – to develop with a £1.5bn/year impact to the – and there are many examples key military space skills with UK- economy of the UK alone. We demonstrating the high financial controlled operational smallsats would be blind to the progress of returns achieved from such providing independent optical and global warming; investments. radar surveillance; Loss of SatNav – most vehicle fleets Government and industry decisions Improved co-ordination across could not operate efficiently; our to date have been largely sound in Government – co-ordinating policy, military campaigns would falter – or principle – investment through ESA strategy and action on space across increase collateral damage and produces significant leverage to departments, so that the UK can civilian losses

In discussion the following points were made: Recently social research has informed us that children benefit from contact with their parents and that attraction is initially based on physical appearance before other factors come in to play. How can we as a nation justify spending money on this type of junk science to provide insights into the obvious and at the same time under-resource planetary science and engineering? Can space technology assist us to continue working from home in the event that a pandemic should strike and disrupt normal working practices? The UK response model will differ significantly from emerging economies due to the prior investment in copper wire and glass fibre communications to individual domestic residences that already provides an effective communications network. In emerging economies lacking this infrastructure the situation is much more likely to be dependent on satellite communication. Industrialisation of the launching platform technology has significantly reduced the cost of unmanned spacecraft compared with the additional costs attributable to manned spaceflight for which more expensive safety standards are obligatory. Solar electric propulsion has been used following a satellite launch. It was pointed out that the 66 satellites in the Iridium LEO constellation are due for renewal in 2013. Given that the constellation provides truly global coverage, all of the time, it was considered a generally good idea to take this opportunity to piggy-back scientific packages on commercial space craft. There is a long history of national underfunding of UK space initiatives, in spite of the great opportunities recognised by scientists, engineers and latterly economists. Is this mentality still prevalent and what needs to be done about it? Is it possible that the undoubted successes of the UK space research community with minimal financial resources from Government sources has had the perverse effect of persuading Government to reduce its financial commitment? Should we not be emphasising difficulties requiring further investment rather than successes which generate income? The relative advantages of the Galileo (EU) over the GPS (US) were discussed in relation to the high precision location system available on the former that is not under the control of any single government. All Parliamentarians should visit French Guiana to see the investment made by the French Government in satellite launching technology, and Toulouse that has been transformed by the aerospace industry. Government investment in space should be a high priority.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 23 ARE PATIENTS SAFE WITH THE NHS? MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 20TH NOVEMBER In a recent report into safety aspects of the National Health Service the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee commented, “Every day over one million people are treated successfully by the NHS. Although patient care is generally of a high standard, the scale and complexity of patient interventions means that patients can sometimes suffer unintended harm and official estimates show that one in ten patients admitted to NHS hospitals is unintentionally harmed. There were 940,000 reports of incidents and near misses last year, which include blunders ranging from medication errors and drug interactions to missing emergency equipment and the wrong limbs being amputated. Even more patients are at risk since this does not include 300,000 reports of hospital- acquired infections each year including MRSA. Around 50 per cent of all actual incidents might have been avoided if NHS staff had learned lessons from previous ones. There are big differences between similarly-sized trusts in the number of incidents reported. Massive under-reporting of deaths and serious incidents means the NHS has no idea how many people are dying each year from patient safety incidents.” Nevertheless these startling statistics are not significantly different from those reported in several other developed countries. So how can the further application of science, technology and engineering help to improve a situation arising predominantly as the result of human failure?

Are Patients Safe with the NHS?

Bill Murray OBE Acting Chief Executive, National Patient Safety Agency

healthcare system involves should be noted however that these NPSA was charged with creating a often very complex studies have used broad definitions central repository for information Atechnology, consultations of adverse events.11 about patient safety incidents and with different individuals at In recognition of the scale of finding a way to interrogate the data different locations and the end adverse events or error within to identify trends and hotspots. This result may mean a variety of healthcare systems, the World intelligence would inform a medication to be taken at specific Health Organisation has launched programme of work. times or intervals. These multiple the World Health Alliance for The NPSA developed the National interactions have to combine Patient Safety, led by our Chief Reporting and Learning System or seamlessly to result in an Medical Officer Professor Sir Liam NRLS, the first national reporting improvement of the patient’s Donaldson, to tackle and prevent system for patient safety incidents condition. Given this complexity, unintended harm to patients. in the world. The system covers preventing error and harm within As part of the drive to improve the England and Wales and integrates these systems is an increasingly quality of care in the NHS, the into existing NHS local reporting important challenge for many National Patient Safety Agency systems. This has minimised modern health services across the (NPSA) was established in July disruption to NHS staff; they only world. 2001 to help the NHS learn from its report to their local system with the Patient safety is an international mistakes so that it can improve data uploaded to the NPSA concern and broadly similar levels patient safety. The blueprint for the regularly. The NRLS collects of patient safety incidents have been NPSA was described in the information spanning the breadth of found across healthcare systems in Government report Building a safer the NHS; Figure 1.0 breaks down developed countries. The most NHS for patients – Implementing an the source of incident reports as at detailed information on the organisation with a memory.12 The September 2006. frequency of incidents in the report highlighted that the Agency’s Those NHS organisations that do not developed world comes from a first step towards improving the have a local risk management system number of studies which used a safety of patients and understanding can report directly to the NPSA review of patients’ notes to identify medical error was to help the NHS through an electronic reporting events that caused harm.1-10 It learn from what goes wrong. The form (eForm) on the internet.

24 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 In summary Number of incidents to end of September 2006 The NPSA was established to help Acute/general hospital 72% 701,874 the NHS learn from its mistakes. Ambulance service 0% 3,579 Through the National Reporting Community and general dental service 0% 283 and Learning System the NPSA Community nursing, medical and receives reports about patient safety therapy service (incl community hospital) 10% 96,442 incidents from NHS organisations throughout England and Wales. The Community optometry/optical service 0% 12 majority of these reports come Community pharmacy 0% 2,809 directly from local information General practice 0% 4,105 systems. Learning disabilities service 3% 29,801 Local NHS organisations continue to have primary responsibility for Mental health service 14% 135,751 investigating and acting on local patient safety incidents. Figure 1.0 Breakdown of care settings reporting to NRLS (November 2003 to September 2006) Clinical teams review all reported deaths. The primary purpose of an incident investigating incidents would be Computerised data analysis tools reporting system is to help make expected to report more. The help identify potential clusters, healthcare safer for patients. majority of reports in the NRLS patterns and trends across these Incident reporting typically involves relate to patients suffering no harm reports. staff actively recording information – a breakdown is given in Figure 2.0. The reports help the NPSA learn on events that lead to unintended from incidents and develop harm or potential harm to patients. No harm 665,673 68.2% interventions to reduce risk for Most incidents involve a complex Low 244,420 25.1% patients. interplay of individual, team, Moderate 52,821 5.4% The NPSA regularly publishes a technical and organisational factors. quarterly breakdown of NRLS data Severe 9,091 0.9% Although each incident is unique, on its website. there are likely to be similarities and Death 3,837 0.4% patterns which may otherwise go The NRLS feeds back analysis and benchmarking to the NHS to allow unnoticed if incidents are not Figure 2.0 Breakdown by degree of harm reported and analysed. of NRLS reports (November 2003 to organisations to better understand September 2006) their safety profile. Systems to collect data on errors in other industries, such as the Themes and trends are analysed and REFERENCES 1 aviation and petrochemicals solutions to broad and general Brennan TA et al. Incidence of adverse events and industry, have found that a negligence in hospitalized patients. Results of the themes developed. The NPSA has Harvard Medical Practice Study I. N Engl J Med commitment to confidentiality 1991;324:370–6. issued 16 safety solutions in the 2 increases reporting levels. The Leape LL et al. The nature of adverse events in form of alerts as well as a range of hospitalised patients. Results of the Harvard Medical NPSA chose to take this approach advisory reports to promote safer Practice Study II. N Engl J Med 1991;324:377–84. and does not request information 3 Wilson RM et al. The Quality in Australian Health Care care for patients, for example, the Study. Med J Aust 1995;163(9):458–71. about the names of staff or patients 4 award winning cleanyourhands Wilson RM et al. An analysis of the causes of adverse involved in reported incidents. events from the Quality in Australian Health Care campaign to improve hand hygiene Study. Med J Aust 1999;170:411-5. How is this information used to 5 amongst healthcare staff. We Thomas EJ et al. Incidence and type of adverse events improve patient safety? and negligent care in Utah and Colorado. Med Care recommended placing alcohol based 200;38:261–71. 6 Incidents reported by staff to the handrubs close to every patient for Vincent C, Neale G, Woloshynowych M. Adverse NRLS provide a national picture of events in British hospitals: preliminary retrospective speedy and effective cleansing and record review. BMJ 2001;3;322(7285):517–9. patient safety in England and Wales. 7 encouraged patients to ask staff if Davis P et al. Adverse events in New Zealand public They help the NPSA identify new hospitals I: occurrence and impact. N Z Med J they had cleaned their hands. This 2002;13;115(1167). patient safety concerns and 8 campaign is one of the central Davis P et al. Adverse events in New Zealand public recognise those that are causing the hospitals II: preventability and clinical context. N Z planks of the government’s strategy Med J 2003;116:U624. greatest harm to patients. All NHS 9 against healthcare associated Baker GR, Norton PG, Flintoft V. Canadian adverse trusts have reported incidents to the events study. CMAJ 2004;171:834. 10 NRLS and reporting to the system is infection. We have trained over Schioler T et al. Danish Adverse Event Study. Incidence of adverse events in hospitals. A retrospective study of increasing. 8,000 NHS staff in the incident medical records. Ugeskr Laeger 2001;163:5370–8. 11 The NRLS currently contains over investigation technique of “root Figure available at http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/sip.asp 12 one million incident reports – it is cause analysis” to ensure maximum Department of Health. Building a safer NHS for important to note that high incident understanding – and learning – patients. Copies can be obtained from the Department of Health, PO Box 777; [email protected] Also reporting rates do not equate to from things that go wrong. This available at: unsafe care: organisations with a training has in turn been cascaded http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publica tions/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPAm strong reporting culture and down to more than 47,000 front pGBrowsableDocument/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4097460 effective local mechanisms for line staff. &chk=gngr/O

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 25 ARE PATIENTS SAFE WITH THE NHS?

Are Patients Safe with the NHS?

Professor Tom Treasure MD MS FRCS General Thoracic Surgeon, Guy’s Hospital

open by rising to the bait. The collection, it is inefficient as a scrutinised. We devised and put title I have been given carries means of picking up comparatively into widespread use means of within it the implication that it is poor practice. I will then look at displaying risk adjusted outcomes I 5 the NHS specifically, rather than the another way of capturing the case by case . But what rules should delivery of health care services in knowledge and experience of the we set to trigger an investigation? general, which is associated in some whole of the medical profession to The problem is inherent in proper way with lack of safety. Hospitals identify recurring features of care use of statistics. To explain I will are high risk places in any country which could be improved. This is use an analogy. A domestic burglar and in any system. Sick and dying the work of the National alarm can be set up so that every people are gathered in and doctors Confidential Enquiry into Patient passing car, gust of wind or stray with strong medicines and sharp Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) cat will trigger an awful noise and instruments do things to them. The which I chair. wake up all the neighbours. challenges are to keep the risk of Cardiac surgery from its inception Alternatively, it might be set so it interventions to the minimum, to lent itself to counting. Because of will only trigger when an intruder maintain high standards of expertise the need for the very expensive has actually gained access to the so that we deliver the most good to heart lung bypass machinery and safe. In cardiac surgery very the most people, and to avoid the expertise to run it, cardiac sensitive setting to trigger an alert at additional illness such as MRSA surgery was centralised on relatively the first hint of possible trouble infection caught in hospital. The few sites. Each operation was a results in many teams being range of quality of care in the major event and death was both subjected to scrutiny at a level United States is much wider: at one common enough and unequivocal which disrupts the service. The end no effort or expense is spared evidence of failure to achieve the consequence is that to avoid this to the point of inappropriate over objective. It was the surgeons unhappiness and disruption, treatment while at the other end, (through the Society of surgeons may well practise there are many who go without1. In Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great defensively, denying surgery to the Britain, most health care is delivered Britain and Ireland or SCTS) who "riskiest" patients, the very patients within a national service and part of collected the data and circulated the for whom surgery would make the the equity of care in which we anonymised results so that we could biggest difference, that is to say believe is that we should be able to reflect on our practice in between life and death. On the maintain uniformly good standards. comparison with pooled national other hand, to wait until the As a short answer, it might be said data2. That has continued and has conventional statistical tests prove that patients are safer with the NHS become increasingly sophisticated beyond reasonable doubt that there than they would be without it. but the secrecy has had to go. Both is poor practice requires many deaths maybe over a period of In this presentation I illustrate some hospitals and surgeons have now to 3;4 years. of what has been achieved in be identified . cardiothoracic surgery by collection In order for the outcomes to be So far I have referred to cardiac of data about surgical outcomes. I used for fair comparisons risk surgery and to the counting of will touch upon the use and abuse adjustment was essential and if we deaths but when death is a rare of data – apart from anything else were to pick up slipping practice, outcome (for example after cleft lip that might be said of routine data the data would have to be regularly and palate surgery) other measures

26 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 much more difficult to capture and surgery. At the time it was the norm they are set up at a particular point quantify must be used. In palliative for patients requiring urgent surgery in time with a finite number of care of terminal cancer, death is the to join an inpatient queue waiting fields and count the countable. expected outcome; it is comfort and to be operated upon. It was not NCEPOD on the other hand dignity while dying that is the index uncommon for this list to start well captures the amalgamated sense that of the quality of care. A process into the evening when all the day’s things are not well in an area of based on counting deaths cannot work was finished and the night practice and sets out to investigate discriminate quality of practice in nursing staff came on. However the the specific problem and to report any but a few clinical doctors did not change shifts. It was on it, whilst also disseminating circumstances. usual for the trainee surgeons who instances of excellent practice. had been working all day and Patients and doctors are protected While of limited value in measuring would work again tomorrow to be by careful attention to quality, these data do have some doing these operations in the small confidentiality. We do not seek value in studying process. We have hours of the morning, with the help whistle blowers or scapegoats. used the Society of Cardiothoracic of equally junior and exhausted NCEPOD captures much of what is Surgeons’ data to explore practice in anaesthetists. That this was wrong hard to count and may be non-cardiac thoracic surgery. For did not require sophisticated impossible to measure. the very common condition of statistical analysis and certainly pneumothorax (a collapsed lung) References: could not have been subjected to a 1. we were able to show a concerning Lamm RD. The Brave New World of randomised trial. The variation in implementation of the Health Care. Golden, Colorado: new “keyhole” technology to replace documentation that it was Fulcrum Publishing, 2003. happening and was commonplace 2. major surgery6. A review of practice English TA, Bailey AR, Dark JF, Williams WG. The UK cardiac surgical register, subsequently shows an increase in was enough to lead to the “NCEPOD theatre” to be staffed by 1977-82. Br.Med.J.(Clin.Res.Ed) the proportion from 57% in 2000- 1984;289:1205-8. consultants operating in normal 3. 2002 to 73% in 2003-2005. We Keogh B, Spiegelhalter D, Bailey A, have also explored the interaction of waking hours. Roxburgh J, Magee P, Hilton C. The process and outcome to see if the In 2004 we reported on the practice legacy of Bristol: public disclosure of number of lung cancer operations a of inserting feeding tubes through individual surgeons' results. BMJ 2004;329:450-4. the abdominal wall into the 4. surgeon performs affects the Treasure T, Gallivan S. Publishing 7 perioperative death rate . The data stomach (percutaneous endoscopic Individual Mortality Rates. In Lugon M, themselves do not flag up any gastrostomy or PEG). Of 719 Secker-Walker J, eds. Clinical concern. It is their analysis, instances the expert panel regarded Governance in a Changing NHS, pp nearly a fifth as futile and 43% were 157-74. London: RSM Press, 2006. interpretation and dissemination for 5. comments that help to promote dead within a week from their Lovegrove J, Valencia O, Treasure T, underlying condition. Again Sherlaw-Johnson C, Gallivan S. safer care. Monitoring the results of cardiac I will turn now to a fundamentally description of the practice and surgery by variable life-adjusted display. reflection upon it was enough to Lancet 1997;350:1128-30. different approach. The National 6. Confidential Enquiry into Patient make the point that this was not Sedrakyan A, Van Der Meulen J, Lewsey appropriate care. J, Treasure T. Variation in use of video Outcome and Death does not assisted thoracic surgery in the United collect data routinely. We receive In 2005 we published an Kingdom. BMJ 2004;329:1011-2. 7. from any individuals or groups investigation of repair of abdominal Treasure T, Utley M, Bailey A. suggestions about aspects of care aortic aneurysm, the commonest Assessment of whether in-hospital that might merit investigation. major vascular operation. It may be mortality for lobectomy is a useful These are openly discussed by a done as a planned operation or as standard for the quality of lung cancer an emergency. We found that a fifth surgery: retrospective study. BMJ steering group of about forty 2003;327:73. 8. people, representing all aspects of of these operations are done in Birkmeyer JD, Siewers AE, Finlayson EV, health care but largely nominated hospitals doing fewer than 30 a year Stukel TA, Lucas FL, Batista I et al. by Royal Colleges and other and by surgeons doing fewer than Hospital volume and surgical mortality organisations. The topics for study fifteen a year. This is surgery for in the United States. N.Engl J Med 2002;346:1128-37. emerge from an awareness that which surgeon and hospital 9. Birkmeyer JD, Stukel TA, Siewers AE, some aspect of care is not going numbers affect the likelihood of 8;9 Goodney PP, Wennberg DE, Lucas FL. well and should be done better. A surviving. Surgeon volume and operative mortality study is then carefully planned to Much as I love dealing with data, in the United States. N.Engl.J.Med. investigate this area of practice. I 2003;349:2117-27. and I am committed to randomised 10. will give three examples. trials when appropriate, there are Treasure T. The evidence on which to 10 base practice: different tools for The confidential enquiry first made times for other methods . Routinely different times. European Journal of its mark when it reported on the collected and complete databases Cardio-thoracic Surgery 2006;30:in deaths associated with night time are a rich source for analysis but press.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 27 ARE PATIENTS SAFE WITH THE NHS?

Patient Safety, Systems Design and Ergonomics

Professor Peter Buckle Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics, University of Surrey

Introduction Systems Engineering, Understanding why omissions occur The health service is a highly Ergonomics and Error (eg what aspects of drug pressured complex system where Ergonomists and systems engineers administration require high levels of the potential for error and accidents have long since recognised that attention) may lead to improved is ever present (Clarkson et al enhancing performance requires an design of products and work 2004). The scope for error in all emphasis on design (or re-design) at organisation that reduce the parts of the system is high, although a systems level. In typical work probability of such errors occurring. research studies have tended to systems this includes a Blaming the individual who made focus on only limited components consideration of people, equipment, the error is rarely a successful way of this complex system. jobs, tasks and the socio-technical of dealing with the cause and may context of the work. Those involved make it more likely to happen Design is a structured process for again. identifying problems and with such design have traditionally developing, testing and evaluating examined the system goals, the Physical environment: The physical user focused solutions. Application allocation of functions and tasks layout of, for example, an operating of the design process to healthcare (eg to teams, individuals, theatre may increase the likelihood could generate products, services, equipment, IT), the equipment of errors. Noise levels in working processes and environments that are design, the interactions between sets environments may cause messages intuitive, simpler, safer to work of equipment and groups of people, to be misunderstood and can lead within, easier to understand and the work organisation and the job to interruptions. more efficient to use. By contrast, design. Team and group behaviour: In design that does not follow such a A recent model (fig 1) (Moray, healthcare, most people work structured approach is likely to be 2000) enables the various levels of within a team and so a confusing, less effective and the system to be conceptualised for consideration of factors such as potentially dangerous to medical the purpose of understanding, communication, supervision and staff or patients. interpreting, evaluating, information responsibility is required. Absence The importance of effective design collection, and design purposes. of, or poor, communication thinking in healthcare is now The relevant information needed to between and within teams is likely starting to gain recognition (Bristol reduce error in the design of to contribute to errors. For Royal Infirmary Inquiry, 2001; equipment to be used by humans is example, in a hospital setting the Department of Health, 2001). Three readily available. Each level of the most junior medical officer is years ago we undertook a study for system can be considered with usually called upon to take a the Department of Health and the respect to medical error. patient’s medication history on Design Council. It sought to deliver Physical devices: At the centre of admission. These doctors are often ideas and practical the system is the physical device or called upon to prescribe drugs and recommendations for a design tool being used. There are many do so without asking questions approach to reduce the risk of illustrations and examples of errors under the assumption that this is medical error and improve patient and difficulties associated with the the correct procedure. In some safety across the NHS. The full use of equipment (see Obradovich instances supervision is seen as investigation included the and Woods, 1996.) inadequate and other issues, for development of baseline Factors affecting the individual: example, overlapping information, including examples of Omissions (ie the failure to carry responsibilities between teams also international best practice on the out some of the actions required to contribute to errors (Dean et al, efficacy of a design-led approach to achieve a desired goal (Reason, 2002). patient safety. This paper seeks to 1990)) are a common source of Traditionally, information flows demonstrate the importance of this error. The role of such errors is vertically through a hierarchy and approach and the need for further evident when considering the giving orders are sent from the top down investigation and funding. of drugs to the wrong patient. with the expectation that lower

28 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 levels will implement them (West, 2000). Adverse events can occur because individuals of lower status experience difficulties challenging decisions of a person of higher status. Organisational and management behaviour: Although factors affecting individuals have been highlighted there is limited value in focusing on individual activity, as this tends to perpetuate a blame culture. The focus needs to widen to include systems issues underlying the problems that are present in any complex work environment. System failures are sometimes difficult for “front line” staff to recognise because the decisions underpinning these systems may have been made in the past by those at a higher level of the organisation (Leape et al, 1995). System changes to reduce errors suggested include adjusted work schedules simplifying work systems and enlisting the help of frontline personnel. Legal and social pressures: The behavioural options available to those working in a system may be tightly constrained by regulatory Figure 1. Ergonomics as the study and design of socio-technical systems (Moray, 2000) rules. For example, only certain drugs may be administered or procedures undertaken. As systems chain”. Thus drug wholesalers have understanding is missing in the become more complex, the task of little idea of the problems, and health care sector. The highest regulating becomes ever more potential medication errors, they priority must be attached to difficult. For example, how do cause for high street pharmacists remedying this without delay. regulators cope with the issues that with the way medication is packed Mapping the "system" is a central arise when multiple pieces of and delivered. Worse, drug focus for complex and intricate equipment are used conjointly (eg manufacturers rarely consider the systems. As the interfaces between in intensive care units) or when difficulties they generate for patients stakeholder groups become “intelligent” software is embedded who attempt to adhere to their apparent, then so does the potential within drug delivery systems, medication despite often being for error. Such mapping exercises thereby blurring the boundaries unable to distinguish between the have led to the development of a between equipment design and medications because of confusing model to serve as a template for clinical decision-making? packaging, tiny font size and hard future systems design (see to access tablets. Those prescribing Cambridge, Surrey and RCA, 2003). Relationship between elements are often unaware of the enormous within complex systems: There is an complexity of having to manage 10 The need for risk assessment to added level of complexity that or more medications in complex include the intended user is occurs when elements are linked. treatment regimes. essential, as is the need to learn Our research (Buckle et al, 2006) from errors. has demonstrated that stakeholder Discussion groups rarely have any clear idea of A key finding of the research has References available at http://www.science what happens “further down the been that the “big picture” inparliament.org.uk/sip.asp

In discussion the following points were made: Litigation in general does not deter doctors, but is undoubtedly increasing pressure on the system. More emphasis is required on the need for better prescribing as many young doctors are uncertain about their ability to prescribe correctly due to the lack of sufficient training in this area. However the view was expressed that one should never train someone for a system which is intrinsically unsafe. The lack of a language requirement for NHS Doctors who were trained elsewhere in Europe was thought to introduce unnecessary risks of misunderstanding due to the lack of relevant skills with the English language. Good medical practice varies between hospitals, between wards and between shifts on wards and is therefore difficult to manage across the NHS. Regulation is needed to ensure standardisation of medical equipment, especially that which is used in life threatening circumstances, in order to reduce the risks of accidental misuse.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 29 MATERIALS, MINERALS AND MINING – INNOVATION, CONSERVATION AND WEALTH CREATION MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 4TH DECEMBER The recent surge in the value of primary raw materials, such as minerals and metals is partly due to increased industrialisation in emerging economies such as China and India. This has concentrated the focus on the finite availability of these commodities and the increasing difficulty in discovering new economic reserves in the near surface of our planet. Innovative research in the conservation of resources and in cost reduction has therefore also increased; these include recycling, the development of novel materials, using smart and nanotechnologies for example, and extended asset and material lifetimes through effective protection against degradation and corrosion. However, the attraction to young people of science and engineering is diminishing, despite attractive average lifetime career earnings for graduates. Thus, at a time when the demand for innovation in materials has never been higher, the number of students of materials science, and in mining and mineral engineering in our Universities is at an all-time low. It is true that almost all engineering and technological advances depend on new developments in the science and technology of materials. The list includes new, efficient light sources, electronic materials in computation, materials for the hydrogen economy, including batteries and fuel cells, and lightweight corrosion- resistant materials for transportation. Materials science is a key growth area that underpins the knowledge-based economy. The challenge now is to improve public perceptions so that our lead in this technology helps to create the next generation of materials scientists. The Importance of Mining Engineering1 in Providing Primary Raw Materials

Professor R J Pine FREng Head of Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter

n our everyday needs for materials extended quarries, while not as suppliers to the industry, mining and energy our resources are demanding as for land fill or waste finance houses and consultants need Ieither grown or “mined”. incineration sites, is very difficult and large numbers of professionals with Historically the UK has played a affected by the same societal mining engineering skills. The leading role in the discovery and attitudes. Other perceptions of industry leaders recognise that they exploitation of mined resources mining and quarrying include bad have to solve this problem largely including coal, iron, building environmental legacy from themselves and the solutions include products and a variety of metals and abandoned sites – unfortunately true better industry performance and minerals. While the scale of UK – but the record is improving rapidly, consequent reputation; higher mining and quarrying is not large by and a rather low-tech uninspiring salaries; more attractive on-site global standards it is still significant industry – completely untrue. packages (eg fly-in/fly-out patterns); and likely to be more so with For the reasons summarised above, better consideration of family issues; pressures to source raw materials which occur in most of the outreach to the public at large and to locally. This will be driven by our developed world, there is a crisis in schools in particular. responses to Climate Change and attracting young people to the However there is an underlying consequent reduction in energy extractive industries (oil and gas, problem that is critical in the UK and usage. However, in the UK as a whole mining, quarrying) and the age very serious in many developed the importance of mining and profile is highly skewed to 45-plus. It countries. The number of students in quarrying is not fully appreciated and has been estimated by the major schools who are studying largely negative perceptions mining companies that they are short mathematics and science has declined predominate. For example, obtaining of 600 graduates per year, to replace rapidly and this has inevitable knock- planning permission for new or retirees and other leavers, and this on effects for universities. There have figure can easily be doubled by been some high profile examples 1 in the current context mining engineering also includes specialist disciplines such as mineral including the smaller operators. In recently in chemistry and physics, processing, applied geology and quarrying addition many of the equipment but the effects are felt throughout

30 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 science and engineering. There are historically very high. There are tens of billions of dollars. The now only two universities in the UK several consequences here – the turnover of the whole industry is in who offer mining engineering increased prices will lead to more the hundreds of billions of dollars. courses, Exeter (CSM) and Leeds. At efficient usage (but not always Typically the large mining companies the Camborne School of Mines we immediately); there will be some and suppliers each have tens of are currently pleased if we can attract substitution of cheaper alternatives; thousands of direct employees and 25 students per year into mining there will be concerns about security hundreds of thousands of closely engineering. To do this we need good of supply of strategically important dependent employees and their publicity, generous scholarships, an materials (including energy materials families. attractive package with good facilities such as uranium) and recycling will The UK extractive industry is very and effective research and teaching. become increasingly important (eg significant if oil and gas are included, Our recent graduates typically can about 80% of lead comes from with an annual turnover of about £25 pick and choose between many job recycling, but not nearly as good for billion per year, of which over £20 offers many of which are outside the other valuable metals). Mining billion is in oil and gas. Coal mining industry. This is good for the technology has a potentially critical accounts for about £1 billion and graduates but not healthy for the role to play in reducing net CO2 quarrying for aggregates about £2.5 industry. We need more applicants emissions in China and worldwide, billion. There are small but and the UK political/education with clean coal burning, in-situ significant mining and quarrying system must address the underlying gasification and sequestration. The operations, which produce industrial problems. There have been some UK has a significant capability in minerals such as limestone, potash, encouraging initiatives in the past these areas and, in a related project, year but it requires a sustained effort the planned Peterhead power station, gypsum, salt and clay. There are tens of thousands of employees. The UK to be effective. will have CO2 sequestered under the North Sea. quarrying industry, like others, has Taking the global view, the mining much international ownership. industry has some important strategic The impact of global warming and Although this may affect investment considerations to address, in which consequent need to reduce decisions within Europe, eg if UK mining engineering will play a key greenhouse gas emissions will affect becomes relatively difficult in which role. the mining industry as much as to operate, the energy saving agenda The (shallow) easily mined world- others. The industry will increasingly should favour local sources. class deposits of valuable metal and need to reduce unit energy inputs per other ores have mostly been taken tonne mined, processed and shipped. already, or have been located and For high value materials the market To conclude: mining has commenced. The will remain global. For low value The global mining industry is key to materials such as aggregates and industry must be increasingly future supplies of materials and some industrial minerals (gypsum, innovative in finding and exploiting minerals, which are essential for carbonates, potash) the energy cost of more marginal resources and in development. The industry has a transport will increase pressure for major role to play in the transition to mining underground at depth, where local resourcing. In the UK this could it was previously possible to mine in more sustainable patterns of mean opening currently abandoned development – and this needs top- large open pits. For example it is quarries. estimated that within 10 years the quality skills. High prices and the world supply of copper ore will be The global mining industry is rightly need to reduce energy consumption 90% from underground block caving under increasing pressure to address at all stages will lead to profound operations, whereas currently it is the social, environmental and changes in practice. economic impacts of their operations 90% from open pits. This requires a on affected local communities. It is The UK has major roles to play in step change in technology, a recognised by all responsible mining Mining Engineering domestically and significant research effort, and companies that they need a well- globally. In the UK, reduced energy retraining at all levels of operation. A planned post-closure programme consumption should lead to more short example of some of the with adequate financing to meet local sourcing of aggregates. Globally computer modelling being developed future/unforeseeable needs, as a the community of UK-based mining in the UK for the simulation and condition to have “permission to finance specialists and technical design of block caving was mine”. This approach is now consultants play major roles of demonstrated. embedded in the Equator Principles importance to UK earnings and The impact of the rapidly growing to be applied by signatory financial influence. economy of China has had a institutions (eg World Bank) as There is a serious global shortage of profound effect on the global flow of conditions for approving project mining engineering professionals, financing. Further, the Extractive raw materials and their prices and on which could get worse. UK energy consumption (mostly coal- Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is the (currently UK universities are playing a small but powered). The non-energy prices will significant role in meeting demands. probably moderate in due course but Government led) effort to address at the recent conference in London transparency and corruption. UK science and engineering “Mines and Money 2006” it was The mining industry is truly global university courses are undermined by predicted that the current high index and has a direct impact on virtually the shortage of school students value of base metal prices would every country in the world. The studying suitable subjects. continue to rise for a year or so, then turnover of each of major companies Government policy and industry decline to approximately current (eg Anglo American, BHP Billiton, support are vital to redress the (late-2006) prices. These are Rio Tinto, Xstrata) is typically in the problem.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 31 MATERIALS, MINERALS AND MINING – INNOVATION, CONSERVATION AND WEALTH CREATION The Role of the Science of Corrosion in Extending the Useful Life of Materials

Dr Stuart Lyon Corrosion & Protection Centre, School of Materials, University of Manchester

Introduction and History The International Standards Organisation (ISO) definition of corrosion is “A physico-chemical interaction between a material and its environment which results in changes in the properties of the material and which may often lead to impairment of the function of the material, the environment, or the Figure 1. technical system of which these Materials science (polymers, form a part". This is, essentially, a Corrosion Processes Following on from Davy, corrosion ceramics and metals), solid-state statement of the thermodynamic physics, organic chemistry, tendency for materials to react with was first understood as (and proven to be) an electro¬chemical process electrochemistry, mechanical their environment, an by Ulick Evans (known as the “Father chemical and civil engineering, understanding of which has clearly of Corrosion”) in the Goldsmiths’ microbiology, tribology, surface been around since at least the Laboratory at The University of science, surface engineering, etc; Bronze and Iron Ages. However, the Cambridge in a research career lasting Engineering appreciation of application of corrosion protection over 60 years from 1919 to 1980. applications and functions, etc; dates from Humphrey Davy (of the What Evans discovered was that Resource conservation, asset Miners’ Lamp). Known as “Father of corrosion consists of two reactions management, lifetime extension, Electrochemistry”, the Admiralty that happen at the same time, and recycling, etc. commissioned Davy in 1823 to at the same rate but not in the same With the key drivers being: investigate the corrosion of copper place. These are exactly the same engineering application, cost reactions that occur in a standard sheathing on the hulls of wooden reduction, safety, legislation, etc, dry cell battery, where corrosion of vessels. In 1824 he instigated the together with genuine scientific zinc (at one terminal) is supported endeavour. first known application of cathodic by an oxidant such manganese protection (CP) by utilising iron or dioxide or oxygen from the air (at Costs of Corrosion zinc ingots attached to the copper the other terminal) causing an The costs of corrosion to sheathing. Unfortunately, while this electrical current to flow. Thus, all industrialised economies are very was a technical success, and corrosion reactions involve the flow significant. The Hoar Report, effectively prevented the corrosion of electrical current and are affected commissioned in 1969 by Tony of copper, it was a practical failure by a range of materials and Benn and reporting in 1971, put environmental influences, some of as it eliminated the anti-fouling this cost to the UK economy at the complexity of which is indicated between 3.5-4.5% of GNP. A more properties of the copper hull! Today, in the cartoon (Fig 1) showing steel recent UK survey, reporting in CP (using zinc or aluminium corroding in seawater. 2000, estimated the cost as anodes) is the preferred method of Corrosion is thus fundamentally somewhat less at between 2.5-3.5%. protection of almost all marine (and multi- and inter-disciplinary that The significance of this amount is many other) structures. requires knowledge of: hard to grasp, so another way to

32 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 consider it is that if the monies currently spent on maintenance and other repairs due to materials degradation were NOT spent, then the entire physical infrastructure of the country, (eg machinery and buildings, etc) would cease to function, or lose ALL economic value, in about 30-40 years. Similar surveys in USA, Japan and Germany, have come to essentially Figure 3. the same conclusions. in the electron micrographs (Fig 3), years before re-coating is required. All such surveys have consistently which provide visualisation of the This compares with 5-7 years for estimated that 25-30% of corrosion position of joint failure (b), showing conventional paints applied as losses could be eliminated by the that the presence of the pre- touch-up over existing paint. For application of effective corrosion treatment (a) has prevented failure, something like the Forth Bridge, control systems and procedures and at the metal-adhesive interface. where the painting proverbially that research in reducing such Conventionally, the main reason for never ends, a significantly longer losses is highly cost-effective. The life translates into tens of millions main outcomes of the Hoar Report the application of corrosion control technology (of which protective saved in maintenance costs over the were the establishment, at the coating lifetime. However, this can former UMIST (now The University coatings, including paints, are the most familiar) is to extend the only be achieved with a properly of Manchester), of The Corrosion trained and skilled workforce and Protection Centre and, as a economically useful life, or to increase the performance, of a together with professional campus company CAPCIS Ltd. inspection of the finished coating. A These currently comprise world- material; hence, to reduce the cost of the technical system. Although, new scheme, pioneered by the UK leading centres of excellence in, Institute of Corrosion, and respectively, academic research into corrosion can never be completely can developed with partners such as corrosion science and in the control stopped, it be effectively controlled for a longer or shorter Network Rail and The Highways of corrosion and in corrosion advice Agency, is intended to upgrade the and consultancy to industry. time by interfering with the material or environment in some way. In status in the industry from painters Lifetime Extension of total, there four main methods of (who handle commercial decorating) Materials corrosion control: to industrial coaters (trained to apply correctly industrial coatings The science of corrosion is vital for Electrochemical modification (eg cathodic protection) to structural steelwork). It would the successful application of many greatly assist this introduction if, as modern engineering and technical Chemical modification of the in some other countries, training in systems. Such applications include environment (eg inhibition of corrosion control was compulsory. those that use positive aspects of the corrosion) corrosion process to develop (or Application of a protective coating Challenges to Wealth engineer) particular desired (eg paint, galvanising, etc) Creation functions on material surfaces. A Despite the undoubted economic well-known example of this is Appropriate selection and design of material (eg selection of the correct importance of corrosion and the titanium, the surface of which can type of stainless steel – there are corrosion control industry to life be treated using a corrosion process probably over 100 different extension and resource (anodising) to give attractive specifications). minimisation, the main challenge coloured finishes used in jewellery. lies in the poor image that corrosion Some other examples are tabled Skills Training and has. Nevertheless, images can and below (Fig 2). Certification must be challenged and changed by An important example of the One important message is that a education and upskilling of beneficial application of corrosion is significant fraction of corrosion companies and individuals at all in the surface treatment on the costs (up to 25%) can be saved by levels. aluminium alloy. In aerospace and correct application of current As a branch of materials science, we automotive applications, technologies. For example, modern in the UK are world-leading in the increasingly adhesive bonding of paints, if correctly applied to science and engineering application structures (as opposed to welding) is properly blast-cleaned bare steel, of corrosion. We must acknowledge being carried out. This can be seen can have lifetimes exceeding 20-25 this lead and should not relinquish it to emerging or more vibrant Beneficial Corrosion Process Technological Application economies. Thus, future wealth Passivation of semiconductors Micro-electronics creation relies on technical, Surface treatment of aluminium Adhesive bonding of structural alloys engineering and educational High-temperature protective coatings Efficient gas turbines (e.g. aero-engines) services predicated on retaining an Acid etching of aluminium Lithographic printing plates indigenous talent and knowledge Corrosion of zinc Dry cell batteries base. We must not “outsource” our etc. etc. strategic knowledge in a Figure 2. knowledge-based economy.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 33 MATERIALS, MINERALS AND MINING – INNOVATION, CONSERVATION AND WEALTH CREATION How Materials can help solve Major World Problems

Professor Colin J Humphreys CBE FREng Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

Introduction a hostile global warming event never where artificial hips enable the lame It is no accident that the intelligent previously experienced by humanity. to walk and artificial arteries bring use of materials is one of the It is therefore essential to minimise new life to the dying and thereby fundamental characteristics by the negative impacts of increased greatly improve the quality of life of which the development and impact atmospheric concentrations of CO2 many people. Many of these recent of the human species on the planet and develop alternative fuels and developments arise from UK is identified and described from energy sources. Hence an innovative successes in developing biomedical archaeological records. Indeed it is range of new materials technologies materials. this special ability to utilise using new materials will have a key Global Warming and the materials that has made a relatively role to play in providing a coming Energy Crisis comfortable human existence in an sustainable future for humanity in otherwise hostile environment what the planetary environment. A portfolio of new materials science measures is now required: it is today, to the extent that current Biomaterials living standards are widely accepted • to improve the efficient use of the as an attainable norm for much of The wide range in the application of energy that we currently generate biomaterials to human health is the human species. We are entirely 1 but utilise in a wasteful manner; clearly demonstrated in Fig 1 , dependent on materials to satisfy • to help with an innovative our desire for improved standards of UK Successes in biomedical materials generation of safe and reliable living. The extra demand from Development of first successful joint nuclear reactors, such as the growth in the human population replacements in 1960’s Pebble Bed Reactor, for example, and our increasing longevity don’t Ceramic coatings exported around the world UK development of novel polymers and which can be modularised and make this any easier. There is also degradable materials conveniently located within the an urgent requirement to manage Artificial organ research UK led community requiring electricity and minimise the detrimental and heat from such a source; and impacts of increasing human Biomedical Implants activities on the global ecosystem. 1970 • to help increase the efficiency and Only joint replacements reliability of electrical power from 1,000 operations per year Major world problems that are of renewable sources, such as wind particular concern relate to the Implants Metal and wave. Materials science also improvements demanded in human Polymer has a key role to play in health where elderly people have Non-reactive materials improving solar cells, fuel cells, come to expect to be able to Artificial joint life – 10 years and in developing nuclear fusion. maintain healthy and active lifestyles Today Next Generation Lighting for as long as feasibly possible. This Soft and hard tissue replacement inevitably contributes to demands External and internal systems This is an example of an innovative for the provision of reliable and 250,000 operations/year project that I am involved in by relatively inexpensive energy Artificial bone materials application of materials science to Joints perform longer and better supplies that are required to Corneal lenses - hydrogels next generation lighting. The project underpin the economy and lifestyle Skull – polymer/ceramic composites clearly demonstrates the urgent need of the human population. Fossil Heart valves - polymers for a new UK National Programme fuels are an essentially finite Stents –shape memory alloys on next generation lighting which is Plates and screws – biodegradable polymers resource and unless managed in a Hips – ceramic coated metal entirely consistent with and more environmentally-friendly Knees – metal & polymer underpins our national goals and manner worldwide could precipitate targets for reduction of CO2 from

34 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 the generation of electricity. the target is 50-80%. According to a all their employees to be of UK Lighting is one of the biggest causes US Department of Energy report if origin. There are recruitment of greenhouse gas emissions, 50% of lighting in the USA is difficulties for industry, especially creating 1,900Mt of CO2 emissions replaced by GaN-based LEDs for the smaller SMEs, who find the annually from power stations, which (White) 41 GW of Electricity will be supply chain has been sucked dry is 70% of the global CO2 emissions saved and 41 power stations can be by the primary industries they are of all cars and three times more than closed. working to support. For example, emissions from aviation Ultra-high efficiency white GaN- Thomas Swan Scientific Equipment (International Energy Agency based lighting gives perfect colour Ltd wishes to recruit 2 materials Report, 2006). Currently the US rendering – like sunlight. Its use engineers for exports. They have consumes 30 times as much lighting would reduce CO2 emissions by found one from China but have per person as India and 1.6 billion over 10%, giving savings of £1.7 been unable to find another after people have no access to electric billion in annual energy costs. We nine months. light. The projected global demand could close about 8 power stations Manpower problems also exist in for lighting will be 80% higher by in the UK. It operates on a 4V 2030 (IEA Report, 2006). circuit for lighting which is ultra- universities. For example, one safe and cheap. In the developing university in Singapore produces The Tungsten light bulb, which more materials graduates than all accounts for 79% of global lamp world it can be powered by solar UK universities combined. All of my sales by volume, is only 5% efficient cell batteries. A single light lasts for post-doctorate students are from – 95% is lost as heat which stays 10 years continuously and for 60 near the ceiling. It has been years at 4 hours per day. There are overseas – with usually not a single suggested (Letters, , 17 national programmes in Solid State UK applicant, while 80% of my first July 2006) that the sale of filament Lighting in Japan, China, Korea and year research students are from light bulbs be banned, hastening a the USA but there is no national overseas. changeover to the low-wattage, programme in the UK. Conclusions long-life fluorescent variety. Summary Overview of The HEFCE grant per However, compact fluorescent tubes Materials in the UK undergraduate needs to be are only 15% efficient and the The UK undertakes world class efficiency of long fluorescent tubes increased for Engineering and is only 25%. research in many areas and manages Physical Sciences students, if world class industries in some areas. necessary by a redistribution of There is a need for ultra-efficient University-industry links are good existing funds. Materials is a key lighting: 20% of all electricity and the organisational structure is subject for our wealth, health and consumption in the UK is for good. However, there are manpower for reducing global warming. It is a lighting and in Thailand over 40% is for lighting. There is a new man- problems for industry and high priority topic in the USA, made material, Gallium Nitride, first universities, and there are also Japan, China, and needs higher used in 1993, which emits a bright funding problems for universities. I priority in UK with increased light of any desired colour if mixed visited Rolls Royce Submarines last funding for Materials allocated to with Indium and UV light if mixed week. They employ 980 scientists EPSRC and the DTI. with Aluminium. The efficiency of and engineers, many of them GaN-based white LEDs in normal materials scientists and engineers. 1 conditions is currently 25%, though They are mainly aged between 40 Full figure available at in the lab we can achieve 40%, and and 60 years and the MoD requires http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk/sip.asp

In discussion the following points were made: Depletion of the professional base results from the lack of a clear career prospect ahead of potential students of materials science. Graduates are increasingly seeking financial reward from their studies of metallurgy through employment in finance houses. The annual trawl around universities by companies seeking graduates for employment focuses on graduates with 2-3 years’ experience, with less interest shown by companies in recent graduates due to the inherent costs involved in their training. Everyone wants experience, but no one is prepared to pay. Support for graduate apprentices should be restored. SMEs have the greatest difficulty in recruiting, as the defence-related industries that require UK nationals have had first pick. Students are not all hungry for money, but it is important. You cannot require someone to work as a post doc for 10 years without the prospect of permanent employment. No one wants to be a temporary worker for ever. Starting salaries should be raised and a reasonable career path should be offered. In some schools students are steered by their teachers into easier A levels to improve overall ratings. Universities must also play their part and recognise the importance of recruiting students taking hard subjects and cease seeking students with A grades from soft subjects just to improve their overall intake ratings. Every university makes a loss on training engineers and scientists due to the inadequacy of the current funding system when paying for laboratories as well as lecture halls. Finland, however spends 4% of GDP on research in science and engineering, compared with 2% in the UK, and boasts a world class company, Nokia, that provides high quality employment in materials science for Finnish scientists and engineers, based on the mobile phone, the original technology for which was developed in the UK.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 35 “SIP” gives science a taste of public opinion

r Jekyll or Mr Hyde? In the “ID cards are a good example of an Professor Kathy Sykes, a SIP public’s mind, scientific area where the public have worries member well known for her work research sometimes has a about technology’s impact on civil in making science accessible to a D wider audience on television and split personality. While people often liberties, as well as a false have huge, sometimes unrealistic, impression of science’s ability to radio. “The ultimate goal is to expectations of the benefits science deliver a complete solution,” says ensure that a serious regard for a can bring, many also maintain a Professor Gloria Laycock, Director broad range of – sometimes fundamental unease about what of the Jill Dando Institute of Crime challenging – views and scientists are “getting up to”. To Science and a SIP member. “It’s vital perspectives becomes embedded promote a healthier relationship that the research community is across the organisation and the between science and society in aware of these views, takes them on whole research community.” general, the Engineering and board and works to address them.” In this context, SIP complements Physical Sciences Research Council Other fields SIP is likely to focus on and reinforces the work of two (EPSRC) has set up a new advisory include crime, Information and other independent panels already body called SIP (the Societal Issues Communications Technologies established by EPSRC – the Panel). (ICT), nanotechnology and energy. Technical Opportunities Panel Chaired by Professor Robert In recent years, the last of these has (TOP), whose main role is to advise Winston, SIP aims to help EPSRC seen negative public opinion on new research opportunities, and take more account of public contributing to restricted use of the User Panel (UP), which advises thinking when deciding how to technologies as diverse as wind on research needs from the spend the £575 million a year it energy and nuclear power. Now, viewpoint of technology users. invests in research. Comprising new Government proposals to Together, these three bodies provide expand the role of renewables and eight members from wide-ranging a conduit enabling EPSRC to take nuclear power to help combat backgrounds, SIP will provide external perspectives on board and climate change look set to prompt a advice on how to identify emerging so increase the tangible benefits its range of “pro” and “anti” responses research ultimately delivers. social and ethical issues relevant to from the public. engineering and the physical When formulating its advice to sciences. It will also help EPSRC “Science and engineering don’t exist EPSRC, SIP will not only draw on in a vacuum,” Professor Laycock pinpoint areas where it needs to the knowledge, experience and comments. “It may be going too far engage with the public more views of its members, but will also to say that the public should set the effectively, suggesting ways of doing build on relevant work already agenda for research, but society this and helping to identify areas does at least need to feed into undertaken in the UK and abroad. where further research might be debates about how technologies are A particular priority is to identify needed. exploited. The scientific community examples of “good practice” trying to change the culture in Identifying the has an obligation to guard against organisations to incorporate ways of opportunities and concerns the danger of public cynicism, which could result from perceptions valuing and using public thinking, There are a large number of areas that science is remote and as well as engaging with the public where public optimism and uncaring.” on potentially sensitive issues and enthusiasm can help to identify building mutual understanding issues and drive opportunities to A change of culture between the public and the research help shape tomorrow’s technology. Looking at the bigger picture, SIP’s community. One requirement is for These include energy efficiency and real value as a highly visible new SIP to provide input on the future the use of renewables, protection of forum could extend far beyond shape of EPSRC’s research portfolio, the environment and the individual issues. “By setting up the which is currently under review so responsible use of data. panel, EPSRC has made a profound that potential impacts on society are But advancing technology also statement that it aspires to change factored in and promising produces understandable concerns. its whole way of working,” says opportunities identified.

36 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 “Science has a huge amount to offer • Dr Donald Bruce: Church of worked in the Home Office for society,” says Professor Winston. “By Scotland - head of society, religion over 30 years. providing the basis for a better and technology project. • Baroness Onora O’Neill: understanding between the two, SIP • Professor Derek Burke: retired prominent political philosopher; can help ensure that the benefits of Vice Chancellor of East Anglia President of the British Academy, research are felt as widely as University; chaired the advisory Principal of Newnham College, possible in the years and decades committee on novel foods and Cambridge and a crossbench peer. ahead.” processes from 1988 to 1997. • Professor Judith Petts: Head of The current membership of SIP is as the School of Geography, Earth follows: • Mr David Jordan: EPSRC Council and Environmental Sciences at the • Professor Lord Robert Winston member; retired Chairman and University of Birmingham. Managing Director of Philips (Chair): human fertility • Professor Kathy Sykes: Collier Electronics UK Ltd. researcher, life peer, and former Chair of Public Engagement at member of EPSRC's Strategic • Professor Gloria Laycock: Bristol University; former member Advisory Team on Public Director of the Jill Dando Institute of EPSRC's Strategic Advisory Engagement. of Crime Science; previously Team on Public Engagement.

Maximising the Benefit from Scientific Innovation

David Dent, International Agriculture and Technology Centre

he Oxford English Dictionary Science Innovation establishment of spin-out defines innovation as the act In the UK, Government sponsored companies. Tof introducing something new research has largely focused on a • Young scientists are provided with while the Department of Trade and supply-led model of scientific commercial/business/entrepreneur- Industry take things a stage further innovation (science-led innovation) ship training as part of their PhD and considers innovation to mean ie research undertaken in studentship or Postdoctoral the successful exploitation of new universities and national research apprenticeship. ideas. In economics, innovation is institutes is monitored for • Science Parks have been necessary to meet unsatisfied commercial possibilities, intellectual established involving businesses market needs and increase customer property is protected, commercial and science institutions in order or producer value. In this context partners sought and innovations to increase interchange of ideas, innovations are intended to make licensed to industry to approaches and commercial someone better off, and the commercialise or spin-out opportunities. succession of many innovations companies are created. grows the whole economy. Scientific • Knowledge transfer networks are innovation is primarily used to There have been commitments to being established in response to solve scientific problems that infrastructure and organisational concern about general lack of constrain the development of investments to improve the pull-through of inventions. human advancement rather than effectiveness of this approach: Knowledge Transfer Networks meeting an unsatisfied market need. • Public scientific research (KTN) “stimulate innovation in There are many examples where a organisations have created the UK’s key technology sectors scientific innovation also leads to commercial teams whose role it is by promoting collaboration, best the development of new products to identify and assess innovations, practice and knowledge sharing and services which have market protect intellectual property (IP) between industry and academia.” value. However, it is important to and identify market opportunities However, given a goal of generating be clear that scientific innovation and then facilitate/negotiate wealth for UK plc, this whole rarely by itself leads to economic licensing agreements with relevant system of science-led innovation innovation. acquirers or to assist in the represents a rather indirect,

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 37 unfocused approach that relies too It is easy to preach market-led • Access to the brightest and best heavily on good fortune to match innovation, but it is more difficult innovators – scientists driven by innovation against unsatisfied to practice because it involves a the desire to develop solutions to market need. This is not to say that change of mindset, organisation and problems that are a constraint to science-led innovation does not behaviour at both an individual product and service development have value but rather that it needs scientist and institutional level. rather than purely by the science to be complemented by a more targeted and focused approach to Large companies such as Unilever or engineering that might scientific innovation, one where the and GSK can achieve a market-led underpin a solution market (demand) rather than approach through their in-house • Mechanisms to reward science science (supply) acts as the starting ability to combine and manage the innovators on the basis of value to point. link between market knowledge and industry (number of patents and Market-led Innovation scientific innovation. However, it is more importantly the number of much more difficult to manage for Market-led innovation starts with licensing agreements or spin-outs small-to-medium enterprises with the needs of customers rather than created instead of papers no in-house R&D capability, who at in the laboratory with the interests published) this time have to rely on science-led of scientists. Market-led innovation • Locations and facilities where innovation for opportunities that provides the means by which there are clusters of scientific may or may not meet market needs. scientific innovation is directed institutions, and relevant sector towards developing specific Achieving Market-led companies products and services. The market Innovation In order to achieve this it would be is assessed, specific product or I would not want to give the necessary to re-focus existing service opportunities are identified, impression that there are no current science-led capacity in universities innovative approaches utilising market-led approaches to scientific or national research institutes, or science are sought to generate innovation in the UK. The long create completely new dedicated products and services which are standing relationship of Imperial market-led innovation centres. developed for sale into a pre- College with industry stands out as Issues with regard to how much the defined market with an extant exemplary and initiatives such as capability should be centralised and demand. the LINK Programme seek to or regionalised would also need to An extreme example of market-led achieve the necessary integration of be addressed. However, whichever innovation occurs during wartime market and scientific innovation. option is selected (or combination when there is a very definite and However, these remain a relatively of options) market-led innovation focused demand for the specific small drop in the ocean and if our centres would have the great products. In less demanding times goal is for the UK to become “the advantage of being able, over time, however, scientists tend not to be innovation engine of Europe” we to generate revenue from deployed to solve particular needs need to take a more committed exploitation of their intellectual of the market but rather to solve strategic step towards market-led property and hence would not need problems of scientific interest; their innovation. One direct way of to be as reliant on funds from purpose, not the development of a achieving this would be through central or regional sources as are product or service but rather the Centres of Market-led Innovation conventional research advancement of knowledge and the that combine: establishments. publication of scientific papers. • Teams of market analysts with the If this country really wishes to There may be the vague notion of a ability to identify market gaps and become the “innovation engine of market opportunity when research opportunities in specific sectors Europe”, then we need to be much project applications are made but relevant to industry, not as a better focused in our approach to this is rarely properly defined in grand centralised think tank but scientific innovation and the most terms of the specifications required based on detailed specific sector direct way of achieving this is of a particular commercial product knowledge at the level of potential through the support for market-led or service. individual products and services innovation.

Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr Brian Pettit for discussions and comment on an earlier draft of this paper.

38 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Riding the wave of the latest Asian tiger: promoting UK/India science & innovation Dr Rob Daniel, Head of S&I India, British High Commission, New Delhi

ccording to the think tank number in China and twice that of eroded by other countries such as Demos, the geography of the US. All in a country where the France, Germany and Australia. The Ascience is changing….rapidly. literacy rate hovers at around 50% UK may be the partner of choice for “We used to expect new ideas to come with around 43% receiving no most Indian researchers but, alas, it from the universities and research schooling whatsoever. is no longer the partner in reality. laboratories of major companies in the 0.8% of GDP ($4.5billion) is The SIN India team is involved in a US and Europe. Technology flowed currently spent on R&D. The number of initiatives designed to from this innovative core to the Indian Government intends to redress the balance and maximise technologically dependent periphery. increase this to 2% by 2020. Last opportunities. No more. The core and periphery are year the Government R&D budget recently announced the first six being scrambled up. Places that were was raised by 30%. Again it is major awards and 23 standard on the margins of innovation ten years tempting to make comparisons with awards under the UK–India ago – Bangalore and Pune in India, China’s expansion, but it is only Education and Research Initiative Daejon in Korea, Shanghai and really the staggering growth figures (UKIERI), for which there were over Shenzhen in China – are now essential that can or should be compared. 350 applications. The SIN team is stopping-off points in the continuous Unlike China, Indian policy has also working with the best of the flow of people, ideas and technologies always supported science. Nehru unsuccessful applicants to help their around the world. was convinced that India’s problems proposed collaborations to go would be solved by Indian brains forward too. The UK-India Science The rise of China, India and South and so he created a network of elite and Innovation Council in June Korea will remake the innovation institutions such as the Indian 2006 agreed to find ways to landscape. US and European pre- Institutes of Science and the Indian enhance collaboration in key areas. eminence in science-based innovation Institutes of Technology, that are The SIN India team organises cannot be taken for granted. The still world-class teaching and workshops, for example on optical centre of gravity for innovation is research establishments. India has fibres, next generation networking, starting to shift from west to east.” indigenously developed nuclear earth observation and climate Charles Leadbeater: Demos report: technology and space-faring modelling. The team has also been The Atlas of Ideas: How Asian capability. In other words the working to put the UK at the innovation can benefit us all. additional money being pumped forefront of Indian scientists' minds. India’s economy is changing. The into Indian science is not being Under the public diplomacy radical overhaul of the protectionist used to create a science base, but to initiative: “UK: Creating Tomorrow” policies of the post independence build on existing, extremely firm we have produced a series of six era is paying dividends. Economic foundations. television programmes about growth stands at 8% with no The Demos report points out that innovative breakthroughs emanating prospect of slowing down in the while Asian science is on the rise from British science that will affect near future. India resembles China and will dramatically change the our lives in the year 2020. These in having a huge population, but way we do things in the future, this programmes, entitled Vision “2020”, the similarity ends there. Unlike represents an opportunity not a will be aired on Discovery India China whose phenomenal growth threat to the western developed over the coming year and over the nineties we know all too economies. The FCO's Science and distributed as information packs. well, India’s economic growth is not Innovation Network (SIN) in India The SIN team in India has a great based on low tech, mass and elsewhere ensures that the UK deal of work ahead of it to redress manufacturing, but on knowledge. is in a position not only to benefit the balance and maximise the India’s population is young (60% from this expansion but also to opportunities. To do this it has under 40), highly mobile and influence its direction. India has a recently been strengthened from educated. It boasts 14 million long tradition of collaboration with four full-time staff to nine. This will graduates with less than 7 years' the UK, indeed the UK was seminal help to ensure that it is able not work experience, with 2.5 million in the set-up of a number of India’s only to survive the tidal wave of additional science, engineering and elite institutions. However over the Indian expansion and influence but technology (SET) graduates every years the UK’s position has been to surf the wave all the way to the year: one and a half times the overshadowed by the US and beach.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 39 PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE VISIT TO IMPERIAL COLLEGE TUESDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2006 Report by Dr Douglas J Mills, Technical Secretary, Institute of Corrosion

n an Indian Summer day who talked about Thiakis which is twenty-five members of the developing products to treat obesity. OCommittee made their way This is a western problem at the to Kensington and thence to moment (there are not many Imperial College (full title Imperial overweight people in India, China College of Science, Technology and and Thailand) with some 35% of Medicine). It was founded after the Sicilian children currently classified Royal Exhibition of 1851 – Prince as obese; in the UK it will be 40% Albert donating the initial land. It by 2010. After covering the became a stable University in 1907 importance of diet and exercise and and will be celebrating its centenary various approaches to solve the in 2007. After meeting in the large patents. Business (MBA) students problem (stomach stapling etc), he and imposing new reception area off help identify the markets for homed in on methods to chemically Exhibition Road, we were escorted technology in their dissertation control appetite. Hormones in the to the BioIncubator room in the work. A number of success stories gut tell the brain when to eat or not Bessemer Building, where we were were highlighted, including a body eat and one of these hormones addressed initially by Dr Tidu Maini sensor which monitors pulse, (oxyntomodulin) had been the Pro-Rector for Development and temperature, glucose level, oxygen identified and produced Corporate Affairs. He set the tone level etc, a smart surgical device synthetically. Trials indicated that for a series of talks emphasising the such that after surgery such as introducing this was very effective business aspects of Imperial laparoscopy there was no scar, and, in combating weight gain either on College’s activities. He stressed the on the physical sciences side, an its own or in conjunction with importance to the University of “intelligent” refinery where wireless other appetite reducers. However, at application of knowledge to technology is used to monitor the the moment it is not user-friendly Industry combined with world class thickness of pipework. involving injections three times a scholarship. Interdisciplinary work One “spun out” company was called day, and a better delivery method is has also always been encouraged Heliswirl which, starting from a being sought. and the University had produced 14 theoretical mathematical analysis of The second talk was by Professor Nobel Prize Winners; it currently how liquids flow, had produced a John Hassard who described Delta has a £500m turnover and a total whole new concept in pipe design Dot, a company developing research income of £250m. The (as the name suggest in the form of instrumentation for analysis for three areas on which the helix) making flow of fluid through pharmaceutical, defence and other programme concentrated on were: the pipe much more efficient. applications. The testing required to Health (advanced medical imaging); Despite all these successes, Susan bring a new drug to market can Environment (multiscale dynamics stressed the continuing need for take up to 14 years. The Delta Dot in bio systems); and Energy support – a major problem being a “Raptor” range of machines are (improving the quality of life). The lack of readily available venture smaller (essentially bench top) and most exciting challenge facing IC at capital. Lord Jenkin commented cheaper than those normally the moment is its bid for a $300m that he had identified two equity available, with high sensitivity and Energy BioSciences Institute in gaps: the one mentioned by Susan good resolution. An example was competition with MIT, Cambridge and another in relation to lack of capillary electrophoresis which and Berkeley. It was anticipated that funding for people at Universities to traditionally takes 35-90 minutes Imperial’s strong financial assist in the commercialisation of and has poor reproducibility but management and world class research; there was also the worry can be completed in 2-20 minutes Intellectual Property management that when companies reach a using a Raptor machine which gives would weigh in its favour. certain size they migrate from the highly reproducible results. There Dr Maini’s talk was followed by high tax/high wage economy in UK are also applications in analysing Susan Searle who is CEO of to elsewhere. wine and in forensics. The support Imperial Innovations Ltd. Her remit This was followed by talks from for this had been DTI funding is to take ideas “from the Lab to three people involved in Imperial (genomics programme – helping market”. Each year she deals with College Innovation Spin outs. The turn crazy ideas into real products) 250 new ideas and helps file 50 first was by Professor Steve Bloom, and there was concern that this

40 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 funding might be cut. the householder would be idea every twenty years! On broader The final talk was by Professor significant, there would be savings topics there was discussion about Nigel Brandon who described Ceres of at least 25% in terms of efficiency whether the lack of Research and Power – a fuel cell company (compared with burning fossil fuels Development in industry (no GEC, developing systems for energy in a power station and transmitting BT or British Aerospace doing production. Fuel cells convert the electricity to the home) and research) was holding the country hydrogen (or methane) into most importantly each home would back and whether the role had now electricity and hence they produce save 1 to 2 tonnes of carbon per been virtually fully taken over by zero (or low) carbon emissions. A annum. Universities. Did big companies proton (H+) exchange mechanism is This talk was followed by a lively assume (or hope) that the research needed and this can be achieved and wide-ranging question and they needed would be done with a conducting polymer answer session, concentrating elsewhere? Should Universities be operating at 80-100ºC or a solid initially on Imperial’s situation and bigger? oxide (invented at Imperial College) whether it could be a model for This “seminar” was followed by a which operates at 750-1000ºC. The other universities. It was admitted brief tour around the laboratories former currently have low efficiency that of 250 ideas a year only 10 (particularly the Delta Dot and the latter pose some companies emerged, 96% don’t instrumentation lab). The visit technological challenges. The make it. It was also noted that 5% continued at the Rector’s Lodge, a development that Ceres has been of academics have one idea per year very impressive Queen Anne working on is the use of Stainless or the average academic has one building on the campus, where we Steel as the catalyst which operates were welcomed for an excellent in the intermediate temperature lunch by Professor Richard Sykes. range (400-500ºC) and is All those who took part thoroughly reasonably efficient. The company enjoyed the visit. Undoubtedly spun out in 2001 and now has 50 Imperial College is an excellent employees. The aim is to produce a example of British entrepreneurship micro Combined Light and Power overcoming difficulties and (CHP) unit operating off the normal bureaucracy and making a real gas supply to domestic premises. effort to compete well in the global Although the initial investment by market.

PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE VISIT TO NPL (NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY) TUESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2006 Report by Dr Douglas J Mills, Technical Secretary, Institute of Corrosion

“When you can measure what you Measurement Institutes in the world based on standards and regulations are speaking about, you know and employs over six hundred staff. where measurements are required. something about it” Attrib Lord However, it does much more than NPL is at the heart of the National Kelvin (William Thompson) measurement: inter alia it can Measurement System providing the conduct state of the art failure basic set of calibrations (some 5000 Sixteen members of the Committee analysis. In 1995 it became a per annum) which go out to some took part in this informative and GOCO (Government Owned 400 UKAS accredited labs which do interesting visit to the National Contractor Operated partnership) about 1 million calibrations. One Physical Laboratory in Teddington. operated by SERCO and there is a important aim of NPL is to assist We were welcomed by Steve secure commitment of funding of UK Competitiveness and Steve gave McQuillan, the Managing Director £400m over ten years. The an example from the who, together with Kamal Hossain, operating turnover is £65m, of Biopharmaceutical Industry. the Director of Science and which about one third is from Contamination is a key challenge in Innovation, gave us an excellent services for industrial and other the development of new drugs but overview of the activities at NPL. users including big companies such drug companies do not want their Founded in 1900 as the National as Rolls Royce, Agilent Technologies secret production methods to be Standards Institute, it has developed etc, and many SMEs. known by other companies. In this into one of the three top National Eighty per cent of traded goods are case NPL was able to act as broker.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 41 NPL also helps with training and Caesium Fountain clock. Krzysztof checked – and every 2/3 years these skills, running courses for Szymaniec told us how this can be standards come back to NPL for measurement engineers in Rolls used to calibrate any other clocks in calibration. The group is also Royce and BAE. Assistance had also the world. Essentially it is an working to enable emerging been given to an SME which had oscillator: laser light shining on technologies for radiotherapy to developed a “PowerMeter” to aid caesium emits 10GHz radiation as a reach their full potential, eg physiotherapists to deliver a safe particular (very fast!) electronic Tomotherapy and other conformal and effective ultrasound treatment transition. This enables time to be radiotherapy techniques that aim to for muscle strain. NPL is involved measured to an accuracy 10-15 deliver the exact radiation dose to in national security with the second. The internationally agreed just the tumour and nowhere else. Cyclamen Programme (monitoring definition of the second is now There is also an active ultrasonics at all UK portals) where related to this caesium transition. group at NPL who are helping to mathematical modelling and Next it was across to Helen Margolis quantify a new high intensity calibration of the neutron test to explain how the next generation ultrasound-based cancer treatment sources has been needed and in a of clocks were being developed. (HIFU). feasibility study on Biometric ID These would use optical transitions There was an opportunity for cards. In response to a question rather than microwave, the members of the party to question from Lord Jenkin of Roding, who oscillator being based on a narrow NPL personnel over a buffet lunch, asked if measurement of any one transition in a single trapped after which Glenis Tellett described parameter was holding back strontium or ytterbium ion. Knowledge Transfer at NPL. development, Steve replied that Technical challenges were gradually Companies were benefiting to the progress was needed on several being overcome to enable orders of extent of £700m per annum as a fronts. For example, if time could magnitude improvement over the result of NPL’s assistance with more be measured to one part in 1018 accuracy of the Caesium fountain. active measurement. She (currently one part in 1015 was the This will enable improved satellite emphasised the importance of best) GPS systems could operate to navigation systems, better tracking Knowledge Transfer Networks become accurate to nearly one cm. of deep space probes and more (KTNs) with currently 5000 The party then visited a lab where accurate measurements of companies involved of which 400 were actively collaborating in Alexandre Cuenat spoke on fundamental physical constants. research. NPL runs two KTNs, one “Opportunities in Micro and The final lab visit to the Kaye specialised in Sensors and the other Nanotechnology”. He showed a building involved support for on Location. Several examples were “state of the art” AFM (Atomic cancer treatment where Martyn given of successful knowledge Force Microscope) capable of Sené was our guide. Around transfer to (mainly) small atomic resolution without requiring 380,000 people are diagnosed with companies, for example improving high vacuum. He explained how cancer in the UK annually and 40% train brakes, dealing with “going- nanoscattering by reducing friction of those are treated with off” cheese and measurement of could assist with the mixing of very radiotherapy. It is important that the ulcers by use of a stereo camera small quantities of fluids as required radiation dose is delivered system and digital imaging for portable micro sensors which accurately. Cobalt-60 (60Co) Sources techniques. could monitor components in blood (produces gamma-rays) need to be Finally, there was a short question and indicate abnormalities. He also checked regularly as do the linear and answer session. We all came explained how nanotubes could be accelerators (producing high energy away impressed with what NPL are made into gas sensors using changes x-rays and high energy electron doing and certainly with more in the electrical properties of the beams). Every hospital has a Physics knowledge than we started polymer coating on the nanotube. secondary standard ionisation the day with! Let us hope we can all From there we moved to see the chamber against which all doses are remember at least some of it!

42 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 BOOK REVIEW Discarded Science – Ideas that seemed a good idea at the time John Grant Published by AAPPL Artists and Photographers Press Ltd, 2006 (£9.99)

hen I was asked to review this book I Medicine is a good field to study the developments of expected it to be about ideas which people ideas which are subsequently dropped and there are Whad regarding the future but which were some examples of these in the book. Of course, when found out to be wrong when later evidence came up. people are ill they will clutch on to straws to get It is, however, more about the history of the various better, especially with life-threatening situations, and theories regarding the development of the earth and physicians will react to that pressure to develop drugs the universe (around 100 of the 335 pages) and the and procedures to make them better, aided, of course, origins of the human species (around 50 pages). by the drug companies who see the prospect of Scientists these days do not get a good reception as handsome profits. witness the BSE discussions in the popular press. One Grant quotes a number of procedures which he claims reason is that the general public do not have a good have been found to be less effective than believed at understanding of the scientific method. If this book one time including ear grommets, tonsillectomy, had been of the type I expected it might have gone mastectomy (as opposed to lumpectomy), prostate some way to remedying this situation. cancer treatments. There are many others. As he says, The 2002 study by Taleyarkhan on cold fusion, which many illnesses will get better on their own without is included, is one such example. I would have treatment. Of course, if patients really believe in their thought that this deserved further coverage and the physician or the claims made for the drug or the inclusion of more similar examples. treatment then the placebo effect takes place. As a psychologist/ergonomist I am perhaps reviewing Another related area where there is belief by a large under false pretences. In line with the views above I part of the public but often little evidence is that of had expected examples of scientists who, having got complementary medicine. There is some mention of an idea they believed in, continued to believe in it, homeopathy and acupuncture and a review of some even after evidence was found which contradicted the outdated medical theories such as physiognomy and idea – perhaps even inventing data, and of rivalry phrenology. between different scientists with one ignoring the There is considerable discussion of the role of faith- evidence of the other because of the “not invented based views such as intelligent design and creationism here” syndrome. There are examples of these but, in relation to the scientific theories such as Darwin’s. again, not to the degree I would have expected. The emphasis of the comparisons is on the extent of Inventing data is mentioned briefly in regard to Cyril the evidence. Burt's study on intelligence when he invented subjects Also covered in the book are the evidence (or rather which supported his theory; I am sure that there are the lack of it) for the presence of UFOs and visiting many others. There is the recent work by Hwang in aliens from outer space and the changing attitudes South Korea concerning cloning human stem cell over time to sex. research but that may have been discovered after the As a final point I must take issue with the author on book went to press. one statement. He states that it is hard sciences like One example of the NIH syndrome which I would physics and chemistry, amongst other things, that have thought merited a longitudinal study was the make the wheels of technology go round. Whilst this discovery by Semmelweis in the 1840s, with good is obviously true it is nowhere near the whole truth. It evidence, that infections in hospitals could be is the softer sciences like psychology and ergonomics drastically cut if medical staff washed their hands which ensure that the wheels start and continue to between seeing patients. The lesson was not learned turn. Failure to consider organisational issues and the then and he, in fact, got the sack for being radical. views of people may prevent any new system actually Even today there seems to be a reluctance to follow getting started and a failure to consider the capacities, the rules of good hygiene. limitations and needs (ergonomics) of those Another example of scientific rivalry is covered by the interacting with the system can result in catastrophic differences of opinion in regard to Einstein’s theory of failure. relativity with Grant stating that many of the scientists involved in the debate did not really understand it! Reg Sell

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 43 House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology

Under the Standing Orders, the Committee’s terms of reference are to examine “the expenditure, policy and administration of the Office of Science and Technology and its associated public bodies”. The new Committee was nominated on 19 July 2005. Members of the Committee are Adam Afriyie (Con, Windsor), Mr Jim Devine (Livingston), Mr Robert Flello (Lab, Stoke on Trent South), Dr Evan Harris (Lib Dem, Oxford West and Abingdon), Dr Brian Iddon (Lab, Bolton South East), Mr Brooks Newmark (Con, Braintree), Anne Snelgrove (Lab/Co op, South Swindon), Bob Spink (Con, Castle Point), Graham Stringer (Lab, Manchester, Blackley), Dr Desmond Turner (Lab, Kemptown), and Mr Phil Willis (Lib Dem, Harrogate and Knaresborough). Mr Phil Willis was elected Chairman of the Committee at its first meeting on 20 July 2005.

Oral Evidence Research Council Institutes Science Question Time The Committee announced its terms of reference on The Committee hosted a “Science Question Time” 22 March 2006. The inquiry is focusing on the with Lord Sainsbury of Turville on Wednesday 18 Research Councils’ strategies for providing support to October. The topics covered included knowledge their institutes and centres. transfer, strategic science provision in universities, the The Committee has heard oral evidence from the EU Framework Seven Programme, and funding of following: the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences science centres. Research Council; the Medical Research Council; the Classification of Illegal Drugs: Follow-up session Natural Environment Research Council; the On Wednesday 22 November, the Committee took Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; evidence from Mr Vernon Coaker MP, Parliamentary the Institute for Animal Health; Rothamsted Research; Under-Secretary of State for Policing, Security and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Community Safety, Home Office, Professor Sir Research; the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology; the Michael Rawlins, Chairman of the Advisory Council Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research; the on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), and Professor David National Institute for Medical Research, and the Nutt, Chair of the Technical Committee, ACMD. This Medical Research Council. A Report is expected in session was a follow-up to the Committee’s Fifth spring 2007. Report of Session 2005-06, Drug classification: making Space Policy a hash of it? (HC 1031) and The Government Reply to the Fifth Report from the House of Commons Science and On 19 July 2006, the Committee announced an Technology Committee, Session 2005-06 HC 1031: Drug inquiry into space policy in the UK. The inquiry is classification: making a hash of it? (Cm 6941). focusing upon the current levels of investment in the sector, the UK’s relationship with the European Space Current Inquiries Agency, the delivery of public benefits from the space-related activities of different Government Human Enhancement Technologies in Sport departments, and the support for space-related On 1 March 2006, the Committee announced a new research. inquiry focused on the use of human enhancement technologies (HETs) in sport, with particular Oral evidence sessions began in December and the reference to technologies which are likely to impact Committee has taken evidence from industrialists, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, the on the 2012 Olympics. The Committee is interested Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research in the opportunities and problems presented by the Councils, and the British National Space Centre. Oral increasing availability of technologies capable of evidence sessions will continue in the spring. enhancing sporting performance. The Committee has heard oral evidence from the Investigating the Oceans following: the Department for Culture, Media and The Committee is undertaking an inquiry into marine Sport; UK Sport; the British Olympic Association; the science. It will consider the organisation and funding World Anti-Doping Association; the International of marine science, the role of the UK internationally Olympic Committee Medical Commission; in this field, support for marine science, the use of GlaxoSmithKline/Lucozade Sport; UK Athletics; marine sites of special scientific interest, and the state Qinetiq, and the University of Glasgow. A Report is of the UK research and skills base underpinning expected in spring 2007. marine science.

44 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 The inquiry was launched on 27 November 2006 and Knowledge Transfer the Committee is currently welcoming written The Committee published its Fifth Special Report of evidence. Oral evidence sessions will commence in Session 2005-06, Research Council Support for late spring. Knowledge Transfer: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2005-06 (HC 1653) Reports on 24 October 2006. Scientific Advice, Risk and Evidence Based Policy EU Physical Agents (Electromagnetic Fields) Making Directive The Committee published its Seventh Report of The Committee published its Sixth Special Report of Session 2005-06, Scientific Advice, Risk and Evidence Session 2005-06, Watching the Directives: Scientific Based Policy Making (HC 900) on 8 November 2006. Advice on the EU Physical Agents (Electromagnetic The Report was wide-ranging and considered the Fields) Directive: Responses to the Committee’s Fourth structures for scientific advice, evidence based policy Report of Session 2005-06 (HC 1654) on 24 October making and the treatment of risk throughout 2006. Government. It recommended that the Government Further Information Chief Scientific Adviser be relocated from DTI to the Cabinet Office, that Departmental Chief Scientific Further information about the work of the Committee or its current inquires can be obtained from the Clerk Advisers be external appointments and that a of the Committee, Dr Lynn Gardner, the Second scientific civil service be established. The Clerk, Dr Celia Blacklock, or from the Committee Government will respond to this Report early in Assistant, Ana Ferreira on 020 7219 2792/0859/2794; 2007. or by writing to: The Clerk of the Committee, Science and Technology Committee, House of Commons, Government Responses 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Inquiries can also be Classification of Illegal Drugs emailed to [email protected]. Anyone wishing to be included on the Committee’s mailing list On 13 October 2006, the Government published should contact the staff of the Committee. The Government Reply to the Fifth Report from the House Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee of Commons Science and Technology Committee, Session is strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the 2005-06 HC 1031: Drug classification: making a hash of guidance note first. Guidance on the submission of it? (Cm 6941). evidence can be found at Identity Card Technologies http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide. htm. On 20 October 2006, the Government published The The Committee has a new website address: Government Reply to the Sixth Report from the House of www.parliament.uk/s&tcom. All recent publications Commons Science and Technology Committee, Session (from May 1997 onwards), terms of reference for all 2005-06 HC 1032: Identity Card Technologies: Scientific inquiries and press notices are available at this Advice, Risk and Evidence (Cm 6942). address.

House of Commons Library Science and Environment Section Research Papers

The following is a summary of a paper produced for Members of Parliament. Information and copies of papers can be obtained from Michael Crawford at the House of Commons Library on 0207 219 6788 or through www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_publications_and_archives/research_papers.cfm

The Greater London Authority Bill for a London-wide waste authority answerable to the Parts 7 and 8 - Planning and Environmental Functions Mayor. Research Paper 06/61 The GLA will have a new duty to take action to mitigate The Greater London Authority Bill would enable the Mayor the effects of climate change and help London adapt to its of London to take over strategic planning applications from unavoidable impacts. The Bill will also place a duty on the the London boroughs to determine them himself, instead Mayor to produce a statutory Climate Change Mitigation of only being able to direct the boroughs to refuse and Energy Strategy for London together with a statutory applications, as is currently the case. The Mayor’s powers Climate Change Adaptation Strategy setting out how the over waste are also increased, but the Bill does not provide capital should adapt to the effects of climate change.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 45 House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee

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

Water Management New inquiry: Allergy The Committee’s report was published in June, and Sub-Committee I, chaired by Baroness Finlay of the Government response was received in August, Llandaff, is carrying out an inquiry into allergy. The followed by a debate in the House on Friday 13 inquiry was launched in October and is looking at all October. A short follow-up report was published on types of allergy covering a full range of policy issues, 11 January 2007. but is not focusing primarily on allergy service Science and Heritage provision, which was the subject of recent reports by The Committee’s report was published in November. the House of Commons Health Committee and the It sets out a comprehensive vision for the future of Department of Health. In November and December, what the Committee has termed “heritage science”— oral evidence was heard from Government officials, the diverse range of scientific research that underpins academics and pharmaceutical companies. The Sub- the conservation of our cultural heritage. Following Committee also visited the Evelina Children’s Hospital the report’s publication, the Committee held a private to view the allergy treatment offered to children and seminar, to offer key stakeholders, including a number investigate the research being undertaken by the of those who gave evidence, an opportunity to discuss MRC-Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechamisms of the Committee’s recommendations and provide Asthma. In early 2007, meetings will be held on the feedback. The response at the seminar, which was impact of allergic diseases in the workplace, food held on 23 November, was overwhelmingly positive, with strong backing for the Committee’s allergy and anaphylaxis, the use of complementary recommendations from English Heritage, the Research and alternative medicine for allergic disorders and Councils, the Institute for Conservation and others. other issues. The Sub-Committee also plans to visit The Government’s response is expected by the end of allergy centres in Germany and aims to report in January 2007, and will be followed by a debate in the summer 2007. House of Lords. New inquiry: Radioactive Waste Science Teaching in Schools Management The Committee’s report was published in November. The Select Committee has decided to hold a short Among other things, it called for dramatic action to follow-up inquiry, chaired by Lord Broers, into recruit and retain more specialist physics and radioactive waste management. The inquiry will focus chemistry teachers; a wider baccalaureate-style on the final report and recommendations of the examination system to replace A-levels; increased Committee on Radioactive Waste Management funding for school science laboratories; improved careers advice for students; and a proper career (CoRWM), published in July 2006, and the structure for school science technicians. The Government’s response to the report published in Government response is expected shortly and a debate October 2006. The Committee will hear evidence in the House of Lords will follow thereafter. from CoRWM, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Government and others. The Committee’s New inquiry: Personal Internet Security report on this inquiry is expected to be published Sub-Committee II’s inquiry into Personal Internet around Easter. security was launched in November. The inquiry, which is being chaired by Lord Broers, will look at a Further information broad range of security issues affecting private The written and oral evidence to the Committee’s individuals when using communicating computer- inquiries mentioned above, as well as the Calls for based devices, either connecting directly to the Evidence on the Committee’s new inquiries, can be Internet, or employing other forms of inter- found on the Committee’s website connectivity. In late 2006 meetings were held with Government officials and with representatives of the www.parliament.uk/hlscience. Further information financial services sector. In early 2007 meetings will about the work of the Committee can be obtained be held on child safety, policing, online selling, from Cathleen Schulte, Committee Specialist Internet service provision, and other issues. The ([email protected] or 020 7219 2491). The Committee will visit the United States in March, and Committee’s email address is aims to report in summer 2007. [email protected].

46 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

Recent POST publications also offer unique opportunities. The social and Ambient air quality environmental value of woodland and forest in Great November 2006 POSTnote 272 Britain has been estimated to be worth up to £1 Ambient air quality, the condition of the air in the billion a year. This POSTnote explores the issues outdoor environment, directly affects the health of surrounding the sustainable management of existing humans and ecosystems. National and European and new forest in the UK. regulation has delivered improvements in UK air Current work quality (see POSTnote 188). Air pollution from major Biological Sciences and Health – Ethnicity and health, sources such as transport, power generation and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Strategic science, industry, is now heavily regulated and declining. Prolonging life in newborns, Assisted reproduction However, current air pollution levels continue to technologies, Alternatives to custodial sentencing for cause adverse impacts on human health and the young adult offenders. environment, as summarised by this POSTnote. Environment and Energy - Ecosystem services, Carbon Military uses of space balance of biofuels, Smart metering, Siting of nuclear December 2006 POSTnote 273 power plants, Nuclear decommissioning. Space plays an increasing role in military activities. Physical Sciences, IT and Communications – Over 800 satellites orbit the earth, many of which International migration of scientists and engineers, E- have military uses, from reconnaissance to guiding Science and the grid, Electronic waste, Internet weapons systems. This POSTnote outlines national, governance, UK electricity infrastructure, Future EU level and wider military space activities. It nuclear technologies. discusses small satellite development in the UK and Seminars the growing debate over the role of space in European In October POST, collaborating with the Royal security and defence policy. It highlights concerns Society, held a parliamentary event for the Presidents over the vulnerability of satellites to accidental of all the African national Academies of Science, who damage or hostile acts. were on a mission to the UK at the invitation of the Food security in developing countries Royal Society. Board member Anne Snelgrove MP December 2006 POSTnote 274 discussed her experiences in participating in the Royal Food security and insecurity are terms used to Society/MPs’ pairing scheme. describe whether or not people have access to a Also in October POST, at the request of the Foreign sufficient quality and quantity of food. They are and Commonwealth Office, held a seminar for locally- affected by factors such as poverty, health, food engaged staff in its Science and Innovation sections at production, political stability, infrastructure, access to UK embassies to explain the structure and operation markets and natural hazards. Improved food security of scientific inquiry and support at the UK Parliament, is important for global reduction of hunger and with presentations from the two select committees, poverty, and for economic development. One aim of the Science and Environment Division of the the Millennium Development goals is to reduce by Commons Library and POST itself. half the proportion of people suffering from hunger In November POST, jointly with the All Party by 2015. Currently, 820 million people are so affected Parliamentary Group on Assisted Reproduction, held a in developing countries and numbers are not falling seminar to provide the terms of reference for a POST quickly enough to achieve the goal, particularly in long report on the subject to be published in 2007. Africa and Southern Asia. This POSTnote examines Also in November POST and Ofcom hosted a seminar food security in the developing world and options to on Communications Convergence, the fifth in their improve it, including increasing access to food and joint series of parliamentary seminars on Digital higher agricultural production. Convergence, which was chaired by Board member, UK trees and forests Dr Des Turner MP. January 2007 POSTnote 275 Fellows and interns at POST Trees and forests can provide a range of benefits that Thomas Westgate (Manchester University) joined are often complementary. Some of these derive from POST in September as a Royal Society of Chemistry availability of green space in general, but forests may Fellow to work on a POSTnote on Strategic science.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 47 Sam Dolan (Cambridge University) joined POST in Dr Peter Border represented POST at the INES October as an Institute of Physics Fellow to work on a Partners’ Meeting and Final Conference in Brussels. POSTnote on Electricity infrastructure. POST has been a member of this European Michael Hammond (Bristol University) joined POST in Commission-funded project since 2005. October as an Engineering and Physical Science At the invitation of the Japanese Government, the Research Council Fellow to work on a POSTnote on Director, was one of three international assessors for its Internet governance. Ministry of Education Culture, Sports, Science and International activities Technology “Super-centres of Excellence” scheme, October which funds innovative research at universities and The Director visited the secretariat of the European public research institutes. While in Japan, he also Parliament (EP) in Luxembourg for discussions with visited the experimental flue gas carbon dioxide former Directors of the EP’s Science and Technology capture plant at the coal-fired Matsushima Power Options Assessments unit on establishing postgraduate Station. scholarships at the EP. November The Chair, Board member Lord Oxburgh, the Director Dr Peter Border attended the 7th EMBL/EMBO Joint and Dr Baldwin attended the annual European Conference on Science and Society: Genes, brain/mind Parliamentary Technology Assessment network (EPTA) and behaviour at the European Molecular Biology Council and Conference in Oslo. The overall theme of Laboratory in Heidelberg. the conference was European Energy Systems in The Director visited the Canadian Parliamentary Transition. The Chair made the key presentation in the Centre in Ottawa for discussions on potential session on nuclear power, while Lord Oxburgh was collaboration. The Chair and he also participated in commentator in the session on clean fossil fuels. the 2006 bilateral Canada-UK Colloquium, held at POST Fellow Dr Walraj Gosal attended the 22nd Lake Louise, Alberta, on the subject of Energy Security. Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Berlin, one of the December largest international conferences of its kind, in The Director visited Bonn for the annual planning connection with the writing of the POSTnote on meeting of the European Technology Assessment Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Group, while Dr Jofey Craig attended a planning POST Fellow Michael Hammond participated in the meeting for a new project on genetically modified food UN-sponsored Internet Governance Forum in Athens, and crops being conducted by members of the EPTA in connection with writing a POSTnote on this subject. network..

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sir, Sir, The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution Fly Ash - toxic waste or valuable by-product? I was very interested to read the piece in the summer “The environmental advantages of using fly ash” was issue of Science in Parliament about the Past, Present the crucial issue at stake at a workshop held by and Future of the Royal Commission on STEAG PowerMinerals Ltd on 21st November at The Environmental Pollution. German House, Belgrave Square. Audiences and It was indeed “created by ’s speakers from a wide range of sectors were brought Government,” in the Department of Housing and Local together to debate issues of common interest Government when I was House of Lords Parliamentary concerning the after-use of fly ash derived from the Undersecretary there – ie subordinate minister. I had combustion of coal in the course of electric power the rewarding experience of pushing it through in the generation. face of considerable opposition from some of the civil Fly ash is a combination of glassy, silica-rich mineral servants, but with, of course, the support first of Dick phases that were present, prior to combustion of the Crossman and then of Tony Greenwood. The civil coal, as naturally occurring detrital mineral grains. servants either didn’t think environmental pollution These were washed by rivers into the sedimentary important, or disliked the idea of a permanent Royal basins where the coal was formed and these mineral Commission in general. grains are now disseminated naturally throughout coal This “permanence” in due course outdid Mrs Thatcher. seams. The fly ash, also known as PFA (pulverised fly Lord Kennet ash) is recovered from the flue gases, and also at the

48 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 base of the furnace, and is not permitted to escape up it could be treated as an asset rather than a waste the flue into the environment if the furnace is operated product. The difference in the interpretation of the to agreed, internationally accepted standards. This is same EU legislation between Member States thus not always the case in some countries. Coals vary results in considerable economic disadvantage to the enormously in their natural mineral content and UK, when compared with our EU competitors. It also disposal of the ash thus generated is essential if power contributes considerably to the excess energy wasted, generation is to continue at the power station. The ash and CO2 generated, by landfill disposal. It would be however has a very wide range of very useful far better to make a positive asset of the fly ash and applications as an inert bulk mineral, rather like silica use it as a high quality construction material with a sand. Indeed, in some EU countries the entire national wide range of commercial applications. production of fly ash is reused with nothing being sent There is therefore ever-increasing pressure for fly ash to landfill and without contravening any EU-wide to be reclassified in the UK as a by-product and not a legislation on the topic. waste-product. This will have the advantage of However, in the UK the situation is handled rather enabling the UK to handle the product cleanly and differently, as the Environment Agency’s several and efficiently, while minimising local and national conflicting interpretations of EU legislation may – or bureaucracy. This will allow commercial opportunities may not – stipulate that fly ash is a waste product. to present themselves as they have in other EU Where it does, there are clear implications concerning Member States. waste management and restrictions on after-use applications. The end result is that about half of the Thomas Duve UK’s fly ash goes to increasingly expensive and scarce Chief Executive Officer landfill, when, based on the Continental EU example, STEAG PowerMinerals Ltd

Parliamentary and Scientific Committee News

We are delighted to welcome the following new Publication of UK and European Digests members: In order to release more pages for additional articles Scientific and Technical Organisations on relevant topics the editorial board of Science in The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour Parliament has decided that from October 2006 UK represented by Dr Emma Cunningham and European Digests will no longer be published in The Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences Ltd the journal, Science in Parliament, but will be available represented by Dr Ian Robson on the website: www.scienceinparliament.org.uk. The Foundation for Science Technology and They can be found under Publications and can be Civilization represented by Professor Salim T S Al- accessed using the members’ and subscribers’ Hassan, Chairman password (available from the secretariat). The Royal Meteorological Society represented by In future the Digests will be published more frequently Professor Paul Hardaker, Chief Executive on the website (roughly every six weeks for the UK Digests and monthly for the European Digests) and the University information contained will therefore be more up to The University of Portsmouth represented by date. It is hoped that our readers will find the new Professor John Turner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor arrangements more useful. For those who do not have Industrial Member access to the internet paper copies of the digests can PHARMAQ Ltd represented by Dr Lydia Brown, be supplied by post. Please contact the Committee Managing Director secretariat.

Progress of Legislation before Parliament

A comprehensive list of Public Bills before Parliament, sitting in the Weekly Information Bulletin, which can be giving up-to-date information on their progress through found at: Parliament, is published regularly when Parliament is http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmwib.htm

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 49 Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Following is a selection of Debates and Parliamentary Questions and Answers from the House of Commons and House of Lords. Full digests of all Debates, Questions and Answers on topics of scientific interest from 9th October to 8th November and from 15th November to 19th December 2006 from both Houses of Parliament can be found on the website: www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Please log in using the members’ and subscribers’ password (available from the Committee Secretariat) and go to Publications: Digests. Crime crimes have still been detected if the police had not had available to them the match between the person’s DNA National DNA Database profile and that found at the scene of the crime? Debate in House of Commons on Wednesday 15 November The proportion of white-skinned European and black Dr (Norwich N): We can tell that the debate and ethnic minority people’s DNA profiles on the is serious because no one is in the Chamber except the database closely mirrors the proportion of ethic groups Minister and me. That is a good omen that something reported at different stages of the criminal justice will happen in the future, which is what I want from the process in England and Wales. This suggests that the debate. Forensic science made a great leap forward in national DNA database reflects the police processes by 1985 when a British scientist, Alec – now Sir Alec – which people are brought into the criminal justice Jeffreys of Leicester University, discovered a new way of system and lawfully sampled under suspicion or arrest identifying people within a few hours using the for a recordable offence. The message that this molecule deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. Scene of crime Government want to send to offenders past, present, identification – picking up the DNA and identifying the and future is that science and the law working together individual – can now be done in minutes. According to will bring more offenders to justice. Sir Alec Jeffreys, 10 different genetic markers are used which should be extended to 16 to reduce the chance of Education mismatching. Only one bad mismatch would be needed Science in Higher Education to destroy the whole industry and culture of this Debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 31 October 2006 technology. Hence pressure to place everyone on the National DNA database at the present stage of Mr Rob Wilson (Reading E): The funding of science in development should be resisted. There is a wide range higher education in England and Wales is becoming of of societal issues over the creation and application of the concern to my constituents following the proposal to database that have never been openly discussed and close the small but very capable physics department at debated, as pragmatism rather than policy appeared to Reading University, which is among the world’s top 200, dominate the process. Indeed the range of issues is is extremely well run and has a strong reputation for ever increasing without the Government justifying and research into atomic and molecular physics. That is why explaining how the database is managed now and what the university wanted to save it, if at all possible. The the plans are for the future. Hence the purpose of this university has recently been stung by the new lecturer’s debate is to raise the matter in such a way that the pay settlement and changes to pension arrangements Government will be encouraged to present a much involving an additional £1m per year in extra pension greater in-depth analysis and report of this increasingly contributions alone, and big rises in energy costs and an important technology where the UK holds the lead ever-growing backlog of maintenance to deal with. Many internationally. The intention is to ensure clarity of other UK universities are suffering similar financial purpose in future development of this vitally important crises with the axe falling fastest on the pure science technology for the benefit of society as a whole. subjects such as physics and chemistry. Since Labour The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the came to power in 1997, 19 physics and 10 chemistry Home Department (Mr Vernon Coaker): Forensic departments have closed, with about 80 science science is now able to make a remarkable contribution departments closing in the last six years. The Royal to the prevention and detection of crime thanks in large Society of Chemistry believes that in 10 years’ time, only part due to the key contribution made by the DNA 40 chemistry departments will be left in England and database to the work of the police and criminal justice Wales. The Institute of Physics report on 10 system. The Government believe that the current powers departments in English universities found that they were to take and retain DNA are proportionate and justified all in deficit, usually heavily. They were dependent on in the interests of preventing and detecting crime. As public funding and the metrics used to allocate it, with always, the debate is about individual liberty and public large fixed costs and outdated lab equipment requiring protection, and the balance between the two. substantial investment. The necessary investment can Since the legislation change in 2001 that allowed the only be made if large numbers of students are attracted, police to retain DNA profiles of non-convicted persons, but this cannot be guaranteed. approximately 8500 profiles of such persons have been This year Reading University is getting fewer than half linked with other crime scene stains, including 114 the physics students that it had in 2002. The drop in murders, 55 attempted murders, 116 rapes, 68 sexual numbers is thought to be due to a preference for easier offences, and 119 aggravated burglaries. Would these subjects, such as combined science or media studies;

50 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 school league tables where science teachers, with one research to be celebrated and valued, and the bias third holding a third-class degree or lower, push against teaching to be attended to. students towards less challenging subjects; and the lack The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State foe of properly qualified teachers, with 80% of physics Education and Skills (Mr Parmjit Dhanda): I hope teachers without a degree in physics but having core you have heard the news about abolition of the RAE skills in biology. after 2008. Although the RAE has served the country The Minister for Higher Education and Lifelong well, the Government and higher education sector alike Learning (Bill Rammell) offered his congratulations on have continued to seek a simpler system. The securing the debate, but nothing else, as he considered Government have announced the move to a metrics the foregoing remarks a travesty of the Government’s based system after the 2008 RAE. The first assessment record of investment in the higher education system for SET subjects under the new system will take place in over the past nine and a half years, particularly the 2009 and it will begin to inform funding from the 2010- investment in the scientific research and development 11 academic year. It will completely replace the RAE base. The planned closure of Reading University’s 2008 element in funding for SET subjects by 2014-15. physics department was a matter for the university. For other subjects assessment under the new lighter- Bob Spink (Castle Point): The Minister will agree that touch arrangements will be in academic year 2013, and the Government are planning to increase by 24,000 the it will inform funding from 2014-15. The detailed number of physics and chemistry students by 2014, but design of the process requires further work and the what is the point of doing that if he allows departments Higher Education Funding Council have been invited to lead that work and involve the sector closely. Our aim is that teach science in universities to close? to continue to reward research excellence but to reduce Bill Rammell did not think that there was any evidence significantly the administrative burden on higher that Government Departments dictating to universities education institutions and their researchers. which subjects they should deliver was the way to a sustainable future. Science: Skills Mr Wilson: I want the Minister to deal with the point Question and Written Answer on Tuesday 19 December that I raised about whether he takes a view on how Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's many physicists or departments we need in this country. Government: by what means and when since 1997 they Has any research been done on that? have made or received estimates of likely shortfalls in Bill Rammell: I am happy to follow that up in writing. the number of skilled or otherwise qualified personnel We certainly set out specific targets for the number of to fulfil the needs of science-related industries; and what additional entrants for A-level qualifications that we steps they are taking to review and plan for any current wish to see by 2014. I think that we can make progress or future deficit. on that target, and if we can achieve it we will see the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, numbers flowing through to universities. Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Truscott): The recent Leitch review on skills supports the stance Universities Research Assessment Exercise that estimating the exact number of skilled or otherwise Debate in Westminster Hall on Wednesday 13 December qualified personnel to fulfil the needs of science-related Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase): I want to industries is difficult and not advisable in a dynamic and concentrate on what I think I know and on what I have rapidly changing economy. It does not believe that the been told by distinguished academics in social science Government should aim to predict the impact of future and the humanities. There are many disciplines on technological advances and attempt centrally to provide which I have no authority to speak – science, the skills they believe will be necessary. engineering and technology. It may be that they have no The Government can and do analyse data on STEM difficulties in the way that research is assessed, whether (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) it is done in the present RAE form or in the form of the subjects, employment rates of science graduates, metrics that is planned to replace it. It is widely said international comparisons of stocks and flows of science that RAE designed for natural sciences is inappropriately skills, and consider national employer skills surveys. applied to the humanities and the social sciences. In Such analyses (for example, the DTI's economic paper social science in particular, the RAE drives the No 16 Science, Engineering and Technology Skills in the UK profession in upon itself, cutting itself off from a wider March 2006, and DfES research report 775: The Supply public discourse. It is marooned in a private and and Demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and impenetrable language, and it is consumed by its own Mathematics Skills in the UK Economy) suggest that, at the publishing preoccupations. No thought is allowed to go broadest level, the supply of STEM skills is likely to unreferenced, and sentences become ugly aggregates of meet demand over the next decade. However, we accept borrowed phrases. One only has to pick up a copy of a that there is the need for further action regarding the political science journal to find oneself immediately in situation for specific science subjects, such as the linguistic world of prefabricated henhouses. The engineering and physical sciences. The falls in Orwell mission of turning political writing into an art participation in mathematics and science A-levels are has no chance at all in this kind of academic equally a cause for concern. environment. Journals are invented just to consume the The Government have, therefore, made science products of the RAE and the more obscure and education a high priority. The Science and Innovation professionally introverted they are, the better. Public Investment Framework 2004-14: next steps and STEM relevance is despised and devalued. In the disciplines programme reports set out our commitment to that I know and care about, I want the perversities of improving STEM skills by increasing attainment of the current arrangements to be rectified. I want the science and mathematics at GCSE level, increasing work of public intellectuals to be encouraged, the civic participation in science subjects post-16 and improving purpose of the university to be affirmed, policy-relevant the quality and number of science teachers.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 51 Energy potentially save 50-60% of this. Carbon dioxide emission reductions, operational costs and maintenance Energy Supply costs have not been estimated. Some of these depend on Debate in House of Commons on Monday 30 October local energy agreements and maintenance practices and The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr are for the local highway authority to determine. Alistair Darling) introduced this debate on the energy review published on July 1. This is also an opportunity Environment to discuss the security of gas supplies due to the rapid Water Management (S&T Report) decline in North sea gas production and also coincides Debate in House of Lords on Friday 13 October with the publication of the report by Sir Nicholas Stern The Earl of Selborne introduced the debate to take on the economic issues surrounding climate change. The note of the report of the Science and Technology review concludes that there is still time to avoid the Committee on Water Management (8th Report, HL worst environmental impacts if we act now and Paper 191). There was much public interest on internationally. We need an economy that is both pro- publication of the report which coincided with regional growth and pro-green with an economic policy that is hosepipe bans, water shortage warnings, publicity on also an environmental policy, as indicated by the Chancellor. leakage rates and water company profits, as well as a concern about house building proposals in water The Secretary of State for DEFRA has also announced shortage areas. The realistic timescale for water resource that a Climate Change Bill will be introduced so that we development is 25 years, which does not match regional can become a leading low-carbon economy and which planning strategies. Furthermore any future EU will provide a clear framework so that we can meet our legislation such as the current habitats, water framework long-term climate change targets to reduce CO2 and priority substance directives may also impact on emissions by 60% by 2050, with real progress by 2020. development plans in the future. Mr Charles Walker (Broxbourne) indicated that The report focuses on the lack of transparency, openness reduction of carbon emissions must not be permitted to and shared methodology for forecasting demand impact negatively on the UK’s global competitiveness. between Government and regulators. It is not clear what Mr Alistair Darling pointed out that one of the central methodology has been adopted by Government in findings of the Stern report is that there is an economic determining water supply for increased housing supply cost for doing nothing. It is far more efficient and targets. Indeed an admission, “Look, this has not been effective to take action to tackle climate change, which an exercise in best practice in consultation” would have will in turn help us to maintain our competitive been appropriate. The so-called twin track approach position. Regarding security of gas supply and increased reconciling demand and supply is anything but, as it is prices due to recent uncertainty, the Langeled pipeline operated consecutively, thus delaying any future plans between Norway and the UK has now been opened. The for increased supply from new infrastructure until all Balgzand to Bacton pipeline will bring in gas from the other options are exhausted. Water supply to vulnerable Netherlands. The Belgian interconnector has been groups that cannot afford to pay is complicated by the completed and work continues on the Teesside offshore fact that many who can afford to do so don’t pay LNG importation project. Storage facilities at Rough and without suffering any negative consequences. Indeed Humbly Grove are now both full up with gas. The South East Water has £15m of unpaid bills on a Norwegian Ormen Lange field and the new LNG turnover of £100m. This combined with high leakage importation facilities at Milford Haven will start to rates in some areas and a negative attitude to meter provide us with gas in 2007. usage, creates an image of an industry suffering from a The Minister for Energy (Malcolm Wicks) lack of inclusiveness and transparency. There may be a summarised the long debate by indicating that many of need therefore to bring the Environment Agency, Ofwat, the things we need to do to save the planet in terms of the Government, consumers and others such as the climate change are the same things that we need to do Consumer Council for Water under statutory regional in terms of energy security; yes, energy efficiency; yes, boards to promote compulsory consultation between the renewables; yes, clean coal technology, carbon capture parties concerned. and storage; and yes, a green light, if the market can come forward, for a new generation of nuclear reactors. Lord Oxburgh noted that in recent years the annual However there is no one silver bullet or single answer. expenditure by water companies on research and There is no uranium bullet. Diversity is the name of the development has been around £20m compared with an game. We will return to these issues in the weeks and annual turnover of around £7b and an annual total of century to come. unpaid water bills of around £1b. The research expenditure is inadequate to deal with new technologies Traffic Lights for leak prevention and sealing, the greater use of water Question and Written Answer on Thursday 14 December purification technologies using membranes and improved water testing and analysis for chemical Dr Iddon (Bolton SE): To ask the Secretary of State for impurities and pathogens. Unfortunately neither the Transport if he will estimate the (a) carbon dioxide Government nor Ofwat appreciate the practical emissions, (b) operational costs and (c) maintenance difficulties in setting up and conducting research of costs of a (i) light-emitting diode traffic light and (ii) importance to the water industry which should be seen normal traffic light. as an investment in the future rather than an in-year Gillian Merron: The Department for Transport has cost. Ofwat are encouraged to contact the Government’s estimated the amount of energy used by conventional director general for research and innovation or the Chief traffic signals to be of the order of 17-24 MW/hr. Scientific Adviser for further advice on an appropriate Changing to light emitting diode traffic signals could funding structure.

52 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Lord Broers emphasised the need for Government to Lord McKenzie of responded for the show stronger leadership in informing the public about Government in support of the further development of critical issues related to water management. He went on the European research area through FP7. UK research to criticise the monitoring of water usage and billing as organisations have traditionally done well out of the primitive – years out of date by best practice standards framework programme. In FP6, UK organisations are in the western world. Meters should be provided for involved in 48% of projects and have secured 14.5% of everyone, not the diminutive 28% who have them currently, and they should be accessible and prominent. funding – in the region of $1.74b. The European Of all countries in the world, Britain should not be Institute of Technology did not find favour today. The precipitating itself into a water crisis as all the problems proposed EIT will support a series of autonomous can be solved by modifying behaviour with carefully partnerships – knowledge and innovation communities. planned increases in supply. The Government have been closely involved in The Minister of State, Department for Environment, discussions and are pleased that the Commission has Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Rooker) responded on taken our concerns on board. The Commission has behalf of the Government and referred to the endemic proposed a budget of €2.4b for 2007-13, but it is lack of investment and infrastructure over decades and unclear where the funding will come from, how market the general lack of welcome to the Government’s funding will be attracted, or how this will impact on response to the report. However any suggestion that the other budgetary priorities. It is important that funds are existing system of water management is dispersed and found within existing EU resources and are not taken unclear was rejected as the water management measures from existing programmes such as FP7. introduced by the Government will secure a sustainable use of water both now and in the future. A long list of Nanotechnology rather complicated and often obscure actions and decisions at various stages of completion were then Questions and Written Answers on Thursday 14 December listed, particularly in relation to the “200,000 homes for Dr Gibson (Norwich N): To ask the Secretary of State the south-east”. Water metering was described as “a for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment he has made pathetic 28%” both of which appear at variance with the of the outcome of Government spending on initial statement. An invitation to revisit the issue was nanotechnology research in the last five years; offered in 18-24 months time to examine progress. (2) how much money the Government plans to spend The Earl of Selborne accepted the Minister’s invitation to revisit the issue. on nanotechnology in the next five years; and how this funding programme will be structured. Science Policy Malcolm Wicks: The Government intend to provide Programme for Research: EUC Report continued funding for nanotechnologies over the next Debate in House of Lords on Friday 3 November five years. Funding will be directed towards a Lord Woolmer of Leeds introduced the debate to take programme of research to address the potential risks note of the report of the European Union Committee on posed by engineered nanoscale materials. Further the Seventh Framework Programme for Research (33rd funding will help industry to maximise the potential Report, HL Paper 182). benefits of nanotechnologies by contributing to research, The budget for the seventh programme commencing on knowledge sharing and infrastructure development. 1 January 2007 will be €54b – about €7.7b a year, Decisions on the amounts of funding have yet to be which compares with about €5b a year in the sixth taken. However, the Government's first research report, programme, a significant increase reflecting the published in November 2005, and a progress report in importance attached to it by the Council of Ministers. October 2006 set out current and proposed work and There are four broad objectives: the first, with 60-65% indicate what further research is needed to address the of the budget, is to support co-operation between potential risks posed by engineered nanoscale materials. industry, universities, research centres and public bodies to gain leadership in key scientific and technological The new Technology Strategy Board will have areas. The second, with 15-20% of the budget, is to responsibility for “science to business” collaborative promote and fund basic frontier research which will be research and development, and Knowledge Transfer the responsibility of the new European Research Networks (one of which will build on the work of the Council. The third, with 10% of the budget, is to train Micro and Nano Technology Network). We will also be and provide mobility and careers development for promoting the substantial funding opportunities within researchers through the Marie Curie schemes. The the EU framework programmes which we co-fund with fourth, with 10%, is to strengthen research and other member states. We are working internationally to innovation capacity throughout Europe. ensure that the UK funds research that complements, Baroness Sharp of Guildford expressed deep and does not duplicate, other research around the scepticism about Barossa’s baby, namely the suggested world. European Institute of Technology; as a virtual institute is The outcomes of nanotechnology research to address the not the same as a physical place such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which has taken potential risks posed by engineered nanoscale materials 150 years to develop. The whole idea about exchange are assessed by the relevant Departments and agencies, and cross-fertilization of ideas by being able to rub with co-ordination by the Nanotechnology Research Co- shoulders with others is extremely important. We shall ordination Group. It is too early to draw conclusions have to watch it fairly carefully. from the outcomes as few projects have been completed.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 53 Euro-News Commentary on science and technology within the European Parliament and the Commission

Determining the patterns of exposure to material for generating fuels, power, chemicals, materials pesticides and other products. Of particular interest is its use for Essential steps are being taken by the Europit project, bioethanol, which can be used as an alternative liquid funded under the Family and Psychological Services fuel. A pilot plant has been built that could be easily programme “Life Quality” to determine the pattern of adapted to any modifications such as the extraction of human occupational exposure to immunotoxicants. natural products. The wastes generated could be used to Pesticides are widely used in agriculture for preventing or provide the energy requirements of the process. repelling pests, including insects, mammals, plant Modelling wind power pathogens, weeds ands microbes that destroy crops and Wind power is increasingly introduced to electricity property. As a consequence, a great part of the population markets that are currently undergoing a process of may be exposed to these compounds. Knowledge on the market liberalisation. This has a strong impact on both health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these the technical operation of the electricity system and also compounds is rather poor and major uncertainties still the electricity market. The integration of substantial exist. In the case of prolonged low-dose exposure, in amounts of intermitting renewable power production particular, the association between pesticides and the such as wind power in a liberalised electricity system occurrence of adverse effects on human health is often less clear and thus difficult to prove. In agricultural fields, causes chain reactions in technical and economical power workers are exposed to pesticides in numerous activities. systems performance. Technical instability can result from Assessment of exposure is undertaken by determination transmission bottlenecks between various regions due to of the presence of the main metabolite of these increased wind power generation which have cost and compounds, ethylenethiourea (ETU) in urinary price implications. The Wilmar planning tool offers a excretions. Urinary ETU levels from a control group of means for the analysis of wind power integration. unexposed subjects are set as a reference biological value Collaboration is now sought with research institutions for the general population at European level. and consultancy companies for further development and use of this tool. Protecting Europe’s fish against endocrine disruptor compounds EU regional policy supports research and The faster one can detect harmful levels of pollutants in innovation water, the faster one can respond to protect the ecosystem’s residents. Researchers in Italy exploited liquid EU regional policy was created to reduce the gaps in chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) that allows development among European regions and the disparities for separation and quantification of several different in terms of well-being among European citizens. chemical species simultaneously to provide concentration European regional policy allocates more than a third of data for endocrine disruptors in a very short period of the total EU budget to help lagging regions to catch up, time. Endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) are man- restructure declining industrial regions, diversify the made chemicals released into the environment that wreak economies of rural areas with declining agriculture and havoc with organisms’ endocrine systems, negatively revitalise declining neighbourhoods in the cities. It sets impacting on their development and reproduction. The job creation as its primary concern. In a word, it seeks to EESD programme brought together seven European strengthen the economic, social, and territorial cohesion universities to address the effects of EDCs on Europe’s of the Union. The European Framework programme for fish resources. The ACE project examined the effect of a research and technological development provides the specific type of EDC, oestrogenic chemicals in complex context for all EU scientific activities. FP6, operating mixtures. Application areas for the technique include between 2002 and 2006 has a budget of €17.5b, FP7 oestrogenic assays in polluted water or wastewater covering the period 2007-13, will have a budget of streams. The technique also works with saltwater €50.5b. The actions “Regions of Knowledge” are a good samples. example of the synergies between European regional and Studying the effects of noise pollution on research policies in the context of the Lisbon agenda that children’s health was established in March 2000 to enable the EU to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge- Noise pollution from aircraft and road traffic has caused based economy in the world capable of sustainable children to be at high risk of adverse effects to their economic growth with more and better jobs and greater cognition and health. Some of these effects include social cohesion. annoyance, stress-related psycho-physiological effects, impaired cognitive function, raised blood pressure and European Union – Digest sleep disorders. Monthly digests of European legislation, taken from the Exploiting sugar waste for biomass Official Journal of the European Communities, can be found production on the website: www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Please log in Biomass constitutes one of the key sources of renewable using the members’ and subscribers’ password (available from energy and includes almost all plant or plant-derived the Committee Secretariat) and go to Publications: Digests.

54 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Science Directory DIRECTORY INDEX

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

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 55 Hydrocarbons and Petroleum Motor Vehicles Public Understanding of Science SSSIs Newcastle University London Metropolitan Polymer Academy of Medical Sciences Natural England Royal Society of Chemistry Centre Biochemical Society Royal Botanic Gardens Kew SEMTA British Association for the Industrial Policy and Research Advancement of Science Statistics AIRTO Oceanography British Society for Antimicrobial CCLRC AMSI Chemotherapy Royal Statistical Society Economic and Social Research Cefas Clifton Scientific Trust Natural Environment Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Surface Science Council Institution of Civil Engineers Research Council CCLRC Royal Academy of Engineering Oil HFEA SCI Institution of Chemical Engineers Institute of Biology Sustainability LGC Institute of Physics Biosciences Federation Information Services Institution of Chemical Engineers British Ecological Society AIRTO Particle Physics Institution of Engineering and CABI CCLRC Technology CABI Medical Research Council Cefas IT, Internet, Telecommunications, Patents NESTA Institute of Biology Computing and Electronics The Chartered Institute of Patent Prospect Institution of Chemical Engineers CABI Attorneys Royal Academy of Engineering Institution of Civil Engineers CCLRC NESTA Royal Institution London Metropolitan Polymer Engineering and Physical Sciences The Royal Society Centre Research Council Pharmaceuticals Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Engineering and ABPI Natural England British Pharmacological Society Technology Quality Management Newcastle University British Society for Antimicrobial Newcastle University Campden & Chorleywood Food SCI Chemotherapy Eli Lilly & Company Research Association Intellectual Property LGC Technology Transfer ABPI Institution of Chemical Engineers LGC CABI The Chartered Institute of Patent Merck Sharp & Dohme Radiation Hazards Campden & Chorleywood Food Attorneys Cefas PHARMAQ Ltd Research Association NESTA Royal Society of Chemistry Health Protection Agency Newcastle University SCI CCLRC Retail LGC Large-Scale Research Facilities Physical Sciences Marks and Spencer London Metropolitan Polymer Campden & Chorleywood Food Cavendish Laboratory Centre Research Association Engineering and Physical Sciences Science Policy NESTA CCLRC Research Council ABPI National Physical Laboratory London Metropolitan Polymer London Metropolitan Polymer Academy of Medical Sciences Centre Centre Biochemical Society Tropical Medicine National Physical Laboratory Biosciences Federation Lasers British Association for the Health Protection Agency CCLRC Physics Society for General Microbiology Cavendish Laboratory Advancement of Science British Pharmacological Society Manufacturing Institute of Physics Cefas ABPI National Physical Laboratory Viruses AMSI Clifton Scientific Trust ABPI Engineering and Physical Sciences Pollution and Waste Economic and Social Research Health Protection Agency Council Research Council ABPI Society for General Microbiology London Metropolitan Polymer AMSI Engineering and Physical Sciences CABI Research Council Centre Water SCI Cefas HFEA Institution of Chemical Engineers Institute of Biology AMSI Materials Institution of Civil Engineers Institute of Physics Campden & Chorleywood Food CCLRC London Metropolitan Polymer Institution of Chemical Engineers Research Association London Metropolitan Polymer Centre LGC Cefas Natural Environment Research Centre Medical Research Council Freshwater Biological Association Council NESTA National Physical Laboratory Institution of Chemical Engineers Newcastle University Prospect Institution of Civil Engineers Medical and Biomedical Research Royal Academy of Engineering Psychology Royal Institution LGC ABPI British Psychological Society Academy of Medical Sciences The Royal Society Royal Society of Chemistry Royal Society of Chemistry SCI Biochemical Society Public Policy Biosciences Federation Biosciences Federation The Science Council Society for General Microbiology British Pharmacological Society British Nutrition Foundation UFAW British Society for Antimicrobial British Society for Antimicrobial Wildlife Chemotherapy Seed Protection Chemotherapy Biosciences Federation Eli Lilly & Company Economic and Social Research CABI British Ecological Society HFEA Council Medical Research Council HFEA Sensors and Transducers Institute of Biology Newcastle University NESTA AMSI Natural England UFAW Prospect CCLRC UFAW

56 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Association Association Academy of the British of Marine of Medical Pharmaceutical Scientific Industries Sciences Industry Contact: Karen Gray, Secretary Contact: Mrs Mary Manning, Executive Director Contact: Dr Philip Wright Association of Marine Scientific Industries Academy of Medical Sciences Director of Science & Technology 4th Floor, 30 Great Guildford Street 10 Carlton House Terrace 12 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY London SE1 0HS London SW1Y 5AH Tel: 020 7747 1408 Tel: 020 7928 9199 Fax: 020 7928 6599 Tel: 020 7969 5288 Fax: 020 7747 1417 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7969 5298 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.maritimeindustries.org E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.abpi.org.uk The Association of Marine Scientific Industries The ABPI is the voice of the innovative (AMSI) is a constituent association of the Society Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk pharmaceutical industry, working with Government, of Maritime Industries (SMI) representing The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes regulators and other stakeholders to promote a companies in the marine science and technology receptive environment for a strong and progressive sector, otherwise known as the oceanology sector. advances in medical science and campaigns to industry in the UK, one capable of providing the best ensure these are converted as quickly as medicines to patients. The marine science sector has an increasingly The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical important role to play both in the UK and possible into healthcare benefits for society. The industry operating in the UK in a way that: globally, particularly in relation to the Academy’s Fellows are the United Kingdom’s ● assures patient access to the best available environment, security and defence, resource leading medical scientists from hospitals, medicine; exploitation, and leisure. AMSI represents academia, industry and the public service. The ● creates a favourable political and economic manufacturers, researchers, and system suppliers Academy provides independent, authoritative environment; providing a co-ordinated voice and enabling ● encourages innovative research and development; members to project their views and capabilities to advice on public policy issues in medical ● affords fair commercial returns a wide audience. science and healthcare.

AIRTO Biochemical

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

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

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 57 British Nutrition The Foundation British Contact: Sarah-Jane Stagg Psychological Society Contact: Professor Robert Pickard, British Pharmacological Society Director-General 16 Angel Gate, City Road Contact: Christine O’Rourke Parliamentary Officer 52-54 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RQ London EC1V 2SG Tel: 020 7417 0113 The British Psychological Society Tel: 020 7404 6504 Fax: 020 7417 0114 St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East Fax: 020 7404 6747 Email: [email protected] Leicester LE1 7DR Email: [email protected] Website: www.bps.ac.uk Tel: 0116 252 9917 Fax: 0116 252 9929 Website: www.nutrition.org.uk The British Pharmacological Society has now been E mail: [email protected] supporting pharmacology and pharmacologists Website: www.bps.org.uk 2007 is the 40th Anniversary of the British for over 75 years. Our 2,000+ members, from Nutrition Foundation. This scientific and academia, industry and clinical practice, are The British Psychological Society is an educational charity promotes the well-being trained to study drug action from the laboratory organisation of over 42,000 members governed of society through the impartial bench to the patient’s bedside. Our aim is to by Royal Charter. It maintains the Register of interpretation and effective dissemination of improve the quality of life by developing new Chartered Psychologists, publishes books, 10 scientifically based knowledge and advice medicines to treat and prevent the diseases and primary science Journals and organises on the relationship between diet, physical conditions that affect millions of people and conferences. Requests for information about activity and health. animals. Inquiries about drugs and how they psychology and psychologists from work are welcome. parliamentarians are welcome.

British Society British Veterinary for Antimicrobial Association Chemotherapy Contact:Chrissie Nicholls CABI 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ Contact: Dr Joan Kelley, Contact: Tracey Guest, Executive Officer Tel: 020 7636 6541 Executive Director Bioservices, CABI British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Fax: 020 7637 4769 11 The Wharf, 16 Bridge Street, E-mail:[email protected] Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY Birmingham B1 2JS. www.bva.co.uk Tel: 01491 829306 Fax: 01491 829100 Email: [email protected] Tel: 0121 633 0410 BVA’s chief interests are: Fax: 0121 643 9497 Website: www.cabi.org * Standards of animal health E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bsac.org.uk * Veterinary surgeons’ working practices CABI brings together and applies scientific * Professional standards and quality of service information and expertise to improve people’s Founded in 1971, and with 800 members * Relationships with external bodies, particulary lives. Founded in 1910, CABI is owned by over worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the government 40 member countries. Today CABI publishes acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in BVA carries out three main functions which are: books, journals and scientific outputs, carries the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The out scientific research and consultancies to find * Policy development in areas affecting the BSAC publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial sustainable solutions to agricultural and profession Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for environmental issues and develops innovative its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of * Protecting and promoting the profession in ways to communicate science to many different educational activities, awards grants for research matters propounded by government and other audiences. Activities range from assisting and has active relationships with its peer groups external bodies national policy makers, informing worldwide and government. * Provision of services to members research, to supporting farmers in the field.

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

58 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Chartered Clifton Council Institute of Scientific for the Patent Attorneys Trust Central Laboratory

Contact: Michael Ralph - Contact: Dr Eric Albone of the Research Secretary & Registrar Clifton Scientific Trust Councils The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 Contact: Natalie Bealing Tel: 020 7405 9450 E-mail: [email protected] CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Fax: 020 7430 0471 Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX E-mail: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory Website: www.cipa.org.uk Science for Life, Science for Real Daresbury, Cheshire, WA4 4AD CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, We build grass-roots partnerships between Tel: 01235 445484 Fax: 01235 446665 school and the wider world of professional E-mail: [email protected] especially patents, trade marks, designs, and Website: www.cclrc.ac.uk copyright, either in private partnerships or science and its applications industrial companies. CIPA maintains the • for young people of all ages and abilities The CCLRC is the UK’s strategic agency for scientific statutory Register. It advises government and • experiencing science as a creative, research facilities. It also supports leading-edge science questioning, human activity and technology by providing world-class, large-scale international circles on policy issues and • bringing school science added meaning and experimental facilities. These advanced technological provides information services, promoting the capabilities, backed by a pool of expertise and skills notivation, from primary to post-16 across a broad range of disciplines, are exploited by more benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP • locally, nationally, internationally (currently protection, and to overseas industry of using than 600 government, academic, industrial and other between Britain and Japan) research organisations around the world each year. The British agents to obtain international protection. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 annual budget of the CCLRC is c. £150 million.

Economic and Eli Lilly and Engineering Social Research Company and Physical Council Limited Sciences Contact: Lesley Lilley, Senior Policy Contact: Paul Johnson PhD, Research Council Manager, Knowledge Transfer, Managing Director Contact: Dr Claire Graves, Economic and Social Research Council, Eli Lilly & Company, Erl Wood Manor, Public Affairs Mamager, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PH Tel: 01256 315000 Swindon SN2 1UJ EPSRC, Polaris House, Fax: 01276 483307 North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET Tel: 01793 413033 Fax 01793 413130 E-mail:[email protected] Tel: 01793 444459 Fax: 01793 444005 [email protected] Website:www.lilly.com or www.lilly.co.uk http://www.esrc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Eli Lilly and Company Limited is the UK affiliate of The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk major American pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in agency addressing economic and social concerns. We Lilly and Company of Indianapolis. This affiliate is pursue excellence in social science research; work to one of the UK's top pharmaceutical companies with research and postgraduate training in the physical increase the impact of our research policy and significant investment in science and technology sciences and engineering, to help the nation handle practice; and provide trained social scientists who including a neuroscience research and development the next generation of technological change. The meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby centre and bulk biotechnology manufacturing areas covered range from mathematics to materials contributing to the economic competitiveness of the operations. science, and information technology to structural United Kingdom, the effectiveness of public services Lilly medicines treat schizophrenia, diabetes, cancer, engineering. and policy, and quality of life. The ESRC is osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, We also actively promote public engagement with independent, established by Royal Charter in 1965, erectile dysfunction, severe sepsis, depression, science and engineering, and we collaborate with a and funded mainly by government. bipolar disorder and many other diseases. wide range of organisations in this area.

Freshwater Health Human Biological Protection Fertilisation Association Agency and Contact: Dr Roger Sweeting, Contact: Professor Pat Troop, Chief Executive Health Protection Agency Central Office Embryology Chief Executive. 7th Floor, Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn The Freshwater Biological Association, The London WC1V 7PP Authority Ferry House, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Tel: 020 7759 2700/2701 Fax: 020 7759 2733 Cumbria LA22 0LP. Email: [email protected] Contact: Tim Whitaker Tel: 015394 42468 Fax: 015394 46914 Web: www.hpa.org.uk 21 Bloomsbury St E-mail: [email protected] The Health Protection Agency is an independent London WC1B 3HF Website: www.fba.org.uk organisation dedicated to protecting people’s health in Tel: 020 7291 8200 the United Kingdom. We do this by providing impartial The Freshwater Biological Association is an Fax: 020 7291 8201 advice and authoritative information on health Email: [email protected] independent organisation and a registered Charity, protection uses to the public, to professionals and to Website: www.hfea.gov.uk founded in 1929. It aims to promote freshwater government. science through an innovative research We combine public health and scientific expertise, The HFEA is a non-departmental Government programme, an active membership organisation research and emergency planning within one organisation. We work at international, national and body that regulates and inspects all UK clinics and by providing sound independent opinion. It regional and local levels and have many links with many providing IVF, donor insemination or the publishes a variety of specialist volumes and other organisations around the world. This means we can storage of eggs, sperm or embryos. The HFEA houses one of the finest freshwater libraries in the respond quickly and effectively to new and existing also licenses and monitors all human embryo national and global threats to health including infections, world. environmental hazards and emergencies. research being conducted in the UK.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 59 Institute Institute of of Physics and Contact: Public Relations Department Biology 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Engineering Tel: 020 7470 4800 Contact: Prof Alan Malcolm, E-mail: [email protected] in Medicine Chief Executive Website: www.iop.org Contact: Robert Neilson, General Secretary 9 Red Lion Court, London EC4A 3EF The Institute of Physics supports the physics Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, Tel: 020 7936 5900 community and promotes physics to York, YO24 1ES Fax: 020 7936 5901 government, legislators and policy makers. Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 E-mail: [email protected] It is an international learned society and E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.iob.org professional body with over 35,000 members Website: www.ipem.ac.uk worldwide, working in all branches of physics IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the The biological sciences have truly come of and a wide variety of jobs and professions – advancement, in the public interest, of physics and including fundamental resarch, technology- age, and the Institute of Biology is the engineering applied to medicine and biology. It based industries, medicine, finance – and accredits medical physicists, clinical engineers and professional body to represent biology and newer jobs such as computer games design. clinical technologists through its membership register, biologists to all. A source of independent The Institute is active in school and higher organises training and CPD for them, and provides advice to Government, a supporter of education and awards professional opportunities for the dissemination of knowledge qualifications. It provides policy advice and education, a measure of excellence and a through publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is opportunities for public debate on areas of licensed by the Science Council to award CSci and by disseminator of information - the Institute physics such as energy and climate change the Engineering Council (UK) to award CEng, IEng of Biology is the Voice of British Biology. that affect us all. and EngTech.

Institution Institution of of Civil Engineering Engineers and Technology Contact: Nicola Bates, Senior Public Affairs Executive Contact: Tony Henderson One Great George Street, Westminster, Institution of Engineering and Technology ("FCK$GQRFCFS@DMPAFCKGA?J  Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL @GMAFCKGA?J?LBNPMACQQCLEGLCCPGLE London SW1P 3AA, UK Tel: 020 7344 8403 NPMDCQQGML?JQUMPJBUGBC6C Tel: 020 7665 2265 Fax: 020 7222 0973 E-mail: [email protected] ?PCRFCFC?PRMDRFCNPMACQQ Website: www.theiet.org AMKKSLGRW NPMKMRGLEAMKNCRCLAC E-mail: [email protected] ?LB?AMKKGRKCLRRMQSQR?GL?@JC Website: www.ice.org.uk The Institution of Engineering and Technology BCTCJMNKCLR ?BT?LAGLERFCBGQAGNJGLC ICE aims to be a leader in shaping the DMPRFC@CLCÓRMDQMAGCRW?LBQSNNMPRGLE was formed in 2006 by the Institution of engineering profession. With over 75,000 RFCNPMDCQQGML?JBCTCJMNKCLRMDMTCP Electrical Engineers and the Institution of  KCK@CPQ members, ICE acts as a knowledge exchange Incorporated Engineers. The IET has more than for all aspects of civil engineering. As a 150,000 members worldwide who work in a !KJP=?P J@NAS$QNHKJC "ENA?PKN Learned Society, the Institution provides range of industries. The Institution aims to lead R    expertise, in the form of reports and comment, in the advancement of engineering and D    on a wide range of subjects from energy technology by facilitating the exchange of C?DSPJMLE GAFCKCMPE generation and supply, to sustainability and the SSSE?DAIAKNC knowledge and ideas at a local and global level environment. and promoting best practice.

LGC London Marks & Queens Road, Teddington Metropolitan Spencer Plc Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Polymer Centre Contact: Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 David Gregory E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Alison Green, Waterside House Website: www.lgc.co.uk London Metropolitan University 35 North Wharf Road 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB London W2 1NW. LGC, a science service company, is Europe’s leading Tel: 020 7133 2189 Tel: 020 8718 8247 independent provider of analytical and diagnostic services Fax: 020 7133 2184 and reference standards. LGC’s market-led divisions - E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] LGC Forensics, Life and Food Sciences, Pharmaceutical Website: www.polymers.org.uk Main Business Activities and Chemical Services and LGC Promochem (for Retailer – Clothing, Food, Financial Reference Materials) - operate in a diverse range of sectors The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre provides Services and Home for both public and private sector customers. training, consultancy and applied research to the UK Under arrangements for the office and function of polymer (plastics & rubber) industry. A programme We have over 450 stores in 31 Government Chemist, LGC fulfils specific statutory duties of industrial short courses and customised courses, territories worldwide, employing and provides advice for Government and the wider together with distance learning and other flexible 65,000 people. delivery methods, lead to qualifications ranging from analytical community on the implications of analytical We offer our customers quality, value, chemistry for matters of policy, standards and regulation. technician to Masters level, alongside the full-time courses for Polymer Engineering and Product service and trust in our brand by LGC is based in Teddington, Middlesex, with other UK Design. Recent successes include a WRAP sponsored applying science and technology to operations in Runcorn, Edinburgh, Culham, Risley and programme to develop new commercial applications Tamworth and facilities in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, develop innovative products and for recycled PET and several technology transfer services. Spain, Sweden and India. projects with companies.

60 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Medical The Research Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories National Contact: Professor Ray Hill, FMedSci Endowment for Council Licensing & External Research, Europe Science, Technology Contact: Simon Wilde Hertford Road and the Arts 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL. Hoddesdon Herts EN11 9BU Tel: 020 7636 5422 Fax: 020 7436 2665 Contact: Nicola Kane Tel: 01992 452836 Media and Public Affairs Assistant E-mail: 1 Plough Place [email protected] Fax: 01992 441907 e-mail: [email protected] London EC4A 1DE Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Tel: 020 7438 2500 www.merck.com Fax: 020 7438 2501 The Medical Research Council (MRC) is Email: [email protected] funded by the UK taxpayer. We are Merck Sharp & Dohme is a UK subsidiary of Website: www.nesta.org.uk Merck & Co Inc a global research-driven independent of Government, but work closely NESTA’s aim is to transform the UK’s capacity for with the Health Departments, the National pharmaceutical company dedicated to innovation. We work across the human, financial and the Health Service and industry to ensure that the putting patients first. Merck discovers, policy dimensions of innovation. We invest in early stage research we support takes account of the develops, manufactures and markets companies, inform innovation policy and encourage a public’s needs as well as being of excellent vaccines and medicines in over 20 culture that helps innovation to flourish. The unique therapeutic categories directly and through nature of our endowed funds means that we can take a scientific quality. As a result, MRC-funded longer term view, and develop ambitious models to research has led to some of the most its joint ventures. Our mission is to provide stimulate and support innovation that others can significant discoveries in medical science and society with superior products and services replicate or adapt. NESTA works across disciplines, benefited millions of people, both in the UK by developing innovations and solutions bringing together people and ideas from science, and worldwide. that improve the quality of life. technology and the creative industries.

National Natural Natural Physical England Environment Research Council Laboratory Contact: Dr Tom Tew Director Science and Evidence Contact: Sheila Anderson National Physical Laboratory Natural England Head of Communications Hampton Road, Teddington Northminster House Polaris House, North Star Avenue Middlesex TW11 0LW Peterborough Swindon SN2 1EU Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 Tel: 020 8943 6880 Fax: 020 8943 6458 PE1 1UA E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01733 455056 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nerc.ac.uk Website: www.npl.co.uk Fax: 01733 568834 Email: [email protected] The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council funds and carries out impartial scientific research The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the Website: www.naturalengland.org.uk United Kingdom’s national standards laboratory, in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains an internationally respected and independent Natural England is the Government's the next generation of independent environmental centre of excellence in research, development conservation agency working throughout scientists. and knowledge transfer in measurement and England; we conserve, enhance and manage NERC funds research in universities and in a materials science. For more than a century, NPL the natural environment for the benefit of network of its own centres, which include: has developed and maintained the nation’s current and future generations. We primary measurement standards - the heart of British Antarctic Survey, British Geological an infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, commission research and publish papers Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, consistency and innovation in physical which underpin the development of our National Oceanography Centre and measurement. policies and programmes. Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory

Newcastle The Nutrition University Society Contact: Dr Douglas Robertson Contact: Frederick Wentworth-Bowyer, PHARMAQ Ltd Chief Executive, The Nutrition Society, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU 10 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road Tel: 0191 222 5347 Fax: 0191 222 5219 London W6 7NJ Contact: Dr Lydia A Brown E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7602 0228 PHARMAQ Ltd Fax: +44 (0)20 7602 1756 Website: www.ncl.ac.uk Email: [email protected] Unit 15 Sandleheath Industrial Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Founded in 1941, The Nutrition Society is the premier Estate, Fordingbridge scientific and professional body dedicated to advance Group of research intensive universities. the scientific study of nutrition and its application to the Hants SP6 1PA. Newcastle's focus is Excellence with a Purpose. maintenance of human and animal health. Tel: 01425 656081 The University has a well balanced portfolio of Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society research funding and a very significant is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. Fax: 01425 655309 portfolio of FP6 EU activity (with over 100 Membership is worldwide and is open to those with a genuine interest in the science of human or animal E-mail: [email protected] projects involving more than 1800 partners) nutrition. Website: www.pharmaq.no with a strong interdisciplinary approach to Principal activities include: research. The University was a winner in the 1. Publishing internationally renowned scientific 2006 EPSRC Knowledge Transfer awards. The learned journals Veterinary pharmaceuticals specia- University is taking its commitment further 2. Promoting the education and training of nutritionists lising in aquatic veterinary products. through the development of Newcastle Science 3. Promoting the highest standards of professional competence and practice in nutrition Fish vaccines, anaesthetics, antibiotics City in partnership with the City Council and 4. Disseminating scientific information through its RDA. publications and programme of scientific meetings and other products.

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 61 Prospect Contact: Sue Ferns, Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Services, Prospect House 75 – 79 York Rd, London SE1 7AQ Contact: Philip Greenish CBE, Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 Chief Executive E-mail: [email protected] 29 Great Peter Street, www.prospect.org.uk London SW1P 3LW Prospect is an independent, thriving and Tel: 020 7227 0500 Fax: 020 7233 0054 forward-looking trade union with 102,000 E-mail: [email protected] members. We represent scientists, Website: www.raeng.org.uk technologists and other professions in the As Britain’s national academy for civil service, research councils and private engineering, we bring together the country’s sector. most eminent engineers from all disciplines Prospect’s collective voice champions the to promote excellence in the science, art and interests of the engineering and scientific practice of engineering. Our strategic community to key opinion-formers and priorities are to enhance the UK’s policy makers and, with negotiating rights engineering capabilities; to celebrate with over 300 employers, we seek to secure a excellence and inspire the next generation; better life at work by putting members’ pay, and to lead debate by guiding informed conditions and careers first. thinking and influencing public policy.

The Royal The Royal Institution Society The Royal Society Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Contact: Dr David Stewart Boak, Head of Programmes Director Communications The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, of Chemistry The Royal Institution London, SW1Y 5AG. 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Tel: 020 7451 2510 Fax: 020 7451 2615 Contact: Dr Stephen Benn Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Email: [email protected] Parliamentary Affairs E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rigb.org Website: www.royalsoc.ac.uk The Royal Society of Chemistry The Royal Society is the UK academy of Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA The Royal Institution has a reputation established science comprising 1400 outstanding Tel: 020 7437 8656 Fax: 020 7734 1227 over 200 years for its high calibre events that individuals representing the sciences, E-Mail: [email protected] break down the barriers between science and engineering and medicine. Website: http://www.rsc.org society. It acts as a unique forum for informing As we prepare for our 350th anniversary in http://www.chemsoc.org people about how science affects their daily lives, 2010, our strategic priorities for our work at The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, and prides itself on its reputation of engaging the national and international levels are to: professional and scientific body of over 46,000 • ·Invest in scientific excellence to create public in scientific debate. During 2007 the Ri is members with a duty under its Royal Charter tomorrow’s leaders of science “to serve the public interest”. It is active in the closed for the refurbishment of its Grade 1 listed • ·Influence policymaking with the best scientific areas of education and qualifications, science building. The public and schools’ events advice policy, publishing, Europe, information and programme will continue throughout this time. • ·Invigorate science and mathematics education internet services, media relations, public For more details on this and our refurbishment • ·Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and understanding of science, advice and assistance plans, please see our website. fulfillment of scientific discovery to Parliament and Government.

The Royal The Science Statistical Council Society Contact: Diana Garnham, Chief Executive Officer Contact: Mr Andrew Garratt The Science Council Contact: Dr David J Winstanley Press and Public Affairs Officer 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE Special Advisor for Science The Royal Statistical Society Tel 020 7611 8754 Fax 020 7611 8743 SEMTA, Wynyard Park House, 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. E-mail: [email protected] Wynyard Park, Billingham, TS22 5TB Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Website: www.sciencecouncil.org Tel: 01740 627021 Mobile: 07973 679 338 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 The Science Council has a membership of over Website: www.semta.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] 27 professional institutions and learned Website: www.rss.org.uk societies covering the breadth of science and SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing The RSS is much more than just a learned society. mathematics. Its purpose is to provide an Technologies Alliance) is the Sector Skills Council for collective voice for science and science, engineering and manufacturing technology sectors. We lead the way as an independent source of advice scientists and to maintain standards across all on statistical issues and play a crucial role in raising Our mission is to ensure that our industry partners have the scientific disciplines. We are active in science knowledge and skills required to meet the challenges faced the profile of statistics, through our links with policy issues including science in education, by the workforce of the future. government, academia and the corporate and health, society and sustainability. In 2003 the Our sectors account for a significant proportion of the UK voluntary sectors. We have a powerful voice at Science Council was granted its Royal Charter and in 2004 it launched the Chartered Scientist economy. There are about 2 million people employed in Royal Commissions, Parliamentary Select (CSci) designation as a measure of high about 76,000 establishments in the core Science, Committees and at public consultations, offering standards in the practice, application, Engineering and Technology sectors, currently contributes our own unique view on just about anything, from advancement and teaching of science. We now over £74 billion per annum – about ten per cent – of total freedom of information to sustainable development. have over 10,000 Chartered Scientists. UK GDP.

62 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Society of Society of Chemical Cosmetic Contact: Public Affairs Administrator Industry Scientists Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. Contact: Andrew Ladds, Contact: Lorna Weston, Tel: 0118 988 1843 Fax: 0118 988 5656 Chief Executive Secretary General E-mail: [email protected] SCI International Headquarters Society of Cosmetic Scientists Website: http//www.sgm.ac.uk 14-15 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS G T House, 24-26 Rothesay Road, Luton, Tel: 020 7598 1500 Fax: 020 7598 1545 Beds LU1 1QX SGM is the largest microbiological society in E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01582 726661 Europe. The Society publishes four journals of Website: www.soci.org Fax: 01582 405217 international standing, and organises regular E-mail: [email protected] SCI is an interdisciplinary network for science, Website: www.scs.org.uk scientific meetings. commerce and industry. SCI attracts forward- SGM also promotes education and careers in looking people in process and materials Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary microbiology, and it is committed to represent technologies and in the biotechnology, energy, objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide water, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, range of disciplines from organic and physical microbiology to government, the media and the construction, and environmental protection sectors chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, public. worldwide. Members exchange ideas and gain microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. An information service on microbiological issues new perspectives on markets, technologies, Members are scientists and the SCS helps them concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, strategies and people, through electronic and progress their careers and the science of cosmetics physical specialist conferences and debates, and ethically and responsibly. Services include food safety, biotechnology and the environment publish journals, books and the respected publications, educational courses and scientific is available on request. magazine Chemistry & Industry. meetings.

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

Contact: Dr James Kirkwood, Scientific Director The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Email: [email protected] Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Registered Charity No: 207996 UFAW is an internationally-recognized independent scientific and educational animal welfare charity. It works to improve animal lives by: • supporting animal welfare research. • educating and raising awareness of welfare issues in the UK and overseas. • producing the leading journal Animal Welfare and other high-quality publications on animal care and welfare. • providing expert advice to government departments and other concerned bodies.

The ocean technology training and procurement forum National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK • 27–29 March 07

Showcasing the latest in marine science and ocean technology. An opportunity to better understand ocean processes that have a direct impact on climate change.

Call Intelligent Exhibitions for more information Organised by: In partnership with: Hosted by: Tel: Versha Carter 01453 839 228 www.oceanbusiness2007.com

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 63 Friday 9 March 19.30 Thursday 19 April 19.00 Solar explosions: will we ever have Moving forward: energy efficient Science an accurate space weather forecast? transport for the future Prof Louise Harra Prof Nigel Brandon Diary University College London University of Plymouth Thursday 15 March 18.00 Monday 23 April 19.00 The Parliamentary and At the extremes of existence Autism nation Scientific Committee Dr Mike Grocott and Prof Jean-Paul Prof Simon Baron-Cohen, Dr Michael Contact: Annabel Lloyd Richalet Fitzpatrick, Marti Leimbach and 020 7222 7085: Institut Français Cultural Centre Kamran Nazeer [email protected] The Institute of Contemporary Arts www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Friday 16 March 19.30 Tuesday 15 May 18.00 Tuesday 20 February 08.30-10.30 Molecules by the million Wonderland: when science, design Breakfast Briefing: Large Hadron Prof Graham Richards and culture collide Collider University College London Prof Tony Ryan and Helen Storey Speakers: Dr Lyn Evans, CERN London College of Fashion Dr Tara Shears, Royal Society Research Wednesday 21 March 19.00 Fellow, University of Liverpool The last man who knew everything Wednesday 16 May 19.00 Thursday 15 March 09.45-14.00 Andrew Robinson What happened to the polymaths? National Science and Engineering Week The Royal College of Surgeons of Oliver Morton, Andrew Robinson and Seminar with the DTI England Dr John Whitfield Innovative Scientific and Engineering The Royal College of Surgeons of England Solutions for the Management of Friday 23 March 19.30 Climate Change All flesh is glass: using light to look Tuesday 22 May 19.00 Jointly chaired by Malcolm Wicks MP into the body Seed to seed and Dr Doug Naysmith MP Dr Nicholas Harberd Prof Dave Delpy Speakers: Prof Martin Blunt, Imperial Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew College University College London Dr Steve Koonin, Chief Scientist, BP R J Budge, Powerfuel Monday 26 March 09.15 Robert Hawley, Vice-Chancellor, World Alternative energy, health and the The Royal Society Nuclear University environment: UK 2100 6-9 Carlton House Terrace Maria McCaffery, CEO, British Wind Speakers include Dr Alan Bond, Prof Energy Association London SW1Y 5AG Ian Fells and Prof Sir Chris Llewellyn- The Royal Society runs a series of Smith events, both evening lectures and two The Royal Institution Magdalen College School, Oxford day discussion meetings, on topics Due to refurbishment, all Ri events are covering the whole breadth of science, to be held at external venues until late Tuesday 27 March 09.15 engineering and technology. All the 2007. See www.rigb.org or telephone Alternative energy, health and the events are free to attend and open to all. 020 7409 2992 for full details and to environment: Africa now! Highlights in the next few months book tickets. Speakers include Dr John Mugabe, Prof include: Gabriel Ogunmola and Prof Terence Friday 23 February 19.30 Ryan Thursday 1 and Friday 2 March (all day) Therapeutic potential of human stem Magdalen College School, Oxford The science of climate change: cells: promise and pitfalls a Royal Society showcase of the IPCC Dr Chris Mason 4th Assessment Working Group 1 Report University College London Tuesday 3 April 14.00 Ri and U3A out and about Please see www.royalsoc.ac.uk/events Wednesday 28 February 19.00 Prof Bill McGuire, Prof Salvador for the full events programme, more Middle world: the restless heart of Moncada and Vivienne Parry matter and life details about the above highlights and Friends Meeting House, Euston Road, Dr Mark Haw and Dr Nick McCormick web casts of past events. National Physical Laboratory London

Friday 2 March 19.30 Tuesday 10 April 19.30 Synchrotron light: from Einstein’s The curious incident of the never- The BA theories into a brilliant future ending numbers (British Association for the Prof Gerhard Materlik Prof Marcus du Sautoy Advancement of Science) University College London Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Monday 14 – Tuesday 15 May Monday 5 March 18.00 The Science Communication The trouble with physics: the rise of string theory, the fall of a science, Wednesday 18 April 19.00 Conference and what comes next Science’s most successful failure At The Institution of Engineering and Prof Michael Duff, Prof Lee Smolin and Dr John Whitfield Technology Prof Nancy Cartwright The Royal College of Surgeons of For further information visit www.the- The RSA England ba.net

64 Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 Association of Marine Tuesday 20 – Wednesday 21 March Scientific Industries Optimising Farm Inputs www.oceanbusiness2007.com At Robinson College, Cambridge and Tel: 01453 839228 Edible Oils And Fats - Trends In Raw Materials, Processing And Applications Tuesday 27 March - Thursday 29 March At InterContinental Hotel Citystars, Ocean Business 2007 Event Cairo showcasing the latest in marine science At InterContinental Hotel Citystars, Cairo National Oceanography Centre, Southampton Tuesday 3 April Frontiers of Research 2007 Medal Award Meeting Officers of the Parliamentary Institution of Mechanical Monday 16 – Wednesday 18 April & Scientific Committee Engineers Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to 1 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Antibiotics, Drugs and Pesticides President: The Lord Soulsby of At Churchill College, Cambridge Swaffham Prior Wednesday 28 February – Thursday 1 Chairman: Dr Douglas Naysmith MP March Wednesday 18 – Thursday 19 April Rail Accident Investigation Optimum Frying for Health and Quality Deputy Chairmen: Dr Desmond Turner MP Contact Sian Clayton 020 7973 1245 At Reading University Mr Robert Key MP [email protected] Hon Treasurer: Dr Ian Gibson MP Tuesday 24 April Hon Secretaries: Dr Evan Harris MP Tuesday 6 March Designer Molecules for Interfacial Activity Clean Zero Emission Geo-Pressure Mr James Paice MP Energy Wednesday 25 April Vice-Presidents: The Rt Hon Lord Contact Dunni Akinola 020 7973 1243 Young Chemist in Industry XVI Jenkin of Roding [email protected] Dr Richard Worswick Thursday 26 April Ms Sandra Gidley MP Wednesday 4 April C-H Activation Present and Future Risk Education for Engineers At AstraZeneca, Charnwood Mr Stephen Cox CVO Contact Michelle O’Brien 020 7973 1309 Mr Peter Raymond MBE [email protected] Tuesday 15 May Professor Jane Plant CBE Secrets of Formulation – Part II Tuesday 17 April Dr Brian Iddon MP Carbon Capture: Technology Options Dr David Dent and making Plant Carbon Capture Royal Pharmaceutical Advisory Panel: Professor Peter Saunders Ready Society of Great Britain Professor Julia King CBE Contact Shelley Quinn 020 7973 1260 Contact: [email protected] [email protected] FREng www.rpsgb.org Professor Alan Malcolm Thursday 19 April – Saturday 21 April Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 March Secretariat: Professor Peter Simpson Engineers and Surgeons: Joined at the The Development and Manufacture Mrs Annabel Lloyd Hip of Parenteral Dosage Forms – Contact Alison Payton 020 7304 6829 quality and regulatory issues [email protected] RPSGB, London Science in Parliament 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Thursday 22 March Tel: 020 7222 7085 Fax: 020 7222 7189 SCI The role of Materials Editor: Professor Peter Simpson 14/15 Belgrave Square Characterisation in Pharmaceutical London SW1X 8PS Quality by Design & Manufacture Editorial Assistant: Mrs Annabel Lloyd Contact: [email protected] School of Pharmacy, London or 020 7598 1562 Editorial/Management Board: Unless otherwise stated events are at Wednesday 2 May Dr Brian Iddon MP (Chairman) SCI Analytical Support for Clinical Trials RPSGB London Mr Robert Freer Tuesday 6 March Dr Ashok Kumar MP Continuous Processing as a Tuesday 20 – Thursday 24 May Professor Alan Malcolm Pharmaceutical Development Tool Ninth Advanced Level Workshop on Pharmacokinetic and Mr Andrew Miller MP Thursday 15 March Pharmacodynamic Data Analysis Dr Douglas Naysmith MP The Road to Extended Pavement Life Madingley Hall, Cambridge The Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior

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

Science in Parliament Vol 64 No 1 Spring 2007 65 What’s happening to science UK? A recent survey undertaken by the scientists’ union Prospect UHYHDOHGZRUU\LQJÀQGLQJVIRU WKHIXWXUHRIVFLHQFHLQWKH8. The results show that:

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To view the full report visit www.prospect.org.uk/doclib/campaign_ materials/public_science/state_of_ science_2006 or contact Prospect communications on 020 7902 6607. Prospect is a trade union representing VFLHQWLÀFWHFKQLFDO managerial and specialist staff in public service, related bodies and major companies. union for professionals

Science in Parliament Spring Issue 2007 Paient Safety, Systems Design and Ergonomics Professor Peter Buckle

Page 29 - Reference list

References Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry Inquiry (2001) Learning from Bristol: the report of the public inquiry into children's heart surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary 1984 -1995 Command Paper: CM 5207 Buckle, P., Clarkson, P.J., Coleman, R., Ward, J. and Anderson, J. (2006) 'Patient safety, systems design and ergonomics' in Applied Ergonomics, 37, 491-500. Cambridge, Surrey, RCA,. Designing for patient safety. A scoping study to identify how the effective use of design could help to reduce medical accidents, (2003) 0-9545243-0-6. Clarkson P.J., Buckle P., Coleman R., Stubbs D., Ward J., Jarrett J., Lane R., Bound J. (2004) Design for patient safety: a review of the effectiveness of design in the UK Health Service. Journal Engineering Design, 15, 2, 123-140. Dean B., Schachter M., Vincent C. and Barber N. (2002) Causes of prescribing errors in hospital inpatients: a prospective study , Lancet, 359, 1373-1378. Department of Health, Building A Safer NHS For Patients, Department of Health, London, UK (2001). Gladstone J. (1995) Drug administration errors: a study into the factors underlying the occurrence and reporting of drug errors in a district general hospital , Journal of Advanced Nursing, 22, 628-637. Hallisey R., Ives J., Laird N., Laffel G., Nemeskal R., Petersen L.A., Porter K, Servi D., Shea B.F., Small S.D., Sweitzer B.J., Thompson B.T., Vliet M.V. (1995) Systems Analysis of Adverse Drug Events , Journal of the American Medical Association, 274, 35-43. Leape L.L, Bates D.W., Cullen D.J., Cooper J., Demonaco H.J., Gallivan T., Moray N. (2000) Culture, politics and ergonomics, Ergonomics, 43, 858-868. Obradovich, J.H. & Woods, D.D. (1996) Users as designers: how people cope with poor HCI design in computer - based medical devices, Hum.Factors, 38, 574-592. Reason J. (1990) Human error, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. West E. (2000) Organisational sources of safety and danger: sociological contributions to the study of adverse incidents , Quality in Healthcare, 9, 120-126.

Science in Parliament Spring issue 2007 – figure referred to on page 24 Are Patients Safe with the NHS? Bill Murray