Government Science & Engineering e-Newsletter
Friday, 30 March 2012
Dear Colleague
Spring has finally arrived. And it seems the new season has ushered in more than blooming daffodils and buzzing bees into our hemisphere. March has been a great month for observing our neighbouring planets in the evening sky with the best Venus-Jupiter conjunction in years as well as spectacular views of Mars, Mercury and Saturn.
Changes are also afoot within GO-Science of a less galactic proportion, yet immensely significant. As Sir John Beddington’s term sadly comes to an end this year, a new vacancy for the position of Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) has been advertised on Times Higher Education website. Please feel free to forward this link or newsletter if you know someone who could be a suitable candidate.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter which reports on the National Science & Engineering Week (9-18 March), appointment of Professor Muffy Calder as Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, launch of ‘Science for Wales’ and ‘Professional Technician’ as well as job and training opportunities. In addition, you may be interested to read the GSE Annual Conference report and presentations which are now online. You are also encouraged to engage in active discussions on GSE Linkedin. Some of the main topics that members are currently discussing are: ‘Women in Science & Engineering’, ‘protection for the title engineer’, ‘career pathways and opportunities for progression’. Click here to join the discussions.
Enjoy the sunshine and if you have any questions or comments, please email us on GSE@bis.gov.uk.
Kind regards,
The Skills & Profession Development Team
Government Office for Science
Contents
Articles
BIS celebrates National Science & Engineering Week, 9-18 March 2012
BIS ministers and Chief Scientific advisors did their bit during the annual celebration of Science and Engineering in the UK. Here are some highlights….
Starting with Vince Cable in Newcastle
The Secretary of State visited Newcastle’s renowned science attraction Centre for Life to launch National Science & Engineering Week, capturing his experience in a blog.
Then CERN came to BIS
The Science and Technology Facilities Council lent BIS its travelling exhibition on CERN for the main reception. It is not often that the front of a Government building is tweeted but an image of the Large Hadron Collider on the BIS ‘shop window’ turned a few heads on Victoria Street and won praise from visiting CERN scientist UCL’s Professor Jon Butterworth.
Question time
BIS Chief Scientist Professor John Perkins and David Willetts were asked questions select –committee-style by young scientists and engineers at the Voice of the Future event organised by the Society of Biology.
Ending with a Big Bang in Birmingham
This annual tour de force for the Week took place at the NEC Birmingham where as many as 60,000 schoolchildren and visitors attended this year. Professor Sir John Beddington (Government Chief Scientific Advisor) showed members of the PM’s Council for Science and Technology around the exhibition. David Willetts and TV’s Liz Bonnin gave out the prizes at the final of the National Science and Engineering Competition where the annual UK Young Scientist of the Year and UK Young Engineer of the Year awards were selected from the 300 projects taking part.
Wasim Miah and Jessica Jones from St David’s College in Cardiff were named Young Engineers of the Year for their project creating a portable device to measure foetal contractions. Kirtana Vallabhaneni from West Kirby Grammar School has been named the UK Young Scientist of the Year for groundbreaking work helping to identify the harmful cells that cause pancreatic cancer.
What did you get up to?
The BIS Science and Society Unit would love to hear how you joined in the National Science and Engineering Week festivities. Please send any stories or pictures to Isabel Spence.
FSA conference identified future global food risks
As part of National Science and Engineering Week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently hosted an event at The Royal Society. About a hundred delegates attended the event, which was chaired by the Agency’s Chief Scientist, Dr Andrew Wadge. The event brought together a range of experts to describe the work currently taking place to evaluate potential risks to food safety and security.
The expert presentations explored how a broad range of scientific research, data analysis and modelling are able to assist the FSA to identify emerging, and re-emerging risks. Terry Donohoe, Head of Strategy & Policy, Chemical Safety Division at the FSA, also provided a summary of the work the Agency is currently undertaking in this area.
The presentations were followed by a panel debate, chaired by Dr Wadge, which included the four speakers and Mr Alec Kyriakides of Sainsbury’s Supermarket Ltd. The debate identified the wide range of potential data sources that could generate information about emerging risks, including research and surveillance data as well as incident reports. The importance of applying common sense to the analysis of the data was highlighted, given that the sources will have inherent limitations or biases associated with them.
Drawing the event to a close, Dr Andrew Wadge concluded science will continue to play a crucial role in the identification of future global food risks.
If you have any queries about this event, please contact Gary Welsh at the Food Standards Agency.
Scotland welcomes new Chief Scientific Adviser
Professor Muffy Calder became the new Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland on 1st March 2012. Muffy takes on the role of head of profession, representing the 600 scientists and engineers that work within the Scottish Government and will continue the work of Professor Anne Glover, championing examples of science, engineering and technological excellence within Scotland.
Muffy comes to the Scottish Government from the University of Glasgow where she will continue to hold chair of Professor of Formal Methods (Computing Science). Her research is in modelling and reasoning about the behaviour of complex software and biochemical systems using computer science, mathematics and automated reasoning techniques. In 2011 Professor Calder was awarded an OBE for services to Computer Science and a Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award. Professor Calder also played a key role in establishing the British Computer Society Academy of Computing.
Professor Calder will take up the mantle of Co-Chair of the Scottish Science Advisory Council – Scotland’s highest level science advisory body – as well as becoming the new chair of the Science and Engineering Profession Board, which is responsible for raising the profile of, and addressing issues pertaining to, science and engineering in government.
Please contact David MacGregor in Scotland CSA office for any enquiries.
‘Science for Wales’ to attract ‘star’ professors
It has been a good month for science in Wales. The First Minister launched the Welsh Government’s new science strategy ‘Science for Wales’ on 12 March 2012.
The centrepiece of the strategy is a £50 million fund to bring ‘star’ professors to Wales. The Stars Wales scheme will cover the additional cost of hiring big name international scientists and their teams in an effort to fast-track research in three priority areas: life sciences and health; low carbon, energy and environment; and advanced engineering and materials. National Research Networks will also be established in these three areas to pool research activity across Welsh university departments.
The First Minister called on Welsh universities to “use this opportunity to become more ambitious and more collaborative” in order to secure more research funding. There was a further big funding announcement for the life sciences sector at the annual BioWales conference on 13 and 14 March. Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science, Edwina Hart, unveiled a £100 million equity fund to invest into life sciences businesses located in Wales. The fund will invest into businesses at all stages of growth, including seed capital funding.
Science for Wales is available to download from our website.
Lord Taylor praises Defra evidence specialists
Defra recently held a conference for its evidence specialists and members of the network. The event featured presentations from a variety of speakers, including Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment), Sir Bob Watson (Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser) and Ulrike Hotopp (Defra’s Chief Analyst).
The essential message was that experts should be working together in a multidisciplinary way from the earliest stages of policy formulation in order to contribute effectively throughout the policy process. Different experts each see a problem from a different perspective, so working together produces a more complete picture. Evidence specialists were given the opportunity to explore the new ways of working in response to the Department’s Change Programme through various workshops which took place.
A competition was held to showcase excellence in multidisciplinary work already happening within Defra and across the network. Entries had to include at least three evidence and analysis professions working together on a project using a multidisciplinary approach in a policy environment. First place went to the Joint Water Evidence Group from the Environment Agency, with runners-up ‘D2R2’ (identification and profiling of different animal diseases), ‘Feasibility study of a rapid on-farm test for campylobacter’ and the UK Natural Ecosystem Assessment.
Please contact Clair Taylor at Defra for any questions in relation to this conference.
Guide on designing greenspace published
A new guide providing practical advice for designing green spaces with therapeutic and restorative benefits for hospitals and other healthcare facilities has just been published by the Forestry Commission.
The practice guide provides the evidence and rationale for investing in improvements to the green environment around and within hospitals, plus more detailed guidance on design and project planning. This is backed up with six case studies and is illustrated with designs and ideas for green spaces throughout. It will assist directors of facilities, estate managers, capital strategic planners and policymakers as well as those looking for practical ideas on how to begin a project and see it through to reality. The guide is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Forestry Commission, the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, NHS Scotland and the NHS Sustainable Development Unit.
Copies can be obtained from the Forestry Commission website. More information about the health and well being benefits of forests and trees can also be found on the website.
‘Professional Technician’ Launched
The Technician Council launched ‘Professional Technician’ on Monday 26 March 2012.
A common standard means employers can now support development of professional technicians to nationally recognised levels and raise the status of the technician role.
Chaired by Steve Holliday, CEO of National Grid, the Technician Council has been funded by government to make recommendations on the future of the UK’s technicians in engineering, science and technology. Following an 18 month review, the Council reported an alarming skills gap between the number of technicians in the UK and the 450,000 higher skilled jobs that will be needed by 2020 to boost growth in the economy and ensure the UK maintains a competitive edge internationally. The Technician Council makes eight recommendations to employers, Sector Skills Councils, professional bodies and Government for how stakeholders can strengthen the infrastructure underpinning the registration and professional development of technicians, how to provide active support for this, and highlight how to increase the pool, status, transferability and diversity of professional technicians across all sectors of industry
Oliver Letwin MP, Minister for Government Policy Advice, and John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, spoke in support of the launch. Mr Hayes said: “We must promote the professional standing of technicians, raise their profile and encourage businesses to nurture our home grown talent, if we are to ensure we have the skills we need to compete in the high-tech, high-skilled economy of the future”
To read the full press release including details of the Council’s eight recommendations, please visit the Professional Technician website.
Second International Conference on ‘Well-being and Work’, May 2012, Manchester
Much has been said about the potential of wellbeing to enhance the potential of the workforce through active engagement, sickness absence management, and communication and leadership. The Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) is hosting the internationally significant conference 'Making the Case for Wellbeing at Work' on 21-23 May 2012.
The programme includes plenary sessions delivered by global thought leaders in the field giving a wide-range perspective on wellbeing, making the case for industry, and linking workplace innovation and wellbeing. It also includes an industry day, ‘From Wellbeing to Well-business’, when employers and employees’ representatives can share wellbeing know-how with researchers and policy makers from around the globe. Key note speakers include Neil Budworth (e-on), Malcolm Staves (L'Oreal), David Frost (former DG British Chambers of Commerce), Maria Neira (WHO), Professor Frank Pot (Nijmegan, NL) and Professor David Dejoy (Georgia University, US).
Conference sponsors include GSE, the Science Innovation Network of BIS, The World Health Organisation (WHO), The Partnership for European Research in Occupational Safety and Health (PEROSH), and The British Chambers of Commerce. The conference will be opened by Dame Carol Black.
For full details of the programme and how to register, see HSL website.
BBC’s Dimbleby celebrates science
Leading geneticist and Nobel laureate Sir Paul Nurse, gave the Richard Dimbleby Lecture 2012 on Tuesday 28 February. It was broadcast on BBC1 that evening.
Sir Paul, who is also President of the Royal Society and Chief Executive of the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, explored the wonder of science and how it enhances culture and civilisation. In his speech appropriately labelled ‘The New Enlightenment’, he investigated how science can not only help solve the world's big problems, but also harnessed to improve health and quality of life for individuals. His full speech is available to read online and might be of particular interest to GSE members.
2012 is the 40th anniversary of the Richard Dimbleby Lecture, which is given in memory of the television broadcaster Richard Dimbleby. Amongst the invited guests at the 2012 Lecture were David Willetts, Minister of State for Science and Universities and Sir John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser.
GSE Workshop: Introduction to mentoring, 26 April 2012
Interested in becoming a mentor? Already mentoring someone but want to hone your skills and become more confident in helping others in their development? Sign up for GSE mentoring training on 26 April, 10.30 – 12.30, at 1 Victoria Street Conference Centre.
Now that ‘jobs for life’ have been replaced by ‘portfolio careers’, the need for mentoring is greater than ever. At this interactive session, experts Karen and Lynn will provide a quick overview on the differences between coaching, mentoring and counselling and highlight how in their experiences these can sometimes overlap. They will look at roles and responsibilities, ground rules, competencies, self awareness and provide relevant handouts signposting further resources. Karen and Lynn will draw from their own experiences and answer any questions you may have. If you haven’t booked yet, please let us know as soon as possible as there are very few places left. Also, please note that there might be some pre-session work.
About mentoring:
Mentoring is tailored support provided by someone with relevant experience to another (or a group) so as to enable significant transitions in knowledge, work or thinking. It complements other learning and development activities and is generally focused on wider career or personal development goals rather than the day to day job activities. Typically mentoring describes a relationship between two people with the mentor having greater experience and normally outside the line management chain.
About the facilitators:
Karen Clayton is Director of Long Latency Health Risks Division at the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). She is a chartered chemist; and an experienced coach and mentor. Karen is a GSE member. Lynn Delaney is a qualified coach and HR professional also based at HSE.
Contact GSE@bis.gov.uk to request a place.
Opportunities to work with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser
GO-Science is offering short placement opportunities for an HEO/SEO (or equivalent, including fast stream) to work in the Government Chief Scientific Advisor’s (GCSA) private office.
As the GCSA, Sir John Beddington advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet on scientific issues, and drives the improvement of the use of scientific evidence across Government. Working in private office you will be his principal link between GO-Science and his wider engagements. Private office is busy but would give the individual an opportunity to be involved in the management and use of science and engineering advice in Government at the highest level. It is expected that you would get involved in a wide variety of activities ranging from ensuring Sir John receives timely and high quality advice, to accompanying him on trips and to meetings.
This is a development opportunity and does not call for specific specialist professional skills or science qualifications, but a demonstrable interest in natural science, engineering or social science would be highly desirable. Good communication and organisation skills are essential.
Placements in private office would typically be for one to two weeks depending on requirements. For more information, please contact Jo Dally.
Secondment Opportunity as Principal Policy Adviser at the IET
An opportunity has come up for the right candidate to take up a 6-month secondment as Principal Policy Adviser at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
This high profile role focuses on developing and communicating the IET’s key policy messages around transport and manufacturing issues and ensuring the expertise of the IET’s membership is delivered to key stakeholders, including Government and Parliament. Reporting to the Principal Policy Advisor for transport and manufacturing, the successful candidate will work closely with senior industrialists and academics to formulate and promote the IET’s position on topical issues through events, submissions and meetings with policy makers. You will have the opportunity to work with a range of related organisations and institutions, helping the IET to develop its thought leadership role in these important topics. You will also work closely with our communications team to promote our messages through the media.
This is a part-time position for a period of 6 month and will be based at IET offices in Stevenage or London. If interested, please agree with your line manager and email an initial expression of interest to opportunities@theiet.org with the subject line Policy Secondment. Information on the IET and its policy work can be found on the IET website.
About the GSE e-Newsletter
The GSE e-Newsletter is produced by the Government Office for Science (GO-Science). It is circulated on a monthly basis and highlights areas of interest to the profession, including news updates, highlights of departmental activities, and details of events. The newsletter is for all civil servants with a science and/or engineering background or those with a strong interest in matters relating to the profession.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who you think might be interested. If they would like to receive future copies directly from us, they can join the network by completing our short online registration survey.