Group News

A number of events are being set up by SCI's Regional and Technical Groups for Early Career Scientists. Keep an eye on our events calendar and make the most of support being offered to PhD students, postdocs, and those starting out in industry or academia.

The BioResources Group's third annual Young Researchers Conference will be held at the University of Reading on Tuesday 3 July 2012

We look forward to putting our 2012-14 strategy into place, with the support of our members and partners. For more information on the SCI's priority objectives, see the About Us page below.

Getting too many e-mails from us? You may belong to too many technical groups. We'd recommend you limit your choice to just a couple, and one regional group.

This event focussed on the industrial utilisation of biorenewable polymers.

The challenges associated with providing sufficient food in the near future are now high profile, but the nutritional quality of food is also an issue for huge numbers of people today

The journal has gone from an awkward online submission and review processes to a streamlined system, Steve Duke tells Members' News

Please tell us what you think of SCI's services

After 21 years Pest Management Science editor-in-chief Gerry Brooks is to hand the reins over to long-serving executive editor Steve Duke.

As voted by Members at the 2011 Annual General Meeting, annual membership fees are now £90 for Standard Membership and £25 for Student Membership.

At the Board's annual planning day on 21 September 2011, we reviewed our strategic direction and rolling three-year plan, and realigned our priorities for the future.

SCI's Board of Trustees has decided that SCI should undertake a thorough review of its awards programme. During 2012, we are therefore cutting back the distribution of awards to a minimum until the review is completed.

When your Board of Trustees last met on 16 November 2011, the key priority was to agree the rolling business plan for 2012-14 and the budget to implement this.

On 17 November at SCI HQ, Professor Subhash Anand, from the University of Bolton, presented a Public Evening Lecture on Nonwoven Fabrics in Healthcare and Medical Devices, where he reminded us that 'life often hangs by a thread'.

The production of ethanol from lignocellulose-rich materials such as wood residues, waste paper, used cardboard and straw cannot yet be achieved at the same efficiency and cost as from corn starch.

The debate surrounding carbon capture and storage intensifies as scientists examine the capacity for storing carbon dioxide underground, in a study published today in the new journal Greenhouse Gases: Science & Technology.

A study published today in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture outlines a new, commercially viable method of measuring chemical compounds in cranberries, which are linked to the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Water use to grow and process biomass feedstocks for fuels has recently emerged as an important controversy. In a world where several countries already face water stress – and where over 70% of global freshwater use takes place in the agricultural sector – bioenergy development might present considerable challenges, from the perspective of water quantity as well as water quality.

The success of BioFuels, BioProducts and BioRefining (BioFPR), the peer-reviewed journal launched jointly by SCI and Wiley in 2008, has again been highlighted by a significant increase in its impact factor.

My talk triggered some interesting comments regarding the synthetic steps I use and also the scope of the project.

Read the Members' Code of Ethics, which is available online below.

EUREKA runs the Eurostars SME Programme to co-fund R&D and innovation projects in research-intensive SMEs, which have an ambition to develop ground-breaking new products, processes and services for the world market.

As part of its strategy for external engagement, SCI is considering establishing itself as a resource available to senior influencers and policy makers in public service on the current status of scientific issues relating to government policy.

There have been a number of changes to tenancies at our London Belgrave Square headquarters recently.

Can you think of a fellow member worth their weight in gold? Nominate them to receive the Lampitt Medal or a Distinguished Service Award

Julian Perfect has kindly volunteered to take up the role of Hon Librarian. SCI will continue to seek additional volunteers to support Julian and to help us to ensure continuity.

On 17 November 2011, Prof Subhash Anand delivered an SCI Public Evening Lecture on 'Non-woven fabrics in healthcare and medical devices'

Andrew Ladds (CEO of SCI, 2005 - 2010) has resigned as an SCI trustee, effective 1 September 2011, citing the growing demands of his chemical-using business activities

Dame Sue Ion has been a prominent figure in the UK nuclear industry for decades, and is internationally recognised as an expert in nuclear fuels.

In less than twenty years the world will need to be producing 50% more food and 50% more energy. By 2050, global agriculture will need to be feeding 9 billion people, as well as contributing fuel and energy feedstocks, materials and natural products such as phytopharmaceuticals.

Aditi Borkar was amazed by the wonders of science and aspired to become a scientist to quell her curiosity

We have definitive legal advice on the subject of sending 'unsolicited direct marketing emails' and a few suggestions on how to guard against breach of the legislation are also set out below.

Distinguished Service Awards are presented annually at the Society's AGM. The awards celebrate the hard work and goodwill of longer-serving Members of all component parts of the Society

6-12 June 2011 sees the return of the Food Group's popular 'Ask A Food Scientist': your chance to ask an expert any food-related question!

Biofortified and Functional Food: A Healthy Future? 19 May 2011 Past Papers

Three top UK scientists were recognised at SCI's International Honours Presentation on 12 November 2009.

'Ask a Horticultural Scientist' ran from 15-22 May 2011, and was your chance to ask your questions on professional crop production and protection and other horticultural issues via the SCI forums.

Is there a scientific basis for concern over human-induced climate change? This was the subject of the first Public Evening Lecture of 2011, entitled 'The challenge of climate change', given by Sir Brian Hoskins. A soundtrack of the lecture is now available

The College of Scholars was established to help current SCI scholars make the most of the opportunities the SCI scholarships provide

Funding Agri-Innovation: New Ventures in Food Security and Biorenewables took place at SCI HQ, London on Tuesday 22 March 2011.

On 16 September 2010, SCI hosted a free Public Evening Lecture featuring Fred Pearce, who is currently the environment consultant of New Scientist magazine and a regular contributor to British newspapers.

Prof David Philips presented a lecture on the subject of light - from sun damage to photo-medicine as part of SCI's Public Lecture Series. The overheads can be downloaded here, and you can also listen to audio.

'Biorenewable fuel and fertiliser: Realising the potential' took place at FERA, York on 24 March 2010.

Sir John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government has told SCI he values its recent paper on biorenewables through anaerobic digestion, and said it will assist government departments in formulating an Anaerobic Digestion Action Plan.

Originally billed as two presentations on the Shale Oil and Coal Tar industries, the evening had to be modified due to the tragic death of one of the intended speakers, Andrew Ainsworth, earlier this year. Alec Thomson kindly volunteered to go solo concentrating on the Scottish Shale Oil Industry 1850-1964. Nestled in the huge refinary complex at Grangemouth, the Ineos Exhibition Centre was an apt venue for this presentation.

A profile of the newest members of SCI's governance: Dr Brian Iddon, Professor K Clive Thompson and Dr Roger Gilmour

SCI provides opportunities for some of the brightest people in the world to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives on markets, technology, and people, SCI Honorary President Dr Stephanie Burns says in a video shown at the 7 July 2010 AGM.

GM Food was the subject of the third in the SCI's series of public lectures and took place on 2 December 2010.

Dr Geoff Fowler reports

In the six months since Joanne Lyall was appointed Executive Director of SCI, she has launched a new business plan for 2011-13.

Joanne Lyall joined SCI as Executive Director on 21 June 2010

SCI and Wiley announce the launch of a new online journal dedicated to the management of greenhouse gases through capture, storage, utilisation and other strategies.

On 9 November 2010, the Membership Advisory Committee held its annual Members' Forum, chaired by Dr Geoff Fowler

SCI members are not impressed with the BBC's coverage of science and think it is neither impartial nor accurate, according to a survey carried out in September 2010.

In this period of substantial public sector cuts the Chancellor has recognised the fundamental role science will play in economic recovery.

The Horticulture Group has recently become an organisational member of the Society of Biology

Horticulture, BioResources, and Food Commodities and Ingredients Groups have all recently launched Facebook Groups.

Food scientists from the Food Commodities and Ingredients Group answer questions from SCI members and the general public on subjects ranging from cooking and nutrition, to vegetarianism and food safety.

Dr Tapolczay has an international reputation in pharmaceutical chemical development, as well as an outstanding academic track record with a considerable number of patents and publications.

Six young researchers won prizes for their presentations at BioResources Group’s recent Crop Productivity, Sustainability and Utility conference at the University of Reading. PhD students and post-docs from 14 universities and research institutes presented oral papers and posters at this multidisciplinary event.

Peter Reineck is an active participant in the BioResources, Science and Enterprise, and Yorkshire and the Humber Groups, and has a business interest in bioplastics through his company.

The BioResources Group and The Royal Society of Chemistry have been discussing how to collaborate

The start of 2010 sees two pairs of related SCI Technical Interest Groups unite to expand member networks and generate more value.

Mark Burton is a member of the BioResources Group's Early Career Network. Here he shares an insight into his research into the function of chemical insecticides, as well as his career aspirations.

The advantages of anaerobically digesting waste, and using the biogas as an energy source and the digestate to improve soil.

PhD student Agata James is a member of the BioResources Group's committee. She has a keen interest in industrial biotechnology, innovation, and sustainable food production with a particular focus on developing enzymatic processes.

Philip Craven is studying a PhD towards the total synthesis of biologically active natural products under the supervision of Prof Richard Taylor.

The conference was primarily intended to provide opportunities for participants to learn more about the latest advances in topical developments and challenges, and also to support the launch of the new RSC flagship journal Chemical Science.

Topics covered included: new synthetic methods, total synthesis of natural products, metal and organocatalysis, glycochemistry and glycobiology, small molecule protein interactions, synthetic biology, neurobiology, physical organic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Educationalist Sir David Harrison, SCI member and former chairman of the Awards Committee, talks about his perception of science in education, the media and today’s quality of teaching

REACH is an EU-led initiative to test all chemical substances imported or manufactured in quantities of over one ton in the EU by 2018.

Diane Wood started out as an SCI Member and now works for the Society providing support and customer care.

The global financial crisis has reduced access to credit, combined with a sharp decline in demand for durable goods – both of which have impacted the chemical industry.

SCI, the society established nearly 140 years ago to link science with business in the application of scientific innovation, has recognised three top UK scientists in the International Honours announced on 12 November 2009.

In July 2009, SCI entered into a broader strategic alliance with the American Chemical Society (ACS) to advance chemistry-based knowledge and address global issues of mutual interest and benefit to our members.

SCI provided very valuable resources for my career, Dr Melling tells Members News

More than 50 SCI members attended the Members’ Forum held on Wednesday 25 November 2009

SCI and its publishing partner John Wiley and Sons are launching a new range of books.

Want to reduce ageing, improve cognitive function and manage your weight better? Perhaps you should consume more antioxidants. Are antioxidants just a marketing food fad or does the science behind the word hold value?

SCI’s website now features a poll on the homepage, where users can vote to express their opinions on a variety of issues.

It could be said that this waving, drowning or emerging figure represents the global chemical industry as delegates heard at the SCI Summit, since some companies are suffering badly while others are making the best they can, and others even seeing some improvement.

The Young Chemist in Industry symposium is an annual, one-day meeting, which represents a unique opportunity for younger chemists to showcase their industrial research to an external audience.

Stephanie Burns, CEO and Chairman of Dow Corning and new Honorary President of SCI, talks about her experience leading a corporation where innovation is paramount. She also discusses SCI's role in driving knowledge transference in the chemical industry, CSR initiatives and innovative ideas for the future of SCI involving community engagement and mentoring of young scientists.

Have you ever read a news story based on science that concerns you?

Sue talks about her experiences with teaching science to boys and girls, and particularly about her efforts to encourage girls into the field.

An alliance between SCI, the Society of Dyers and Colourists and the Oil and Colour Chemists’ Association will deliver reciprocal benefits to members of all three organisations

SCI is always happy to welcome new volunteers and members to the Society.

On Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September 2008, SCI ran two ‘workshop and best practice sharing’ events, open to all Treasurers, Secretaries and Chairs of Regional Interest (RIG) and Technical Interest Groups (TIG).

The main aim of SCI is to bring members together and an online forum can help us do this through the web.

The third SCI Members' Forum 2009 took place on 25 November at SCI HQ, London.

On Monday, 28 September 2009, SCI will be hosting a one-day ‘Volunteer Workshop and Best Practice’ day for the Honorary Chairmen, Secretaries and Treasurers of all its UK-based Interest Groups.

Good packaging means safe and effective product delivery, as well as enhancing consumer appeal.

The Food Commodities and Ingredients Group is publishing the results of its 'Ask a Food Scientist' campaign to mark Food Safety Week held in June 2009

Do the slogans 'from plough to plate' or even, 'from field to forecourt' mean anything to you? If so, there are around a thousand SCI members who share your interests in agriculture, food, feed, fuel or fibre.

SCI's BioResources Group is creating an Early Careers Network for, and run by, younger members studying or researching in universities and industry.

This conference brought together scientists Ireland who have varied interests in drug discovery and development and a common interest in synthesis

Recent mergers and acquisitions have resulted in a contraction of the industry to six major discovery-based participants. However, concerns over global food supply, exacerbated by use of significant crop areas to produce biofuels, have provided the industry with fresh impetus.

Dr Henry Wainwright's Real IPM Company specialises in crop protection. Established in Kenya in 2003, it focuses on promoting ‘integrated pest management’ (IPM) crops, reducing pesticide use by producing and selling biocontrol agents.

In January 2000, the UK Government announced the decision to suspend the concept of a pesticide tax in favour of a partnership approach with the agrochemical industry – producers, advisers and farmers. The package of measures, later named the Voluntary Initiative (VI), was implemented in April 2001

Scanning the Agricultural Horizon to 2050 was held on 30 November 2010 at Syngenta, Bracknell.

Eighty three delegates met at Syngenta’s Jealott’s Hill Research Station on Wednesday 9 September 2009 to hear seven internationally acclaimed scientists speak about the future of agricultural research.

Scientists representing research groups from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland presented the latest information about advances in our understanding of the exquisitely complex ways in which plants alter their metabolism in response to stress stimuli.

One side of the debate blames biofuels for diverting land away from crops for food to crops for biofuels, and the other arguing that there is ample land for both with better innovation and technology.

Special reduced subscription for SCI members

Chemistry will continue to play a pivotal role in pest management strategies to combat herbivorous pests of food crops and control insect vectors of human pathogens such as malaria.

Two SCI groups visited the coal and gas-fired Didcot Power Station in June 2009. Most of the electricity produced is used to balance electricity consumption in the southeast of the UK.

In 2007, the BioResources Group worked closely with BCPC and IPPC to examine advances in crop management technology and how these advances impact upon the alleviation of poverty in the less developed countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

This one day conference focused on wheat as a feedstock for biorefineries to produce transport fuel, energy, and high value molecules and materials from grain and straw.

As part of review of directive 91/414, the European Commission has proposed that registration should not only be based on risk assessment, but also whether or not products present a hazard to human health.

On 19 June 2009, SCI’s BioResources Technical Group hosted a one-day conference at SCI’s headquarters to discuss the threat to Europe posed by vector-borne viruses. This conference not only provided a unique opportunity to meet and hear from the acknowledged experts in this emerging field, but provided an insight into how risk assessment programmes are funded and operate in the UK.

As bioplastics move out of the lab and into the mainstream of the plastics industry, potential users in the plastics industry want to know more about how to process these new polymers, and the properties that they can expect from them.

This is the first conference in the UK to address issues associated with the use of bioplastics as they enter the mainstream of the plastics industry.

Louise Butt was awarded the best Final Year Project in Molecular Aspects of Biology by SCI’s BioResources Technical Interest Group.

Peter Hambleton was born in Merthyr Tydfil and read Biochemistry at Leeds University, progressing to a PhD on microbial ribonucleic acid synthesis in 1968.