Chair's Message
The Lipids Group (formerly known as Oils and Fats) is now a select group of some 80 or so members whose interest lies in the science and technology of oils and fats. There are now only three major oils and fats refining companies and two major crushers in the UK. There are other smaller concerns and of course, the animal fats business, but these are rather small in comparison. Thus, it is useful to have a forum for people who are interested in oils and fats who may not be employed within the industry directly.
There have been some dramatic changes taking place within SCI over the last year. In the past, our group has had concerns over budgetary and financial management and these areas are now being tackled. The Awards Schemes are also being revised, which should allow the main SCI awards to have a bigger impact on the industrial chemistry stage, and allow a greater awareness of our scope. We shall, though, retain our ability to organise our three lectures and awards.
The Lipids Group has now been a member of the European Federation for the Science and Technology of Lipids (EFL) since 2002. We took the decision to become part of EFL when it was realised that the British input into the oils and fats world could not maintain its independence. Although we have received some generous donations to allow our members to continue to enjoy membership of EFL at no cost to themselves, it would be very useful if we could get some UK sponsorship for EFL. We will continue to keep you informed of any developments between the SCI and the EFL.
The UK still plays a major role in the ISO and CEN Committees which deal with oils and fats, oilseeds and their by-products. The ISO Committees recently held their meetings in Berlin and the UK had a delegation of four people to the Fats and Oils Committee and three to Oilseeds and their By-products. This again maintains our status within these two organisations, and anyone who is interested in becoming involved in standardisation would be most welcome.
The Group Committee continues to focus its efforts on the organisation of meetings which will be of interest to the majority of the members. However, we would be pleased to receive any feedback you may have on how we could increase the benefits of membership to you all.
Kevin Smith
Chairman
Lipids Group