Group News

Early Career

young chemist

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.

SCI Annual General Meeting 4 July

Belgrave Square, London

Your chance to really get involved at SCI

Pulling people together - Richard Bahu talks to Members' News

Richard Bahu

Richard Bahu has been a managing partner in The Oxis Partnership since 1998. He has set up a company offering consultancy and programme/project support to government, industry and academia.

Microwave expert Samuel Kingman awarded Beilby Medal and Prize

Samuel Kingman

The 2011 winner of the Beilby Medal and Prize is Dr Samuel Kingman, who is Professor of Process Engineering and head of department at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Nottingham.

Bringing more students to science

Jack Melling

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.

Want to avoid information overload?

post box

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.

Attracting and retaining talent

student

SCI and Chemical Industries Association (CIA) members recently joined forces to share views on how to attract and retain talented, enthusiastic young people who will ensure a sustainable future for our sector.

Member Survey

speech bubble

Please tell us what you think of SCI's services

Membership Fees

coins

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

The chemistry of textiles

mannequins

The Chemistry of Textiles conference papers are available.

Update from the Board of Trustees

Jack Melling

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 Awards in 2012

coins

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.

Board of Trustees update

Jack Melling

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.

Nonwoven Fabrics in Healthcare and Medical Devices

mask

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'.

Carbon capture and storage: carbon dioxide pressure dissipates in underground reservoirs, study shows

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.

Biofpr Special issue: Bioenergy and Water

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.

Members' Code of Ethics

document

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

Receive funding to have more Eureka moments

light bulb idea

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.

Process development: challenges and insights

scientist

Combining international expertise of value to both industry and academia, SCI’s 27th Process Development Symposium is set to be a sell-out event with something for everyone

SCI Members' Lounge and Business Centre

SCI Belgravia Business Centre

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

Society Awards

Dr Peter Griffiths (R) presented with an SCI Distinguished Service Award by Sandy Gray, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (L)

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

Honorary librarian appointed

Julian Perfect

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.

Interview with Professor Subhash Anand MBE

mask

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

Interview with Dame Sue Ion

cooling towers

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.

Is contacting non-members illegal spamming?

postbox

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.

World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2011

Joseph Ikwebe

Richardson Bursar Joseph Ikwebe reports from the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) 2011, which took place from Sweden, 8-13 May 2011.

Claire Adjiman presents the Henry Armstrong Lecture

Claire Adjiman

Dr Claire Adjiman presented the 2011 Henry Armstrong Memorial Lecture on 21 June.

Distinguished Service Award winners 2011

Peter and Sue Grimbly

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

Interview with Tim White, consulting scientist

Tim White

Tim White has been a member of SCI since 1980, and has been involved with the Environment Group Committee. In 2001, he founded Marquis and Lord, a company of consulting scientists offering bespoke investigation and review services to the legal, insurance and engineering professions

Ask a Food Scientist 2011

blueberries

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!

A glittering awards night at Belgrave Square

Richard Dawkins (image: S&F Digital)

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

Ask a Horticultural Scientist

veg

'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.

Interview with Alison Main

Alison Main

Alison Main, associate director of research and development for Duracell

The Challenge of Climate Change

polar bear on ice

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

BIWIC 2010

Ali Saleemi

The primary focus of the work was to show the usefulness and importance of process analytical technology (PAT) in crystallization processes.

SCI College of Scholars

scholars

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

Population bomb no longer a threat

crowd

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.

A little light relief

Prof David Phillips

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.

Hybrid Chemical Vapour and Nanoceramic Aerosol Assisted Deposition for Multifunctional Nanocomposite Thin Films

Michael Warwick

I attended Pacifichem 2011 to present my research ‘Hybrid Chemical Vapour and Nanoceramic Aerosol Assisted Deposition for Multifunctional Nanocomposite Thin Films’. The poster I presented shows the production of nanoparticles using a continuous flow hydrothermal synthesis and charaterisation of the nano particles.

New Members of the Board of Trustees

Dr Brian Iddon

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

GM Foods: genetic manipulation or global malnutrition?

Jonathan Jones and Colin Tudge

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

Parliamentary Links Day 2010

House of Commons

Dr Geoff Fowler reports

Interview with Joanne Lyall, SCI Executive Director

Joanne Lyall

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

Executive Director Joanne Lyall

Joanne Lyall

Joanne Lyall joined SCI as Executive Director on 21 June 2010

Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology journal launched

Greenhouse Gases cover

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.

Annual Members' Forum - 2010

forum attendees

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

Thumbs down for BBC science

TV science programme

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.

Chicken can feed the world

rooster

Feeding the world in 2020 will be a challenge – but the humble chicken could come to the rescue.

SCI welcomes ring-fenced science and research budget

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

Agri-Food Groups on Facebook

Facebook horticulture group

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

The Protein Formulation Forum

Yitzchak Grant

Richardson bursar Yitzchak Grant reports from Barcelona

Half a century of chemistry education: interview with Sir David Harrison

Sir David Harrison

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

Perspectives on REACH

chemists

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.

Membership Support and Customer Care

Diane Wood

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

The quest to find funding for chemical companies

car

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.

Top scientists honoured by their peers

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.

SCI-ACS alliance benefits members

ACS alliance: Andrew Ladds (SCI CEO), Jack Melling (SCI Board Chairman), Madeline Jacobs (ACS CEO) and Judith Benham (ACS Board Chairman)

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.

Dr Jack Melling: new Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Jack Melling

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

SCI members develop new initiatives for 2010 and beyond

members' forum

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

New publishing activities

water_testing

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

Need a poll: Yes or no?

poll

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

Waving or drowning?

sculpture

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.

Young Chemist in Industry XVIII

young chemist

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.

SCI Stephanie Burns Interview

Stephanie Burns

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.

How to recognise bad science

spinach

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

An education on science and gender

SCI Award winner Sue Halliday – spreading the word at a Saturday Science Club

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

Membership alliance launch

fabrics

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

Get Involved

networking

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

Best practice for groups

group members

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).

SCI’s online forums

Joanna Pegum

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

SCI Members Forum 2009

forum attendees

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

Committee workshop and best practice sharing

forum attendees

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 things come in innovative packaging

bioplastics

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

Separation science and technology: reviewing its past to map out its future

Separation science and technology winners

Separation technology is fundamental to all chemical production processes. The separation techniques used are common to a range of industries and are continuously developing.

Science of beer evening

beer

Alex Bell, Master Brewer at O’Hanlon’s brewery, shares his secrets for making the perfect pint.

SCI debates biofuels

Carlos Harrison

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.

Future iPRD collaboration

iPRD

The Institute of Process Research and Development, based at the University of Leeds, organises symposia on a regular basis and will soon co-badge these with the SCI Process Engineering Group

Process Engineering Group on Linked in

Linked in

The Process Engineering Group’s major interests include process economics, environmental, health and safety issues and instrumentation and control.

Biofuels: technology meets strategy - conference papers

Biofuels offer the potential for fuel supply security and fighting global warming

The seminar discussed two main areas - the ‘technological development’ where first, second and third-generation biofuels will be examined and also ‘how technological issues drive business strategies’.

Energy from Waste Conference Papers

Pylons

Energy from Waste was held at Lancaster Environment Centre on 18 June 2009, and organised by the Environment and Process Engineering Groups

Nuclear developments in the UK

nuclear developments

Dr Nigel Knee of British Energy, and also a graduate of Bristol University, gave a fascinating and comprehensive lecture on the future of the nuclear power industry in the UK.