Policy Newsletter

To subscribe to the Society of Biology Science Policy Newsletter, please email your contact details to policy@societyofbiology.org

1 February 2012

This will hurt a bit
David Cameron’s detachment from NHS reforms means they are drifting
http://www.economist.com/node/21543533

Peers call for commitments to research
[from Becky's Policy Pages; Medical research policy updates from AMRC's head of policy]
Three cross-party peers have written to Earl Howe to outline the key actions which they believe are needed from government to embed research throughout the NHS and public health system.
http://policyblog.amrc.org.uk/2012/01/25/peers-call-for-commitments-to-research/

Genomic innovation will better target treatment in the NHS
NHS patients should be able to benefit from genomic technology which can improve the health service’s understanding of the nature of disease and mean that treatment can be tailored to patients’ individual genetic make-up – providing the right treatment to the right patient.
In its report to Government on genomic technology, the Human Genomics Strategy Group, chaired by Professor Sir John Bell, highlights the UK’s achievements in genetics research to date and proposes a strategic vision to realise the future benefit of genomics.
Considerable government investment over the past decade – more than £50 million – has meant that genetic tests for more than 1,000 diseases, including sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis and some forms of cancer, are now available via the NHS. This has resulted in large numbers of patients and their families benefiting from a precise diagnosis. And now genomic technology enables accurate molecular tests, often before the disease becomes more advanced, so the patients can receive the right treatment sooner.
The independent cross-government advisory group was set up in response to the 2009 House of Lords report on genomic medicine.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422969&SubjectId=2

Neurological diseases remain neglected and ignored
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60123-8/fulltext

Parents provide clues to autism
Are scientists more likely to have children with this condition? A leading researcher, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, is determined to find out – with your help.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9045703/Parents-provide-clues-to-autism.html

Death rate in Britain at lowest level as most live into 80s
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/9028287/Death-rate-in-Britain-at-lowest-level-as-most-live-into-80s.html

Improving health results for children
A new focus on improving care for children and young people will be unveiled later this year, Secretary of State Andrew Lansley announced.
The ‘Children’s and Young People’s outcomes strategy’ will focus the health service on improving health results for children, including those needing primary, hospital and urgent care, and children with long-term conditions.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422984&SubjectId=2

Know and Respond
Scotland’s first air pollution mobile phone alert service, Know and Respond, was launched in a bid to make information more accessible and improve public health.
Know and Respond will allow people to sign up to receive a message – text or voicemail – when levels of any air pollutant in their area are classed as moderate, or above. Pollution levels are monitored according to the same ten level scale used in air pollution forecasting across the UK.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/airquality%2027012012

Don’t flush away your toilet worries
The Government’s first ever national cancer campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer was launched by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow.
Public awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer is low. But spotting the signs early and getting medical advice could save people’s lives.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=423016&SubjectId=2

Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA)
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has decided to hold two evidence sessions on the rationalisation of the AHVLA’s laboratory services in England and the AHVLA’s proposals for competitive tendering for Official Veterinarians (OVs) services.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/news/ahvla-oral-1-and-2/

Spelman outlines UK plans to re-write CAP greening proposal
DEFRA Secretary Caroline Spelman has outlined Government plans to re-write the European Commission’s controversial Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) ‘greening’ proposals.
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/spelman-outlines-uk-plans-to-re-write-cap-greening-proposal/44238.article

Initial Assessment of The Potential Impacts on Land Use And Environment Associated with Changes to CAP Support
This paper presents findings from an initial assessment of the potential impacts on land use and the environment associated with the proposals for CAP reform recommended by the Brian Pack Inquiry.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/2050/0

Disgruntled GMO firms start pulling out of EU market
Monsanto has announced it will scrap plans to sell an insect-resistant maize in France, the second move in a week by biotech company to retreat from the genetically modified foods market in Europe.
http://www.euractiv.com/cap/disgruntled-gmo-firms-start-pulling-eu-market-news-510378

Mackerel landings at risk
The Scottish Fisheries Secretary has warned that a third straight year without an international mackerel deal will put at risk the future of this very valuable fishery.
Further negotiations have taken place in Bergen this week between the EU, Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland, to seek agreement on each country's mackerel quotas for 2012 and beyond. Talks closed with a decision to resume discussions in early February. Three previous rounds have failed to reach a deal for 2012, while numerous rounds of talks since 2009 have been unsuccessful.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/Mackerel27022012

Way ahead for inshore fishing
To ensure that inshore fishing in Scotland is sustainable and coordinated, the Scottish Government will support the delivery of a new strategy for the inshore fleet.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/inshorefishing27012012

FSA Board meeting available online
Food Standards Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussion on the draft European Commission regulation concerning the use of lactic acid to reduce microbiological surface contamination, and an update on nanotechnologies and food.
http://food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2012/jan/board

British food exports will be engine for growth
A Government-backed drive to boost exports of British food and drink to high growth markets like India and China will be an engine for economic growth, Agriculture Minister Jim Paice said.
With rapid world population growth and booming consumer demand for Western products in high growth economies, there are significant opportunities for British producers to increase profits.
UK food and drink exports grew by 12 per cent in 2010 to £16.1billion, but the UK still exports more food to Belgium than to Brazil, Russia, India, China and Mexico put together.
The Farming, Food and Drink Exports Action Plan sets out how Government and industry will work together to open up and take advantage of key markets.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/01/27/british-food-exports/

Scottish communities could 'appraise' nature's services
Communities could be encouraged to make their own assessments of the direct benefits they get from nature.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-16757237

New plans to sustain Wales' natural environment
Plans aimed at ensuring that Wales’ natural environment is managed to deliver the best environmental and economic outcomes for Wales have been launched by Environment Minister, John Griffiths.
The Minister said: “Our natural environment here in Wales is crucial to both our future and our economy. That is why it is so important that we fully understand its value and manage it in a way that delivers the best environmental and economic outcomes for Wales, both now and in the future.
“The approach set out in our Green Paper ‘Sustaining a Living Wales’ hinges on us considering and managing the Welsh environment as a whole. This means assessing the many demands on our land, things like food production, construction and development, and tourism, and making the right decisions for Wales.
“It is about a new approach the puts resilience and diversity of our ecosystems, and the sustainable use of our resources right at the heart of the decision making process
“Not only would this new approach improve the resilience and diversity of the environment, it will also help to make the regulation of the environment simpler and more cost effective, something I am sure will be welcomed by businesses and environmental organisations alike."
The Minister explained that although the proposed approach was widely accepted by the International community, Wales would be one of the first countries to adopt it a national level.
The Welsh Government is inviting views on the proposals set out in its Green Paper and whether they are the right ones to ensure Wales’ natural environment helps to deliver the environmental and economic future that Wales needs.
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2012/120130newplans/;jsessionid=XGW1PpGX4TgGpvGMXqNGkzHGLms3GCLPTmvqfsTKSbG1pwhvzc7S!-351825548?lang=en

Less government intervention in biodiversity management: risks and opportunities
In a changing global environment, with increasing pressure on ecosystem goods and services, biodiversity conservation is likely to become increasingly important. However, with the current global financial crisis, governments are increasingly trying to stabilise economies through spending cuts aiming to reduce national deficits. Within such an economic climate, the devolution of governance through public participation is an intrinsically appealing concept. We outline a number of challenges that explain why increased participation in biodiversity management has been and may continue to be problematic.
We argue that without an informed debate, the move towards a more participatory approach could pose a danger to hard-won policy gains in relation to public participation, biodiversity conservation and conflict management.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/d06q75165l4674h4/

Accumulating 'microplastic' threat to shores
Microscopic plastic debris from washing clothes is accumulating in the marine environment and could be entering the food chain, a study has warned.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16709045

Climate Change Risk Assessment shows the UK needs to adapt
The UK is set to be amongst the best prepared nations for the implications of climate change following publication of a ground-breaking study into the threats the country faces.
The Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) highlights the top 100 challenges to the UK and our economy of a changing climate and provides the most compelling evidence yet of the need to increase our resilience. The research confirms the UK as a world-leader in understanding climate risk to ensure we can make robust plans to deal with these threats.
In order to provide a reliable baseline for decisions by Government, local authorities and businesses the research does not take into account any future policies or plans. However, a Government report published alongside the CCRA does highlight the many current and future policies already in place and gives details of plans which will address some of the risks identified.
The Government has also announced a National Adaptation Programme that will prepare the UK for the effects of climate change, including the risks set out in the CCRA. People are encouraged to give their views through a new website on the action needed to tackle the implications of climate change where they live and work.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/01/26/climate-change-risk-assessment/ http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/climatechange26012012
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2012/120126climatechangereport/?lang=en

UN panel aims for 'a future worth choosing'
Growing inequality, environmental decline and "teetering" economies mean the world must change the way it does business, a UN report concludes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16775264
… while in Brussels priorities look different:
Euro crisis hangs over latest EU summit
The eurozone crisis will dominate an EU summit on Monday, with an emphasis on growth and "smart" budget discipline.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16766225

IEEP report launched in the House of Commons
IEEP has produced a special report for the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPEG) on ‘The future of EU environmental policy: challenges and opportunities’. The report provides a brief review of key environmental challenges facing the EU, the main policy and strategic discussions currently underway and assesses some of the prospects and challenges for the future.
http://www.ieep.eu/news/2012/01/ieep-report-launched-in-the-house-of-commons 

From Concept to Commercialisation of Research
[from the BES Blog]
The BES, together with the Biochemical Society, hosted another successful Policy Lunchbox at Charles Darwin House. The guest speaker was David Bott, Director of Innovation Programmes at the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) who delivered an engaging talk on the process of turning innovative ideas into real products and services. David identified a number of barriers to this progression and outlined how the TSB is working to address them.
The next Policy Lunchbox event on 6th March will see Beck Smith, Assistant Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, discuss ‘how can the Government incentivise private sector investment in research and development?’ This event is full, but to join the waiting list contact James Lush at the Biochemical Society.
http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/blog/2012/01/27/from-concept-to-commercialisation-of-research/

New calendar unlocks enterprise opportunities throughout 2012
A new comprehensive and interactive calendar of key enterprise events throughout 2012 has been unveiled by Business Minister Mark Prisk.
The StartUp 2012: Enterprise Calendar highlights over 600 enterprise opportunities across the UK throughout the year. They include competitions, conferences, workshops and networking events that could be the kick-start needed to help a new or growing business venture.
The calendar is part of the new Business in You campaign, launched by the Prime Minister earlier this week, which brings together the Government and private sector to inspire people to start or grow their business.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422987&SubjectId=2

Real benefits of scientific research measured
Scientists have developed a new way to measure the benefits of scientific research, by looking at the difference it has made to real-life issues.
This new study shows it is possible to measure the impact of research publications on a defined objective – in this case wild-bee conservation.
The approach can also be used to direct future research, by identifying high-priority issues that remain unresolved, for example the benefit of increasing the proportion of natural habitat in farmed areas.
'This isn't the definitive answer to measuring impact,' says Professor William Sutherland of the University of Cambridge, who led the research, 'but it's an effective approach under certain circumstances. Our approach takes the issues society wants answered as a starting point and asks how much each piece of research has contributed to answering them.'
Sutherland, WJ, Goulson, D, Potts, SG, Dicks LV (2011). Quantifying the impact and relevance of scientific research. PLoS One, 6(11): 327537. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0027537
http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/news/story.aspx?id=1142

The Research Works Act: a damaging threat to science
“Academic publishers have become the enemies of science.” So wrote Dr Mike Taylor, a scientist at the UK's University of Bristol
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60125-1/fulltext

Ireland to target €1bn from EU research fund
http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/ireland-to-target-1bn-from-eu-research-fund-182190.html#ixzz1l9LYkcVx

People

Marathon doc accepts new challenge
A GP who ran from John O’Groats to the Sahara Desert in just 77 days is teaming up with the Scottish Government to promote the importance of physical activity.
Ultra marathon runner Dr Andrew Murray, of Edinburgh, will highlight the benefits of being active on a six-month secondment at the Scottish Government starting next week.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/Running

Policy Jobs and training
and see the life sciences job board at http://www.societyofbiology.org/jobs

BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme now open for applications
Applications are now being accepted for the BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme. The scheme offers a fantastic opportunity for early-career ecologists to gain an insight into how ecology and the environment are addressed in policy making by spending two days shadowing a senior policy-maker. In the past, hosts have included Parliamentary-Secretaries of State at Defra, Government Ministers in Wales, Policy Advisors in Scotland and MEPs in Brussels, and previous shadowers have found their placements to be a positive, useful and interesting experience.
The scheme is open to members of the BES in the early stages of their research career. You must have finished your PhD and completed this no more than 12 years ago.
Closing date: 29 February.
http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/policy/shadowing_scheme.php

Policy team intern x 3
Three days per week
Green Alliance is a leading UK environmental charity based in London, which focuses on promoting environmental policy issues to senior decision-makers and setting the future environmental policy agenda.
This varied internship would be ideal for someone who would like to gain knowledge of environmental policy and the NGO community; the UK political process; administrative skills, and an understanding of the work of a small charity. There are three vacancies open for policy interns.
Closing date: 7 February
http://www.green-alliance.org.uk/vacancies/

Senior policy adviser - resource stewardship
Green Alliance is seeking an experienced environmental policy specialist, with strong research and analytical skills, excellent relationship skills and an entrepreneurial outlook to lead our resource stewardship theme which, alongside sustainable economy and low carbon futures, is a central policy focus under our 2012 – 2015 strategy. 
Closing date: 17 February
http://www.green-alliance.org.uk/vacancies/

Open consultations
See http://www.societyofbiology.org/policy/consultations

Consultation on the European Commission's proposals for the future Common Agricultural Policy
This consultation covers the draft Regulations that the European Commission has recently published on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2013. The proposals cover all aspects of the CAP to include direct payments, rural development and finance and controls.
Closing date: 24 April 2012.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/capreform31012012

Sustaining a Living Wales: A Green Paper on a new approach to natural resource management in Wales.
A living Wales – a new framework for our environment, our countryside and our seas
Wales' nature, land, water and air are our ultimate resource - the basis on which everything else is possible. If we are to realise our aspirations for better quality of life and future prospects, we need to ensure that that resource is put to best and most sustainable use.
Our aim is: to ensure that Wales has increasingly resilient and diverse ecosystems that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits. 
We are seeking your views on proposed changes to the governance and delivery of the management and regulation of the environment in Wales, based on the ecosystem approach. An ecosystem is all the living things, and how they interact, with each other and their environment. This work will inform future Welsh Bills.
This is a challenge which will require new thinking. We want to know whether there is an appetite for radical change and whether the suggested building blocks we propose are the right ones.
Closing date: 31 May 2012
http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/sustainingwales/?lang=en

Events

UK PlantSci2012
There are two days left for early-bird registration of UK PlantSci 2012, the first scientific conference of the UK Plant Sciences Federation. The conference is open to anyone with an interest in the plant sciences; we will showcase the wealth of plant science that is being undertaken across the UK, from cell biology to ecology and basic research to the field, and will provide an arena for plant scientists from across the UK to come together and share their knowledge and expertise. Sir John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Government, will be giving the opening address. To register and for more information visit www.plantsci2012.org.uk or contact Jackie Caine at jackiecaine@societyofbiology.org

Earth Debates
Have your say in the run up to the Earth Summit 2012 by getting involved in the Earth Debates and help shape the future of our planet.
At 4 themed debates, a panel of leading experts chaired by Richard Black, the BBC's environment correspondent, will tackle key issues at the heart of the Earth Summit's green economy agenda.
Ecosystem economics – can we put a price on nature?
25 January 2012 (video of event now available online). Nature supplies us with clean air, pollinates our crops, and provides many other natural services. Can we calculate their value? Will doing so promote sustainable development? What are the risks? Watch the video of the live debate and continue the discussion online.
Beyond GDP – how can we measure progress?
22 February 2012. If businesses and governments are to invest in a green economy, we need to be able to measure progress. But the traditional measure of economic growth, GDP, doesn’t take into account the wellbeing of people or the environment. What are the alternatives?
Green cities in a green economy – how to pioneer a sustainable transition?
14 March 2012. Nearly 60% of the world's population is expected to live in towns and cities by 2030. So future cities will play a key role in the welfare of both people and the environment. How can we make them greener?
Food security – how do we feed 9 billion people in 2050?
11 April 2012. How can we balance the demands of feeding our growing population with maintaining an environment that can provide the other essential services, water and raw materials that we need?
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/biodiversity/earth-debates/index.html

Public Lecture: What's Blocking Sustainability? Why is the World Sleepwalking into Global Ecological Crisis?
Date: 7 March 2012
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: Space 4/5, Culture Lab
Bill Rees, Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and former director of the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) at UBC is a leading figure in the fields of ecological footprinting (in which he developed the ecological footprint analysis quantitative tool), ecological economics and human ecology.
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sustainability/events/item/public-lecture-what-s-blocking-sustainability-why-is-the-world-sleepwalking-into-global-ecological-crisis

Challenges for Scotland's Biodiversity Conservation: From the Soils to the Skies
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
8-9 March 2012
this meeting is an exciting joint venture between the British Ecological Society, the British Society of Soil Science, and the Scottish Government's Biodiversity Science Group.
Its main aim is to help bridge the gap between excellent ecological science and the needs of policy makers. It will focus in particular on the current revision of Scotland's Biodiversity Strategy, providing an important forum where scientists and policymakers working on biodiversity issues in Scotland can meet, discuss areas where excellent science is needed, and explore opportunities and objectives for future work.
Who should attend? Anyone with an interest in biodiversity science and policy in Scotland.
Members of the BES and the British Society of Soil Science can attend for free.
http://www.soils.org.uk/events/event-91/

Parliament invites public to talk science in Leeds
Are you interested in science and technology? Do you think Parliament pays enough attention to science issues? Would you like to find out how the work of Parliament matters to you?
'Parliament Talks...Science' is a free public event, bringing together parliamentarians and experts to discuss how Parliament contributes to the debate on science issues and scrutinises Government science policy.
There will be a chance to put questions to a panel of experts and find out more about how to engage with the work of Committees and other bodies within Parliament.
'Parliament Talks...Science' takes place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 15 March, hosted in partnership with the University of Leeds. This event is part of the Leeds Festival of Science and will take place during National Science and Engineering Week.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2012/january/parliament-invites-public-to-talk-science-in-leeds/

And finally…

New ways to fund science? (And better engage society in the process)
http://ideas4sustainability.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/new-ways-to-fund-science-and-better-engage-society-in-the-process/