Policy News Archive

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25 January 2012

Public health in England: from nudge to nag
Effective, evidenced-based public health measures do not include nudging people into healthy behaviours or getting NHS staff to lecture patients on healthy lifestyles, according to the Lancet.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60082-8/fulltext

Health Committee publishes review of public expenditure in health and social care
Launching the Health Committee review of Public Expenditure in health and social care, Chair of the Health Select Committee Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP said: "… the NHS is well used to management change. In reality the key pressures which are building in the system arise from the fact that demand is continuing to grow at a time when health and social care budgets have stopped growing. Both the NHS and local authorities are struggling to meet current targets in a sustainable, long-term manner that will maintain high quality, efficient care in the future.
The need to provide high-quality and efficient services that meet local needs within the funding available must be addressed as a matter of urgency. This requirement underlies the importance of developing new structures which deliver genuinely integrated services."
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/news/report---pex-2-news-/

PIP breast implants and regulation of cosmetic interventions
On 7 February the Health Committee will hold an oral evidence session on PIP breast implants and regulation of cosmetic interventions.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/news/12-01-24-pipbreastimplants-ev/

Department of Health sets out scope of PiP implant and cosmetic surgery reviews
The Department of Health has published the terms of reference for two reviews established following the recent concerns about PIP implants.
The first review, led by Lord Howe, the Minister for Quality, will establish what happened in the UK when the MHRA and Department of Health learnt about the situation with PiP implants in France.
The second review will be led by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS Medical Director, and will look at whether the cosmetic surgery industry needs to be more effectively regulated. This review will take around a year to complete given the complexities of the issues. The review will consider issues of governance, data quality, record keeping and surveillance, as well as ensuring that sufficient information is provided to secure patients’ informed consent. It will include consideration of the feasibility of an outcomes-based register of commonly implanted devices.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422954&SubjectId=2

Cardiff professor warns of dementia scientist shortage
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16714639

New approach to education and training published
The policy framework for a new approach to workforce planning and the education and training of the health workforce has been published by the Department of Health.
Liberating the NHS: Developing the Healthcare Workforce builds on responses to earlier public consultations and the advice of the NHS Future Forum.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/01/workforce-response/

Campaign Resource Centre provides easy access to latest public health campaigns
Providing a one-stop shop for all Department of Health public health campaign information and resources for anyone who works directly with the public, the online Campaign Resource Centre was launched this week.
If you want to start conversations with families and adults about healthier lifestyles, stopping smoking, the signs and symptoms of cancer or stroke, or you need trustworthy advice about the issues that affect young people, the Campaign Resource Centre can help.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/01/campaign-resource-centre/

Global health in 2012: development to sustainability
In 2012 there will be a major strategic shift in global health, away from development and towards sustainability, says an editorial in the Lancet.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60081-6/fulltext

Bioterror fears halt research on mutant bird flu
Scientists who created a potentially more deadly bird flu strain have temporarily stopped their research amid fears it could be used by terrorists.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16662346

A new Animal Welfare Strategy Paper: European Commission seeks quality upgrade
The European Commission has adopted a new four-year strategy (2012-2015) that aims to further improve the welfare of animals in the European Union.
"The recent coming into force of the "laying hens" legislation has shown that problems persist in animal welfare in several Member States. Some efforts are being made, but many issues need to be tackled in a different way in order to achieve more sustainable results. The new strategy will permit appropriate flexibility allowing operators to attain the necessary welfare standards by different routes. Optimising policy coherence and market transparency in a comprehensive animal welfare legislative framework will minimise real or perceived tensions between welfare and economics. Animal welfare measures need to be cost-effective. The proposed dedication of resources to education and training is expected to be highly cost-effective, economically and in welfare terms." EU Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner, John Dalli, said.
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/28&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Pilot areas confirmed
Landowners and farmers from two carefully-selected areas are now able to apply for licences to pilot new measures designed to tackle the devastating impact of bovine TB, Agriculture Minister Jim Paice has confirmed.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/01/19/pilot-areas-confirmed/

Saving farmers, saving food
Farmers’ incomes are falling while food prices are rising and more and more food is being bought and then thrown away. On 19 January, MEPs looked at food from two different angles: on one hand they propose helping farmers earn a decent income and preventing them from being squeezed between high raw material prices and low farm gate prices and on the other called for a stop to the enormous food wastage in the EU.
Raw material costs for EU farmers climbed an average of almost 40% between 2000 and 2010, while farm gate prices increased on average by less than 25%. Farmers are being "squeezed" between low farm gate prices due to the strong position of processors and retailers, and high raw material prices due to an increased concentration among producers of things like fertilizer, fuel and farm machinery.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/content/20120120STO35889/html/Saving-farmers-saving-food

The Future of EU Environmental Policy
[from the BES Policy Blog]
Earlier today the All Party Parliamentary Environment Group (APPEG) launched a report, produced by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), entitled “The future for EU Environmental Policy: Challenges and Opportunities”.
The independent report considers environmental challenges facing the EU and the priorities for future development of EU environmental policy.
http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org

BASF to end GM production in Europe
http://www.farming.co.uk/news/article/5897

Don't ignore benefits of GM, says chief scientist
Genetically-modified crops could play an important role in helping prevent a future global food crisis, according to the government's chief scientific adviser.
http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/23/01/2012/131097/Don39t-ignore-benefits-of-GM-says-chief-scientist.htm

The Future We Want - Zero draft of the outcome document
Starting position for Rio +20, the UN conference on sustainable development 20 to 22 June 2012.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&type=12&nr=324&menu=23

Climate change and sustainable consumption: What do the public think is fair?
An exploration of public attitudes to fairness in the context of sustainable consumption and climate change.
This research, through a series of focus groups, explores ways that people's sense of fairness around sustainable consumption and climate change could be used to build public support for behaviour change and sustainability policies.
http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/climate-change-sustainable-consumption

The biodiversity crisis: Worse than climate change
Biodiversity is declining rapidly throughout the world. The challenges of conserving the world's species are perhaps even larger than mitigating the negative effects of global climate change. Dealing with the biodiversity crisis requires political will and needs to be based on a solid scientific knowledge if we are to ensure a safe future for the planet. This is the main conclusion from scientists from University of Copenhagen, after 100 researchers and policy experts from EU countries were gathered this week at the University of Copenhagen to discuss how to organise the future UN Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, IPBES - an equivalent to the UN panel on climate change (IPCC).
http://www.physorg.com/news/2012-01-biodiversity-crisis-worse-climate.html

An acid test for policy
There's more this week on the critical but in some ways under-covered issue of ocean acidification.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16677867

Charities write to Leveson
AMRC have joined with the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK to send our thoughts on how science and research is covered in the press to the Leveson inquiry which is looking at the culture, practice and ethics of the press.
This recognises how brilliant a lot of science reporting is but picks out some of the difficulties associated with reporting complicated, and developing science stories..
http://policyblog.amrc.org.uk/2012/01/20/charities-write-to-leveson/
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/About-us/Policy/Consultation-responses/index.htm

National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts to be reconstituted as a charity and charitable trust
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts has laid an Order in Parliament to abolish the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) as a non-departmental public body (NDPB). This follows the Government’s announcement in October 2010 of its proposal to reconstitute NESTA as a private sector charity with a separate charitable trust to hold the National Lottery endowment.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422906&SubjectId=2

How to read David Willetts' big speech on growth
http://exquisitelife.researchresearch.com/exquisite_life/2012/01/how-to-read-david-willetts-big-speech-on-growth.html

Research intelligence - To market, to market, to use the fat data
Institute at vanguard of innovation strategy aims to link scholars and entrepreneurs.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418756&c=1

HE bill ‘to be shelved indefinitely’
David Cameron is reported to have made a dramatic intervention in the university reforms, shelving the higher education bill that was due this spring.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418801&c=1

Companies paid £1,800 to meet ministers at networking events
Transparency campaigners raise concerns over Chemistry Club events that were previously banned by the Cabinet Office
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/jan/24/companies-ministers-networking-events

Brian Cox, David Starkey and … Colin Firth; a new type of public intellectual?
The success of today's celebrity scientists may pave the way for a new generation of academics and, indeed, new public expectations of them
http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2012/jan/24/celebrity-scientists-research-impact-agenda

People

New CaSE Board of Directors
CaSE is pleased to announce the election of its new Board of Directors. Headed by the Chairman, Prof Hugh Griffiths, the Board will meet several times a year to discuss CaSE’s work in campaigning for the interests of UK science and engineering.
We welcome Professor Colin Blakemore, Ms Aisling Burnand MBE, Dr Tom Crick, Ms Becky Purvis, Mr Alom Shaha, Professor Sandy Steacy and Dr Chris Tyler as new members of the Board.
We also say goodbye to Professor Bill Banks, Dr Judith Ellis, Professor Anthony Finklestein, Mr David Hollinshead, Professor Richard Joyner, Mr Steve Robinson, and Professor Peter Saunders who are stepping down, and we thank them for all their hard work over the years.
http://sciencecampaign.org.uk/?p=8780

New opportunities for MRC fellows to partner with industry
The MRC has announced three new mechanisms to help MRC fellows develop successful partnerships with industry.
The MRC will now offer:
• all fellows face-to-face advice from an expert panel
• existing fellows the chance to ‘top up’ their fellowship with an industry collaboration; and
• all new fellows the chance to incorporate industry collaboration when they apply for a fellowship
The new mechanisms aim to offer talented researchers flexible support to further their careers by encouraging them to build mutually beneficial relationships with industry.
The MRC also believes that by sharing and developing their ideas with industry partners, MRC fellows will be better able to translate their research into benefits for patients.
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Newspublications/News/MRC008442

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

POST is recruiting for a new Director
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology is recruiting for a new Director.
POST ensures that Parliament and parliamentarians are supported with impartial, balanced and accessible analysis and assessment of scientific and technological issues related to public policy.
The Head of POST must have a broad background and experience in science or science policy, combined with the ability to maintain and develop links at senior level within the science community. In addition, they must be capable of maintaining scrupulous impartiality and objectivity, in order to lead the office effectively on behalf of Parliament.
The closing date is 8 February 2012.
http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/blog/2012/01/18/post-is-recruiting-for-a-new-director/

Media and Public Affairs Manager
As a science-based organisation, Understanding Animal Research works on a daily basis with others in the bioscience sector, with science journalists, with science-savvy policy makers and MPs, and with science teachers.
Now we need an experienced communications professional who can think outside the science box. The Media and Public affairs Manager will manage Understanding Animal Research's pro-active non-science media and public affairs work. He or she will keep the organisation engaged with relevant public affairs issues, contribute to how we manage our reputation, and attend and report on external policy-related events.
Closing date: 6 February 2012.
http://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/about_us/current_vacancies

Policy Manager (linking academia & industry)
Do you want to drive the translation of research into health benefits by informing policy at the academia-life sciences industry interface?
The Academy of Medical Sciences is seeking a talented and experienced policy professional to lead its work to strengthen relationships between academia and industry, to support the environment required for a successful life sciences industry and to promote the efficient translation of research into benefits for the health and wealth of the UK. Closing date: 6 February 2012.
www.acmedsci.ac.uk/p183.html

Science Media Internships
The Wellcome Trust is supporting two studentships for the MSc in Science Media Production run by Imperial College London. These studentships offer financial support for biomedical scientists to undertake a postgraduate qualification in Science Media Production at Imperial College London and to follow this with a six-month placement working in the broadcast industry. Applicants should be currently practising biomedical scientists wishing to explore a career in the broadcast media. They must have a PhD or equivalent, some experience of science communication, and a demonstrable aptitude for working with TV, radio or film.
Application is through the Imperial College website (see http://tiny.cc/mxv33). After the application deadline, a shortlist of candidates for interview will be drawn up, with interviews taking place in late March.
The application deadline is 24 February 2012.
If you are interested in making an application, please contact: Liam Watson - Science Communication Group Administrator liam.watson@imperial.ac.uk

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

Proposals for register of lobbyists
Mark Harper, the Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform, launched a twelve week consultation on the Government’s proposals, inviting views from the public and industry on how the register should work.
The consultation seeks views on a number of issues, including:
• the definition of a lobbyist
• who should be required to register
• what information should be collected about them and the companies on behalf of which they lobby
• how the register should be funded
Closing date: 13 April 2012.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/proposals-register-lobbyists

Lifting of Post-Chernobyl Sheep Controls
The Food Standards Agency is seeking views on the proposal to remove all remaining controls on the movement of sheep from the restricted areas.
Twenty-five years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, controls remain on a small number of UK sheep farms following radioactive contamination deposited on certain upland areas. The Food Standards Agency has recently conducted an updated risk assessment, which shows the risk to consumers is very low. Therefore, the Agency is proposing to remove all remaining controls.
Closing date: 8 February 2012
http://www.food.gov.uk/consultations/ukwideconsults/2011/removalpostchernobylsheepcontrol

New MRC guidance on good research practice
The MRC is currently revising its guidance on good research practice and would welcome views on the new draft, which has been developed by a working group of the MRC’s Ethics, Regulation and Public Involvement Committee (ERPIC). The MRC would particularly welcome input on the whether the new principles and guidelines provide the right level of information and are clear and comprehensive, as well as views on any gaps that need to be addressed.
Closing date: 13 February 2012.
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Newspublications/News/MRC008445

Environmental Audit Committee inquiry into wildlife crime - call for evidence
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry into wildlife crime, following up its Report from 2004. In that Report, the EAC examined wildlife crime in terms of protection for wild animals (badgers, birds, pondlife, etc) and wild plants; and trade in wildlife and wildlife products in the UK. As in that earlier inquiry, the committee will not be examining hunting with dogs.
The new inquiry will examine the scale of wildlife crime in the UK, including damage and destruction to species and habitats. It will also examine the scale of, and risks posed by, the illicit trade in wildlife and wildlife products. The inquiry will consider the role of the Government and other bodies in England and Wales in preventing, detecting and prosecuting these types of crime, as well as what action the Government can take internationally to tackle the problems of illegal trade.
The European Commission is currently undertaking a review of European law relating to wildlife trade. A review of the UK's Control of Trade in Endangered Species regulations (COTES) may be required as a result.
Closing date: 24 February 2012.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environmental-audit-committee/news/wildlife-crime-inquiry-terms-of-reference/

Planning for sustainable growth in the English Aquaculture industry
We are seeking your views on the potential growth in the aquaculture industry in England.
The consultation has been prepared by representatives of the English aquaculture industry, and is being run by Defra in support of the industry. The consultation is seeking views on potential areas for growth, identifying areas where the industry can work together to improve marketing, knowledge, skills and research, and considers barriers to growth.
Closing date: 8 March 2012
http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/01/12/aquaculture-1201/

Mitochondrial donation
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is inviting written submissions of evidence to inform its consideration of ethical issues arising from emerging techniques to prevent the transmission of inherited mitochondrial disorders.
Closing date: 24 February 2012 .
http://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/mitochondrial-donation/mitochondrial-donation-how-respond

HFEA to consult on ethics of 'mitochondria transfer'
The Secretary of State for Health together with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills have jointly asked the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to seek public views on emerging IVF techniques designed to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disease.
Such techniques may allow women with particular genetic diseases to avoid passing it on to their child. These techniques are only permitted in research at present. Our public dialogue will explore what people think about the possible use of these techniques in treatment – the transfer from laboratory to clinic.
The HFEA, working with Sciencewise, will begin the public dialogue later this year, guided by a group of experts which will oversee the process. The dialogue will be in several phases beginning with preparation starting now.
A full timeline of consultation events will be announced in early Spring 2012. To register your interest in the consultation, send an email to mitochondria@hfea.gov.uk with ‘subscribe’ in the subject line.
http://www.hfea.gov.uk/6898.html
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422893&SubjectId=2

Assessment of statistics currently being undertaken by the UK Statistics Authority
The UK Statistics Authority has a statutory responsibility under the provisions of the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007, to assess whether its Code of Practice has been complied with in relation to any official statistics.
You can find a list of official statistics which the authority is currently assessing using the following link:
http://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/assessment/current-assessments/index.html

Events

Policy Lunchbox
Policy Lunchbox is a joint initiative between the Biochemical Society and the British Ecological Society.
Their lunchtime science policy speakers are so popular that events are booked up too quickly to be advertised in this newsletter. Follow the link below to go on their mailing list.
http://www.biochemistry.org/PublicAffairs/Events/PolicyLunchbox/tabid/676/Default.aspx

Connected Communities Dialogue Day
Have your say on what makes a community active
• Are you interested in how your community works?
• Are you free on Saturday 25 February from 10am to 4pm?
• Are you willing to come to London for the day?
• Would you be willing to take part in a discussion with researchers on what it means to be part of your community?
Hopkins Van Mil has been commissioned by the Research Councils UK to manage a dialogue day providing a space for people to participate in current thinking on communities. Participants will discuss opportunities for and barriers to groups within a local area coming together, sharing common bonds and values to enhance their community.
If you are interested in joining us for this lively and interesting session please email Lucy Auger lucy@hopkinsvanmil.co.uk
For further information on the Connected Communities programme please check
http://bit.ly/connectedcommunities. 

Natural Capital/ Ecosystem Services for Business: New Collaboration Opportunities
The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) 1 Carlton House Terrace, London
Business has been put at the centre of the stage to deliver the sustainable economy that the Government pledges to provide in the Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP).This creates real opportunities for businesses, in terms of new markets (e.g. via Payment for Ecosystem Services/Offsets/Restoration) and new collaborations with delivery agencies and other institutions (e.g. via Nature Improvement Areas).
This one-day event, supported by professional and business bodies, will provide a forum for businesses to engage directly with some of the key researchers working in this area.
With top speakers including Prof. Ian Bateman (Co-Leader of the Valuing Nature Network), Prof. Rosie Hails, MBE, (Leader of the Natural Capital Initiative), Prof. Dave Rafaelli (Leader of NERC’s Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Programme) and Dr Rob Bradburne of Defra, as well as key business leaders, the day will provide a mix of speakers, discussion and project-development breakout sessions.
Outcomes of the day will include:
• Identification of specific areas where there are already tools that could be used or developed further by industry in collaboration with academia
• Identification of common themes of interest and actions that would address these
• Initiation of project developments for internship funding
To register for this free event and for full details of the day and directions to IOM please go to http://natural-capital.eventbrite.com.

And finally…

Rise in dishonesty signals looming 'integrity crisis' in Britain
British people have become less honest in the last decade, according to a study suggesting moral decline.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9037421/Rise-in-dishonesty-signals-looming-integrity-crisis-in-Britain.html

18 January 2012

Science minister for Scotland
The Scottish government have appointed junior minister Alisdair Allan with science as one of his lead responsibilities. Society of Biology CEO Dr Mark Downs will be meeting with him this month. See Becky’s Policy Pages (Medical research policy updates from AMRC's head of policy) for more information on the appointment, here: http://policyblog.amrc.org.uk/2012/01/17/science-minister-for-scotland/
Going for growth
New campaign launches to support and raise the profile of mid-sized businesses and help them grow into tomorrow’s success stories.
http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2012/Jan/mid-sized-businesses

Shell to shut its main UK research base and transfer its work overseas
Hundreds of scientists to be relocated as oil multinational aims to shift most research and development work to Germany by 2014
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/jan/15/shell-shutting-main-uk-research-base

End of an era as BASF stops GM crops production in Europe
Chemicals company BASF has announced it will stop developing and marketing genetically modified crops in Europe.
http://www.researchresearch.com/index.php?option=com_news&template=rr_2col&view=article&articleId=1154207

The EU’s Health Policy
During the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, a number of dossiers on the health area will dominate the work of the Council.
The EU has developed a programme for health, which is the main instrument to implement objectives of the Health Strategy. There is EUR 321.5 million available under the programme until 2013.
As the health programme expires in 2013, the future of the strategy and the programme will be on the agenda during the Danish Presidency of the Council.
http://eu2012.dk/en/EU-and-the-Presidency/About-the-Presidency/~/link.aspx?_id=19C896D60D754EE793BF6FFCBEA52593&_z=z

We all have a responsibility to reform the health service: Poots tells the Assembly
Health Minister Edwin Poots urged MLAs to join him in reforming the Health & Social Care Service.
http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/news-dhssps/news-dhssps-160112-we-all-have.htm

£82m to train non-medical healthcare professionals
Almost 2,000 non-medical healthcare students, including nurses, midwives, paramedics and pharmacists will be funded by the Welsh Government in 2012-13, Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/healthandsocialcare/2012/5675992/;jsessionid=vhBTPV4QJtpc61XCZDLC6Z932sh5GhnqbLncXKkH501BzG5JH1Cz!-1747186160?lang=en

MPs urge Government to review its sensible drinking guidelines
Alcohol guidelines should be reviewed, according to a new report that raises concerns about the Government's advice on sensible drinking.
MPs on the Science and Technology Committee conclude that greater efforts should also be focused on helping people understand the guidelines and how to use them.
Andrew Miller MP, Chair of the committee, said: "Alcohol guidelines are a crucial tool for Government in its effort to combat excessive and problematic drinking. It is vital that they are up-to date and that people know how to use them. Unfortunately, public understanding of how to use the guidelines and what an alcohol unit looks like is poor, although improving.
While we urge the UK Health Departments to re-evaluate the guidelines more thoroughly, the evidence we received suggests that the guidelines should not be increased and that people should be advised to take at least two drink-free days a week."
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/science-and-technology-committee/news/120109-alcohol-rpt-published/

London 2012: Mass gathering risks disease spreading
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16545017

Lords debate the government's green agenda
Peers with a range of backgrounds in environmental protection and sustainability including a former Secretary of State for the Environment and leaders of several environmental organisations, debated the Government’s green agenda on 12 January.
Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour), who tabled and opened the debate says: 'I hope that through this debate, we will see just how well the Government measure up to their assertion that they will be the ‘greenest Government ever’.  It’s a sort of benchmarking exercise so we can hear how they are doing with the Green Deal, the Green Investment Bank and green policy generally.'
http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2012/january/lords-debate-on-government-green-agenda/

Targeting pollution could save millions of lives
Limiting how much soot and methane reaches the atmosphere using existing technologies could save nearly five million lives every year, and vastly boost global crop yields, scientists report.
http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/news/story.aspx?id=1135

Defra considers turning whole of England into NVZ
The Government is considering turning the whole of England into a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ), as part of series of changes to nitrate pollution controls.
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/defra-considers-turning-whole-of-england-into-nvz/43834.article

OFC - Government scientist says global food system is broken, recommends revolutionary new approach
Professor Sir Bob Watson addresses the Oxford farming conference.
http://www.farming.co.uk/news/article/5859

Power in Agriculture report
This report was commissioned by the Oxford Farming Conference and undertaken by the Scottish Agricultural College’s Rural Policy Centre. The study examines where the economic, political and natural resource power currently lies in world agriculture, how that might change in future and what it means to British farmers.
http://www.fcrn.org.uk/research-library/agriculture/reports/power-agriculture-report

Seabird foraging areas 'key for conservation'
The feeding patterns of seabirds around the UK coastline can be can used to help identify the location of possible marine protection areas, a study says.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16532920

Preparations for the Rio +20 Summit: Government Response
The Report, Preparations for the Rio +20 Summit: Government Response to the Committee’s Eighth Report, was published on Monday 16 January 2012.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environmental-audit-committee/news/announcement-of-publication10/
 
MPs question Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP, Secretary of State, about Greening the Common Agricultural Policy
At this session the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee took oral evidence from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP, relating to Greening the Common Agricultural Policy
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/news/greening-the-cap-oral-4/

New survey finds public want farmers to be custodians of the landscape for future generations
A new survey finds well over four out of five British adults (84 per cent) believe that farmers have a responsibility to look after the landscape and wildlife for future generations.
These findings mirror the aspirations of a new, ambitious vision for the future of farming published by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). The CPRE farming vision outlines the changes to farming practices and agricultural policy CPRE would like to see by 2026.
http://www.cpre.org.uk/media-centre/latest-news-releases/item/2669-new-survey-finds-public-want-farmers-to-be-custodians-of-the-landscape-for-future-generations

Counting the cost of calamities
Death rates from natural disasters are falling; and fears that they have become more common are misplaced. But their economic cost is rising relentlessly
http://www.economist.com/node/21542755

The economic invisibility of nature
[from the BES Blog]
A fusion of economics and ecology is required to properly measure and capture the value of biodiversity. That was the message of an event at Parliament organised by Biodiversity, the UK all party parliamentary group, chaired by Barry Gardiner MP, and attended by the BES Policy Team. Read their report here.
http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/blog/2012/01/16/the-economic-invisibility-of-nature/

'Boris Island' estuary airport idea gets off the ground
Government plans to hold formal consultation on proposals for Thames estuary hub championed by mayor of London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/jan/18/boris-island-airport-thames-estuary

RCUK Impact Report 2011 highlights how the Research Councils are maximising the impact of UK research
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has today (4 January) published the RCUK Impact Report 2011 which complements the impact reports prepared by the individual Research Councils for the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
The report details the various activities through which the Research Councils are working together to achieve greater impact. This includes collaboration with partners in key commercial sectors, the Technology Strategy Board and governmental departments. It also highlights the impact of the six major cross-Council themes and how the Research Councils will develop the impact agenda through the current spending review period. The report concludes by setting out aims of the RCUK Impact Strategy.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: "These reports demonstrate that the UK is a world leader in science and research. From the development of ground-breaking new treatments to studies that shape public policy and improve lives, the significant economic and societal impact of the UK research base is extremely impressive."
http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/media/news/2012news/Pages/120103_4.aspx

University Challenge: Lords quiz Universities Minister on role of EU in Higher Education
David Willetts MP, Universities and Science Minister, appeared before the Lords Consumer Protection and Social Policies EU Sub-Committee on Thursday 12 January, to face questions on what contribution the EU can make to boost mobility, provide funding for and promote best practice across Europe’s higher education sector.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/eu-social-policy-and-consumer-affairs-sub-committee-g/news/higher-education---david-willetts-mp-bis-evidence-session-12-jan-12/

Are University science standards good enough?
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has taken evidence from nine university Vice-Chancellors as part of their inquiry into the state of higher education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.
The Committee asked the witnesses whether students are arriving at university adequately prepared to study STEM subjects at a higher level, what universities can do to ensure that there are enough STEM subject graduates with the right skills to meet the needs of business and support economic growth, and whether the supply of postgraduate students is sufficient to fulfil the demand from business and research.
The Vice-Chancellors faced questions about how the impending Higher Education reforms will impact on their institutions ability to offer high quality STEM courses.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/science-and-technology-sub-committee-i/news/evidence-from-university-vice-chancellors/

Minister rejects peers’ FOI concerns
Home Office minister Oliver Eden has rejected a proposal to exempt universities from having to release unpublished research data in response to Freedom of Information Act requests.
This follows a debate in the House of Lords, available here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201212/ldhansrd/text/120112-gc0001.htm#12011298000244
For the full story visit Research Fortnight (reg) http://www.researchresearch.com/ 
 
A long stretch
The UK government hopes to squeeze even more out of science — without paying a penny extra.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v481/n7380/full/481113b.html

Willetts cooks up 'half-baked' plan for science institutions
David Willetts' proposals for a "new kind of university" focusing on science and postgraduates has generated a lot of discussion - and no small amount of scepticism.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418668&c=1

V-cs, it might be time for us to have a talk about a pay review
Russell Group universities spent an average of nearly £318,000 on their vice-chancellors' pay, benefits and pensions last year, with the best paid picking up £424,000.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418661&c=1

Money for nothing?
Executive pay levels rise because of globalisation, not poor oversight
http://www.economist.com/node/21542802

Populist policies harm UK’s reputation
The UK’s one-size-fits-all approach to immigration is already hurting, but some of the risks are long term, says Valérie Hartwich
For the full story visit Research Fortnight (reg) http://www.researchresearch.com/ 

One in eight UK scientists has witnessed research fraud
Research misconduct is “alive and well” at UK universities, the British Medical Journal has claimed.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418691&c=1

A careless reference can do more damage than sticks and stones
Athene Donald warns referees about the unintended and potentially career-damaging effects of using certain words to describe women
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418648&c=1

Nine ways scientists demonstrate they don't understand journalism
If reporters wrote stories the way some scientists seem to want, few people would read science coverage
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2012/jan/17/scientists-journalism?CMP=twt_gu

Academic publishers have become the enemies of science
The US Research Works Act would allow publishers to line their pockets by locking publicly funded research behind paywalls
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/jan/16/academic-publishers-enemies-science

People

Society of Biology seeking nominations for ETP Chair
We are seeking nominations from both the College of Member Organisations and the College Individual Members for the role of ETP Chair. The current ETP Chair, Professor Robert Freedman, is due to step down at the next AGM (3rd May 2012). The Chair is responsible for chairing the ETP committee and providing strategic direction for the education and science policy work of the Society.
Member Organisations are invited to nominate suitable candidates for the role of ETP Chair by submitting a biography and reasons behind nominations.
http://www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents/news/view/381

Professor Tony Butterworth CBE confirmed as Acting Chair of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement
As previous non-executive director of the NHS Institute, Prof Butterworth has a healthcare background plus senior level management experience.
Prof Butterworth joined the NHS Institute as Non-executive Director in 2005, previously he was Chair of the Remuneration Committee and the lead Non-Executive Director for the health professions. He was a point of reference for the work stream on ‘Innovation and Improvement’ modules and acted as a link with the University sector. Prof Butterworth has supported the Safer Care programme that helped to develop the NHS Institute’s Improvement Faculty.
Formerly Prof Butterworth was Workforce Development Confederation Chief Executive in the NHS East Midlands. He is a registered general and mental health nurse and has had an extensive career in Higher Education, as Professor, Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manchester.
As well as his work with the NHS Institute, Prof Butterworth holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Health Care Workforce Innovation at the University of Lincoln, and serves as trustee of charity Dementia UK. He also is a visiting Professor to the University of Maribor in Slovenia and the University of Western Sydney, Australia.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422771&SubjectId=2

Policy Jobs and training
….and see the life sciences job board at http://www.societyofbiology.org/jobs. To advertise on our jobs board please visit http://www.societyofbiology.org/jobs/upload

Media Fellowships 2012- Application open 
The British Science Association awards up to ten Media Fellowships a year to researchers to allow them the opportunity to learn more about the media and experience life in the heart of a newsroom.
Media Fellows come from a range of backgrounds and career stages and media placements vary across the written, broadcast and internet media and include hosts such as the Guardian, Nature and the BBC for 3-8 weeks in July-October 2012.
Media Fellows share their expertise to help create accurate, hard-hitting and insightful pieces of journalism that have real impact. They return home to their institution more confident interacting with the media and with vital writing and communications skills and contacts that impact on all areas of their work and beyond.
Application is open from 16 January – 2 March 2012 by online applications form.
Eligibility criteria and all the information you need can be found at www.britishscienceassociation.org/MediaFellows

Foulkes Foundation Fellowships
The Foulkes Foundation is a charitable Foundation that was established in 1972.  The Fellowships were first awarded in 1975 and their purpose is to promote medical research, the training of scientists and the study of medicine. The Fellowship Scheme provides financial support for recently qualified PhD science graduates with research experience who want additionally to take a medical degree or medical graduates wanting to take a life science PhD Degree. In both cases the graduate must intend to do medical research after qualification, and science graduates must continue part-time research during their medical training with an appropriate named supervisor.
For more information, please visit www.foulkes-foundation.org

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

Bridging the “valley of death”: improving the commercialisation of research
The Commons Science and Technology Committee invite contributions to its inquiry on Bridging the “valley of death”: improving the commercialisation of research
The Society of Biology will be responding to this inquiry and welcomes your initial comments by 25th January, so that we can formulate and agree a response to the Committee.
We have already received indications of interest from members but if you have not done so already and are interested in contributing, please contact Jackie as soon as possible.

The outline questions posed by the Committee are:
1. What are the difficulties of funding the commercialisation of research, and how can they be overcome?
2. Are there specific science and engineering sectors where it is particularly difficult to commercialise research? Are there common difficulties and common solutions across sectors?
3. What, if any, examples are there of UK-based research having to be transferred outside the UK for commercialisation? Why did this occur?
4. What evidence is there that Government and Technology Strategy Board initiatives to date have improved the commercialisation of research?
5. What impact will the Government’s innovation, research and growth strategies have on bridging the valley of death?
6. Should the UK seek to encourage more private equity investment (including venture capital and angel investment) into science and engineering sectors and if so, how can this be achieved?
7. What other types of investment or support should the Government develop?

Please include targeted evidence suitable for inclusion in this response and indicate sources where appropriate. Expert opinion will also be very valuable.
The consultation closes on February 8th and we must include time for final draft agreement.
For more information and to send your comments, please contact Science Policy Officer Jackie Caine at jackiecaine@societyofbiology.org

Have a bigger say in European policy-making: Commission extends public consultations to 12 weeks and creates new 'alert service'
From 1 January, the European Commission gives citizens, businesses and non-governmental organisations at least 12 weeks to comment on plans for new policies and legislation, compared to 8 weeks previously. This will make it easier for them to get involved in EU policy-making at an early stage. The Commission has also introduced an alert service for upcoming initiatives: Organisations that sign up for the Transparency Register, can subscribe to this alert service to get early information on the roadmaps for new initiatives in their fields of interest about one year before their adoption.
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/1&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Environmental Audit Committee launches inquiry into protecting the Arctic
MPs have launched a new inquiry into what the UK Government can do to help protect the Arctic as the retreating ice opens the region up to oil drilling, new shipping routes and new fishing grounds. Its inquiry will examine what more needs to be done - through dialogue, treaties, regulations and incentives - to ensure that any development of the region is sustainable and takes full account of its impacts on climate change and the environment.
Closing date: 10 February 2012.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environmental-audit-committee/news/new-inquiry---protecting-the-arctic/

Events

FSA Board meeting papers published
The agenda and papers for the next FSA open Board meeting have been published. The meeting is being held in London on Tuesday 24 January 2012. It will begin at 1.00pm and will be chaired by Agency Chair Jeff Rooker. You can attend in person or watch it live;
http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2012/jan/board

Discuss the big issues for the Earth Summit 2012
How do we plan a future that nurtures a healthy world alongside the needs of a growing population?
At 4 themed debates, a panel of leading experts will tackle key issues at the heart of the Earth Summit's green economy agenda.
Have your say: your questions and comments will form an important part of these debates, which will be webcast live starting with the first event on 25 January 2012 so join in now.
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/community/general/earthdebates?fromGateway=true

London PUS Seminar - 25 Jan - Ethics, Science and the Media - Clifford Stott
Wednesday 25th January 2012, 16.15-18:00
Venue: St Clement's, S314, LSE
Speaker: Clifford Stott, Department of Applied Psychology, University of Liverpool
Details: Perhaps the most famous social psychology experiment of the 20th century was Milgram's obedience paradigm where participants were led to believe they were giving fatal electric shocks to another person. The paradigm was developed in order to try to understand the psychological processes that led to the Nazi genocide and is celebrated by Social Psychology because of the social relevance of this important question.
At the same time it is also the case that Milgram is vilified for what is portrayed as an unacceptable breech of ethical standards. The controversy surrounding his methods led directly to the emergence of an ethical framework that precluded further research along these lines. What remains is a social psychology unable to address some of the discipline’s most important questions through fear of placing participants in situations of temporary stress. Yet in recent years the Milgram paradigm has been recreated for television.
In this presentation there will be a discussion of the processes behind a 'replication' of the paradigm for the BBC's Horizon programme. Dr. Stott will describe how the institutions of research and media handled the ‘ethical responsibilities’ and ‘protected’ the psychological wellbeing of participants. In so doing he attempts to expose the contradictions whereby the paradigm can be recreated for journalistic purposes but not for scientific research.
simon.lock@ucl.ac.uk

Myths and Realities: Public debate about sustainable lifestyles
Joint ESRC, British Library and Academy of Social Sciences event on Sustainable Lifestyles: Great Theory, Impossible Practice, which is taking place at the British Library on Tuesday 7th February 2012, 6.30 – 8.00pm (followed by pay bar).
To register please visit www.bl.uk/whatson -  Tickets £7.50, £5 concessions
Venue: British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
Pressure on the world’s resources means we are increasingly encouraged to consume less power, water, even food. But few of us make more than minimal efforts to change our own behaviour. Join leading academics to discuss how evidence can support the development of policies which help us move toward more sustainable lifestyles.
• Chair: Drs Astrid Wissenburg, Director of Partnerships and Communications, ESRC
• Ian Christie, Research Fellow and Coordinator, Sustainable Lifestyles Research Group, Centre for Environmental Strategy, University of Surrey
• Professor Dale Southerton, Director Sustainable Practices Research Group, University of Manchester
For more information contact:social-sciences-events@bl.uk

Registration now open for NCI Ecologists and Economists Workshop
8 May 2012 at Charles Darwin House, London.
Applications can now be made to attend the ‘Workshop for Economists and Ecologists’ run by the Natural Capital Initiative. The workshop is aimed at encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange between economists and ecologists, with the goal of informing public policy. Sustainable agriculture will be used as the case study theme.
The day will begin with presentations outlining current ecological and economic perspectives on sustainable agriculture after which there will be a panel discussion, followed by group sessions to identify possible opportunities for interdisciplinary work.
If you would like to participate, please register by sending a summary of up to 150 words of how you would benefit from attending the event, as well as your position in any organisation you are affiliated with, and send to secretariat@naturalcapitalinitiative.org.uk by the 31st January 2012.
http://www.naturalcapitalinitiative.org.uk/ecologists-economists

Challenges for Scotland’s Biodiversity: From the Soils to the Skies
Interested in discussing the challenges facing Scotland’s biodiversity to 2020 and helping to inform the development of Scotland’s draft Biodiversity Strategy? Come along to a meeting in Edinburgh on 8th – 9th March 2012. BES members can attend for FREE (but must register in advance).
The BES is working with the British Society of Soil Science and the Scottish Government’s Biodiversity Science Group to organise a one-day conference (9th March), an evening lecture, reception and dinner (8th March) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The meeting will:
•Introduce the science community in Scotland to the revision of Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy;
•Explore the scale of the challenges facing the implementation of an ecosystem approach in Scotland;
•Provide an opportunity for the science community to find out about the needs of policy-makers;
•Provide an opportunity for networking between the science and policy communities.
The evening reception will celebrate the launch of the BES Scotland Policy Group, a new initiative from the Society that aims to link members of the Society in Scotland who are interested in informing policy development and through this to assist the Society’s policy team in doing the same.
Confirmed speakers for the 9th of March include: Colin Moffatt, Head of Science at Marine Scotland; Ken Norris, biodiversity theme leader at NERC and biodiversity chapter lead in the National Ecosystem Assessment; Helaina Black, James Hutton Institute; and Chris Quine, Forest Research.
Poster abstracts are invited upon registration. We particularly welcome registration by students to this meeting and will be offering a prize for the best poster.
http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/policy/scotland_policy.php

And finally…

The Science of Optimism
We like to think of ourselves as rational creatures. We watch our backs, weigh the odds, pack an umbrella. But science suggests that most of us are more optimistic than realistic. In fact, optimism may be crucial to our existence.
Join Dr. Tali Sharot, a neuroscientist working at University College London, as she will take us on a tour of the irrationally positive brain. Tali will explain how the brain generates hope and what happens when it fails; how the brains of optimists and pessimists differ; why we are terrible at predicting what will make us happy; how emotions strengthen our ability to recollect; how anticipation and dread affect us; and how our optimistic illusions affect our financial, professional, and emotional decisions.
Date: Thursday 26th January 2012
Time: 7pm, for a 7.30pm start
Place: Upstairs at The Lamb, 92 Lambs Conduit Street, WC1N 3LZ
Cost: Free
Science London
http://science-london.com/home/

11 January 2012

First female Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Brunel University
Professor Julia Buckingham FSB has been appointed as the first female Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Brunel University. Professor Buckingham is a Council Member of the Society of Biology and President of one of our Member Organisations, the Society for Endocrinology.  She has had a successful career in the field of pharmacology and is currently based at Imperial College London where she is the Pro-Rector for Education and Academic Affairs and leads the College’s Centre for Integrative Mammalian Physiology and Pharmacology.
Professor Buckingham said “I am delighted to have been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Brunel and I am looking forward to building on the strengths in research and education that Professor Jenks has developed to take the University to new heights.”
Dr Mark Downs, CEO of the Society, said “The Society is delighted that Professor Buckingham has been appointed to this key role which cements further our strong high-level links with leading academics and universities on our Council. We wish her every success.”
Professor Buckingham will take over from the current Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Chris Jenks, on 1st October 2012.
http://www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents/news/view/377

Defra launches the Ecosystems Knowledge Network
A healthy natural environment is the foundation of a sustainable future with prospering communities. In the UK and elsewhere, pioneering projects are exploring new ways of managing land and sea environments and the benefits people derive from them. In particular, they are reflecting an ‘ecosystems approach’: a holistic and inclusive approach to promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and taking better account of the values people hold for the environment. A new network has been sponsored by Defra with the aim of sharing experience from projects taking an ecosystems approach. Entitled the Ecosystems Knowledge Network, it will stimulate knowledge exchange and practical learning across the country. It will assist organisations and groups to understand how an ecosystems approach can help build sustainable communities. The Natural Capital Initiative, one of the Society of Biology’s Special Interest Groups, is developing the network in an independent partnership involving the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Fabis Consulting, the University of Exeter (Centre for Rural Policy Research) and Countryscape.
The Ecosystems Knowledge Network is free to join and open to anyone with an interest in an ecosystems approach. For further information about the Network or to register your interest, please visit http://www.naturalcapitalinitiative.org.uk/ekn.
http://www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents/news/view/378

Britain to be the best place in the world to do science
Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts sets out an ambition to make Britain the best place in the world to do science.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422705&SubjectId=2

David Willetts launches Research Council impact reports
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts released a series of reports on the impact of Research Council funding during a speech at Policy Exchange. This includes a report from Research Councils UK and individual reports from the seven individual Research Councils
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422715&SubjectId=2

Life Sciences in the spotlight
Beck Smith from The Campaign for Science and Engineering discusses the Life Sciences Strategy.
http://sciencecampaign.org.uk/?p=8372

Government funding for university teaching and research to fall to lowest proportion in over a century, report warns
The government's university funding reforms will see annual public spending on teaching and research in England fall to its lowest proportion in over a century, according to analysis published today by UCU.
http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5858

Joint UK-Norwegian support for development of industrial biotechnology sector
The British and Norwegian governments are to work together to support nine new research and development projects that will create innovative processes to generate high-value chemicals through industrial biotechnology and bio-refining.
The Technology Strategy Board has offered grant funding totalling £1.82 million to the nine UK-led projects and four of these will also be supported by Innovation Norway, which is providing additional funding of £400,000 to the Norwegian businesses that are taking part.
http://www.innovateuk.org/content/news/joint-uk-norwegian-support-for-development-of-indu.ashx

Technology Strategy Board announces Satellite Applications Catapult centre
The Technology Strategy Board today announced that it will establish a new Catapult centre in Satellite Applications. The new Catapult will be a technology and innovation centre to help UK businesses develop new satellite-based products and services and stimulate growth across the UK economy. The Catapult will focus on applications of R&D in four growth areas: communications, broadcasting, positioning and observation.
http://www.innovateuk.org/content/news/technology-strategy-board-announces-satellite-appl.ashx

Digital tools for the scientific endeavour – one response to the changing world of science
Blog on openly accessible data from Claire Cope at The Royal Society's Science Policy Centre
http://blogs.royalsociety.org/in-verba/2012/01/05/digital-tools-for-the-scientific-endeavour-one-response-to-the-changing-world-of-science/

Go-ahead for digital copyright exchange study
The UK government has announced plans for a feasibility study for a digital copyright exchange, proposed in response to confusion over rules covering the licensing of intellectual property rights on electronic media.
http://www.researchresearch.com/index.php?option=com_news&template=rr_2col&view=article&articleId=1151642

Richard Hooper calls for evidence on copyright licensing
Richard Hooper today issued a call for evidence as part of the independent feasibility study on developing a Digital Copyright Exchange (DCE) in the UK.
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/about/press/press-release/press-release-2012/press-release-20120104.htm

Statement on Scotland's constitutional future
Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, made a statement in the House of Commons on Tuesday 10 January on Scotland's constitutional future.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2012/january/statement-on-scotlands-constitutional-future/

Britain to have new national high speed rail network
Britain will have a national high speed rail network providing vital new capacity and faster journeys across the country from 2026, Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422777&SubjectId=2

HS2 go-ahead sees mixed reaction
Plans for a £33bn high-speed rail network have received a mixed reaction, after being approved by the government.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16494354

HS2 high-speed route may only marginally cut emissions, studies show
Local authorities say the impact surveys done on landscape, townscape, wildlife, water, and flooding are insufficient
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/jan/10/hs2-high-speed-emissions?intcmp=122

£30m for sports medicine centre of excellence
The country’s first ever National Sports and Exercise Medicine Centre of Excellence will be developed after £30 million funding was announced today by the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422757&SubjectId=2

Assisted suicide: 'Strong case for legalisation'
There is a "strong case" for allowing assisted suicide for people who are terminally ill in England and Wales, a group of experts says.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16410118

Paper denying HIV–AIDS link secures publication
Work by infamous AIDS contrarian passes peer review.
http://www.nature.com/news/paper-denying-hiv-aids-link-secures-publication-1.9737

Scientists call for global neglected disease database
A global database for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) "is feasible and should be expanded without delay", the developers of a first 'proof of concept' for such a tool have said. http://www.scidev.net/en/health/neglected-diseases/news/scientists-call-for-global-neglected-disease-database.html

Battle to eradicate polio reaches critical endgame
Success will turn on a radical plan to prevent the polio vaccine itself from keeping the disease going
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21328465.100-battle-to-eradicate-polio-reaches-critical-endgame.html

Twitter data accurately tracked Haiti cholera outbreak
Social media could give epidemiologists a head start on outbreaks.
http://www.nature.com/news/twitter-data-accurately-tracked-haiti-cholera-outbreak-1.9770

World-class facilities for virus research
Multi-million pound laboratory completed at Institute for Animal Health
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/news/food-security/2012/120105-f-world-class-facilities-virus-research.aspx

Landmark agreement on green energy
The First Minister Alex Salmond will travel to the Middle East next week to sign a ground-breaking deal on renewables.
Mr Salmond will sign Scotland up to a landmark agreement to develop tangible green energy products with the world's leading innovator, Masdar, based in Abu Dhabi.
The deal to be signed next Tuesday (January 17) comes only six weeks after the First Minister first met with the company's CEO Dr Sultan Al Jaber and toured its 'city in the desert' facility to witness the world leading work taking place there.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/09084819

Planning system must support renewable energy ambitions says Minister
Work to improve the approval process for renewable energy schemes so that it better supports Wales’ transition to renewable forms of energy is progressing well, says Environment Minister, John Griffiths.
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/planning/2012/120109renewableenergy/?lang=en

Rural and farming networks to provide hotline to the heart of government
Rural business leaders will have a hotline to the heart of Government through the creation of new Rural and Farming Networks, Agriculture Minister Jim Paice announced today. This means that they will be able to directly shape future rural policies.
Fourteen networks representing different areas of England have been set up to identify and feed back local issues and concerns straight to the heart of Government, in order to make policies more rural-friendly.
The Networks bring together people from rural communities, rural businesses and the food and farming industries. They will make a direct link between rural areas and the Government, creating new opportunities to develop better and more targeted policy.
Each group will be a point of contact providing feedback to Defra on the impact of local emergencies – such as flooding -  so that the right kind of assistance can be provided to keep businesses running.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/01/04/rural-and-farming-networks/

CAP reform crosses the digital divide
The Scotland-wide series of public meetings about the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have kicked off again this week
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/10133843

Moves to cut red tape for farmers
A drive to cut needless bureaucracy for Scottish farmers was launched today by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.
A working group is being established to consider how to reduce the red tape associated with farming. This fulfils a Scottish Government commitment to look at how best to help farmers free up time for farming by reducing on-farm inspections and bureaucracy.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/09115629

UK minister sees decline in CAP payments to farmers
Farmers are likely to see the annual payment they receive from the government fall in coming years, UK farming minister Jim Paice said, adding he favoured its eventual abolition as global food prices rise.
"The single farm payment is going to go down," Paice said yesterday (4 January) at the Oxford Farming Conference, referring to the expected outcome of negotiations about the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013.
http://www.euractiv.com/cap/uk-minister-sees-decline-cap-payments-farmers-news-509987

'Climate farmers' highlight green agriculture practices
Breaking with an older generation of agricultural practices, a group of young European farmers is encouraging a shift to sustainable agriculture and hopes Brussels policymakers take note.
http://www.euractiv.com/cap/climate-farmers-highlight-green-agriculture-practices-news-510039

Publication of Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands Report
The IUCN UK Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands has published its report (November 2011).
The report and summary of findings are available online at www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/commission/findings
This report represents the culmination of 18 months of focused collaboration between peatland experts from land management, science and policy from across the UK, and reveals the enormous importance of our peatlands for people and wildlife.
It is of great concern that the Inquiry found that much of the UK’s peatlands have been damaged, with severe consequences for biodiversity and valuable ecosystem services. A significant amount of carbon is leaking into the atmosphere from drained and deteriorating peatlands. This is particularly alarming as a loss of only 5% of the carbon stored in peat would equate to the UK’s total annual green house gas emissions. On the other hand, healthy peatlands and those that have been restored and enhanced can make a positive contribution to tackling climate change.
The Inquiry has identified a clear strategy for action to bring our peatlands back from the brink, and points the way forward to avoid the social and environmental costs of further deterioration. This report makes clear the multiple benefits of peatland conservation and restoration, particularly in relation to carbon savings, cleaner drinking water, wildlife conservation and historic archive preservation.
This has been an important collaborative exercise which reveals a strong community of interest in securing the future of our peatlands.
Original text: Press Release from IUCN Commission of Inquiry
http://britishecologicalsociety.org/blog/blog/2012/01/04/publication-of-commission-of-inquiry-on-peatlands-report/
 

People

Stephen Rosevear appointed as new Director of Research & Policy at Cogent
Prior to joining Cogent, Stephen was HMRC’s chief analyst on the corporate real estate market, undertaking tax modeling and policy development for Treasury and Revenue ministeries.
Stephen has worked as an economist and analyst in four Government departments, as well as advising both the private and public sector in a leading international economic consultancy.
During his career, Stephen has briefed Cabinet Committees and Secretaries of State on regeneration and regional policy, and advised ministers on labour market reform.
Commenting on his appointment, Stephen said: “Joining Cogent is an exciting challenge at an exciting time. I’m looking forward to working with the team to ensure robust Labour Market Information and skills intelligence to support the sector in making skills investments that continue to drive up its capacity and capability.”
Joanna Woolf, Cogent CEO said: “Stephen brings to Cogent a breadth of experience in economics, labour markets and in analysing complex information so that it intelligently informs policy.  We are delighted that he will be directing our research programme and supporting our strategic planning and employer-led skills solutions.”
Stephen has also had spells with the Manufacturing Institute, and as an academic at the London School of Economics and the University of Warwick.
He holds a PhD in Regional Economics and Industrial Policy from the University of Bristol.
http://www.cogent-ssc.com/general/news/09_01_12_SR.php
   
 Policy Jobs and training
….and see the life sciences job board at http://www.societyofbiology.org/jobs

Science & Innovation Strategy Board
NERC is seeking a part-time non-executive Chair for its Science and Innovation Strategy Board (SISB).
Closing date: 13 February 2012
Council is supported by the Science & Innovation Strategy Board (SISB).
SISB is the key source of advice to Council on science and innovation matters. It is responsible, amongst other things, for:
•    developing NERC's integrated science strategy
•    advising on the balance of the science portfolio
•    advising on the strategic priority of funding new programmes and initiatives
•    assessing and advising on what is going on in UK environmental science, including research and training opportunities, challenges, monitoring and survey, managing scientific data and making the most of our research and training investments
http://www.nerc.ac.uk/about/work/boards/science/

Members of the British Science Association are invited to nominate special individuals to be considered as Honorary Fellows.
Honorary Fellows are people who have made an outstanding contribution to the aims and purposes of the British Science Association by:
• promoting openness about science in society: between the public, policy makers and other decision-makers, and the scientific and business community
• engaging and inspiring adults and young people directly with science and technology, and their implications.
Nominations take place once a year and after consideration by the Honorary Fellowship Committee and approval by the British Science Association Council, the Honorary Fellows for that year are announced in September at the British Science Festival. A list of current Honorary Fellows can be seen at: www.britishscienceassociation.org/honoraryfellows

BES POST Fellowship Now Open for Applications
Applications are now invited for the 2012 BES Fellowship at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). All second and third year PhD students of an ecological subject, based in a UK institution, are invited to apply.
The deadline for applications is Thursday 5th April and interviews will be held in London on Monday 23rd April. Full details are available from the Grants Pages of the BES website; http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/grants/policy/post_fellowship.php

Gender Equality in Science Grant Scheme
The Biochemical Society has launched a new grant scheme for Gender Equality in Science. The scheme is open for anyone to apply to. Three grants of £500 are available for use on projects that address problems relating to gender equality in science. The scheme is non-prescriptive about what kind of project the money can be used to fund, and it does not need to relate solely to molecular biosciences. The Application Deadline is 31 March 2012.
http://www.biochemistry.org/SciencePolicy/Womeninscience.aspx


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

Bridging the “valley of death”: improving the commercialisation of research
The Commons Science and Technology Committee invite contributions to its inquiry on Bridging the “valley of death”: improving the commercialisation of research
The Society of Biology will be responding to this inquiry and welcomes your initial comments by 25th January, so that we can formulate and agree a response to the Committee.
We have already received indications of interest from members but if you have not done so already and are interested in contributing, please contact Jackie as soon as possible.

The outline questions posed by the Committee are:
1. What are the difficulties of funding the commercialisation of research, and how can they be overcome?
2. Are there specific science and engineering sectors where it is particularly difficult to commercialise research? Are there common difficulties and common solutions across sectors?
3. What, if any, examples are there of UK-based research having to be transferred outside the UK for commercialisation? Why did this occur?
4. What evidence is there that Government and Technology Strategy Board initiatives to date have improved the commercialisation of research?
5. What impact will the Government’s innovation, research and growth strategies have on bridging the valley of death?
6. Should the UK seek to encourage more private equity investment (including venture capital and angel investment) into science and engineering sectors and if so, how can this be achieved?
7. What other types of investment or support should the Government develop?

Please include targeted evidence suitable for inclusion in this response and indicate sources where appropriate. Expert opinion will also be very valuable.
The consultation closes on February 8th and we must include time for final draft agreement.
For more information and to send your comments, please contact Science Policy Officer Jackie Caine at jackiecaine@societyofbiology.org


Events

Innovation Policy; What Works?
30 January 2012 10:30 - 13:00
Location: NESTA, 1 Plough Place, London, EC4A 1DE
Governments around the world have implemented a wide range of policies to encourage innovation and stimulate economic growth. Yet the hard evidence of what works where, and why, is often limited and always widely dispersed.
With the support of NESTA, a team at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research is creating a major new compendium of the evidence of the effectiveness of different innovation policy tools.
To launch this programme of work, there will be a series of seminars during 2012, at which the first three reports in the series will be presented for discussion.
If you are interested in attending the seminar please contact Kirsten Bound at kirsten.bound@nesta.org.uk
http://www.nesta.org.uk/assets/events/innovation_policy_what_works


And finally…

Robin Ince on science, comedy and mimophants
Dr Lucy Harper interviews comedian Robin Ince for the Society for Applied Microbiology.
Download Robin Ince on science, comedy and mimophants
http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/sfam-online/podcasts.cfm/podcast%20robin%20ince



4 January 2012

Parliamentary launch a success
The Society of Biology held its first Parliamentary reception on behalf of the science and engineering community in December. This seasonal event was held in the House of Commons, kindly hosted by Dr Julian Huppert MP, Mark Lancaster TD MP and the Chair of the Science & Technology Select Committee, Andrew Miller MP.
The convivial reception brought together scientists and Parliamentarians to strengthen relations, celebrate the Government’s commitment to the life sciences, and the work of Parliamentary select committees championing evidence-based policy. The event was very well attended with members from both Houses, including Lord Speaker Baroness D'Souza and Lord Jenkin of Roding, President of the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee; MPs from the Commons Science & Technology Select Committee, including Stephen Mosley MP and Stephen Metcalfe MP; the Opposition Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Chi Onwurah MP; the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government; as well as select committee staff from both Houses, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, and members from a very wide range of scientific societies and engineering organisations.
The reception was made possible through the work of Dr Stephen Benn, Director of Parliamentary Affairs for the Society of Biology. Stephen works on both biology and pan science issues and is directly supported through the Society by seven other organisations: the Biochemical Society, the British Pharmacological Society, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Society for Applied Microbiology, the Society for Experimental Biology.
http://www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents/news/view/374

2011 The Year in Review, by Research Fortnight
This year will be remembered by many as the one when higher education was shaken to its core. But it was also a period of momentous change for research. We asked those in the thick of the action to give us their choice of the most significant event in research policy.
http://www.researchresearch.com/index.php?option=com_news&template=rr_2col&view=article&articleId=1150883

Privately-funded science university plan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16396420

Building the UK’s high tech future
http://sciencecampaign.org.uk/?p=8690

Health and Social Care Bill
Line by line examination of the Health and Social Care Bill committee stage concluded in the House of Lords on 20 December. We look back at the 15 days of scrutiny that has taken place and what's next.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2011/december/health-and-social-care-bill-committee-stage-ends/

Only social care reform will keep the NHS from its deathbed
Urgent backing for the Dilnot proposals points to a health service close to catastrophe, writes Mary Riddell.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/maryriddell/8988661/Only-social-care-reform-will-keep-the-NHS-from-its-deathbed.html

Three million lives will be improved through hi tech health project
Three million lives could be improved across England thanks to new high-tech healthcare. After seeing the technology in practice in Cornwall today, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow, has pledged to make it available to more people with long term conditions.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422699&SubjectId=2

Majority want to stop smoking
A majority of smokers in Scotland want to quit and could save thousands each year as a result.
The most recently-published Scottish Health Survey showed 69 per cent of smokers wanted to give up.  Public Health Minister Michael Matheson urged smokers to make 2012 the year they quit for good, with the help of a wide range of NHS stop smoking services.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/23121153

Half of all smokers underestimate the health and financial impacts of smoking
Campaign launched to help smokers quit this New Year
As millions of New Year’s resolutions are made, new NHS Smokefree research reveals that many smokers are largely underestimating how damaging smoking is to their personal health and finances.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422618&SubjectId=2
 
Sin taxes
The high cost of virtue
Britons are cutting back on many vices. Unfortunately, abstinence makes the Treasury grow poorer
http://www.economist.com/node/21542163

Plan your meals to save pounds and lbs
UK households can be healthier and could save up to £1,500 a year by simply planning their weekly food shop, a new Change4Life survey has revealed.
It shows that simple steps such as writing a shopping list and planning your weekly meals can save your purse pounds and your waist lbs too. The findings come ahead of a new Change4Life campaign that will encourage affordable healthy eating in the new year.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422614&SubjectId=2 

Fears grow over lab-bred flu
Scientists call for stricter biosafety measures for dangerous avian-influenza variants.
http://www.nature.com/news/fears-grow-over-lab-bred-flu-1.9692

Flu research and biological warfare
A deadly balance
When does research enhance security, and when does it diminish it?
http://www.economist.com/node/21542156

Cancer research
Take five
An ambitious plan for curing cancer in a businesslike way is in the works
http://www.economist.com/node/21542159

NHS Blood and Transplant fear significant drop in blood donations in 2012 - Bumper sporting calendar, Olympics and bank holidays keep donors away
NHS Blood and Transplant is warning that a 'perfect storm' could be created by next year's bumper sporting calendar and extra bank holidays, severely affecting blood donation levels in 2012.
NHSBT statistics show that 93% of donors give blood during the working week and that when there are big sporting events or a string of bank holidays donation levels drop:
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422560&SubjectId=2

Lie back and relax: reflexology and aromatherapy degrees are dropped
Degrees in complementary medical therapies are being cut from universities in the wake of rising tuition fees, a decline in applications and campaigns by scientists.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/degree-courses/8989183/Lie-back-and-relax-reflexology-and-aromatherapy-degrees-are-dropped.html

Three million lives will be improved through hi tech health project
Three million lives could be improved across England thanks to new high-tech healthcare. After seeing the technology in practice in Cornwall, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow, has pledged to make it available to more people with long term conditions.
In order to make this a reality, over the next five years the Department of Health will work with industry, the NHS, social care and professional organisations to bring the benefits of assistive technology such as telehealth and telecare to millions of people with long term conditions
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422699&SubjectId=2

Fresh fears over future of forensic science in criminal cases
A national forensic science service will have to be "reinvented" due to the likelihood of failed prosecutions when the current system closes in March, it has been claimed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8961169/Fresh-fears-over-future-of-forensic-science-in-criminal-cases.html

Greener energy will cost £4,600 each a year
The Coalition's plans to convert Britain to green energy would cost the country the equivalent of £4,600 per person a year, according to official forecasts.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/greenpolitics/8980982/Greener-energy-will-cost-4600-each-a-year.html

O’Neill outlines priorities for year ahead
CAP reform, further growth of the agri-food sector, TB/BR eradication, the publication of the Rural White paper will be key areas of work for 2012.
That was the message from Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill as she outlined her priorities for 2012.
http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/news-dard/news-dard-291211-oneill-outlines-priorities.htm

Free online database of environmental research for policy
Science for Environment Policy are pleased to announce the launch of the Research Repository, an online bank of research results for evidence-based policy making.
The studies featured in the Repository have been carefully selected for policy relevance and quality, and include those that have appeared in the Science for Environment Policy News Alert.
The studies are finely categorised according to a wide range of policy themes and the resource is constantly evolving and expanding to accommodate new research.
Explore the Research Repository on Science for Environment Policy's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/research_repository/research_repository.htm

Urban planning must account for its effects on ecosystem services
Tightly compacted cities can increase flooding risk for local residents, but sprawling, suburban development can lead to major losses in carbon stored by the land and agricultural production. These are the conclusions of a study which explored the effects of different urbanisation patterns on vital ecosystem services.
Should towns and cities become denser to accommodate growing populations, or should they spread out into the surrounding countryside? This is a conundrum central to the sustainable management of urbanisation, a major cause of land use change in Europe. In turn, land use change is a major driver of changes in ecosystem services – benefits to society delivered by the natural world.
The study explored the potential impacts of changes in urban land cover on three ecosystem services: flood mitigation, carbon storage and agricultural production.
Source: Eigenbrod, V.F., Bell, A., Davies, H.N. et al. (2011). The impact of projected increases in urbanization on ecosystem services. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 278:3201-3208.

The James Hutton Institute shares in £7 million cereals project
The James Hutton Institute is to take part in two new research projects announced today. The aim will be to make an important contribution to global efforts to breed improved cereal crops.
The projects hope to shed further light on the genomes of wheat and barley, the two most widely grown cereal crops in the UK. Researchers hope that this will provide breeders with the tools to develop new varieties more quickly and efficiently and so help to provide sustainable and nutritious food for a fast-growing world population.
http://www.hutton.ac.uk/news/7-million-cereals-project

New publication: Mountain hay meadows – hotspots of biodiversity and traditional culture
Editor: Barbara Knowles
Publisher: Society of Biology, London, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-900490-40-8
This new online publication presents a selection of papers from a conference held on 7-9 June 2010 in Boros Valley, Transylvania, Romania. The conference was part of a project of the same name, with a dual goal: to carry out biological research on mountain hay meadows in two contrasting sites in the Eastern Carpathians; and to help local farmers to carry on traditional small scale agriculture.
Papers in this volume are grouped into two themes, reflecting the dual focus of the project:
-Biodiversity, landscape and traditional knowledge
-Social science, economics and rural development relating to hay meadow management and products.
The relevance of these papers to science policy is their insight into a traditional farming system which was environmentally, socially and economically sustainable for hundreds of years, but is now threatened with extinction by globalisation, and by national and European policies which aim to increase farming efficiency (narrowly defined), food safety, and biodiversity. The unintended adverse consequences of these policies on a farming system which created some of the most biodiverse agro-ecosystems in Europe should be of concern to all European policy makers.
http://www.societyofbiology.org/policy/reports/mountain-hay-meadows                 

Defra report - ‘Social Research Evidence Review to Inform Natural Environment Policy’.
This report was prepared for Defra by researchers at the Policy Studies Institute. The aim of the review was to ensure that key social research findings from a broad evidence base are accessible to natural environment policy and decision makers in Defra’s Environment and Rural Group (ERG), which meant producing concise summaries of evidence from several different areas of social research. In Stage 1 of the project, overviews of social research evidence were provided for the following natural environment policy areas: wildlife and biodiversity; ecosystem approach; land management and soil; flood risk management; water quality and availability; people and landscapes; rural affairs; and marine and fisheries. In Stage 2, three in-depth evidence reviews were conducted: 1) Public perceptions of landscapes and ecosystems in the UK 2) Interventions in managing natural environment conflicts: what works, in what contexts and why? 3) The Big Society concept in a natural environment setting.
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=None&ProjectID=16951

Europeans exceed ‘fair share’ of global cropland use by 30%
Each person in the EU consumes the equivalent of 30% more global arable land than can be considered sustainable, according to a new study. As well as providing food for a growing population, the land is also increasingly used to grow biofuel crops.
Generating energy from biofuels is seen as an alternative to using fossil fuels and the EU has set a target to reach a 10% share of renewable energy by 2020 its major part being expected to come from biofuels. However, growing oil-rich plants and sugar cane to convert into biodiesel and bioethanol requires large amounts of land. Meeting this demand by expanding cropland into grassland, forest or savannah reduces biodiversity and increases greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, water pollution and soil degradation.
The solution, say the researchers, is for national and regional policies to impose a cap on global cropland use and to limit consumption of products that use the largest amount of global land. This can be achieved without compromising economic growth or personal wellbeing by increasing efficiency in the use of bio-based products (i.e. food, wood and straw), reducing waste and reducing meat consumption. In the EU, biofuel quotas need to be managed responsibly and integrated into broader policies aimed at sustainable resource management, which include food and non-food products. To achieve this, accounting for global land use should become part of the EU’s official reporting procedure, say the researchers.
Source: Bringezu, S., O’Brien, M. & Schütz. (2012). Beyond biofuels: Assessing global land use for domestic consumption of biomass. A conceptual and empirical contribution to sustainable management of global resources. Land Use Policy. 29: 224-232
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/267na5.pdf

Getting the best from our land - A land use strategy for Scotland Action Plan December 2011
Action Plan outlining how the Proposals in the Land Use Strategy will be taken forward. Includes information on how the Principles for Sustainable Land Use will be mainstreamed.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/19161736/0
Commitments in the Action Plan to deliver the 13 Proposals detailed in the Strategy include:
- Development of an Agri-Renewables Strategy in summer 2012
- Submission of advice from the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group in June 2012
- Water environment mapping by SEPA during 2012
- Creation of an Environmental Crime Taskforce in spring 2012
- The identification of pilot areas for peatland restoration
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/21113113

Planning protests could bring down MPs
The campaign against controversial planning reforms is set to embarrass the Government by targeting constituencies where the National Trust has more supporters than the sitting MP.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8964027/Planning-protests-could-bring-down-MPs.html

Millions of GM moths could be released to combat crop pests
Millions of genetically modified moths could be released into the countryside to help kill off crop pests, under plans being considered by the Government.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/8957655/Millions-of-GM-moths-could-be-released-to-combat-crop-pests.html

Year of Climate Justice
First Minister Alex Salmond has urged world leaders to make 2012 a 'year of climate justice' ahead of a major United Nations conference on sustainable development in June.
The FM said climate justice should be the focus of sustainable development during 2012 and form a major part of discussions at the Rio+20 to be held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Climate justice would link human rights and development, put people at the heart of our economic system, and allow all to share the burdens of climate change and benefit from its resolution.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/01102501

Year of discovery
A series of 15 marine surveys in 2011, covering over 2,000 square miles, have uncovered rare species and furthered our knowledge of the biodiversity of Scotland's seas.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/22105642

Big and clever
Why large firms are often more inventive than small ones
http://www.economist.com/node/21541826?fsrc=nlw|hig|12-15-2011|editors_highlights

UCU explores best way to boycott 'divisive' REF
Members say new funding system could bring heavier workloads and job cuts.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418510&c=1

Add in social value to reveal true worth, report advises
Measuring contributions to quality of life would show academy's full impact.
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418520&c=1

Wellcome Trust publishes Annual Review 2011
The Wellcome Trust’s ‘Annual Review 2011’ is now available, presenting a selection of our major activities and achievements in the year from October 2010 to September 2011.
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/News/2011/News/WTVM053888.htm

People

2012 New Year Honours
Robert Watson, chief scientific adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs received a Knighthood during this year’s New Year Honours. Other Biologists honoured include Fellow of the Society of Biology Dr John Frederick Stageman FSB, member Dr Gerry Barnes and Plant Pathologist Avice Hall, board member of the British Society of Plant Pathologists.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/dec/31/new-year-honours-list-data#data

1st Director of Nursing for public health announced
The top nursing post for public health, which will provide leadership to the workforce and help the public to live healthy lives was announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
Professor Viv Bennett has been appointed as Director of Nursing in the Department of Health and the Government’s Principal Advisor on Public Health Nursing. Viv was previously the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer.
This new post will complement the role of Chief Nursing Officer in the NHS Commissioning Board, which will be recruited in the new year. Together these posts will enhance the role of nursing leadership and replace the current role of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in the Department of Health.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=422646&SubjectId=2

Wales's top doctor to retire
Dr Tony Jewell  announced he will retire next summer after six years as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Wales.
The CMO provides independent professional advice and guidance on health and healthcare matters to the First Minister and other Welsh Government ministers and to the National Assembly for Wales.
Dr Jewell’s key focus in his time as CMO has been on "Our Healthy Future" and tacking the inequalities in health that exist across the country.  He has worked with the First Minister and the Welsh Government to highlight the need for strong action. He has championed the "Fairer Health Outcomes for All" action plan, reducing risk behaviours that are the cause of too many premature deaths in Wales.
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/healthandsocialcare/2011/111222cmo/;jsessionid=Zwv2PDFZslS86tyw1QRzLmYLBSnjN7J2fR19Fp9kWHJprv3737JN!1777106760?lang=en

Lynn Margulis obituary
Evolutionary biologist whose innovative work has become mainstream
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/dec/11/lynn-margulis-obtiuary

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

Gender Equality in Science Grant Scheme
The Biochemical Society has launched a *new* grant scheme for Gender Equality in Science. The scheme is open for anyone to apply to. Three grants of £500 are available for use on projects that address problems relating to gender equality in science. The scheme is non-prescriptive about what kind of project the money can be used to fund, and it does not need to relate solely to molecular biosciences. The 2012 Application Deadline is 31 March 2012.
http://www.biochemistry.org/SciencePolicy/Womeninscience.aspx

BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
The University of Nottingham, in partnership with Rothamsted Research (RRes), has established a new BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) which will provide world class research training for the Biosciences revolution.  A launch event for this innovative and exciting DTP will take place on 1 February 2012; final year and Masters students from national and European establishments are invited to attend.
The programme for the day will include high profile Key Speakers, a series of presentations and a current research/poster exhibition as well as practical advice in terms of funding, support, practical learning and facilities that are available at the UoN.
For more information about the Launch Event as well as all relevant information about the BBSRC DTP, visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/graduateschool/BiosciencesDTP

Parliamentary Affairs Manager, RSC, London
Royal Society of Chemistry
Salary circa £53,000 + London weighting allowance (£3,000).
We are looking to recruit a Parliamentary Affairs Manager to form, maintain and improve effective links between the RSC and stakeholders in the UK and EU parliamentary systems. You will also be responsible for providing colleagues with strategic and tactical advice and intelligence on political
issues and policies, and help coordinate other community stakeholders to further the goals of the RSC. Line managing a small team, you will develop the RSC's Parliamentary Affairs strategy in support of our policy aims.
Closing date: 14 January 2012.
http://www.rsc.org/AboutUs/rscwork/parliamentary-affairs-manager.asp

Environmental Economics
Institute for European Environmental Policy
IEEP is looking for a full-time policy analyst to lead and contribute to research on European and Member State environmental policies, with a particular focus on environmental economics.
The work will imply contributing to studies relating to all stages of the policy process, including the formulation, practical implementation and evaluation of a range of policies and instruments at both EU and Member State levels. In particular, analysis may focus on market-based instruments (including environmental taxes and environmentally harmful subsidies), valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, cost and benefits of environmental policies, sustainable development indicators, green economy and other environmental economics related subjects.
Closing date: 19 January 2012
http://www.ieep.eu/news/2011/12/new-vacancy-in-environmental-economics

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

Apprenticeships
The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee has announced its intention to conduct an inquiry into Apprenticeships.
The Inquiry will focus on:
- How successful has the National Apprenticeship Service been since it was created in April 2009? Has it helped bridge the gap between the two funding Departments? (BIS and Department for Education)
- Is the extra funding promised by the Coalition Government necessary for apprenticeships? How can this funding best be spent?
- Are apprenticeships of a high enough quality to benefit apprentices and their employers? Should there be more Level 3 apprenticeships?
- Apprenticeship bonuses – how should they function? Will they encourage the involvement of more small and medium sized businesses to take on apprentices? If not what will?
- Is the current funding arrangement for training of apprentices of 100% for 16-18 year olds and 50% for 19-24 year olds appropriate?
Closing date: 3 February 2012.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/business-innovation-and-skills/news/apprenticeships/

Implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England 2013-2016
The Nitrates Directive is intended to reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. We are required to review our implementation of it every four years. Since its agreement in1991, implementation in the UK has evolved as we have developed our understanding of the Directive itself and as the evidence base has grown. The last review, in 2007, eventually resulted in the designation of 62% of England as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) and introduced a strengthened range of measures in the Nitrates Action Programme that farms within NVZs must comply with.
Closing date: 16 March 2012
http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/12/20/nitrates-directive/

Deputy Minister invites Wales to join in the CAP conversation
Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, Alun Davies has called on the Welsh public to have their say about Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform and published a discussion paper to stimulate the debate.
“CAP Reform; Conversation on the way forward for Wales” follows the publication of the European Commission’s draft Regulations for further reform of the CAP, that when agreed, will be implemented on 1 January 2014. 
The CAP supports farmers in Wales with direct payments and other support under the Wales Rural Development Plan. It also plays a key role in maintaining the viability of Welsh farming and the economic, environmental and cultural cohesion of rural Wales. 
The Deputy Minister said:
“The Welsh Government is playing a full role in helping to shape the UK negotiating position across the whole range of the CAP reform package, as well as being present for the key discussions that have already started to take place at an EU level.  Any views you give at this stage can be fed directly into the negotiating process; your opinion is important.”
Closing date: 31 March 2012.
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/farming/cap/documents/111219capconversation/;jsessionid=SVGtTxCJv3ByVG1QppyP7TrdLXpZq74SpR19n1hTGjRNwL35kzCM!-1658114170?lang=en
The Society of Biology CAP reform taskforce  is likely to respond. Please contact Barbara if you would like to contribute to the response. barbaraknowles@societyofbiology.org

Society of Biology response to the Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry on Science and International Development
http://www.societyofbiology.org/policy/consultations/view/59

Events

PlantSci 2012; the UK Plant Sciences Federation Inaugural Research Conference
18-19th April 2012
John Innes Conference Centre, Norwich.
Registration is now open for the inaugural conference of the Society of Biology’s Special Interest Group; the UK Plant Sciences Federation. The conference 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 at UK PlantSci 2012.
Speakers to include Sandy Knapp (Natural History Museum), Julian Hibberd (University of Cambridge), Ian Graham (CNAP), Bill Davies (University of Lancaster) Richard Summer (RAGT) and Giles Oldroyd (John Innes Centre) to name but a few.
To register visit: http://wwwplantsci2012-esearch.eventbrite.co.uk/?srnk=1&ebtv=C
For a full conference programme, sponsorship details and further information please visit UK PlantSci 2012

And finally…

365 days: 2011 in review
From neutrinos to stem cells: a round-up of the year in research and science policy.
http://www.nature.com/news/365-days-2011-in-review-1.9684