The Science and Technology Honours Committee is one of the eight specialist honours committees which consider candidates for honours recommended by members of the public, government departments and professional bodies. The Committee considers candidates for honours who work in the science community. The Committee selects those it wishes to recommend for inclusion in the list which the Prime Minister submits to The Queen for the New Year and Birthday Honours Lists.
The requirement is for a candidate who is an expert in the worlds of science and technology and who is to able to command the confidence of other experts in the sector. Members will be persons with a track record of success in their own fields who are well qualified to judge the relative merits of competing candidates for honours.
Full details of the honours system, membership of the Science and Technology Committee and the areas of work covered by each committee, can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/honours
Working arrangement: Part Time - Two days and some preparatory reading.
Remuneration: Unpaid but reasonable travel expenses will be paid
To find out more, and apply, visit the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website. Closing date 1 October 2010
Monday, 13 September 2010
Opportunity: National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI) Trustee, closing date 3 October 2010
The Department for Culture Media and Sport invites applications for up to 6 Trustee vacancies at the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI). Trustees are appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Secretary of State.
The National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI) is Britain’s National Museum for science, technology, medicine, transport and media and is one of the world’s great museum organisations. It operates three of the top museum ‘brands’ in the United Kingdom: the Science Museum, the National Media Museum and the National Railway Museum.
NMSI Trustees have statutory duties, under the National Heritage Act 1983, for the general management and control of NMSI and for the well being of the collections in its care. They are expected to familiarise themselves with, make regular visits to and attend meetings at each of the museums in London, Yorkshire and Co. Durham.
Time commitment: 1-2 days per month (average).
Remuneration: not remunerated, however, reasonable expenses are paid.
To find out more and apply, visit the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website. Closing date 3 October 2010.
The National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI) is Britain’s National Museum for science, technology, medicine, transport and media and is one of the world’s great museum organisations. It operates three of the top museum ‘brands’ in the United Kingdom: the Science Museum, the National Media Museum and the National Railway Museum.
NMSI Trustees have statutory duties, under the National Heritage Act 1983, for the general management and control of NMSI and for the well being of the collections in its care. They are expected to familiarise themselves with, make regular visits to and attend meetings at each of the museums in London, Yorkshire and Co. Durham.
Time commitment: 1-2 days per month (average).
Remuneration: not remunerated, however, reasonable expenses are paid.
To find out more and apply, visit the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website. Closing date 3 October 2010.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
R&D Society: Government must maintain support for all areas of UK R&D, from academia to business
In response to Vince Cable’s Science, Research and Innovation speech of 8 September 2010, Sir Richard Sykes, President of the R&D Society comments:
The Government must maintain the support of UK R&D - from academia to businesses large and small - if we are to prosper financially and socially in future. This includes maintaining investment in our world-class science base to attract investment and people from all over the world, and finding ways of encouraging businesses and academia to work together effectively.
Vince Cable asks how to encourage academics to collaborate with industry to maximise the benefit of their research. Universities cannot simply increase the commercial viability of their research by turning on a tap. They need encouragement and support to do so – but they also need businesses who are willing, able and capable of working with them. For academic-business links to succeed, businesses need encouragement too, especially now, when many are having to focus on short-term survival in place of longer-term, R&D-based investment. The commercial R&D sector has been under severe pressure in this recession, and we have seen several commercial R&D labs close or scale back in the UK over the past year.
Though Vince Cable did mention support for the Small Business Research Initiative, he omits to discuss how business might be encouraged to work with academia – for example R&D tax credits, networking support, skills transfer schemes. Businesses want to get on with their job in hand, so Government must be a supporting catalyst, not prescriptive – a midwife, not a nanny. This should not happen at the expense of support for business-business knowledge transfer - the Cinderella largely ignored by successive Governments, but one that powers much of UK innovation, especially around smaller enterprises.
The UK is an attractive place to do R&D, and Vince Cable is rightly proud that many multinational companies locate their R&D operations in the UK. But they will only do so whilst it is in their best interests to. Businesses have told the R&D Society about many different reasons why they choose the UK, and one of the most important is the high quality of UK universities. This provides local access to world-class research, and a regular supply of skilled graduates. We are very worried at the cuts to UK science hinted at in Vince Cable’s speech will have the double whammy of reducing the research and teaching capacity of UK universities and discouraging students from studying research-relevant subjects – resulting in more top performing graduates "heading straight for high finance rather than science and engineering", as Mr Cable laments. In order to maintain the flow of ideas to wealth in the long term, a broad portfolio of high-class 'basic' research must be maintained as the fruits of the future.
The Government must maintain the support of UK R&D - from academia to businesses large and small - if we are to prosper financially and socially in future. This includes maintaining investment in our world-class science base to attract investment and people from all over the world, and finding ways of encouraging businesses and academia to work together effectively.
Vince Cable asks how to encourage academics to collaborate with industry to maximise the benefit of their research. Universities cannot simply increase the commercial viability of their research by turning on a tap. They need encouragement and support to do so – but they also need businesses who are willing, able and capable of working with them. For academic-business links to succeed, businesses need encouragement too, especially now, when many are having to focus on short-term survival in place of longer-term, R&D-based investment. The commercial R&D sector has been under severe pressure in this recession, and we have seen several commercial R&D labs close or scale back in the UK over the past year.
Though Vince Cable did mention support for the Small Business Research Initiative, he omits to discuss how business might be encouraged to work with academia – for example R&D tax credits, networking support, skills transfer schemes. Businesses want to get on with their job in hand, so Government must be a supporting catalyst, not prescriptive – a midwife, not a nanny. This should not happen at the expense of support for business-business knowledge transfer - the Cinderella largely ignored by successive Governments, but one that powers much of UK innovation, especially around smaller enterprises.
The UK is an attractive place to do R&D, and Vince Cable is rightly proud that many multinational companies locate their R&D operations in the UK. But they will only do so whilst it is in their best interests to. Businesses have told the R&D Society about many different reasons why they choose the UK, and one of the most important is the high quality of UK universities. This provides local access to world-class research, and a regular supply of skilled graduates. We are very worried at the cuts to UK science hinted at in Vince Cable’s speech will have the double whammy of reducing the research and teaching capacity of UK universities and discouraging students from studying research-relevant subjects – resulting in more top performing graduates "heading straight for high finance rather than science and engineering", as Mr Cable laments. In order to maintain the flow of ideas to wealth in the long term, a broad portfolio of high-class 'basic' research must be maintained as the fruits of the future.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Royal Society Industry Fellowships - closing date 29 October 2010
Applications are invited to this scheme, which promotes knowledge exchange between academia and industry by establishing personal and corporate links.
Funding is available to enable:
Funding is available to enable:
- academic scientists to work on a collaborative project with industry, or
- someone in industry to work on a collaborative project with a university or not-for-profit, non-publicly funded research organisation
Friday, 27 August 2010
Society of Biology; Industry Survey - what do employers want from bioscience degree graduates?
The Society of Biology is in the process of developing a pilot programme of Accredited UK Bioscience Degrees to help both employers and students identify bioscience degrees which provide graduates with the higher levels of skills needed to progress into scientific and research roles in industry and academia. The Society of Biology are adamant that industry and employer perspectives are considered as they develop our Accreditation design and have recently launched an Industry Survey on Accredited Degrees.
Society of Biology - Biology Degree Accreditation
The Society of Biology is currently developing criteria to accredit biological science degrees that will enable business to select those graduates with high quality practical skills more easily. The Society is aiming to pilot an accreditation process in 2010-2011 and will announce its accreditation criteria later this year. The Society is currently seeking the views of businesses on accreditation via a brief online survey.
Please take a moment to complete the Industry Survey on Accredited Degrees; it is an opportunity for your business’ needs to shape an Accreditation Programme which aims to help employers identify those bioscience graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for employment in today’s bioscience-related industries.
Take part in the Industry Survey on Accredited Degrees before the end of December 2010.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Policy: Public consultation events on the Advanced Level Diploma in Science, c/d 4 May 2010
From SEMTA: The Diploma in Science is an exciting new qualification aimed at 14-19 year olds. The Foundation and Higher levels will launch in September 2011 and the Advanced level in September 2012. It will provide students with a combination of essential science knowledge and skills that employers and education look for.
A 12 week public consultation is due to take place on the Advanced Level Diploma in Science Line of Learning Statement (the Vision) and, Line of Learning Criteria (knowledge, skills and understanding). The consultation period will run between 9th February and 4th May 2010. Participants will be able to either attend a regional focus group or to complete an online survey.
The regional focus groups run from 24 February to 22 April, and representatives from awarding bodies, colleges, schools, universities, employers and other organisations interested in shaping the new Diploma in Science are invited to participate in the consultation.
Details of the focus groups, and how to apply are on the Diploma in Science website.
A 12 week public consultation is due to take place on the Advanced Level Diploma in Science Line of Learning Statement (the Vision) and, Line of Learning Criteria (knowledge, skills and understanding). The consultation period will run between 9th February and 4th May 2010. Participants will be able to either attend a regional focus group or to complete an online survey.
The regional focus groups run from 24 February to 22 April, and representatives from awarding bodies, colleges, schools, universities, employers and other organisations interested in shaping the new Diploma in Science are invited to participate in the consultation.
Details of the focus groups, and how to apply are on the Diploma in Science website.
Friday, 26 February 2010
Opportunity: The Shell and Institute of Physics Award for the Very Early Career Woman Physicist of the Year, cd 26 February 2010
From the Institute of Physics: Applications are now being accepted for the Very Early Career Award 2010, the closing date for applications is 26 February 2010. For more information about the 2010 award and how to apply please download the poster and application form.
The Women in Physics Group annually invite applications from women at the start of their careers in physics who have made a substantial contribution to the subject and may also have undertaken activities to support and encourage others in the field. The prize is awarded annually to a woman who is within three years of completing her undergraduate degree in physics and who is either working as a physicist or is engaged in postgraduate study.
The winner will receive £1,000 donated by Shell and an award certificate at a major Institute of Physics Women in Physics event. As well as providing recognition of the winner's work through the prize money, the award will also provide valuable networking opportunities. Applicants therefore must be working in the UK or Ireland.
The Very Early Career Woman Physicist of the Year Award seeks to recognise the work done by physicists who are embarking on a career in physics and to promote the career opportunities open to people with physics qualifications.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Opportunity: TSB announces £13m crop protection R&D competition, c/d 25 Feb 2010
The Technology Strategy Board has announced a new competition with £13m available for industry-led projects that will help growers respond to the challenge of increasing crop productivity whilst also reducing the environmental impact of crop production.
The competition opens on January 18th 2010 and aims to meet existing and new EU regulation on the approval and use of pesticides. This call is relevant to businesses and stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain, including those involved in the following sectors:
The Biosciences KTN, which is free to join, can help assist by providing advice on project scope and fit to eligibility criteria; identification of potential collaborative partners; confidential review of draft proposals.
The competition opens on January 18th 2010 and aims to meet existing and new EU regulation on the approval and use of pesticides. This call is relevant to businesses and stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain, including those involved in the following sectors:
- arable crops including wheat, barley, oilseed rape, potatoes and pulse crops
- horticulture
- grasses and forage crops
- crops for biofuels, and other non-food uses
- in the field or protected cultivation
The Biosciences KTN, which is free to join, can help assist by providing advice on project scope and fit to eligibility criteria; identification of potential collaborative partners; confidential review of draft proposals.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Opportunity: I'm a scientist, get me out of here, c/d 19 Feb 2010
Do you want to get into schools without having to leave the lab? Do you want to be sure there is a real educational benefit to what you are doing? Do you want to develop your communication skills, and possibly get awarded £500?
‘I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here!’ get teenagers talking to real scientists, online, and learning about real science. Students have fun, but also get beyond stereotypes, learn about how science relates to real life, develop their thinking and discussion skills and make connections with real scientists.
You’d be making a difference. And you’d be learning too. Teenagers ask all sorts of questions - from the cheeky to the thought-provoking. They fizz with energy and can be infectious company. The students chose which scientist gets a grant of £500 for public engagement. This means they engage at a much deeper level, because they have a say over something real.
This award-winning event is funded by the Wellcome Trust, to promote public engagement with science. Find out more, or register to take part at http://imascientist.org.uk/for-scientists/
‘I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here!’ get teenagers talking to real scientists, online, and learning about real science. Students have fun, but also get beyond stereotypes, learn about how science relates to real life, develop their thinking and discussion skills and make connections with real scientists.
You’d be making a difference. And you’d be learning too. Teenagers ask all sorts of questions - from the cheeky to the thought-provoking. They fizz with energy and can be infectious company. The students chose which scientist gets a grant of £500 for public engagement. This means they engage at a much deeper level, because they have a say over something real.
This award-winning event is funded by the Wellcome Trust, to promote public engagement with science. Find out more, or register to take part at http://imascientist.org.uk/for-scientists/
Friday, 4 December 2009
Policy input: Parliament enquiry into future of Bioengineering in the UK, c/d 4 December 2009
The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee is conducting an inquiry into Bioengineering and is seeking written evidence.
The Committee will be examining how the UK can maintain a globally competitive position in emerging and existing bioengineering research fields. The inquiry will focus on three areas: research, translation and regulation. The inquiry will take synthetic biology, stem cells and genetic modification (GM) as areas within which to explore the issues of research, translation and regulation.
The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee is a Select Committee of Parliament, and scrutinises the work and policies relating to the Government Office for Science (GO-Science), and so the Committee can examine the activities of departments where they have implications for, or made use of, science, engineering, technology and research. Although its reports and recommendations are not binding, they must be responded to by the relevant government department, and are influentual.
For each inqury it undertakes, it gathers evidence (statements of fact and suggestions of recommendations), which it reviews. For each inqury it undertakes, it asks for written evidence (statements of fact and suggestions of recommendations), which it reviews.
Anyone may submit written evidence, which should be brief, written specially for the Committee, and should answer at least one of the following questions:
The Committee will be examining how the UK can maintain a globally competitive position in emerging and existing bioengineering research fields. The inquiry will focus on three areas: research, translation and regulation. The inquiry will take synthetic biology, stem cells and genetic modification (GM) as areas within which to explore the issues of research, translation and regulation.
The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee is a Select Committee of Parliament, and scrutinises the work and policies relating to the Government Office for Science (GO-Science), and so the Committee can examine the activities of departments where they have implications for, or made use of, science, engineering, technology and research. Although its reports and recommendations are not binding, they must be responded to by the relevant government department, and are influentual.
For each inqury it undertakes, it gathers evidence (statements of fact and suggestions of recommendations), which it reviews. For each inqury it undertakes, it asks for written evidence (statements of fact and suggestions of recommendations), which it reviews.
Anyone may submit written evidence, which should be brief, written specially for the Committee, and should answer at least one of the following questions:
For the areas of synthetic biology, stem cells and GM:
- What is the UK's research capacity?
- How easy is it to translate and commercialise research?
- How do UK and international regulations affect research and translation?
- How can the UK maintain and grow its internationally competitive position?
Friday, 13 November 2009
Opportunity: Research Council Board membership, c/d 13 November 2009
The Research Councils fund research, research facilities and postgraduate training, and are funded by Government. Four Research Councils are seeking suitably qualified academics and experienced individuals from the industrial/commercial sectors to fill a number of Board vacancies.
These are renumerated, part-time positions, which will influence the future strategy and direction of the Research Councils, including their knowledge transfer role.
There are currently vacancies for the Arts and Humanties Research Council (AHRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC). Details of the vacancies can be found on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website. The closing date for all vacancies is 13 November 2009.
These are renumerated, part-time positions, which will influence the future strategy and direction of the Research Councils, including their knowledge transfer role.
There are currently vacancies for the Arts and Humanties Research Council (AHRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC). Details of the vacancies can be found on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website. The closing date for all vacancies is 13 November 2009.
Friday, 30 October 2009
Opportunity: Queen's awards for Enterprise, Innovation, c/d 30 October 2009
Businesses can apply for The Queen's Awards for Enterprise in one or more of three categories - International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. Individuals can be nominated for The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, which recognises people who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting enterprise skills and attitudes in others in the UK. The closing date for applications, which can be made online, is 2pm on 30 October 2009.
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