ignite The magazine of the British Science Festival
www.britishsciencefestival.org
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WELCOME TO THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2013 Over the years the Festival has played host to some extraordinary events. Did you know that it was at our Festival that the word “scientist” was first coined and the first time the word “dinosaur” was ever used? The Festival is just as relevant and exciting today as it’s ever been, and we certainly aim to get you hands-on and brains-on with a huge mix of talks, debates, workshops and drop-in activities about everything under the Sun (and the Sun too). You can debate the ethics of three parent babies, take a tour of Newcastle’s iconic Swing Bridge, delve into the depths of how our top sea predators behave and find out the types of diseases that killed our ancestors. This is the seventh time the Festival has visited Newcastle; the first time was back in 1838. Make sure you don’t miss our launch on Saturday 7 September near the Monument. We are joining up with the Eat! Festival to let you sample a taste of the future. With hundreds of events to choose from there’s certainly something for everyone. To see the full programme and book tickets log on to
www.britishsciencefestival.org or call
08456 807207
The British Science Festival is the longest established science festival in the UK today, dating way back to 1831. So you see, we were geeks long before it was cool!
RICHARD HOLLINGHAM
SCIENCE SPRINKLED WITH A TOUCH OF STARDUST by Joanne Coleman
Faces you might recognise at the British Science Festival In a national survey in 2011, over half of people questioned said that they found out about science through the traditional media like TV. Science programme presenters can incite passion about their subject, take us to places we would never go and show us things we would never see. Ground-breaking science becomes part of our lives through what we see on the TV and grand concepts become more understandable. During the week of the Festival take the opportunity to find out how these programmes are made, why the presenters feel so passionately about sharing their subjects and maybe find out more about the person behind the personality. Robert Winston has been bringing science to life for almost 40 years. From him we have learnt about such diverse areas as the secret lives of twins, to the everyday lives of cavemen. He taught us how we can improve our memory and helped celebrate the lives of the greatest scientists who have ever lived. The popular series Child of our Time has spent 13 years following the progress of children from all walks of life. Unbelievably he still manages to take
part in ground breaking research, as well as sitting in the House of Lords, trying to ensure that Government places science, technology and engineering at the heart of policy making. Michael Mosley has spent 25 years producing and presenting documentaries on science and medicine. At his Festival event he will explore the journalistic challenges he faces. Broadcaster Simon Mayo will introduce us to Itch from his book ITCH ROCKS with live experiments from Andrea Sella. Maggie Aderin-Pocock is frequently seen on TV exploring the frontiers of space with programmes such as Do we really need the moon? and Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World. At the Festival she explores what we do and don’t know about space and (star)gazes into the future to find out what’s next for space exploration. A great way to experience the Festival is to visit the daily highlights show the x-change. Part chat-show, part cabaret, Richard Hollingham hosts this lunchtime round-up of the biggest and best acts from the Festival programme.
CONTENTS 3
BRINGING SCIENCE TO THE STREETS
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FROM INNOVATION TO COMMERCIALISATION
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HELP US TACKLE THE BIG ISSUES: GET YOUR VOICE HEARD
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SCIENCE SUNDAY AT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
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BRIGHT SPARKS USING THE POWER OF POO!
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BATTLING AGAINST BARNACLES
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MEET THE NEXT SCIENCE STARS
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AESICA PHARMACEUTICALS TALK US THROUGH HOW THEY MAKE MEDICINES HERE IN THE NORTH EAST
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FAMILY FUN
10 THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND: A HIGH TECH ENERGY HUB 11 NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL 11 THE GREAT NORTH FESTIVAL 12 HOW TO BOOK 12 FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS
Hope to see you there!
The British Science Festival team
/BritishScienceFestival @BritishSciFest #bsf13 MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK
SIMON MAYO
MICHAEL MOSLEY
< ROBERT WINSTON
2 To book phone 08456 807 207 visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or book in person during the Festival at the Box Office at Newcastle University
Professor Ella Ritchie
BRINGING SCIENCE TO THE STREETS
The science buskers hit the streets with their demonstrations
You may well have come across students such as Claire Thompson if you’ve been shopping in Newcastle, browsing at the Sunday Quayside Market or visiting one of the many events and celebrations that are taking place around the North East of England. She’s easily spotted because of her bright red jacket, the pink toilet seat she often wears round her neck and the numerous other surprising props she and her team carry around. Claire is part of a band of Newcastle University science students who have been trained in the art of street performance and use an armoury of household objects to bring science busking to the streets of the region. Her work is all about engaging the public in science and technology encouraging adults and children alike to be inspired by science and to encourage the next generation of world-class scientists and engineers. The Street Scientists play a central part in Newcastle University’s role as host for the 2013 British Science Festival. They will be entertaining the crowds at some of the hundred plus events led by the University and helping to draw in visitors to the Festival. Passing on the ‘Eureka moment’ - when the penny drops and a young person realises they are seeing something they’ve never experienced before - is the joint aim of the Street Scientists and the British Science Festival. For six days, from September 7 to 12, the Festival will be full of moments and memories like these, helping to inspire an appetite for science. Claire, who is 24 and a PhD student in chemical engineering, says her
role as a Street Scientist has been a highlight of her experience at Newcastle University. “I absolutely love being a Street Scientist. In fact, it’s probably been my most favourite experience of my course so far. I love the unknown element of it - you just never know how a person is going to respond to your demonstration,” she said.
Claire is part of a band of Newcastle University science students who have been trained in the art of street performance and use an armoury of household objects to bring science busking to the streets of the region.
“It’s given me so much confidence in dealing with the public and talking to children about different scientific issues. Children are so much smarter than I expected! It’s really rewarding when they figure out a challenge and then want to know the science behind it.
“Because of my experience with the Street Scientists I know I will definitely pursue some kind of science outreach work in the future - even if my career isn’t solely focused on it I will make sure I help inspire more young people to study science.” Claire came to Newcastle from Edinburgh to continue her studies, having been impressed by the city’s scientific credentials as a UK Science City and the quality of Newcastle University’s facilities. She added: “The labs I work in are incredible. They are very well funded because of the quality of the research we do here so there are lots of resources and you know you’re working with the best equipment. When you couple that with the quality of the staff and student services it is a great place to study.”
they have potential to positively impact on our lives. “These events include a debate on diet and ageing with scientist and BBC presenter Michael Mosley who is credited with popularizing the 5:2 diet and our own Professor Tom Kirkwood, Dean for Ageing, as well as the Award Lectures given to early career researchers who are skilled communicators on climate change and the environmental threat to coral reefs. “Science engagement is very high on our agenda and we are pleased to be working with our partners to throw the spotlight on Newcastle’s science and technology strengths. The Festival is so much more than just a six day science event - we expect to see lasting legacies in innovation, industry and investment.”
Claire’s positive experience and attraction to Newcastle is testament to Newcastle University’s investment in science and the city’s expertise in ageing, sustainability and stem cells & regenerative medicine. Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Newcastle University, is looking forward to introducing the thousands of British Science Festival attendees to what the city has to offer. She said: “We are a research-intensive University with a civic agenda focusing on the global societal challenges of ageing, sustainability and social renewal, and as hosts of the 2013 Festival we will have the perfect platform to bring our expertise to life. “The events we are leading on will bring visitors face-to-face with our researchers to hear for themselves about their discoveries and how
Above: Newcastle University Street Scientist Claire Thompson with one of her demonstrations which uses two telephone directories to show how static friction makes the interlocked pages impossible to pull apart
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FEATURED FESTIVAL EVENT TUES 10 SEPT 13.00-14.00
FROM INNOVATION TO COMMERCIALISATION The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) was established in 2004 as part of the North East England ‘Strategy for Success’. CPI was originally tasked to help companies in North East England to innovate within the process and manufacturing sectors and compete on a global scale. CPI has gone on to become a national and international leader and is a key player in the UK Government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. CPI uses knowledge and expertise in science and engineering alongside a £55 million state-of-the-art facility to enable UK companies to develop, prove, prototype and scale-up new products and processes.
CPI and the HVM Catapult bridge the gap between early innovation, where the UK has traditionally been strong, and industrial-scale manufacturing, where real wealth is created and the UK is relatively uncompetitive.
CPI operates an ‘open innovation’ model where companies can develop products and prove processes with reduced risk. CPI provides assets and expertise for SMEs and big business alike, to demonstrate manufacturing processes and prove they are feasible before investing large amounts of money in equipment and training.
As CPI approaches its tenth anniversary, the technology and innovation centre is going from strength to strength with over 200 employees, £55 million of assets, three national centres and more than £300 million of completed projects.
With sites in Teesside and County Durham, CPI has helped to identify the region as a ‘high value engineering hotspot’ and has established National Centres in printable electronics, industrial biotechnology and anaerobic digestion. These world-class technology centres have helped over 2,000 companies to innovate and commercialise their products and processes. In 2010 CPI was highlighted as an exemplar of a technology innovation centre and was asked to contribute to a new national innovation initiative that later became known as Catapult Centres – a network where businesses, scientists and engineers work together on research and development projects with the aim of converting ideas into new products and services to generate economic growth. The High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s network consists of seven UK-based technology and innovation centres. The inception of the Catapult provides business with access to the best manufacturing talent and facilities in the country. It also provides a two-way communication channel with central government and a valuable conduit for funding from both the public and private sectors.
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Building on this success, CPI will soon be launching a fourth National Centre focusing on biopharmaceuticals. www.uk-cpi.com www.hvmcatapult.com
FROM INNOVATION TO COMMERCIALISATION Find out how to take a research concept to market. Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University Booking Required
The High Value Manufacturing Catapult consists of seven partners: The Centre for Process Innovation The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre The Advanced Forming Research Centre The Manufacturing Technology Centre The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, The National Composites Centre Warwick Manufacturing Group
HELP US TACKLE THE BIG ISSUES: GET YOUR VOICE HEARD
By Sue Hordijenko At the British Science Association we believe that science needs to be accountable to the public. Much of the research undertaken in the UK today is funded by the tax payer and researchers have a duty to interact with the public. Come and find out, directly from the researchers, how scientists, social scientists and policy makers are working together to solve society’s problems. We have never shied away from getting our teeth into some very live and real issues at the Festival. This year is no exception. In Beware - health care! on Saturday 7 September at midday you can come along and tell us what you think about whether it is the duty of patients to look after their own safety when in hospital. With a tenth of patients being harmed by hospital care, can you or should you protect yourself when in hospital, or is that the responsibility of the NHS? You can hear the arguments from both sides and make sure you have your say. On Sunday 8 September at 16.00 we put the Polygraph on trial when we ask whether lie detector evidence should be used in a court of law in England and Wales. Can they be ‘beat’? You can see a polygraph demo and put it under scrutiny to learn about its reliability. On Monday 9 September at 15.30 sociologist Tom Shakespeare will explore the issue of involuntary sterilisation. In the first half of the twentieth century, sterilisation was used to stop “undesirables” reproducing. However, this practise still takes place today. In some places Roma, HIV+ and trans people are still being sterilised without proper consent. Also on Monday at 13.00 Tom Kirkwood and Aubrey de Grey go head to head in a debate about life without ageing when they argue whether modern science really consigns the ageing process to history? Aubrey de Grey suggests that a ‘cure’
for ageing is within reach, while Tom Kirkwood argues that such a goal distorts what the real research priorities should be in an ageing world. Later that day at 15.30 you can explore the nuclear disaster in Fukushima: Two years on. The tsunami of March 2011 left behind it a trail of confusion and misinformation. We now have the benefit of hindsight to evaluate exactly what happened and bring to you the real story of Fukushima. The recent decision the British government has made in being the first country to take a step toward allowing IVF techniques using the DNA from three people will be put under scrutiny on Tuesday 10 September when a panel of experts examine the scientific, ethical, social and regulatory challenges behind three parent babies. And on Wednesday 11 September at 16.00 you can explore what the evidence tells us about the real effects of child abuse on victims. As the country continues to be rocked by the enormity of the Jimmy Savile scandal we explore how some abuse victims suffer longterm changes to the brain. Are abuse victims more susceptible to Post Traumatic Stress? Are they easier to hypnotise? Is it a case of Broken trust, damaged minds? What do you think?
SCIENCE SUNDAY AT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY The British Science Festival is one of Europe’s largest celebrations of science, technology, engineering and maths. Northumbria University is delighted to be an Associate Partner with Newcastle City Council alongside this year’s host Newcastle University. The Science Festival will kick-off with an entire weekend dedicated to entertaining and educating enthusiastic Festival-goers. At Science Sunday, 8 September, Northumbria University will be showcasing to the public our commitment to conducting meaningful research in our science-related activities. You will be immersed in adventure, exploration and discovery and will be inspired in the wonderful world of science, technology, engineering, maths and social science. The programme will feature a mix of interactive exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and sporting activities, showcasing science and the impact it has on people’s lives. We will be hosting exciting interactive exhibits that will totally change how you see your everyday world. Discover, with Kellogg’s and the Food Education Company, if it’s true that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, investigate how tsunamis are generated by earthquakes and help forensic scientists solve a crime by collecting evidence from the scene. Did you know that 70% of known disease genes in humans are actually shared with flies? Take part in our interactive games to discover how genetics works in flies and humans. Experience our most popular interactive demonstrations to see what sort of toothpaste an elephant might need, use our cutting-edge motion capture system to see how you can make waves on the
dance floor and to find out how barefoot running can affect injury risk and performance, and discover the evolution of LED-based visible light communications and how it impacts on personal and mobile communications. Teddy bears are very familiar creatures, existing side by side with us for over one hundred years. Bring your teddy along to a teddy bears’ picnic to explore what their history can tell us about life on Earth, evolution and why teddies have evolved to be more human than bear. Sport Central is the home of Newcastle Eagles, the British Basketball League’s most successful team of all time. Come and experience the excitement at this exhibition that combines athleticism and skills, explore the science behind the sport and see if you can beat them at their own game. Northumbria University Sport Academy provides young people aged 8-18 years the chance to have fun through multisport activity. On the day visitors can come and try a range of sports from the climbing wall, dodge ball and ultimate Frisbee to parachute games, led by qualified student coaches. Lots of events will be free drop-in activities but bookings may be necessary for some sessions. For a jam-packed free day out entertaining and educating the whole family come along to Northumbria University, Sport Central on 8 September between 10.00 - 16.00. For a full list of Science Sunday activities visit www.northumbria.ac.uk
To book phone 08456 807 207 visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or book in person during the Festival at the Box Office at Newcastle University
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BRIGHT SPARKS USING THE POWER OF POO! Northumbrian Water is the award-winning national industry leader for generating green power from what comes naturally from all of us. It’s the first waste water company in the UK to use all the sludge remaining after sewage treatment to produce renewable electricity. Pioneering environmental plants have been built at Tees Port on the river’s south bank and at Howdon at the mouth of the Tyne. The £70m dual investment will annually save Northumbrian Water multi-millions of pounds in gas electricity operating costs and significantly cut its carbon footprint by 20%. The science uses a natural biological process. A new advanced anaerobic digestion (AAD) process called thermal hydrolysis has been developed, which involves pre-treating the sludge remaining after sewage treatment, heating it to165 degrees Celsius under six bars of pressure - a bit like putting it in giant pressure cookers. This destroys any pathogens and breaks down the cell structure, which makes it better to be fed to billions of bacteria in giant digester tanks and easier for them to eat. The two plants reduce two million cubic metres of sludge, resulting from the treatment of domestic sewage and biodegradable industrial effluent from a population equivalent of
about four million, to about 150,000 cubic metres. The resulting methane released by the bacteria is collected in 11-metre diameter biogas storage bags before being burned in a gas engine to produce nearly 10 megawatts of electricity. Some of this is used in the process, making it self-sufficient, but there is enough excess to meet most of the whole sites total energy requirements. Waste heat and steam generated from the process are also captured and recycled for use elsewhere in the process.
FEATURED FESTIVAL EVENT THURS 12 SEPT 09.30-12.30 AND 13.00-15.30
GENERATING POWER FROM POO! (TOUR) Take a tour of the plant to discover the science behind the process. Booking Required
It also means less energy used for transportation of sludge leading to significant carbon savings. And what remains of the sludge afterwards is an excellent Class A biosolid fertiliser for farmers.
looking at further re-use of any remaining waste heat from the AAD process elsewhere on the treatment works sites.
Northumbrian Water now has two sites which will cut the company’s annual £40m electricity bill by nearly 20% and brings the company significantly closer to having a fifth of its energy produced from self-generated renewable sources by 2015.
Further cleaning of the biogas is being investigated so that it can be injected directly into the national gas grid, alternative fuels to supplement the sludge feed for the process, including food waste, are under examination and continuous optimisation of the process to maximise operational performance is targeted.
Innovation is still at the forefront of this leading green initiative. Northumbrian Water is currently
For more information visit www.nwl.co.uk Follow on Twitter @NorthumbrianH2O
Innovation is still at the forefront of this leading green initiative. Northumbrian Water is currently looking at further re-use of any remaining waste heat from the AAD process elsewhere on the treatment works sites.
6 To book phone 08456 807 207 visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or book in person during the Festival at the Box Office at Newcastle University
BATTLING AGAINST BARNACLES It’s probably fair to say that barnacles are not a common concern for most people as they go about their daily lives. However for the global shipping industry, these little hitchhiking arthropods can cause a real headache for ship owners, increasing hydrodynamic drag of the ship through the water, sending fuel cost and CO2 emissions soaring. Known as biofouling, the effect of barnacles attaching themselves to the bottoms of boats is estimated to cost the industry around $60bn per year and can slow ships down by 10% of their normal speed, creating a very real problem for freight companies around the world. AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business unit is working hard to find new solutions to the problem, using scientific research to develop new products for the shipping industry. Which brings us to the aim of AkzoNobel’s “Chemistry, Coatings and Barnacles: The Solution to a Self Cleaning Bottom” workshop, taking place as part of this year’s British Science Festival: we want to show young aspiring scientists that there are lots of unusual ‘real-life’ problems out there that need to be solved, and that there are very rewarding careers in doing so. We also hope that the scientists of the future will see how qualifications can be put to practical use to address global future challenges, and to demonstrate that there is a huge range of problems which constantly need new solutions. To put it into context, removing barnacles from the bottom of a boat can be a bit like trying to remove dried Weetabix from a cereal bowl in fact, this dried cereal actually leaves a polysaccharide residue not
dissimilar to barnacle glue. Although barnacles might seem like a slightly odd example of science in action, this workshop will actually involve some quite complex chemistry, a little bit of history and a lesson in how to coat a ship in one single continuous, enormous molecule which can actually stop the barnacles sticking to the bottom of boats. Troublesome sea life will not be the only focus of the workshops run by AkzoNobel this year. We will also be running an interactive workshop on a subject that we are probably more widely known for in the UK: colour. As the owners of Dulux, the world’s leading brand of premium quality paint, colour is hugely important to us and great emphasis is placed on research, training and services to develop the highest quality colour performance for our customers. Each year we announce a ‘Colour of the Year’ which brings together a panel of independent colour and trend experts, and also hold a regular series of colour seminars and
Each year we announce a ‘Colour of the Year’ which brings together a panel of independent colour and trend experts, and also hold a regular series of colour seminars and workshops devised and presented by our internationally renowned colour experts.
FEATURED FESTIVAL EVENT
workshops devised and presented by our internationally renowned colour experts.
currently underway. This factory will sustainably produce paint for sale across the UK and Europe, ensuring that our leading brands including Dulux, Cuprinol, Hammerite and Polycell continue to be manufactured in the UK.
We will be bringing this expertise to British Science Festival, where there will be a chance for young scientists to join our interactive colour workshop, where our global colour experts will be explaining colour, colour perception and colour vision. Young scientists will also be able to experience colour perception by matching and mixing colour. We hope they will leave with a new interest in and understanding of the importance of colour and the part it plays in everyday life. Finally, it is important for us to acknowledge the relevance of the location of this year’s British Science Festival. AkzoNobel is delighted that this event has come to the North East, home to our new manufacturing facility in Ashington where building is
SAT 7 SEPT 10.00 -17.00
CHEMISTRY, COATINGS AND BARNACLES Come and explore the chemistry of super non-stick high performance coating and drop in for feeding time at the barnacle boat. Venue: Discovery Museum as part of the family weekend.
The region is also a key hub for AkzoNobel’s investment in innovation, with our largest global RD&I centre, which houses our Marine & Protective Coatings and Powder Coating businesses located in Felling on Tyneside. We are delighted to be involved in the British Science Festival 2013 this September, and hope that the Newcastle and fringe 2013 event are a huge success, and that our workshops are entertaining as well as stimulating to all who attend.
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MEET THE NEXT SCIENCE STARS By Sue Hordijenko @BritishSciFest #bsf13
Each year the British Science Association honours five professional scientists or engineers, in the early stages of their career, with the opportunity to give an Award Lecture at the Festival. The key for a successful Award Lecture application is to be able to show outstanding skills in communicating with a non-specialist audience. The Award Lectures are named after illustrious scientists and engineers from times gone by, such as, possibly the most famous engineer that has ever lived, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Equally as illustrious, are some of the names who have been Award Lecturers in recent history - many of whom are taking part in this year’s Festival. In 1995 chemist Andrea Sella was awarded the Lord Kelvin Award Lecture for a presentation he gave on Atoms, electrons and light. You can see Andrea at this year’s Festival on Saturday 7 September at 12.00 to hear all about Terra rara: the strange story of some political elements, he will also be joining broadcaster Simon Mayo later the same day at 14.30 for some chemical reactions.
MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK
In 2003 sociologist Tom Shakespeare won the Joseph Lister Award posing the question Can science solve the disability problem?. A decade later Tom is back highlighting the very real issues around Involuntary sterilisation: not just a thing of the past on Monday 9 September at 15.30.
2008 saw space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock receive the Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award for her lecture on Climate change: what space can teach us about planet Earth. This year you can catch her on Saturday 7 September at 18.00 talking about space exploration. In 2010 cosmologist Andrew Pontzen wondered What is cold dark matter - and is it heating up? in his Lord Kelvin Award Lecture presentation. This year you get double the pleasure of spending time with Andrew when he appears on Saturday 7 September at 14.00 in Lab notes: Songs of science and later the same day at 19.30 in What’s the point? So don’t miss the future glittering stars of science in this year’s Festival Award Lectures. Meet roboticist Nick Holmes who will be talking about Robots and humans: When two societies meet on Sunday 8 September at midday. Oceanographer Jonathan Houghton, will delve into Blue seas research: Predators and prey in an ever-changing system at 14.00 on Tuesday 10 September. Meet marine biologist Michael Sweet in Coral reefs and the grim reaper on Monday 9 September at 14.00. Catch climate researcher Hayley Fowler the following day at 14.00 to hear all about What’s happening to our weather? Our final Award Lecture of the Festival on Thursday 12 September at 14.00 will be presented by product design expert Bryce Dyer when he’ll be exploring Prosthesis, disability and the role of technology in elite sport.
To book call 08456 807 207 or visit
www.britishsciencefestival.org
FAMILY FUN AESICA PHARMACEUTICALS TALK US THROUGH HOW THEY USE THE LATEST IN SCIENTIFIC INNOVATIONS TO MAKE MEDICINES HERE IN THE NORTH EAST By Dr Barrie Rhodes, Director of Technology Development
Aesica Pharmaceuticals celebrates its 10th year in 2014 and we are proud to be one of the world’s leading contract developers and manufacturers of pharmaceuticals. We make many of the medicines you take daily right here in the North East. We are proud to be celebrating the British Science Festival here in our home city, contributing to the debate and latest research updates to inspire the next generation of scientists.
What does Aesica do? We offer a broad range of services in pharmaceutical development - supporting the manufacture of drugs that are being tested in clinical trials; and commercial supply: the manufacturing of the drugs you see in pharmacies. This can be anything from creating the ‘active pharmaceutical ingredient’ (API) - the part of the drug ‘doing stuff’ in or on the body - to ‘formulation development’ work turning the active ingredient into a tablet or dosage for testing in a clinical trial to commercial manufacturing (the end product the consumer receives). Aesica is also involved in essential activities that most consumers are not aware of such as determination of expiry dates and compatibility of the API with excipients or packaging; Everything we do at every stage of the process requires extremely high levels of quality control and quality assurance to ensure patient safety.
the most suitable dosage form e.g. tablet, capsule, injection, inhaler. This might seem simple at first but when producing a tablet we must ensure that each time it is taken the right amount of the active drug enters the body, and just as crucially, at the right speed - this must be consistent across everyone who takes it. Once a drug is made we must make sure it is packaged and labelled with the required information for each individual marketplace in countries across the world. One of the key skills and considerations when developing a new drug is finding the right dosage form as this will affect how the patient takes the drug. Both big pharma companies and smaller biotech companies come to us with promising drug targets and then Aesica develops a manufacturing process to produce a suitable dosage form. Initially this is done in small batches and we then have to alter the manufacturing processes to make it viable at increasingly large scales. Ultimately, once approved by the regulators, the drug will need to be manufactured in larger quantities.
How are our medicines made?
Aesica Innovation Boardharnessing the power of science to make better medicines
In order to make medicines we must find a biologically active substance (the API) and combine that with other inactive ingredients or excipients - that make up the bulk of tablet or other dosage form. It is vital to ensure that the correct dosage of a drug has been formulated, and within
As a company which celebrates innovation and supports the ‘scientists of tomorrow’ we established the Aesica Innovation Board and my role as Director of Technology Development brings me to the forefront of this. The goal of the Board is to help stimulate pharmaceutical
innovation in a climate where developing original technologies and formulations is an ongoing challenge. We identify and commercialise modern and novel chemical and pharmaceutical technologies that can add value. We look at promising technologies in development at universities and other organisations, recently joining forces with Durham University, University of Leeds, University of Bradford and Emultech. One key area in which we have really taken the lead has been the development of technologies that alleviate poorly absorbed (often poorly soluble) drugs. This is where a drug shows very positive results but manufacturers are finding it hard to get this into a dosage form that can be delivered reliably to the patient. Many drugs in development around the world are suffering from this challenge so the technologies we are developing really could be the difference between success and failure. Aesica has grown significantly over the last few years, especially in terms of international contracts, as we increasingly establish ourselves as a leading player in the global market. We have locations throughout Europe and operate around the world as a global contract manufacturing organisation. As a sign of where we started from, our headquarters remain in the North East of England. We are committed to innovation and constantly on the lookout for any local scientists that want to get into the industry. It’s so rewarding knowing the innovations we develop here have real world benefits and help improve people’s health around the globe.
By Joanne Coleman
‘Mama don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys’ let them be nutritionists, engineers, climatologists, chemists, doctors, material scientists, astronomers, dentists, communications specialists, archaeologists instead. I may be slightly paraphrasing Waylon Jenning’s classic country and western song, but I’m sure you get the drift. Science and engineering are crucial to the economic, social and environmental future of the UK, and the world. But top UK companies are concerned that we may fall behind other countries when it comes to being at the forefront of cutting edge development. Like in the Industrial Revolution the UK wants to lead the world in solving key challenges the world faces - providing energy, food and medical treatment to an ever-growing population. Most young children have an interest in the world around them - why is the sky blue? How does the TV work? What happens if I do THIS?! Events like the British Science Festival aim to feed this sense of wonder and excitement, with spectacular science shows and entertaining and educational handson activities throughout the weekend. Most of the people you will meet will be practicing researchers, eager to share what they do and why they do it. Positive role models can make a career in science seem achievable and desirable. By bringing the kids along to the family weekend at the British Science Festival, you may just set them on the path to a rewarding career.
www.aesica-pharma.com SIMON MAYO
To book phone 08456 807 207 visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or book in person during the Festival at the Box Office at Newcastle University
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FEATURED FESTIVAL EVENT
THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND: A HIGH TECH ENERGY HUB Why is GE Oil & Gas investing in Newcastle? Almost all of the UK’s oil and gas production comes from offshore, where there is a network of 14,000 km of pipelines linking 107 oil platforms, 181 gas platforms and a large number of subsea installations. There are over 380 producing fields. The North East of England is located close to busy oil and gas offshore sectors in the UK and Norwegian North Sea, and has a long heritage of high-tech energy and manufacturing industry. This is why GE’s Oil and Gas group, including its pipeline inspection joint venture with Al Shaheen, PII Pipeline Solutions, has been investing in local expertise developed over several decades. We are an international company, specialising in engineering design, manufacturing and the service of technologies that supply the oil and gas industry. We provide applications in many areas: from drilling and offshore operations, to transportation of hydrocarbons and refining, all the way to fuel dispensing pumps. We are continually pushing technological boundaries, using our global research capabilities and technology transfer. We are pioneering advanced manufacturing techniques and developing the concept of the ‘industrial internet’ - embedding smart technologies in our equipment to enable remote monitoring and control, something which sounded like science fiction just a few years ago. This is why we are involved in the British Science Festival in Newcastle and we hope you will join us on the journey.
With ongoing investment in innovation to maintain the highest public and environmental safety standards, we recruit and train local talent and carefully choose locations based on market demand as well as the strengths and opportunities in each area. This is why we are established and growing in the North East.
Science is in everything that we do In order to improve the safety and efficiency of oil and gas pipelines around the world, we develop robotic inspection technology, using physics-based engineering design of advanced magnetic, mapping and geometry sensor technologies. By analysing the data collected by those robots (also called ‘intelligent pigs’); we can determine the present and future condition of a steel pipeline. Our teams also work on research, design and development of subsea flexible pipes conveying hydrocarbons from a sea floor well head to the surface. They are exponentially lighter and more
WED 11 SEPT 9.30-12.00 AND 13.00-15.30
POWERING THE GLOBE FROM WALKER RIVERSIDE Take a tour to discover how subsea pipelines are created. Booking Required adaptable to harsh sea conditions than rigid steel. Those systems can be used in depths of 3,000 m and in 15,000 psi of underwater pressure. Our designers simulate the most extreme temperatures, pressures, physical stresses and corrosive elements from both the external marine environment and the internal oil and gas products. Once manufactured and shipped from Tyneside, our pipes will be installed either suspended in the water and move with the ocean to connect two structures, or rest motionless on the seabed in remote oil and gas exploration sites.
We are pioneering advanced manufacturing techniques and developing the concept of the ‘industrial internet’ - embedding smart technologies in our equipment to enable remote monitoring and control, something which sounded like science fiction just a few years ago. Local talent delivers global pipeline solutions We get excited about maths, computers and physics - especially when it comes to practical applications. We like creating things, being directly involved and seeing the results of our work, which takes both individual discipline and strong teamwork.
With tremendous recruitment and training programs, GE attracts new graduates as well as experienced professionals from other technologybased industries. Our apprenticeship programs have evolved over 10 years and cover Operations, Finance, Engineering, Information Management and Purchasing. We thrive on new perspectives from diverse backgrounds. Some of us come from far away for short-term training and development opportunities or to make it our long-term home. But most of us are from the area, partly because of GE’s localisation philosophy and partly just because there’s a lot of great talent in this neck of the woods.
Here are some examples: Rhys Long (25) has been with GE Oil & Gas for six years. Following 11 GCSEs and 4 A Levels, he completed our higher apprenticeship program with Double Distinction and is now working toward a BEng. He’s employed as Trainee Production Engineer, and his other interests include health and fitness, cars, and rugby with his son. Lisa Winfrey (38), mum of three, has worked for GE Oil & Gas since 2006 and is now Subsea Engineering Service Leader in Houston, Texas. Originally from Middlesborough, she joined GE Oil & Gas as a mechanical engineer working on Pipeline Inspection technology development. She has 22 years’ experience in this industry, and completed a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Teesside in 2001 whilst in full time employment.
10 To book phone 08456 807 207 visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or book in person during the Festival at the Box Office at Newcastle University
NEWCASTLE – A PROUD CITY OF SCIENCE Newcastle has always been a city of science. From William Armstrong’s high-pressure hydraulic machinery and Joseph Swan’s light bulb to the steam-driven turbines of Charles Parson, we are proud of our inventors. Their breakthroughs drove the Industrial Revolution and moulded the social and economic fabric of our nation. But it’s a record we are not content to see consigned to the history books. Newcastle continues to build on its proud record of scientific research and development. No surprise then that the Government bestowed Science City status upon Newcastle – one of only six cities in the country.
This was in part a response to Newcastle’s success in a whole range of cleaner and greener sciences of the future; in ageing and health, sustainability, stem cells and regenerative medicine. The transformative effects that these have on people’s lives are felt far beyond the boundaries of the city. In ageing and health, scientists at Newcastle University have developed
a procedure that could prevent mothers passing on devastating genetic conditions to their children. In sustainability, Nissan at Sunderland is mass-producing electric cars that go all over the world and in stem cells scientists at the International Centre for Life have revolutionised the treatment of patients by growing healthy stem cells in the laboratory and using them to restore patients’ eyesight.
This is the practice of science that is making a significant contribution to quality of life. Science also plays an important part in the economy of the city and region. Thousands of people and their families are dependent upon employment in the sector which is growing. The Science Central site in the city centre is expected to create up to 1,900 jobs in the next 20 years – jobs that local people will be able to access. This is a major plank of the city council’s priority to make Newcastle a working city where businesses can start up and grow, creating high quality jobs for future generations. In our schools, the teaching and attainment of science is becoming increasingly important, inspiring a future generation of scientists. More of our pupils are taking up the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths. Pass rates in science at GCSE
and A Level have improved for the last three years and the take-up of science post 16 is also rising. Children in 14 schools are taking part in the Primary Engineer Project, supported by GE Wellstream of Walker Riverside to design and make a vehicle to be unveiled next year. The British Science Festival is one of the largest celebrations of science in Europe. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of our latest advances in science and demonstrate to investors that when it comes to science we really do mean business in Newcastle.
THE GREAT NORTH FESTIVAL The North East is facing immense challenges at a time when the region’s resolve to adapt and change appears to be slipping. Of immediate concern is the lack of opportunities for young people, with the consequent loss of skills and hope offered through worthwhile employment and careers. Great North Festival was created to act as a catalyst to bring together those concerned, to act against a growing tide of disillusion and despair, and to bring hope of a better future. The aim is to celebrate the region’s traditions of innovation and celebrate inherent strengths, to raise people’s spirits and focus minds on what needs to be done to recharge the faltering efforts towards economic, social and cultural renewal. In the 19th century great entrepreneurs such as George and Robert Stephenson, Charles Parsons, Joseph Swan and William Armstrong created the innovations and the products that the world wanted to buy from the factories of the North East. During the second half of the 20th century the things that gave rise to a sense of pride and enterprise were lost as coalfields, steelworks and major engineering workshops
vanished from the North East’s industrial landscape. That will never return. Despite some substantial improvements over the past 25 years, particularly to the physical environment, the North East once again finds itself a peripheral geographical region. The world has moved on. The premiums for success now lie in the knowledge, skills and ability to adapt with imagination and commitment to profound change. But Great North Festival believes that the potential to regenerate the required actions and resolve is not beyond this region’s capabilities. It needs, however, leadership and ideas to kick the process back into life.
Encouraging confidence in the North East;
of emerging, sustainable technologies in the fields of printable electronics, nanotechnology and life sciences.
Supporting young people in gaining the education and sustainable skills that are ingrowing demand;
Creative services, too, in the advanced areas of virtual reality and animation are gaining momentum.
Displaying the North East’s latent capabilities in generating new and needed innovations;
We have begun a series of Great North Debates on issues of vital concern to the North East. Other projects could involve schools, colleges and the region’s universities in helping to determine the region’s future.
We have four simple overriding objectives:
Showcasing some of the technological achievements that could be scaled up and exploited as the foundation for future success.
Great North Festival has begun the process with a set of initiatives that we are striving to realise in the coming months. We are, as already stated, acting as a catalyst for much-needed change. So one of the things we want to encourage is the mounting of a Great North Expo to celebrate past, existing and future innovations in the region. There are enormous latent possibilities waiting to be exploited in sectors such as renewable energies, biotechnology, electric vehicles and through the ongoing development
We know there is enthusiasm for the Great North Festival project; people have told us so. But more leadership, more participation and more commitment will be needed to turn aspiration into achievement.
Can you contribute? Do you have ideas, experience and knowledge that could make a difference? Get involved. The adventure begins at www.greatnorthfestival.com.
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BOOKING FESTIVAL TICKETS
FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS
We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters.
HOW TO BOOK Find more information about some of the events on our website www.britishsciencefestival.org. Choose what you want to book then: Book online at www.britishsciencefestival.org Book by phone on 08456 807 207 Book in person during the Festival at the Box Office, which can be found in a marquee outside Northern Stage on the Newcastle University campus.
PRINCIPAL PARTNERS
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSORS
BOX OFFICE OPENING TIMES FRI 6 SEPT 17.00 – 19.00 SAT 7 – THURS 12 SEPT 09.00 – 20.00 (20.30 on Thursday)
FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
Although many of the events during the Festival are free, we recommend that you book to ensure your place.
VENUES Events at the British Science Festival take place in various venues. All venues are wheelchair accessible except where otherwise indicated. You can download a map from our website showing accessible routes to buildings at Newcastle University, and access information for all other venues. You can also pick up maps from the Box Office or call the booking line. For anyone requiring further information about accessibility issues on the Newcastle University campus, please contact Dave Watt, Newcastle University Estate Support Service, 0191 222 7171 Newcastle Central Station is within a 20 minute walk of many of the venues, and also well connected by Metro to most Festival venues. The British Science Association is a registered charity: 212479 & SC039236 For more information about the British Science Association, please visit www.britishscienceassociation.org
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT
MEDIA, PUBLICITY AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS
This page acknowledges the generous contribution of all our sponsors and supporters at the time of going to print.
Some events may be filmed or photographed for the Festival archives and future promotion. If you wish not to be filmed or photographed please alert the Festival Assistants in your event before the event starts. All details are correct at the time of going to print. The British Science Festival reserves the right to change events if necessary. All changes will be posted on the British Science Festival website and every effort will be made to inform people already booked in. In the event of a cancellation, tickets will be refunded. Should you wish to apply for a refund for tickets you have bought please email festivalbookings@britishscienceassociation.org by Friday 23 August. No refunds will be made after this time. If you are subsequently unable to attend a free event you have booked, please email festivalbookings@britishscienceassociation.org stating your name and the title of the event you wish to cancel. This will allow us to make your place available to other people.
Design: www.savageandgray.co.uk
12 To book phone 08456 807 207 visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or book in person during the Festival at the Box Office at Newcastle University