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Institute of Animal Technology Bulletin W is hing you all a Ve ry H appy C hri stm a s Vol 51 No 12 November 2013 Vol 49 No 11 December 2015

Bulletin Vol 51 No 12 December 2015 EDITOR Sarah Lane bulletineditor iat org uk ASSISTANT EDITOR Carole Wilson bulletinassistant iat org uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERS PRC Associates Ltd mail prcassoc co uk CONTENTS Notice of IAT AGM 2016 5 Apprenticeship Level 2 Report 6 7 Congress 2016 Early Bird Registration 8 9 Published monthly by the Institute of Animal Technology Registered Office 5 South Parade Summertown Oxford OX2 7JL Three Minute Interview 12 13 Youth Reps Meeting Report 15 17 ISSN 0263 2861 AS ET Public Lecture Report 19 22 For enquiries other than Bulletin related contact IAT ADMINISTRATOR admin iat org uk or 0800 085 4380 Suppliers Register i xliv Branch News 28 29 Policy Briefing 2015 Report 33 39 Final copy date for February Bulletin 1st January The opinions expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Institute Andrew Blake Award 11 Situations Vacant 42 Diary Dates 43

Bulletin December 2015 NOTICE of IAT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016 The thirtieth Annual General Meeting of the Institute of Animal Technology will be held at IAT Congress on Tuesday 8th March 2016 at 6pm For the following purposes 1 To consider the minutes of the twenty ninth Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 17th March 2015 as published in full on the Members section of the IAT website and in abridged form in the Bulletin Volume 50 No 6 2 To receive and consider the Company s annual accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 together with the Annual Report and the Auditors report 3 To appoint Auditors of the Institute 4 To review the Honorary Secretary s Annual Report and review the Council objectives for the forthcoming year 5 To elect members of the Council who are proposed for re election by rotation under the terms of the Articles of Association and any such new members to fill existing vacancies 6 To elect a President and Vice Presidents for the ensuing year 7 To consider the election of Life and Honorary Members of the Institute 8 Any other business Dated December 2015 Ken Applebee Chair of Council Linda Horan Honorary Secretary THE AGM IS OPEN TO ALL Voting Rights are restricted to voting members only 5

6 December 2015 Bulletin Apprenticeship Level 2 in Animal Technology Award O n the 7th October 2015 I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Apprenticeship Level 2 in Animal Technology Award at the MRC Mary Lyon Centre Harwell Oxford Linda Holliday Director of Capacity and Skills Development opened the speeches with the background on how Mark Gardiner approached her with a wish to formalise the induction and training carried out for new employees at the MRC The MRC approached the IAT for support to fund a project to investigate the setting up of an apprenticeship scheme for animal technologists The MRC IAT and Cambridge Regional College then led a stakeholder group to set up an apprenticeship structure based around the IAT qualifications Once the scheme had been approved Mark took on the first two apprentices Emily Ireson and Stephanie Badger Working with Venture Forward and Cambridge Regional College Mark and Nichola Chrobot developed a robust training and assessment process that ensure both apprentices successfully completed the apprenticeship to such an extent they were both offered full time positions with the MRC At congress 2015 Mark Gardiner and Alan Palmer who along with Mark led the employers input in to the design and implementation of the apprenticeship and who also has since employed two successful apprentices into full time roles with the CRICK Institute presented on the apprenticeship scheme from its inception to the placement and success of the candidates This included video comments from four of the apprentices reflecting on their experience so far The success of both Emily and Stephanie was due to their hard work and mature approach to their studies and career development but this still would not have happened without the support of their line managers their colleagues and their mentor Ed Cross They were keen to not only complete the IAT Level 2 Apprenticeship in Animal Technology but to also finish the outstanding units to achieve the IAT Level 2 Diploma in Animal Science and Technology Senior managers Nikki Chrobot and Mark Gardiner and technician Ed Cross who mentored the girls and many of the unit managers who supervised their training in the various units were present when Emily and Stephanie were presented with framed certificates from the IAT and a beautifully etched glass plaque from the MRC

Bulletin December 2015 7 Mark with Emily and Stephanie and their plaques This has been a very successful start to the scheme with other organisations now taking up this opportunity to place apprentices and it is hoped that once the pilot scheme is complete it will be taken up across the industry The IAT and MRC are now looking at the next stage in the development of Advanced Apprenticeships and it is hoped that these will be launched soon for NACWOs and Licensed Technicians I wish both Emily and Stephanie success in their future and congratulations on becoming the first ever qualified apprentices in Animal Technology Nicky Gent IAT Council

THE DEADLINE FOR EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS FAST APPROACHING REGISTER ONLINE BY SUNDAY 20TH DECEMBER Closing date to register is Friday 26th February Make sure you get the best rate to attend Congress 2016 ALL Delegate packages are set out in the Invitation Booklet various lengths of stay are available to all members delegates There is still time to submit a Poster and receive a discount on your Registration Final date to submit is 22nd January Confirmed Paper presentations The Home Office NC3Rs RSPCA Gerry Creighton A variety of Workshops including topics on training aseptic technique new technologies hygiene monitoring are now confirmed look out for the announcements of all ten workshops in the January 2016 issue and on the website Download this Invitation Booklet from the NEW dedicated link at http www iat org uk congress c16th CPD certificates are available for attendance to all workshops The Provisional Scientific Programme will be available soon To discuss any aspect of Congress with the Congress Committee or if you have any questions email congress iat org uk Online Registration only for Delegate Booking

WORKSHOPS Workshops are NOT booked in advance Attendance to register should be made on arrival at the Congress Reception Tuesday 8th March 2016 14 00 17 00 15 00 17 00 15 00 17 00 Prepare for RAnTech Ian Garrod Learning Curve Development Taking animal research into the classroom John Meredith Understanding Animal Research Aseptic technique in action Lucy Whitfield Royal Veterinary College Wednesday 9th March 2016 10 45 12 45 10 45 12 45 10 45 12 45 10 45 12 45 13 15 15 15 13 15 15 15 13 15 15 15 13 15 15 15 15 30 17 30 15 30 17 30 15 30 17 30 15 30 17 30 Principles of training mentoring and assessing Ian Garrod Learning Curve Development Nice to meet you so what do you do for a living Bella Williams Understanding Animal Research Introduction to Zebra Danio Jon Faupel Tecniplast UK Aseptic technique in action Lucy Whitfield Royal Veterinary College Working with the NTCO Tina O Mahoney Imperial College London and Maxine Sheridan Knowles University of Leicester Introduction to Zebra Danio Jon Faupel Tecniplast UK New technologies and training Paul Flecknell University of Newcastle Disinfection and hygiene monitoring Dan Harding Sychem Principles of training mentoring and assessing Ian Garrod Learning Curve Development Nice to meet you so what do you do for a living Bella Williams Understanding Animal Research New technologies and training Paul Flecknell University of Newcastle IAT qualifications level 2 and 3 assessment and skill development Victoria Pollard Venture Forward Timings are subject to change So please check the Bulletin and website regularly for up to date information

12 December 2015 Bulletin Three Minute Interview Name Nicky Gent Job title Level 3 Tutor Venture Forward Member of Council Describe yourself in 3 words Dedicated passionate and mad What is your earliest memory Riding my blue tricycle at about 3 years old When you were at school what or who did you want to be and why As a keen rider it was either the mounted Police Force or the Army Mum grounded me and via the careers office I met Ray Thatcher who introduced me to laboratory animals and I have not stopped smiling What was the first music album you bought Abba s Waterloo If you could have dinner with one person who would that be and why My Dad I miss him What is the best advice you have been given Try it It might be good What is your next goal in life Keep on learning perfecting and enjoying life If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you choose and why The outer Atmosphere some where about 500km up I would love to see earth from there secret Star Wars pilot

Bulletin December 2015 13 What is your favourite quote or saying Grab every opportunity as you never know where it might lead What is the most important thing your job has taught you Change is inevitable and development is critical especially the welfare of those we care for Cup of tea or stiff drink Gin and tonic Favourite colour Orange Favourite place Anywhere with family and friends Last book you read Gail Carriger Timeless Love a bit of Steampunk Name something that annoys you Impatient drivers who tailgate me and my horse Printable most embarrassing moment Forgetting to update my cat s microchip details and having my ex work colleagues phone me to go get your cat from the vets He had been missing for 6 weeks Hobbies or interests Horse riding sea swimming reading cooking and picnicking in the New Forest Congratulations go to Vicky Metcalfe who spotted that the photograph of Tai the labrador bitch is in fact a dog Vicky received a gift voucher of her choosing for her observation skills Editor

Bulletin December 2015 15 Youth Reps Meeting T he third Youth Reps meeting to gather ideas from the younger generation of our members was held on 22 September in London Ideas and topics that have sprung from these youth meetings which have been developed for the benefit of all our membership include the App the expanded Ice Breaker session at Congress videoing some of the Congress sessions providing a glossary of abbreviations used found on the website and the new benefits posters that have been distributed to establishments across the country So the youths have had quite an impact Not every branch is represented at these meetings for various reasons and it would be great to get a full attendance next time If you are interested check with your Branch committee to see if you can assist with these or gather feedback from your colleagues to pass onto the Youth Rep to bring to the meeting Here are some short reports about the last meeting from some of the attendees Lynda Westall Branch Liaison Officer I was lucky enough to be picked to be the youth representative for the Oxford branch of the Institute of Animal Technology I got up early put my make up on and made my way to London to attend the yearly meeting of Youth Reps from all over the UK It was great to meet other people who are as passionate about the welfare of animals used for research as I am It is so much fun to chat and laugh with other people that work with research animals from around the UK as well as find out about the different units species and research people work on Apart from going to the IAT meeting I managed to get to London two and a half hours early so had more than enough time for shopping in Oxford Street and a nice big breakfast I would tell anyone that if they have good ideas interested in meeting new people shopping being involved with the IAT and possibly a few drinks in a bar after the meeting has finished join the Youth Rep team for your branch it so much fun plus who wouldn t want a day in London instead of work April

16 December 2015 Bulletin Being a Youth Rep has given me the opportunity to visit and explore London while attending these meetings which is always fun At 33 I think it s safe to say I am the oldest of the Youth Reps but I m one of the youngest members in the branch The meetings are always a great place to meet people in a similar job to share experiences with At the brainstorming session during the meeting we got off to a slow start but once the ball got rolling the ideas came thick and fast I think it s great to feel involved in the future of the IAT and socialise with other members after the meeting finding out differences in various units and how things have changed over the years Kevin On the day of the Youth Reps meeting I managed a bit of a lie in before getting the train to London Trips down to the capital tend to be rare for those from more Northern climes so I was quite happy to be attending Once I arrived in London there was a chance to have a little walk around I spent about half an hour in Whitehall gardens looking at the river trees and statues Once I arrived at the meeting it was great to meet everyone We all enjoyed sharing and developing ideas on how we felt more people could become involved with the IAT and how to develop our own careers After the meeting we all enjoyed some food and wine before leaving to go home Rachel Being from York London was completely different so given the chance to come down and represent the North East branch at the annual Youth Reps meeting was a great opportunity It was great to be around like minded people that were very knowledgeable and with different experiences of the industry This would help us move forward within the IAT and to also help others do the same Lunch travel and a drink was all included and the chance to do some networking meet a fantastic bunch of people and get out of my normal working place were just some of the benefits I am looking forward to next year already Jemma

Bulletin December 2015 The Youth Reps meeting was a great experience Although I didn t have to travel as long as others listening to a bit of Nicki Minaj made the journey quicker It was good to see some previous faces and some new ones Everyone dressed well for the occasion and looked very smart especially April s new coat which she had just bought There was some great conversation and ideas from everyone to help improve expand and broaden the IAT The brain storming session provided some interesting ideas I find it interesting listening to everyone s backgrounds and the type of research they are involved in especially the strengths and challenges these create Food wine chatting and networking is always a great way to end a meeting Sam 17

Bulletin December 2015 19 AS ET Annual Public Lecture AS ET Annual Public Lecture Harnessing Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine Harnessing Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine How far have we How far have we got got Professor Sir Richard Gardner MA PhD ScD FIAT Hon FRSB FRS Professor Sir Richard Gardner MA PhD ScD FIAT Hon FRSB FRS On the evening of 21st October 2015 animal technologists and trade representatives gathered at 2015 Animal Technologists and public lecture titled On the evening of 21st OctoberUCL for the first AS ET annual Trade representatives gathered Harnessing Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine How far have we got UCL for the first AS ET annual presented by the distinguished Professor Sir Richard Gardner FRS Richard Gardner FRS Th essor Sir This proved to be a well be a well attended evening with approximately 80 people the majority of whom havin attended evening with approximately 80 people the majority of whom proved to having already undertaken a strenuous already undertaken a strenuous day at work day at work Ken Applebee Chair of IAT Council opened the evening by introducing Sir Richard Sir Richard addressed the history of stem cell technology looking at the progression from the creation of chimeric animals leading onto exciting developments in regenerative medicine Public lectures are aimed at a lay audience which meant all those attending could gain a better understanding and appreciation for this exciting science and technology plus the potential Professor Sir Richard Gardner Professor Sir Richard Gardner benefits for human health and therapies Although Richard Ken Applebee Chair of the IAT Council opened the evening by introducing Sir very much a lay Richard addressed the historyIAT President technology looking at FRS and AS ET from th audience also present was of stem cell Robin Lovell Badge the progression Sir Patron of chimeric animals leading creation Lord Walton of Detchant onto exciting developments in regenerative medicine Pub lectures are aimed at a lay audience which meant all those attending could gain a bett

22 December 2015 Bulletin Questions from the audience Questions from the audience Questions from the audience After the lecture there was a wine reception the lecture by Pivotal International After sponsored there was a wine reception sp After gave opportunities for wine reception sponsored by the interesting topics ga whichthe lecture there was a people of all levels to discuss Pivotal International whichthe opportunities for people of all levels to discuss opportunities for people of all catch up with the interesting topics covered the covered in the presentation levels to discuss friends and colleagues plus in the presentatio catch up with friends and colleagues plus the oppor catch up with friends and a Knight of the Realm which doesn t happen very often opportunity to speak to colleagues plus the opportunity to speak to a Knight of the realm whi The Reception The Reception The Reception On a personal note I and my 12 colleagues from Biological Services thank King s College London for paying our 25 ticket entry as part of our CPD programme which helped to give context and insightpaying our 25 ticket entry as partanimalCPD progra to the benefits accruing from of our paying our 25 ticket entry as part of our CPD programme which helped to give context and insig research to the benefits accruing from animal research to the benefits accruing from animal research I would like to thank everyone involved with the organisation the attendees and orga I would like to thank everyone involved with the I would like to thank everyone involved with the organisation the attendees let s hope there are more public lectures to come in the future which raised over rais more public lectures to come in the future which more public lectures to come in the future which raised over 2 000 for AS ET 2 000 for AS ET Stephen Woodley Stephen Woodley Stephen Woodley We are grateful to Pivotal International for sponsorin We are grateful to Pivotal International for sponsoring this AS ET lecture We are grateful to Pivotal International for sponsoring this AS ET lecture

Bulletin December 2015 23 T is a charity set up to advance education and promote excellence in AS ET is a charity set up to advance science are and welfare of animals used ineducation and promote excellence in AS ET is charity of up to advance education and the care andawelfare set animals used in science promote excellence in the care and welfare of animals used in science e how you can apply for a bursary visit our website www as et org uk To see how a charity to advance a bursaryand promote excellence in the care and AS ET is you can apply for education visit our website www as et org uk To see of animals used in for a bursary visit our website www as et org uk welfarehow you can applyscience companies listed below sponsor AS ET If If you wouldlike to join them The companies listed below sponsor AS ET you would like to join them The Sponsors of AS ET are below sponsor to find If you would like to the website out more out how companies listedlisted below and AS ET website please visitjoin them find out to support us by looking at at our website how to support us by looking our find out how to www as et org uksupport us by looking at our website

24 December 2015 Bulletin Support Understanding Animal Research Understanding Animal Research is now supported by individuals as well as organisations If you want to take an active role in showing why animals are necessary in research then being a supporter is for you Support Understanding Animal Research because You care about the use of animals in research You want others to understand the necessity of animal research You know that together we can make a difference Supporting Understanding Animal Research brings Regular updates on our activities An invitation to our annual reception including the Stephen Paget Memorial Lecture Membership of a supportive and active community Annual supporter subscriptions cost just 25 Your help will be invaluable in establishing networks and setting up this new aspect of our work Sign up now at www understandinganimalresearch org uk aboutus membership and funding support us

Bulletin December 2015 25 The Antidote to Antivivisection Why Our Society Needs Animal Testing W ould you like to know what really aggravates me Well it s the fact that most people can t or won t see the clear line which separates animal cruelty and the use of animals for medical research I believe that it is positively disgraceful that in this day and age people are still strongly opposed to the idea of medical research when during the past century virtually every major advance in medical knowledge and treatment involved research using animal models Antivivisectionists or people who strongly oppose the testing of animals for cosmetic and medical testing generally convert the majority of people by using recruitment propaganda They always portray medical researchers as cruel sadistic maniacs However in reality they are not a bunch of scalpelwielding lunatics The ones that I am acquainted with are compassionate humane people who carry out their work with great caution and consideration and with every effort to minimise suffering The leaflets antivivisectionists give out say things such as The scent of slaughter fills the air in an animal unit Animals scream silently awaiting the inevitable torture from the sadistic researchers who are grinning in glee at their anguished cries They will also show emotive videos of dogs cats and primates being abused and mistreated in an animal unit To be frank all of the things they show you are mere illusions of the truth made to manipulate your thinking They are videos that are guaranteed to make it impossible for you to disagree with their opinion that is if it were true The videos shown on their campaign are all filmed in a different country for example America where the legislation is much less stringent and would not be allowed in this country anyway Or if they were filmed in this country then they would have probably been filmed decades ago Most acts that they portray to you would not be allowed now as there are strict rules and regulations that the Home Office employ to all animal researchers If the licenced establishment does not follow the regulations the unit and all its research would immediately shut down Also the Home Office only allows research to be done if what they are researching on is deemed an important task which needs to be studied further thus justifying the science There are severe consequences when animal testing is either not done or not vigorously researched enough One example is the drug Thalidomide which was made as a sedative and then used as an anti morning sickness drug for

26 December 2015 Bulletin pregnant women This drug however caused severe deformities in the foetuses whose mothers had taken the drug The scientists were baffled at the claims so they tested it again this time they tested the drug on rabbits instead of just rats and mice and they found that the offspring of the rabbits were also severely malformed I also find that antivivisectionists are rather hypocritical as they oppose the idea of animals being tested on in order to create medicines but I can guarantee that these individuals have no problems using any of the medicines that were produced using animal testing in the past Also many of them would happily put down poisons such as warfarin anti coagulants to kill these animals in unpleasant ways if they had them in their own homes Do you not think it is then a dual standard to object to animals being purpose bred and used for medical research Even when the testing is under strictly controlled conditions and after ethical reviews by the institutes concerned People need to understand that we need more research to develop new treatments to help people live longer more fulfilling lives And sometimes we will need animal research to do this This is because while some specific research questions may be adequately addressed using cell cultures tissue studies or computer models research with animals continues to be critical for the advancement of human health If animal research were to stop so would the progress in finding treatments and cures for human suffering caused by disease If we had no animal research then we would be lacking in many vaccines and essential medications we now take for granted For example doctors would have no chemotherapy to save the 70 percent of children who now survive acute lymphocytic leukaemia This is why we all need to make an attempt to dispel the irrational myths promoted by antivivisectionists We need to encourage people to stand up for science and human progress because future medical advancements depends on this continued research So spread the word today as together we can try and convert the non scientific community into believing the truth about animal testing With our corporate support researchers will have the freedom to continue accumulating the knowledge and breakthroughs that they have achieved up to now Lela Cordess

28 December 2015 Bulletin IAT Edinburgh Branch Trip to Five Sisters Zoo O n Saturday 24th October the Edinburgh branch visited the lesser known Five Sisters Zoo at West Calder on the outskirts of Edinburgh 18 people met at the zoo on a rather dreich grey and wet morning but a trip to the caf for cake and coffee made a good start to the day s outing It was nice to be joined by Linda and Brian over from Glasgow and typical for Scotland after a short while the weather brightened up and everyone got to see all the fabulous animals out enjoying the lovely sunny day After coffee we all went our separate ways to look at the animals The Five Sisters zoo has over 100 varied exhibits ranging from leafcutter ants to lemurs and black rats to lions so there was plenty to see and do The visit was nicely timed and as we went round we managed to see a number of the animals being fed which meant we got to watch them interacting with each other and the keepers in their enclosures The only ones we didn t see during the visit were the 3 black bears which had already begun to hibernate We had also booked a session where we got to handle a Queen Python Alastair wimped out on this a Giant African snail and the Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec The Tenrec is a classic example of convergent evolution the process where unrelated creatures independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to

Bulletin December 2015 29 adapt to similar environments The Tenrec is in fact genetically closer to an elephant than a hedgehog as well as being incredibly cute After the handling we continued our trek round the zoo Five Sisters has recently managed to rehome four lions rescued from a travelling circus in a purpose built two acre enclosure At first glance these male lions looked more like large females The reason for them being so large and giving the appearance of a lioness may be due to them being castrated at a young age As well as hindering the growing of a mane all the energy that would normally be invested in developing male traits was redirected into growth There are lots of other animals you can get up close to and handle in the petting areas of the zoo plus you can assist in the feeding of the animals things that can t be done at the more famous Edinburgh zoo It was good to have so many people along for this highly enjoyable trip and we hope to see them all and more at the next branch event Keith Chalmers Branch reporter Photos by Vince Ranaldi

Bulletin December 2015 31 IAT West Middlesex Branch The Original 5th Annual Technician Day Including AS ET Young Presenter Symposium Date Tuesday 16th February 2016 Venue Central London Time 09 30 16 00 Easy access by Public Transport Entry is by registration only Please register early as this event has limited spaces ALL delegates attending including trade must be registered To register please follow the link below http www iatform org uk view php id 5348 General registration enquiries Please contact Julie Bee Julie Bee crick ac uk Trade enquiries To attend either as a trade delegate or with a stand Please contact Wayne Russell wrussell allentowninc com Sponsorship opportunities are available Last year over 30 companies and 300 delegates attended Full Scientific Programme

Bulletin December 2015 33 Policy Briefing October 2015 GARETH ROBERTS SCIENCE POLICY LECTURE 2015 Professor Dame Anne Glover gave this year s Gareth Roberts Science Policy Lecture on the topic of Can international policy be driven by politics values and beliefs alone Read an account at www sciencecouncil org content SCIENCE COUNCIL NEWS Updating our Vision The current vision of the Science Council is to become the leading UK voice on the skills and professionalism of scientists At its most recent Council Meeting in October member organisations were asked to consider what they thought was the purpose of science While no firm consensus was reached a lively and interesting debate included discussion about whether the role of science was to solve global problems to contribute to economic growth for fulfilment and satisfying intellectual curiosity to enable sustainability to make life more comfortable or whether it encompassed benefit for humans or for all living things both now and in the future We welcome members further comments Please send them to Lexi Smith They will help inform our draft vision which will be further considered by the Science Council Board and Council over the coming months Council Meeting presentations You can view the presentations that were given during the Council Meeting Presentation 1 President s Update Sir Tom Blundell President Science Council

34 December 2015 Bulletin Presentation 2 Using strategic partnerships to increase impact Dr Sheila Kanani Royal Astronomical Society Promoting professional registration links for your website and newsletter The Science Council has produced a series of introductory animated videos to help you promote professional registration among your members You can view the videos on the Science Council s YouTube channel and encourage you to include links to the videos on your website and in your membership newsletters We have also streamlined the application process for professional registration through a new online application form In conjunction with the animated videos we encourage you to use the link in your own promotional activity To leave feedback and for more information on the videos and the online application process contact Hannah Kowszun Science Council welcomes new member At its General Meeting in October the Science Council elected the Institute of Animal Technology IAT as its newest member organisation Founded in 1949 the IAT is a professional body in the field of animal technology in the UK Ken Applebee Chair of the IAT welcomed the decision saying The IAT looks forward to working with the Science Council where there are mutual benefits to be achieved especially regarding the recognition of education training and registration of animal technologists We look forward to working with the IAT to raise the profile and status of scientists in their sector CPD Award Presentation 2015 The Science Council hosted its first CPD Awards to celebrate the broad and diverse range of professional activities and achievements of registrants across the Science Council s 29 Licensed Bodies Licensed Bodies were invited to nominate two registrants for each of the registers who were either particularly outstanding or that were most improved over the audit process We received a great breadth of nominations that showed the diverse nature of the work our registrants are involved in and the various ways they interact with their workplaces and communities to inspire other people Award winners included Adrian Jackson BCS The Chartered Institute for IT Ben Palmer Institute of Science and Technology and Timothy Williamson Institute of Science and Technology A number of registrants also received commendations The list of winners and commendations can be viewed here We are delighted to confirm that the CPD Award will be running again next year For more information about the awards contact Daisy Mortimer

Bulletin December 2015 35 SCIENCE COUNCIL POLICY ACTIVITY PARTY POLITICAL CONFERENCES 2015 The Science Council held two well attended fringe events during the party conference season in partnership with member organisations At the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Bournemouth the Science Council hosted a panel discussion titled Will the UK be part of the European science community in 2020 The panel included Rebecca Taylor former Liberal Democrat MEP Dr Mike Galsworthy Programme Director Scientists4EU Dr Mindy Dulai Royal Society of Chemistry and Ed Long Chair Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists At the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester the Science Council hosted a panel discussion titled Winning the Global Race how the UK can be the best place to do science The panel included Clare Viney Royal Society of Chemistry Professor Carolyn Roberts representing the Institution of Environmental Sciences Dr Curtis Dobson representing the Royal Society of Biology The event was chaired by Nigel Hurst Managing Director of Haden Freeman who was representing the Institution of Chemical Engineers The guest speaker was Nicola Blackwood MP Chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee A write up of the discussion is available on the Science Council website A number of key policy themes emerged across both events including universal calls to ring fence the science budget making sure the UK remained a welcoming place to international scientists students and entrepreneurs the need to re evaluate the current model for commercialisation of research and technology transfer and the UKs future as part of the European Union Panellists across both events called for the science community to work collectively to make a positive case for the UK remaining in the EU and agreed that scientists should be comfortable speaking out ahead of the referendum Science Council consultation responses The Science Council has responded to a number of recent government consultations Apprenticeship policy In August we responded to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills consultation on protecting the term apprenticeship While we consider that protecting the terms in law would send a strong signal that the government values apprenticeships our principle concern is that the government s attention is being drawn away from the urgent need to address wider issues of the perception take up and quality assurance of the apprenticeships

Bulletin December 2015 37 In October we responded to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills consultation on the apprenticeship levy The Science Council is broadly supportive of the levy in principle However the levy must be used to increase provision of science apprenticeships as there are very few on offer The Science Council has called on the government to create 100 000 high quality science apprentices per year with standards linked to Registered Scientist RSci and Registered Science Technician RSciTech by the end of the Parliament Social Mobility In September we responded to the House of Lords Social Mobility Committee inquiry into transitions from school to work for 14 24 year olds Our response highlighted the role of good careers information improving young people s science capital and perceptions of science and the quality of non graduate progression routes in science as ways of improving young people s transition from school to work Comprehensive Spending Review In September we submitted to the 2015 Comprehensive Spending Review in which we call for the government to significantly increase investment in the UK s skills pipeline particularly at technician level as well as increasing funding allocations for the delivery of high costs STEM subjects in higher education Teachers Professional Development In October we responded to the Department for Education s consultation on Teachers professional development standards calling on the government and education institutions to drive improved professionalism and standards in science teaching at all levels and settings through support for CSciTeach We also called for the Department for Education and training organisations such as TeachFirst and Schools Direct to work in partnership with the Science Council to encourage all science teachers to apply for CSciTeach and communicate its benefits to aspiring teachers and to education leaders A list of public consultations relevant to members interests can be accessed on the policy pages of the Science Council s website For more information on the Science Council s policy and public affairs activities contact Oliver O Hanlon OTHER POLICY NEWS Delivering skills for national infrastructure The Treasury has published a National Infrastructure Plan for Skills setting out

38 December 2015 Bulletin the government s aim to improve extend and upgrade the UKs infrastructure by retaining and up skilling around 250 000 of the existing workforce over the next decade in addition to the need to recruit new workers The Plan acknowledges that current national skills planning is fragmented due to lack of detail on demand and supply combined with limited training that offers the transferrable skills that enables people to move between sectors and projects Science Council comment We have asked to meet with Treasury officials to discuss how our professional registers can support government s skills planning framework to deliver the necessary skills required to meet the aims of its National Infrastructure Plan We will keep members updated on any future discussions with Treasury officials The battle for funding FE versus HE The further education FE sector is in a position of great risk according to a report from Policy Exchange stating that there is a systematic imbalance between the two halves of our tertiary education system The report s main concern is that public funding is heavily slanted towards higher education HE at the expense of FE To ensure the UK has high levels of professional and technical education both further and higher education must be functioning well together and calls for up to 500 million to be taken from HE to boost the quality of high level professional and technical courses in FE Universities would be required to meet the costs of high cost subjects such as STEM and widening participation from their own revenues It also calls for accelerated development of National Colleges and Institutes of Technology recommending that they are allowed to design accredit and award their own qualifications based on sustained engagement and approval from relevant employers and industry bodies The report has drawn reaction from a range of stakeholder groups in further education NIACE Association of Colleges and higher education Universities UK and University Alliance Science Council comment We have welcomed the government s recent focus on improving vocational education The FE sector has a vital role to play in training and developing technicians to meet the UKs long term anticipated skills demands A vital component in developing a highly skilled workforce will also be to encouraging more young people to study science in HE The priority for government must be to significantly increase investment across the entire skills pipeline in order to maximise the number of people studying science post 16

Bulletin December 2015 39 Regulator calls for improvement in apprenticeship quality Apprenticeship quality remains weak and do not sufficiently match national skills priorities according to an Ofsted report Surveying 45 providers Ofsted found that one third did not provide apprentices with high quality training and a number of learners were not aware that they were enrolled on an apprenticeship Ofsted also found that too few employers provide well funded advanced and associated professional level skills needed in the sectors with shortages The report concludes that the government s reforms must focus on raising the quality rigour and profile of all apprenticeships not simply increasing apprenticeship numbers and concentrate growth on the industries that have the strongest demand for a skilled workforce Science Council comment There is an increasing demand for high quality vocational education However there remains an urgent need to address issues of the perception take up and quality assurance of science apprenticeships Linking apprenticeship standards to professional registration requirements where they exist can ensure that apprenticeships provide learners with a clear progression route to the next career level and transferrable skills demanded of employers If there is anything you would like to see in the next policy e briefing or you have any feedback please get in touch Kind regards Oliver O Hanlon Policy and Public Affairs Manager Hodgkin Huxley House 30 Farringdon Lane Clerkenwell London EC1R 3AW E enquiries sciencecouncil org T 020 3434 2020 W www sciencecouncil org Published by kind permission Copyright 2015 Science Council All rights reserved

Bulletin December 2015 41 Are you a budding photographer Why not enter the IAT photographic competition The IAT is running a competition that offers you the opportunity to see your photograph used on the front cover of the Bulletin or the Animal Technology and Welfare journal Prizes and what we are looking for Not only that but there are voucher prizes for the best three photographs There is a 1st prize of 75 a 2nd prize of 50 and a 3rd prize of 25 The IAT is especially looking for images relating to animal technology and animal images Please do not take any photographs inside your research facility without the appropriate permissions Digital image specifications To enter please send on more than two images the photos should be portrait orientated preferably with some clear space at the top and bottom to facilitate headers and footers They should be at least 2Mb in size should be in colour with clear well contrasted tones and should be supplied digitally in a JPEG TIFF or EPS format and have a resolution of no less than 300 dpi Deadlines and how we will decide on the winner The deadline for entering is Friday 29th January 2016 and the top 20 photographs will be selected by the communications group and will be displayed at the 2016 IAT Congress where delegates will have the opportunity to vote for their favourites Following Congress the winners will be notified and also announced in a later Bulletin By entering the competition you will provide the IAT with permission to use your photograph in its publications and other media To enter please send no more than 2 digital images to http www iat org uk machform view php id 8946 Best of luck Norman Mortell BA Hons MIAT RAnTech Chair Communications Group Institute of Animal Technology

Bulletin December 2015 DIARY Dates 18 December Closing date for Andrew Blake Tribute Award submissions See page 11 20 December Congress Early Bird Registration Close See page 8 2016 22 January Final dates to submit posters for Congress See pages 17 and 40 29 January IAT Photographic Competition Closing Date See page 41 1 February FRAME Training School in Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis Voss Norway Details from www nc3rs org uk 10 February SHS Branch AGM Talk and Demonstration on Canine Myotherapy Details from francesca whitmore apha gsi gov uk See page 41 12 February Royal Society of Biology An Introduction to Drug Discovery Birmingham Details from www rsb org uk 16 February West Middlesex 5th Annual Technician Day Central London Details from julie bee crick ac uk See page 31 25 February West Middlesex Branch AGM Central London Details from w steel imperial ac uk 8 11 March Congress 2016 Northern England Details from www iat org uk 27 June 8 July Laboratory Animal Science Course The Netherlands Details from www uu nl lascourse Cover photo Crested Porcupine Vince Ranaldi 43