UK harnesses space technology to tackle global environmental challenges

A centre dedicated to harnessing space technology for environmental research has been launched. Science minister Lord Drayson, spoke at the launch:

"Society is relying on science for answers to the most complex and daunting environmental challenges facing the planet. The launch of the National Centre for Earth Observation represents the UK's determination to use the full potential of space technology for environmental research and make the most of this country's considerable expertise.

"Satellites offer a unique perspective on the interconnected processes that are shaping our world. Research undertaken at the NCEO will bring together seismologists, oceanographers and computer modellers to analyse data generated from British satellites and from European Space Agency programmes. In particular, I'm pleased to report that the NCEO will provide an essential national resource for the ESA Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme, which the UK government has recently invested &pound82m.

"In short, this centre will help to understand and tackle some of the biggest global challenges of the 21st Century."

More at: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/press/releases/2009/04-nceo.asp

Change Exchange

The Change Exchange blog has been created to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week (6-15 March 2009), a national celebration of science which sees millions of people attending events and taking part in activities across the country. We want you to submit your comments on what you would like to see happen in the future and what you don’t want to see...

what are your hopes and concerns on the future of science and engineering?
Are you worried that your house will flood?
Nervous at the thought of choosing characteristics for babies?
Looking forward to the first person to walk on Mars?
Or just want the trains to run on time?

This is your chance to discuss your thoughts with scientists and engineers and to find out what the possibilities are of these becoming realities....!Add your comments to our dedicated website www.changeexchange.org.uk.
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National Science and Engineering Week: 6 - 15 March 2009

National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW) is a ten day celebration of science, engineering and technology which will run from the 6 - 15 March 2009. Last year around 1.4 million people attended over 3,500 events across the UK and this year we aim to make it even bigger!

National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the British Science Association, funded by DIUS (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills), in partnership with the ETB (Engineering Technology Board) and is made possible by the hard work and effort of hundreds of event organisers around the country.

Click here for more information.

BLOOD HOUND

The BLOODHOUND Project - which aims to break the world land speed record by achieving 1,000mph - is an iconic adventure that will push technology to its limit. BLOODHOUND SSC provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The BLOODHOUND Education Programme will be available to all pupils from primary and secondary schools, and to students in further and higher education. Lesson ideas are available now.

Robotic Surgeon

The "Trauma Pod" robotic operating room could one day carry out emergency procedures while transporting soldiers to the nearest field hospital. (from New Scientist)

Highlights from Pioneers 09

A Daisyphone, Virtual Cocoon and a ‘Smart’ house for people with dementia were just some of the highlights featured at our major research exhibition, Pioneers 09, held on 4 March 2009.

The event brought together forward-thinking UK researchers and business people. It included a dynamic, interactive exhibition highlighting examples of leading-edge university research from over 20 top UK research groups.

There were talks from director of the Bloodhound SSC land-speed record team, Richard Noble and a debate about internet privacy led by BBC science journalist Quentin Cooper, featuring industry expert Tom llube. We also held a Dragon’s Den style workshop where scientists will pitch research ideas to a panel of venture capitalists.

Hear from some of the key exhibitors in the Pioneer Podcast.

ESRC Festival of Social Science 2009: the wider picture

Social science plays an important part in all our lives. It shows that science is not just test tubes and technology but involves people and society too.

It helps us to make sense of the key issues in the changing world around us such as the implications of global financial crisis, climate change, nuclear power or nanotechnology; or the implications of social issues such as ageing, immigration and population change.

Running from Friday 6th March to Sunday 15th March the ESRC Festival of Social Science, organised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), will celebrate some of the very best British social science research, highlighting the ways in which it makes a difference to all our lives.

More than 30 UK towns and cities, from Glasgow to Brighton, Belfast to Swansea as well as many places in between, are hosting events during the Festival. Over 100 events are being organised during the Festival ranging from conferences to workshops and debates, exhibitions, film screenings, policy briefings and much more. Plus if you can't make it, there are even virtual events taking place across the week online.

Whether it is school children tramping through the Peak District on a 'Moorland Walk' or getting to grips with the implications of the current financial crisis for business and individuals; discovering the social life of plants or exploring whether teenage behaviour is biological in origin, this Festival has something to capture everyone's interest.

Broadly speaking, social scientists study society, how we behave and our impact on the world around us.

Professor Ian Diamond, Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council points out that: "Year on year, the ESRC funds world class research into areas of national and international importance, such as the economy, crime, health, and the environment. The Festival is an opportunity not just to showcase our research but for people to find out more about the vital role of social science in our everyday lives."

The events during the Festival will touch on many issues affecting Britain today such as:

• The "credit crunch": consequences for UK households
• Exploring food, connecting communities
• Rural England in the 21st Century
• Lincoln and Darwin: live for one night only
• What's social about sport?
• Street arts: people and places at play
• Natural burial: do we need a headstone?
• Grandparenting: the challenge of "being there" and "not interfering"
• Talent and autism
• The social life of plants
• Feeding the future city
• The 2008 crash and the future of the global economy

Further information on the full range of events can be found at the Festival website