Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS takes up the role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) today after being appointed by the Prime Minister in February.
Safety will be a central part of Great Britain’s move to Net Zero the top scientist at the country’s workplace regulator says.
The government has committed to decarbonising our economy by 2050 and that will involve embracing new technologies.
Professor Andrew Curran, Director of Science at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and a member of the government’s Chief Scientific Advisers Network, says scientists at HSE are already working to address challenges presented by the move to Net Zero.
The safe use of lithium-ion batteries, testing hydrogen-fuelled vehicles in tunnels, and the safety of hydrogen as a potential fuel for flights are just some areas where HSE scientists are safe-guarding safety during the introduction of Net Zero technologies.
This work is highlighted in the annual HSE science review published today (March 28).
Professor Curran said: “HSE scientists have a key role to play here. Bringing together scientific expertise and Britain’s proud health and safety record, they have spent more than 20 years identifying and tackling emerging safety challenges to enable the safe introduction of net zero energy technologies. They have worked with policymakers, industry, and researchers around the world.
“By doing so HSE is playing an important role in enabling a safe pathway to reaching net zero by 2050.”
In addition to work on net zero safety, ensuring the learning from the COVID-19 National Core Study enables future pandemic preparedness, and the authorisation of the first UK application of a pesticide using a drone are some of the other case studies captured in HSE’s Annual Science Review.
Read more about HSE’s case studies highlighted in this year’s Annual Science Review.
To hear HSE scientists and engineers presenting 5 min ‘Turbo Talks’ on their work, please join us for the 2023 HSE Annual Science Review launch seminar, online, at 1pm on 20 April. To register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hse-2023-annual-science-review-seminar-tickets-598384804057
Notes to editors:
Two new members have been appointed to the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology.
Scientists of the future got to see at first hand the excellent work that goes on at the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Science and Research Centre in Buxton.
A-Level students from Meadowhead School in Sheffield spent time at the specialist facility meeting HSE scientists and hearing from them about their careers, career paths and academic route into science.
The visit, organised by HSE, encourages students to think about science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) as a future career.
A group of 21 students started the day with a tour of the wider site, looking at the experimental facilities and test rigs and received an overview of the type of projects and science-based work that has been conducted in Buxton over the years.
Smaller groups of students based on their A-level choices then spent time with relevant specialists including engineers, biochemists, fire and explosives specialists, analytical chemists, human factors specialists, toxicologists, noise and vibration specialists, ventilation specialists, and microbiologists.
Professor Andrew Curran, HSE’s Director of Science, said: “We are very proud of all our facilities and our specialist scientists, engineers and analysts at Buxton and this visit allowed students to speak to our inspirational scientists who were able to showcase some of their work first hand.
“We hope we’ve helped broaden the students’ views of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and maths by showing them areas of work they may not have considered before and how rewarding a career in STEM can be.
“Visits like this are really important as they can trigger a ‘wow’ moment for a student which inspires them to take a new direction in their career.”
HSE’s Science and Research Centre is set on a 550-acre site in Buxton, Derbyshire, and accommodates an impressive inventory of laboratory and large-scale testing facilities.
Around 380 scientists, engineers, occupational health and hygiene specialists and support professionals are based at the site. Here they provide the research and evidence that HSE requires to underpin its regulatory activities, protect people and places and make Great Britain one of the safest places in the world to work.
Cerys Evans, careers leader at Meadowhead school and sixth form, added: “Students were keen to find STEM-related work experience, but were struggling to find the right settings within travelling distance, which is where the team at HSE stepped in.
“Students found out about the work carried out at the centre, touring the facilities, hearing from specialists, and finding out more about specific experimental activity linked to biology, chemistry, physics, human factors and engineering.
“Students will then put together a presentation of their experience to be shared with younger students at school. Many thanks to HSE for offering our students this great opportunity to explore STEM careers.”
Notes to editors:
In belated celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), this week’s selection comes from Emmeline Ledgerwood, Voices of Science Web Coordinator. In 2005 the Athena Swan Charter was launched to encourage higher education and research institutions to support the advancement of women working in…