Last week I attended the Science museum for a special evening focused on women in science. I'd recommend a visit to the museum during one of its evenings for adults, no children running around and there’s even a pub quiz.
I had the fortune to listen to a presentation by Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the astrophysicist that discovered Pulsars (large stars that emit radio signals all the way to earth) age 23.
A truly remarkable woman who has overcome significant gender discrimination during the 1960s as she was forging her career.
Jocelyn had been analysing reams and reams of data from a large listening outpost that picks up all sorts of astro-noise over the radio waves and discovered a recurring signal many would have dismissed. On her original notes the signal is marked by LGM (or Little Green Men) as its source couldn’t be identified – the LGM turned out to be BBS, (Big Bloody Stars) with unique characteristics that caused the radio emissions.
Fascinating stuff, and this relates very closely to a project Epoch has been supporting – BIG POTATOES: The London Manifesto for Innovation is a passionate manifesto calling for the UK to create a culture of science and technology akin to the era of the 1960s, when many great discoveries were made. In the post-war period society at large, policy makers and the world saw science as the answer to our challenges, not the problem (as is often the case today with many green camps and risk-adverse policy makers). For a passionate outline of BP listen to Professor James Woudhuysen on BBC Radio 4.
Epoch helped to unveil the manifesto during an event hosted at the Royal Society which attracted 90 guests including senior BBC and national journalists keen to hear and join the debate. There was a great panel of speakers:
o Munira Mirza, Mayor of London’s Director of Arts & Culture Policy
o James Wilsdon, Director of the Science Policy Centre, The Royal Society
o Dr Norman Lewis, Chief Innovation Officer, Open-Knowledge and former Director of Technology Research, Orange
o Stefan Stern, Management Columnist, Financial Times
o Eliot Forster, CEO Solace Pharmaceuticals
A wide range of salient points were made by the speakers one that struck me was Norman Lewis’ assertion that today, more than ever, we require new technologies and innovation if we are to a) create new industries and return to growth and b) tackle our energy challenge.
Munira Mirza was a thoroughly engaging speaker drawing parallels between the challenge that the arts and science share thanks to both ‘creativity’ and ‘innovation’ turning into buzz words which are over and improperly used. Another astute point related to the fact that in both science and the arts talent is not enough, our special artists and scientists require a solid foundation in the basics of their disciplines if they are to spot those magic areas of creativity and innovation. A point that Jocelyn made strongly at the Science Museum.
Eliot Forster was challenging and pointed out that of all the politicians in the science select committee only one has a science background. A dangerous situation if science & innovation are to be championed. He also made the point that we are facing an older and larger population than ever before - and who’s going to tell them they should accept lower standards of living? Science is the only answer to meeting the needs of society. It was also announced that Elliot is taking a CEO role at a global pharmaceutical company – congratulations Elliot!
James Wilsdon offered both praise and critique for the manifesto which was balanced and considered. Touching on one of the core issues James felt linear research was positive but that it is necessary to set some boundaries and that research demonstrate some tangible economic contribution in order to acquire funding.
Stefan Stern wrapped up proceedings giving a view from a PLC perspective. He pointed out that in publicly listed companies the pursuit of short-term ROI will always be a goal, and that leadership is critical to innovation. One such leader he pointed out is the CEO of GlaxoSmithKline, who regularly goes back to the floor, bypassing middle management, to discuss and understand the discoveries his scientists are making.
If you’re keen to learn more about the manifesto there is a dedicated website which welcomes responses from the scientific community, technologists and interested parties.