RSC Policy Bulletin 8

February 2008

The Rt. Honourable Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Competitiveness, introduces the latest issue of the Policy Bulletin highlighting the role of industrial biotechnology in wealth creation.  The Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) needs to create the right business environment for the UK to prosper.  Inside the issue is a discussion of the Government's plans to simplify business support and encourage growth and innovation.

Also discussed are the massive global challenges that need to be overcome to achieve sustainable water supplies for all, and the role of the EU's new energy policy in tackling climate change.  The opportunities, challenges and ethical questions surrounding the new field of synthetic biology, through which new life can ultimately be created, are considered.  An update of the Chemistry for our Future project, which aims to inspire children to study chemistry, is also given.

Hard copies of the Policy Bulletin can be provided upon request by contacting Sarah Dickinson.