Scientists a beacon for our region

Nov 26 2009 by Stewart Watkins, The Journal

PROOF, if proof were needed, of the future potential of the scientific community in the North East was given this month when two Durham scientists were singled out for recognition at top industry awards.

Mark Raine from the Department of Physics at Durham University, and Joe Atherton also from Durham University won first and second prizes respectively at The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Awards for Young Scientists.

The awards recognise excellence and aim to encourage young scientists and engineers to promote and raise awareness of emerging micro and nanotechnologies.

As well as being a tremendous accolade for the two outstanding scientists, the awards will also help to highlight the strength of the North East in this sector and raise its profile outside the scientific community.

Mark Raine won first prize for his research into superconducting material niobium carbontride and his research could lead to significant improvements in superconducting magnets and improve MRI scanners, energy storage devices and fusion reactors.

Joe Atherton won second prize for his research into microfabrication technologies to create thermoelectric temperature sensors. The aim of Joe’s project is to create a probe capable of determining the thermal properties of plant leaves. This would allow real-time monitoring of the water needs of a crop, enabling tailored irrigation to conserve water and improve crop yields.

A major aim of these awards is to demonstrate the potential for the application of scientific research to genuine social issues. With this in mind, the awards aim to develop closer links between the business world and that of science and technology, and provide networking opportunities between researchers and members of UK and international business communities.

They aim to show how science can be applied to real life and help provide solutions to social and business problems.

The North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield is developed along these lines, focusing on the commercialisation of scientific and technological research work.

It is crucial that science is employed as a tool and its potential is maximised for the benefit of society.

I am encouraged and proud that these awards have gone to North East scientists which serves to highlight the calibre of work being done in our region.

Stewart Watkins is managing director of the County Durham Development Company