National Astronomy Meeting, Portsmouth (United Kingdom), 23rd–26th June, 2014

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-137
Author(s):  
Pamela Armstrong

Around six hundred astronomers and space scientists gathered at the University of Portsmouth in June 2014 for the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting (NAM). NAM is one of the largest professional astronomy conferences in Europe, and this year’s gathering included the UK Solar Physics annual meeting as well as attendance from the magnetosphere, ionosphere and solar-terrestrial physics community. Conference tracks ranged from discussion of the molecular universe to cosmic chronometers, and from spectroscopic cosmology to industrial applications of astrophysics and astronomy.

2021 ◽  
Vol 855 (1) ◽  
pp. 012015
Author(s):  
B Dams ◽  
D Maskell ◽  
A Shea ◽  
S Allen ◽  
V Cascione ◽  
...  

Abstract Non-residential circular construction projects using bio-based materials have been realised in the United Kingdom. Case studies include the Adnams Distribution Centre, the University of East Anglia’s Enterprise Centre and the British Science Museum’s hempcrete storage facility. The bio-based buildings utilise the natural properties of bio-based materials to insulate and regulate internal environments, particularly with reducing fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity, which can be harmful to sensitive stored products and artefacts. Projects have been successful on both on environmental and physical performance levels; however, they have not led to a subsequent proliferation of non-residential large-scale circular projects within the UK using emerging bio-based materials. This study examines why and uses analysis based upon exclusive interviews with key figures associated with bio-based case studies. Challenges faced include the ability to upscale production by manufacturers of bio-based materials, problems surrounding initial costs, gaining accreditation for materials, the vested interests present in the construction industry and levels of knowledge among clients and construction professionals. Potential upscaling solutions identified include long-term financial savings on running costs and high staff productivity, policies regarding grants, incentives and planning applications and local economic regeneration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
pp. 243-265
Author(s):  
R. W. Munn ◽  
D. R. Taylor

Robert Neville Haszeldine was particularly associated with fluorine chemistry. He did outstanding synthetic work on inorganic and organic fluorocarbon derivatives, including fluoroalkyl Grignard and lithium reagents; fluoroalkyl derivatives of mercury, phosphorus, nitrogen and sulphur; fluoroalkyl silicones; fluoro-olefins; and hexafluorobenzene, pentafluoropyridine and their derivatives. He also made major contributions to the study of free-radical addition reactions and developed new routes to carbenes. He discovered a new class of polymers by copolymerizing a nitroso-compound with an olefin or fluoro-olefin to give the –N–O–C–C– repeating unit. His research revealed a mastery of modern ideas on the mechanism of organic and inorganic reactions coupled with outstanding experimental skill and originality. His work yielded over 500 publications, plus more than 150 patents concerning industrial applications of fluorocarbons, and he was awarded several medals. As head of chemistry at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) he developed a world-class fluorine research group and oversaw a new building for the department, which became one of the largest in the UK. Later, as principal of UMIST, he instigated academic developments just before the government severely cut university funding and imposed full-cost fees for overseas students, drastically reducing UMIST's income. His crisis plan for budget cuts proved divisive, and he took early retirement, citing intolerable financial pressures on UMIST. Initially, he continued with consultancy; later, he became deeply involved with his local community, and created a garden that received local and national recognition, including a plant variety named after him.


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