That this House is deeply saddened by the death of Professor Stephen Hawking, the remarkable physicist, cosmologist and author, whose brilliance and persistence in the exploration of science inspired millions around the globe, notably through his book A Brief History of Time which helped non-scientists understand fundamental questions of physics and our existence; recalls his many contributions to the study of quantum theory and theoretical cosmology; notes his election to the Royal Society at the young age of 32, and his work as Lucasian professor of mathematics at Cambridge; offers its condolences to his family; and expresses its hope that his legacy of looking up at the stars, and not down at his feet, will be remembered for generations to come.

That this House is deeply saddened by the death of Professor Stephen Hawking, the remarkable physicist, cosmologist and author, whose brilliance and persistence in the exploration of science inspired millions around the globe, notably through his book A Brief History of Time which helped non-scientists understand fundamental questions of physics...

That this House notes the Christmas Reception for Science and Engineering held on 6 December 2017; congratulates the Royal Society of Biology for its leadership on behalf of the science and engineering community working closely with the Physiological Society, the Institute of Physics, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Biochemical Society, the British Pharmacological Society, the Geological Society, the Society for Applied Microbiology, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the British Ecological Society, the Nutrition Society and the Society for Experimental Biology; further notes that these societies created the Parliamentary Award for Contribution to Science; notes that this has been awarded to the hon. Member for Mid Norfolk, the right hon. the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, the Baroness O'Neill of Bengarve and the Lord Oxburgh; notes that the Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Cause of Science was given to the former hon. Member for Bolton South-East from 1997 to 2010, Dr Brian Iddon; and applauds the work of all scientific societies in seeking to build better links between the science community and all right hon. and hon. Members to the benefit of the UK.

That this House notes the Christmas Reception for Science and Engineering held on 6 December 2017; congratulates the Royal Society of Biology for its leadership on behalf of the science and engineering community working closely with the Physiological Society, the Institute of Physics, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, the...

That this House expresses its most sincere congratulations to Professor Mike Nicholson at the University of Cambridge for his pioneering research in kidney transplantation, which has already had a positive impact on the lives of kidney patients in the UK; commends Professor Nicholson for advancing the normothermic (warm) perfusion technique which warms and flushes the donor kidney to restore metabolism and function prior to transplantation; notes that this has allowed for the successful transplantation of kidneys previously declined by all UK transplant centres; and further notes that this work has been made possible by funding from Kidney Research UK and will help even more people live free from the life-limiting effects of kidney disease.

That this House expresses its most sincere congratulations to Professor Mike Nicholson at the University of Cambridge for his pioneering research in kidney transplantation, which has already had a positive impact on the lives of kidney patients in the UK; commends Professor Nicholson for advancing the normothermic (warm) perfusion technique...

That this House congratulates The Royal Society of Biology on organising this year's Parliamentary Links Day on 28 June 2016 on behalf of the science and engineering community; notes the timely theme of Science After the Referendum: What Next?; welcomes the Society's continuing commitment to serving the public interest by improving the access of all hon. Members to scientific information and a better understanding of science; further notes the involvement of the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, the British Pharmacological Society, the Biochemical Society, the Society for Endocrinology, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Microbiology Society and the Society for Experimental Biology and many others; notes that the event will be launched by Mr Speaker and will include contributions from the hon. Member for Orpington, the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon and the Vice President of the Royal Society Professor Alex Halliday, among others; notes the contributions from many other eminent scientists and communicators; notes that Parliamentary Links Day is an established and respected event on the annual parliamentary calendar; notes that the Society of Biology and the scientific community remains committed to assisting right hon. and hon. Members on all sides of the House with access to scientific advice; and further welcomes the continuing contribution that Parliamentary Links Day makes to strengthening the dialogue between Parliament and the science and engineering community.

That this House congratulates The Royal Society of Biology on organising this year's Parliamentary Links Day on 28 June 2016 on behalf of the science and engineering community; notes the timely theme of Science After the Referendum: What Next?; welcomes the Society's continuing commitment to serving the public interest by...

That this House celebrates 250 years since the invention of the condensing steam engine by Greenock-born inventor James Watt; appreciates that Watt's improvements to the steam engine enabled the industrial revolution, and a significant advancement of our scientific knowledge to take place; believes that Watt's achievements in the fields of science and engineering were fundamental to the wealth that our society enjoys today; acknowledges Watt's membership of the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Edinburgh; and notes that the anniversary of this notable scientific milestone is an opportunity to increase recognition of James Watt and his important legacy in Inverclyde and beyond.

That this House celebrates 250 years since the invention of the condensing steam engine by Greenock-born inventor James Watt; appreciates that Watt's improvements to the steam engine enabled the industrial revolution, and a significant advancement of our scientific knowledge to take place; believes that Watt's achievements in the fields of...

That this House marks the thirtieth anniversary of the advertisement placed in The Times on 13 January 1986 by 1,500 scientists which called on the public to ask their hon. Members to save British science before it is too late; notes that at that time concern was expressed about the brain drain abroad and the loss of research in the UK due to declining budgets; further notes that the organisation entitled Save British Science was established as a result and was later renamed the Campaign for Science and Engineering; applauds the work that both organisations have done over the last thirty years to promote UK science; and finally welcomes the efforts that the UK science and engineering community make to strengthen links between Science and Parliament.

That this House marks the thirtieth anniversary of the advertisement placed in The Times on 13 January 1986 by 1,500 scientists which called on the public to ask their hon. Members to save British science before it is too late; notes that at that time concern was expressed about the...

That this House is appalled by the recent announcement of a further 51 scientist job cuts at Royal Botanical Kew Gardens on 28 November 2014; notes that these job cuts will result in the loss of over 1,000 years of scientific expertise; deeply regrets that staff were told via email that they were no longer required and that, if these scientists are not found other positions, Kew will lose up to 40 per cent of its scientific staff; supports the PCS and Prospect trade unions in their demand that vacancies within the new structure should be filled by existing staff rather than by recruiting external, less experienced candidates and losing hundreds of years' worth of invaluable experience; further notes the hugely detrimental impact such redundancies will have on the vitally important work carried out at Kew on a daily basis; and calls on the Government to urgently halt these further redundancies in order to allow the new structure put in place at Kew to take effect and to fully engage with staff and unions in order to save as many key scientific posts as possible.

That this House is appalled by the recent announcement of a further 51 scientist job cuts at Royal Botanical Kew Gardens on 28 November 2014; notes that these job cuts will result in the loss of over 1,000 years of scientific expertise; deeply regrets that staff were told via email...

That this House commends the contribution to computer science by Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace who was born in London in 1815 and was daughter of Lord and Baroness Byron; notes that Ada Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer because of her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer and her notes on the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine; further notes that Ada's mother promoted an interest in mathematics and logic in her daughter; notes that Ada's vision for computing expanded beyond calculations and inspired modern computing in the work of Alan Turing a century later; and calls on the Government to ensure that young women are encouraged to pursue careers in science.

That this House commends the contribution to computer science by Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace who was born in London in 1815 and was daughter of Lord and Baroness Byron; notes that Ada Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer because of her work on Charles Babbage's...

That this House is aware that science helps to drive the UK's economy, with the nation being home to a number of extremely innovative high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises and companies, and our universities being well regarded for their production of world class research, while also at the same time delivering high levels of education and training for the benefit of both national and regional companies; notes, however, that UK investment in science has been held flat since 2010 whilst our international competitors are actively and strategically increasing their overall spend in these areas; and urges the Government immediately to make a long-term commitment to our knowledge and economy by raising its investment in research and development to at least that of the EU average by the end of the next Parliament.

That this House is aware that science helps to drive the UK's economy, with the nation being home to a number of extremely innovative high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises and companies, and our universities being well regarded for their production of world class research, while also at the same time...

That this House is aware of the importance of science to the nation; notes, however, that in many schools, chemistry teachers do not even have a chemistry degree, there also being an acute shortage of specialist science subject leaders; further notes that evidence shows that teachers who have a specialist background in the subject they teach have a positive impact on a child's education, particularly in science; and calls on the Government immediately to invest in this sector to ensure children are offered science education at a more qualified and specialised level.

That this House is aware of the importance of science to the nation; notes, however, that in many schools, chemistry teachers do not even have a chemistry degree, there also being an acute shortage of specialist science subject leaders; further notes that evidence shows that teachers who have a specialist...

That this House celebrates the launch of the Society of Biology's third nationwide Biology Week 2014 from 13 to 19 October 2014; notes that among its key objectives is a commitment to encourage an interest in science among young people; congratulates the Society for its initiative and the range of innovative events and activities that have been organised; further congratulates the Society for its wider role in promoting events in Parliament on behalf of the science and engineering community to assist hon. and Right hon. Members in their understanding of science; applauds the efforts that are being made throughout the UK, especially by teachers in primary and secondary schools, to revitalise the science curriculum and to convey the excitement of science to pupils and students; further notes the wide range of activities organised by the Society in local communities all over the country which are designed to illustrate and focus on the vital role of biology and the biological sciences; further notes that on 15 October 2014 the parliamentary launch of Biology Week is co-sponsored by the hon. Members for Ellesmere Port and Neston, South Basildon and East Thurrock, and Cambridge; and further notes the unrivalled contribution that the study of biology and the biological sciences have made and continue to make to our understanding of nature, to the quality of life and to the knowledge economy of the 21st century.

That this House celebrates the launch of the Society of Biology's third nationwide Biology Week 2014 from 13 to 19 October 2014; notes that among its key objectives is a commitment to encourage an interest in science among young people; congratulates the Society for its initiative and the range of...

That this House commends the contribution to medical science by Elizabeth Garrett Anderson who was born in London in 1836; notes that in 1865, Dr Anderson was the first Englishwoman to qualify as a doctor after passing the Society of Apothecaries' examinations; praises Dr Anderson's work in 1866 to establish a dispensary for women in London; further notes that in 1870 Dr Anderson was made a visiting physician to the East London Hospital and in 1872 she founded the New Hospital for Women in London, which was staffed entirely by women; further notes that Dr Anderson helped found the London School of Medicine for Women in 1874 and was appointed dean in 1883; further notes that because of Dr Anderson's pioneering work an Act was passed in 1876 that permitted women to enter medical professions; further notes that during her retirement in Aldeburgh in Suffolk, Dr Anderson became the first female mayor in England in 1908; and calls on the Government to ensure that young women are encouraged to pursue careers in science.

That this House commends the contribution to medical science by Elizabeth Garrett Anderson who was born in London in 1836; notes that in 1865, Dr Anderson was the first Englishwoman to qualify as a doctor after passing the Society of Apothecaries' examinations; praises Dr Anderson's work in 1866 to establish...

That this House congratulates the Society of Biology on organising this year's Parliamentary Links Day on 24 June 2014 on behalf of the science and engineering community; applauds the theme of Science and Public Trust; welcomes the Society's continuing commitment to serve the public interest by improving the access of all hon. Members to scientific information and a better understanding of science; notes the involvement of the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, the British Pharmacological Society, the Biochemical Society, the Society for Endocrinology, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society for Applied Microbiology and the Society for Experimental Biology and many others; further notes that there will be keynote addresses by Sir Mark Walport, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill, and the President of the Royal Society, Sir Paul Nurse; further notes the contributions from many other eminent scientists and communicators; further notes that Parliamentary Links Day is an established and respected event on the annual Parliamentary calendar; further notes that the Society of Biology and the scientific community remains committed to assisting right hon. and hon. Members on all sides of the House with access to scientific advice; and further welcomes the continuing contribution that Parliamentary Links Day makes to strengthening the dialogue between Parliament and the science and engineering community.

That this House congratulates the Society of Biology on organising this year's Parliamentary Links Day on 24 June 2014 on behalf of the science and engineering community; applauds the theme of Science and Public Trust; welcomes the Society's continuing commitment to serve the public interest by improving the access of...

That this House wishes to congratulate Professor Lesley Yellowlees CBE BSc PhD FRSC FRSE on her term as President of the Royal Society of Chemistry which is coming to an end in July 2014; notes that Professor Yellowlees became the first female President of the Royal Society of Chemistry when she was appointed in 2012; further notes Professor Yellowlees' work on public engagement in science and the promotion of women in science, earning her University of Edinburgh department an Athena Swan silver award for good practice in supporting women in science; praises Professor Yellowlees for her important work on solar energy, dye-sensitive solar cells and for being a pioneer in the field of spectroelectrochemistry through her breakthroughs with ruthenium dye; wishes Professor Yellowlees well in her next endeavours; and calls on the Government to increase funding for science research so Britain can stay at the forefront of scientific discovery.

That this House wishes to congratulate Professor Lesley Yellowlees CBE BSc PhD FRSC FRSE on her term as President of the Royal Society of Chemistry which is coming to an end in July 2014; notes that Professor Yellowlees became the first female President of the Royal Society of Chemistry when...

That this House notes the proposed takeover of AstraZeneca by Pfizer, in what would be the largest ever takeover of a British firm; further notes that AstraZeneca employs nearly 7,000 people in the UK and accounts for more than two per cent of UK goods exports; expresses concern about the future employment in the UK of staff currently working for AstraZeneca, including at the existing sites in Macclesfield and Alderley Park and the planned global headquarters and research and development site in Cambridge; and calls on the Government to act as necessary to protect employment and skills in the UK, ensure that the development of the new headquarters in Cambridge continues as planned, with the associated infrastructure needs, and ensure that the UK continues to be a world-leader in science and pharmaceuticals research and development.

That this House notes the proposed takeover of AstraZeneca by Pfizer, in what would be the largest ever takeover of a British firm; further notes that AstraZeneca employs nearly 7,000 people in the UK and accounts for more than two per cent of UK goods exports; expresses concern about the...

That this House commends the contribution to science by Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell; notes that she was born in Belfast in 1943; further notes that as a postgraduate student she discovered the first radio pulsars and was listed second on the paper announcing the discovery; further notes that her supervisor shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for this work; further notes that although she was not honoured by the Nobel Committee, numerous other organisations have honoured her for her discovery; further notes that Bell Burnell was the President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 2002 to 2004 and the first female President of the Institute of Physics from October 2008 to 2010; further notes that in February 2014 Bell Burnell was made President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the first woman to hold this position; and calls on the Government to ensure that young women are encouraged to pursue careers in science.

That this House commends the contribution to science by Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell; notes that she was born in Belfast in 1943; further notes that as a postgraduate student she discovered the first radio pulsars and was listed second on the paper announcing the discovery; further notes that her...

That this House recognises and commends the contribution to science made by Margaret Ann Bulkley (aka James Barry); notes that in 1809, upon arrival in Scotland from Ireland, she adopted the name James Barry and chose to live as a man in order to be accepted as a student at the University of Edinburgh Medical School to pursue a career as a surgeon at a time when most male doctors were opposed to having women doctors; further notes that this was over 60 years before the Medical Act 1876 achieved Royal Assent, granting registration to physicians regardless of gender, thus making her the first British woman to become a qualified doctor; acknowledges that while serving as a British Army surgeon in India and Cape Town, South Africa, she reorganised medical care with a strong emphasis on public health, campaigning against unsanitary medical practices and over-crowding in hospitals; further notes that the hospital in which she worked had the highest recovery rate of any hospital during the Crimean War; further recognises that in 1826 she performed the first caesarean section in Africa by a British surgeon in which both the mother and child survived; and calls on the Government to do more to ensure that young people, particularly young women, are encouraged to pursue careers in science.

That this House recognises and commends the contribution to science made by Margaret Ann Bulkley (aka James Barry); notes that in 1809, upon arrival in Scotland from Ireland, she adopted the name James Barry and chose to live as a man in order to be accepted as a student at...

That this House recognises and commends the contribution to science by Beatrix Potter; notes that, from an early age, she was studying and recording the characteristics of a wide variety of animals, birds and insects in a home-made sketchbook; further notes that in April 1897 she presented a scientific paper, Germination of the spores of the Agaricineae, to the Linnean Society of London, despite male opposition from within the Society; also recognises that she was the first person to postulate in a scientific paper that lichens are symbiotic life forms; further recognises that the Linnean Society held a meeting in her honour 100 years after she submitted her paper; believes that as a pioneer for women in science, she is a role model for young women, who can draw inspiration from her life's work and commitment to scientific endeavour; and calls on the Government to do more to ensure that young people, particularly young women, are encouraged to pursue careers in science.

That this House recognises and commends the contribution to science by Beatrix Potter; notes that, from an early age, she was studying and recording the characteristics of a wide variety of animals, birds and insects in a home-made sketchbook; further notes that in April 1897 she presented a scientific paper,...