CSci : About : Profiles

About CSci

Helen Wright

MSc CSci CChem CEnv MCIWEM

I started out as a Chemist in the water industry, working on the analysis and testing of rivers, focussing on potable water. From there I went on to spend three years at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa looking at innovative techniques such as mass spectrometry and NMR, which was a great learning experience.

I then joined Strathclyde Regional Council where I was Senior Enforcement Officer responsible for looking at trade effluents, their impact on sewers and ultimately the sewage works. I dealt with developing consent conditions for what could enter sewers, from whisky manufacturers to cheese traders in Campbelltown – I came across a fascinating range of types of trade waste. Later, I moved to the British Standards Institute to work on ISO14001, the environmental management standard against which organisations are assessed.

Currently, I am the Environment Manager for O2 UK where my work centres on the development and implementation of corporate risk based strategies for managing the environment, with clear focus on organisational alignment. The biggest environmental impact for us as a Company is energy usage and it is a challenge to decrease our carbon footprint whilst continuing to grow the network but I believe that reducing energy consumption is critical to building a sustainable business. We have already set goals for energy reduction and waste management.

I have been a Chartered Chemist through the Royal Society of Chemistry for many years, but as my work has taken me into new areas, I have sought membership of other professional bodies such as CIWEM, and more recently I became a Chartered Scientist. The work I do on climate change modelling uses other science disciplines and so I found that being defined first and foremost as a scientist was more relevant.

The Science Council is a wonderful platform for scientists with expertise in such diverse areas to come together. It allows us all to learn from each other and broadens networking opportunities.

Bob Patton CSci CPsychol AFBPsS I have been a member of the BPS for over 20 years, as a student, a graduate member, an associate fellow and finally as a chartered psychologist.

Professor Stephen Palmer CSci CPsychol CBiol AFBPsS Membership of professional bodies is an important part of one’s career development. They provide a framework for recognised qualifications and continuing professional development.

Bob Sargent CSci CEnv FCIWEM CIWEM is in many ways a natural home for an environmental hydrologist like me, but I recognise it may not meet the needs of all people.

Helen Wright MSc CSci CChem CEnv MCIWEM I started out as a Chemist in the water industry, working on the analysis and testing of rivers, focussing on potable water.

Nigel Pattenden CSci FIFST I currently work as a Senior Food Technologist at Marks and Spencer, where I oversee the safety and quality of the food sold through the Delicatessen category, the largest category in the M&S Food Group.

Ruma Tamuli CSci MIFST My interest in joining a professional body was at first mainly to have my qualifications and experience recognised and to be differentiated from less qualified personnel.

Professor Pankaj Vadgama CSci CChem CPhys FRCPath FInst I was nominated to become a Chartered Scientist by the Institute of Materials, of which I am a Fellow, in a special presentation evening.disciplines, involving biomolecules, chemistry and metals.

Dr Christopher Corti CSci CEng FIMMM Dr Christopher Corti has over 25 years experience in the precious metals industry. As Managing Director, International Technology sector at World Gold Council, London.

Dr Heather Thompson CSci CBiol MEI Dr Heather Thompson is the Energy and Environmental Management Systems Officer for one of Northern Ireland’s largest local authorities.

Don Lack CSci FEI I have been a member of a professional body since starting at Nene College in 1970 and as my work experience changed and specialised over the years I became a member of the Energy Institute, where I am now a Fellow.

Professor Sir Christopher Evans OBE CSci CChem FRSC Sir Chris Evans is regarded as one of Europe’s leading biotechnology entrepreneurs with a proven track record of establishing successful, high quality science companies.

Dr Mark Heslop CSci MIChemE As a Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, my duties include teaching undergraduate courses, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students, and carrying out research projects.

Nira Chamberlain CSci MIMA I am a Chartered Scientist and a member of the Institute of Mathematics and its Application (IMA). Since 2002, I have been a Mathematical Modelling Consultant for the LSC Group.

Dr Liz Campbell CSci CPsychol AFBPsS I am a member of the British Psychological Society, the professional and learned body for psychologists in the UK. The British Psychological Society has its own Royal Charter for awarding professional awards.