CSci : About : Profiles

About CSci

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. I already held Chartered awards for Chemistry and Physics, as well as being a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, but I feel that CSci best represents the breadth of disciplines that my current work spans.

Having graduated from the University of Newcastle in Medicine, and somewhat unusually gone on to complete a Chemistry degree, I chose to specialise in Chemical Pathology. From there, my research interest moved into chemical devices used in the blood and body. When I moved to Queen Mary University to take up a more materials oriented position, I joined the IOM3 where I was admitted as a fellow.

In my current role as Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials, I run a research group on Biosensors – which monitor biochemicals in patient samples, such as glucose levels in diabetics – as well as working to develop a centre for research into materials for bone, tissue and dental replacement. The work bridges several disciplines, involving biomolecules, chemistry and metals. In addition, I manage a Clinical Biochemistry Department consisting of a large number of medical scientists, several of whom are themselves Chartered Scientists.

I believe that among the benefits of CSci are that it allows you to aspire to both self-development and quality standards in your professional work. It is also a strong link across disciplines – allowing recognition across subject boundaries and setting a fixed benchmark across the board. Society increasingly expects us to operate at certain professional levels, and we have a responsibility to our own profession and to wider society to show ourselves in that way. I think of CSci as the lingua franca of quality and proficiency.

The Science Council, through its diversity, is potentially an excellent forum across the disciplines. It’s essential that we break out of our disciplines, and their Science in Health group for example is a valuable means to achieve this.

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.