County setting new frontiers in science (From Western Telegraph)

County setting new frontiers in science

PEMBROKESHIRE made its mark in the world of science, both nationally and internationally, last week.

Top marine scientists from the UK and abroad gathered at Pembrokeshire College for a two-day international conference organised by the Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival.

Local speakers set the scene by discussing what is special about the marine environment of Pembrokeshire.

Professor Anthony Campbell, director of the Darwin Centre, then described his vision for a sabbatical educational centre in Pembrokeshire focusing on marine science.

A wider perspective was given by a range of speakers, including contributors from the Southampton Oceanography Centre and top marine scientists from the USA.

Round table workshops discussed the way ahead for the Darwin Centre as a flagship project for Pembrokeshire.

A significant step forward has been taken with the award of £102,500 Objective One funding for a feasibility study.

"The aim of the study will be to define science and entrepreneurial activity that will make a Darwin sabbatical centre sustainable in what must be one of the most wonderful and inspiring natural environments in Wales," said Professor Campbell.

The presentations at the conference were of an outstanding quality and were received with great enthusiasm by a packed audience on both days. After taking over the reins as project manager of the Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival in March, Elizabeth Gossage had the daunting task of organising the two-day conference and she was thanked for her work by chairman Dr Gillian Todd, who also expressed her appreciation to everyone involved in event.

Dr Todd also referred to the support received from Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Development Agency and ELWa.

CAPTION: Pictured with (front) local AM Christine Gwyther, who made the opening speech at the two-day conference, and Professor Anthony Campbell, warden and director of the Darwin Festival, are some of the speakers (left to right): Julian Cremona, warden and director of Dale Fort Field Centre; Dr Robin Crump, recently retired as warden of Orielton Field Centre; Professor James Morin, Kingsbury director, Shoals Marine Laboratory, and Professor of Biology at Cornell University; Professor William Ward, of Rutgers University, USA, and Professor Peter Herring, of the Southampton Oceanography Centre. PICTURE: Gareth Davies Photography.