The John Innes Centre receives strategic funding from BBSRC
The John Innes Centre receives strategic funding from BBSRC
Beer Today, Champagne Tomorrow?30 August 2006 We are all aware that climate change is happening, but how will it affect us in East Anglia? Norfolk currently has the ideal climate and soil conditions for growing malting barley, the major ingredient of beer and whisky, but climate change could be bad news for barley growers and good news for wine producers.
Plant scientists at the John Innes Centre have joined forces with climate change researchers, soil scientists and geologists from the School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia (UEA) to showcase the benefits of the region’s soils and climate for making wine or beer. In keeping with the Playhouse tradition they will perform a brief sketch exploring the implications of climate change on the region’s soils and crops. "We grow barley now, but in the future East Anglia could be a premium wine producing area", says Dr Jenni Barclay, a volcanologist who plays a barmaid in the drama. "There is evidence that the region's climate is already changing, for example, pests such as whitefly are coming over from Europe and migrating northward, spreading viruses and causing problems for farmers and gardeners alike” says Chris Ridout, who plays a barley farmer. Some of the resources developed for the event could be used to mount a permanent exhibit at Gressenhall museum. To make for a truly sparkling evening there will be a chance to sample wines and beers from several local breweries and vineyards. You will be able to try beer from Buffy's and the Fat Cat Breweries alongside wines from Tas Valley and Shawsgate vineyards. You will be able to discuss brewing ingredients and methods with Ray Ashworth, founder of Woodfordes and craft brewer. Scientists from the John Innes Centre and UEA will also be on hand to discuss the science behind climate change and to provide the chance to learn about the rich diversity of soils in this region. "This is a fantastic event because it has brought together scientists from different disciplines to work on a common problem and could develop into new avenues for research. This will be an enjoyable evening based on solid science." says Chris Ridout. This event will be in the Norwich Playhouse on Wednesday 6th September from 7.30-9.30pm. If that has whetted your appetite, there’s more on beer at the Playhouse. The following evening in the Playhouse will be an informal discussion asking "What has brewing done for us?" David Crease, head brewer of Woodfordes will be talking about the inventions and discoveries that have come from brewing which have transformed our everyday lives. Dr Martin Phillips, Consultant Physician from the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital will be talking about the long-term effects of alcohol on the human body, both good and bad, as well as the wider effects of alcohol misuse on society, including the recent 24 hour drinking laws and alcohol related crime. "An Evening of Two Halves" will be on Thursday 7th September at 7pm. Tickets for each event cost £3 (£1 concessions) and are available from Norwich Tourist Information office in the Forum, or by calling the BA Science Festival Box Office on 020 7019 4963. The BA Festival of Science is hosted by UEA, NRP and Norwich City Council, and will take place from 2-9 September 2006 in venues across the UEA, NRP and Norwich City. To view the full programme of events or book tickets, visit www.the-ba.net. The BA Festival of Science is supported by the East of England Development Agency. “Beer Today, Champagne Tomorrow?” was funded through a public engagement award from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Notes to Editors: 1. For enquiries regarding this press release, please contact Vicky Just on 01603 255111, victoria.just@jic.ac.uk 2. High resolution images are available to accompany this press release from Vicky Just victoria.just@jic.ac.uk. 3. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science, technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK; these events include the annual BA Festival of Science and National Science Week. 4. University of East Anglia is committed to creating sustainable collaborative relationships with local, national and international organisations. Private and public sector organisations can work with the university’s academic and research community through collaborative research projects, student placements, the licensing of UEA inventions and technologies for commercial use and the engagement of staff as expert consultants, advisors or trainers. 5. The JIC, Norwich, UK is an independent, world-leading research centre in plant and microbial sciences with over 800 staff. JIC carries out high quality fundamental, strategic and applied research to understand how plants and microbes work at the molecular, cellular and genetic levels. The JIC also trains scientists and students, collaborates with many other research laboratories and communicates its science to end-users and the general public. The JIC is grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. http://www.jic.ac.uk. 6. With nearly 9000 staff the Norwich Research Park (NRP) is home to one of Europe’s largest single-site concentration of life science research. Occupants of the NRP include the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and three independent research centres; the John Innes Centre, the Institute of Food Research and the Sainsbury Laboratory. In addition the NRP is home to a growing number of businesses from within the life sciences and IT sectors. The NRP is known for its world-class science but its major strength is the interconnectivity of the scientific research it undertakes and collaboration between key members. 7. Norwich City Council recognises that science is important to the city in economic, educational and cultural terms. The Council seeks to facilitate cultural and creative developments that enhance both the quality of life for citizens and the wider role of the City and this event provides opportunities to experience current scientific thinking in an accessible and interesting way. 8. The BA Festival runs from 2-9 September 2006. Details of all events are available online at www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience. Tickets for the main and city programme can be booked online or by calling 020 7019 4963. 9. The climate change scenario research was part of the EPSRC-funded CRANIUM project (EPSRC/UKCIP Building Knowledge for a Changing Climate programme).
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