| Description | The University Committee on Biotechnology was originally called the Biotechnology Advisory Group, and was set up following the University Grants Committee initiative in Biotechnology, with aims to strengthen and establish new biotechnological activities in the University, particularly in the departments of Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, and Genetics in the areas of biochemical engineering and genetic manipulation, and to co-ordinate and develop separate activities which already existed within the University. Its initial objectives included the appointment of lecturers and research technicians to improve biotechnology options in undergraduate and relevant modular MSc courses. Collaboration in research and teaching between departments was to be extended, and it was also intended that expansion of existing and the initiation of new contracts with industry would be sought, particularly in relation to the recently launched Institute of Research and Development at the University.
An Inter-Faculty Biotechnology Management Group (BMG) was set up, and this body organised colloquia and general publicity including the publication of the three times a year newsheet 'Biotechnology News'. It also took over administration of the Macromolecular Analysis Service and initiated potential collaborations with industry. The Biotechnology Advisory Group was established to advise the Vice-Chancellor on present activities in Biotechnology and opportunities for future developments. Its first meeting was in November 1984. It comprised the members of the Management Group; five additional University members, and five members from Industry/Government. It changed its name to the University Committee on Biotechnology in 1987 when it was established as a Senate Committee. A revised committee structure was approved by the Committee of Principals and Deans, and in place of the Advisory Group and the Board of Management of the British School of Malting and Brewing, this formal Senate Committee would now consider new initiatives, long term strategy, and appropriate resourcing for biotechnology in the University. It was to meet termly, and industrial advisers would be invited to the summer term meeting
The constitution of the University Committee on Biotechnology was a Pro-Vice-Chancellor as chairman; the Deans of the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry, and Science; two representatives, including one professor, nominated from each of the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry, and Science; and up to five advisers from industry/government service wjho attended the summer term meeting. Its terms of reference were to be responsible to Senate for policy and coordination concerning biotechnology across the University; to consider new initiatives and long term strategy for biotechnology in the University and make recommendations to the Senate and/or the resourcing bodies of the University as appropriate; and to receive and as necessary consider reports from the Biotechnology Management Group and other such relevant Groups in the University
The Committee on Biotechnology was a more formal body than the Advisory Group, but minutes of both the Biotechnology Advisory Group and the University Committee on Biotechnology include reports of the Biotechnology Management Group; copies of the publications 'University and Industry' Biotechnology booklets, and copies of 'Biotechnology News' from 1986 to 1994. The committee also received the report of the Biotechnology Executive Committee, the Centre for Biochemical Engineering, and the Birmingham Malting and Brewing Group. Minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 1988 include a copy of the University Grants Committee Biotechnology Initiative report on activities for the period 1982/1983 to 1987/1988.
Minutes of the meeting held on 27 June 1989 include a paper setting out a review of the system of committees responsible for Biotechnology, examining the roles and responsibilities of the Committee on Biotechnology and the Biotechnology Executive Committee. Minutes from this point onwards include minutes of the Executive Committee, membership of which was the co-ordinator of Biotechnology; representatives from each of the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry, and Science; and the co-ordinating editor of Biotechnology News. The terms of reference of the Executive Committee was to oversee the implementation of policy agreed by the University Committee on Biotechnology and act as a channel of communication with the Faculties and Heads of Schools involved in biotechnology; to identify policy issues for consideration by University Committee on Biotechnology; to prepare an annual strategic plan for biotechnology for consideration by the University Committee on Biotechnology; to promote the University's marketing strategy for biotechnology and to be responsible for preparation and dissemination of appropriate publicity material consistent with the policy guidelines established by the University Committee on Biotechnology; and to maintain administrative responsibility for Alta Bioscience
Committee minutes from the middle of 1989 onwards also include copies of reviews of the University Grants Committee's Biotechnology Initatives; details of the University's Biotechnolgy Rolling Plan, formulated by the Biotechnology Executive Committee; information about developments in biotechnology in the Faculties; and draft annual reports of the University Committee for Biotechnology to Senate
Papers for a meeting to be held on 1 February 1995 include a report on the future of the University Committee on Biotechnology which states that the Executive Committee now carried out most of the practical work of encouraging collaboration and co-operation in Biotechnology across the University, and that resources were now managed by the Heads of Schools who have not normally been members of the University Committee. It was considered that the current University Committee on Biotechnology no longer appeared the most appropriate mechanism to address matters of importance, and it was proposed that the work of the Executive Committee be strengthened and that the University Committee for Biotechnology be dissestablished from March 1995 and its principal functions in terms of co-ordination should pass to the Biotechnology Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee was to produce a written report regularly for circulation to the Vice-Principal, Deans, and Heads of School, and a Rolling Plan would be prepared for each year for approval and a report submitted to Senate each October. an Annual Biotechnology Forum would be established from March 1995. The final papers of the committee are for the meeting intended to be held on 1 February 1995, but minutes of this meeting do not survive in the University Archives |