ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 2020 - Gatsby Charitable Foundation
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A N NUA L R E V IE W
2019 2020
G AT S B Y I S A F O U N D AT I O N S E T U P
B Y DAV I D S A I N S B U RY
TO R E A L I S E H I S C H A R I TA B L E O B J E C T I V E S .
WE FOCUS OUR SUPPORT ON A LIMITED
NUMBER OF AREAS:
PLANT SCIENCE RESEARCH
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
SC I E N C E A N D E N G I N E E R I N G E D U C AT I O N
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH AND ADVICE
THE ARTS
WE ARE PROACTIVE IN DEVISING PROJECTS
TO ACHIEVE OUR AIMS . WE ARE ENTHUSIASTIC
A B O U T S U P P O RT I N G I N N O VAT I O N . W E A R E
A N A LY T I C A L A S W E B E L I E V E I T I S I M P O RTA N T
TO U N D E R S TA N D T H E O P P O RT U N I T I E S
A N D P RO B L E M S W E TA C K L E . W E TA K E A
L O N G -T E R M V I E W A S W E D O N O T T H I N K M U C H
C A N B E A C H I E V E D B Y S H O R T, O N E - O F F
P R O J E C T S . W E A R E A LW AY S E A G E R TO F O R M
PA RT N E R S H I P S W I T H O R G A N I S AT I O N S W H O
SHARE OUR GOALS .
CONTENTS
I N T R O D UC T ION
02
IN MEMORY
06
P L AN T S C I E NC E
08
N E U R O S C I E NC E
12
E D U C AT I O N
16
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
IN AFRIC A
20
PUBLIC POLICY
24
THE ARTS
28
02
INTRODUC TION
B Y LO R D S A I N S B U R Y O F T U R V I L L E
Settlor of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation
I have always wanted Gatsby to be proactive
and have never been content for us to sit back and
wait for people to bring us interesting proposals.
Gatsby has also always been focussed on areas
that I think are vitally important and where I
believe that Gatsby can make a real difference.
As a result we have always been motivated to
think innovatively and take bold action.
This means that throughout Gatsby’s life we
have mainly initiated projects rather than funding
projects brought to us. This model is reliant
on finding passionate and dedicated experts to
lead our work – imaginative people capable
of looking at an issue and bringing others
together to create entirely new solutions.
03
Whenever I travelled with Laurence, there convinced that we should develop a
was immense enthusiasm for his work – project to transfer clonal technology
his long commitment to collaboration for growing improved Eucalyptus from
and locally-led development, his wisdom South Africa to Kenya – the start of our
and intelligence, and his personal warmth involvement with East African forestry.
meant that he had a particularly special
Many years later, that involvement has
place in the affections of all those
evolved into two sector programmes
connected with our work in Africa.
seeking to transform commercial forestry
The projects Laurence helped initiate in Tanzania and Kenya. The programmes
have benefitted many people across have made substantial progress and there
many different African countries. Perhaps is real excitement about what could be
as importantly, as our work in Africa has achieved – particularly through innovation
In the mid-1980s we were becoming evolved, we continue to benefit from and the adoption of new processing
increasingly excited by the potential his values and philosophy, which remain technologies throughout different wood
impact that new developments in plant imprinted on our work. With Laurence value chains.
science could have on agriculture in retiring in 2019, I wish to take this
The forestry programmes were led
Africa. But we lacked connections opportunity to once again thank him for
and driven forward in recent years by
to the kind of expert we would need his enormous contribution to Gatsby.
another exceptional individual, Luke
to lead on exploring and developing
Potter. Devastatingly, we lost Luke in
potential projects. A family friend
2019 in a terrorist attack on the place
with knowledge of Indian agriculture,
where he was working. I was fortunate
Robert Cassen, suggested we talk to
to work closely with him on several
a development economist who had
occasions, and he never failed to impress
worked on agricultural and rural
issues across more than ten African
THE PROGRAMMES me. He had an irrepressible energy and
allied his excitement for new ideas with
countries – Laurence Cockcroft. HAVE MADE a deep practicality. It is clear that Luke’s
Laurence became our advisor and set teams were devoted to him, that he
about shaping our Africa programmes, SUBSTANTIAL inspired others to push themselves
always guided by his firm principle that
it was only by working through local
PROGRESS AND and fulfil their potential, and that he
was utterly selfless in giving his time
people that we could develop sustainable
projects and ensure any effort was
THERE IS REAL and energy to others.
In 2019 we also suffered the sudden loss
genuinely responsive to local needs. EXCITEMENT ABOUT of Richard Kisang’, who had played an
He found imaginative ways to do this,
including by forging links between WHAT COULD important role for Gatsby in setting up
Msingi – an industry development
UK and African agricultural research
organisations, and by setting up numerous BE ACHIEVED organisation for East Africa. Richard had
subsequently moved to become Msingi’s
local institutions. Laurence played a
Head of Corporate Performance. He was
crucial role in relationship-building and
at Msingi’s heart – a great character able
in identifying local board members,
to keep his audience spellbound, and a
executives and advisors – including
proud Kenyan passionate about his
dynamic and impressive people such as
country and the region’s development.
Olive Luena, Ibrahim Sueshi, Joe Githongo Despite Laurence’s retirement, work
and Susan Elango, who became the that he helped initiate will continue for Luke and Richard are both deeply missed.
charismatic leaders of the institutions. many years – most notably through Their hard work has helped position
our forestry programmes in Kenya and numerous initiatives to make the lives
Tanzania. I remember Laurence relaying of thousands of people better. We will
Above: Gatsby advisors Olive Luena and
his experience of first meeting Kenyan now work to realise that promise in
Laurence Cockcroft meeting Jakaya Kikwete, plant pathologist Florence Wambugu – memory of them.
then Tanzanian president, in 2009. a “force of nature”. We were quickly
04
PLANT SCIENCE
My great friend Roger Freedman first
triggered my excitement about the
possibilities of science when we were
together at university. Roger has acted
as an invaluable advisor throughout
Gatsby’s life, and was responsible for
shaping our programmes in plant
science and neuroscience.
Gatsby also supports the Two Blades
Foundation – a charitable organisation
chaired by Roger that seeks to develop
crops with durable disease resistance and
promote their deployment worldwide.
Roger is leading a Two Blades project to
tackle Wheat Stem Rust, a fungus which
at its worst can devastate crops and
cause 50–100% yield loss.
A new strain of rust arose in Uganda in NEUROSCIENCE PUBLIC POLICY
1999 and has been moving across East My fascination with the brain also We live in a period of dramatic economic
Africa and towards the Middle East. stems back to my time at university – change that is undoubtedly leading to
Roger and his team have been working and particularly my studies under the social and political upheaval in many
to “stack” resistant genes from wheat and enormously charismatic Richard Gregory, countries, including the UK. Economic
its wild relatives into preferred varieties who used visual illusions to explore the thinking has been dominated by theories
in East Africa, and last year successfully relationship between our brains and that privilege market efficiency, while
completed two field tests. Work now our senses. underplaying the role of innovation
proceeds to a full demonstration trial and creativity in driving growth in a
In the late 1990s, Roger and I began
in Kenya, which is exciting news. dynamic world.
exploring how Gatsby could support
neuroscience research in the UK. More than ever, we need a dynamic
This eventually led to the creation of the national innovation system – one that
Gatsby Computational Neuroscience can identify opportunities and develop
Unit, designed to combine machine strategies and policies that will deliver
intelligence with theoretical neuroscience a high rate of innovation and high
to build neurobiologically realistic models value-added jobs.
of the way the brain computes.
This is why Gatsby supports the Centre
The Unit marked its 21st birthday in for Science, Technology & Innovation
2019 with a special celebratory event, Policy, based at Cambridge University’s
which included a talk from alumnus Institute for Manufacturing. The Centre
Dr Demis Hassabis, the CEO of carries out practical policy research,
DeepMind – the artificial intelligence exploring how national innovation
company that has developed algorithms systems can effectively translate new
Above: Professor Nick Talbot (pictured) capable of all sorts of activities, including science and engineering ideas into
and Professor Sophien Kamoun of the beating grandmasters at the complex technologies, industries and wealth.
Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich are working
board game Go. The algorithms use deep
with collaborators in Bangladesh to fight The windows of opportunity for
learning – a field that was dramatically
wheat blast, a pathogen that has significantly innovation and the capabilities of firms
impacted wheat production. pushed forward by the Unit’s first head,
to take advantage of them are at any one
Geoff Hinton, during his time there.
time unevenly distributed among sectors
The possibilities are huge and I look
and regions. So I am particularly pleased
forward to seeing what advances will
that much of the Centre’s recent research
be made over the coming years.
has examined the relationships between
technology, manufacturing and sector
policies – this will be critical to putting
high-growth industries and high value-
Above: Glass panelling throughout the added jobs back into communities that
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural have been devastated by globalisation
Circuits and Behaviour allows its researchers over recent decades.
to brainstorm ideas, make notes and give
impromptu presentations.
05
EDUCATION THE ARTS
A high-performing national innovation Gatsby continues to support the
system needs to be backed with a Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.
fit-for-purpose education system that The tour of the Centre’s exceptional
can equip young people with the technical Alberto Giacometti: A Line Through IN 2019 THE
knowledge and skills needed to thrive
in the future.
Time exhibition reminded me of the
extraordinary talent both my parents
GOVERNMENT
I continue to be delighted with the
had for spotting great unknown painters
and sculptors. They first met and began
ANNOUNCED THE
progress being made by Gatsby’s
education team in helping to shape
supporting Giacometti when he was FIRST TWELVE IOTS
practically unknown – his drawings and
technical education and career guidance
in England. The past five years have seen
sculptures appealed to them greatly well AND PLANS FOR
before he became acknowledged as one
some extremely positive national policy
reform, often influenced by Gatsby’s
of the twentieth century’s greatest artists. A FURTHER EIGHT,
My father’s bond with him was even
work. The challenge now is to ensure that
more extraordinary given that my father WHICH WILL MEAN
this reform is implemented successfully,
and this will be the focus of Gatsby’s
couldn’t speak French and had to rely
on my mother to translate.
THERE WILL BE ONE
education work for several years to come.
One notable example of Gatsby’s
My parents’ friendships make me IN EVERY MAJOR
reflect on my own friendships, and the
influence is the creation of Institutes
great fortune I have had to meet the CITY IN ENGLAND
of Technology (IoTs), collaborations
extraordinary people who have done
between Further Education colleges
so much to shape Gatsby’s work and
and universities, which specialise in
my own life. I remain enormously
providing higher technical education
grateful to all of them.
in science, engineering and technology.
Gatsby first presented the idea of IoTs to
government in early 2015. It is therefore
a source of great pride that, in 2019, the
Below: Lord Sainsbury of Turville presents
government announced the first twelve
the University of Warwick with an award to
IoTs and plans for a further eight, which mark their positive progress as a signatory of
will mean there will be one in every David Sainsbury the Technician Commitment at a celebratory
major city in England. Settlor event at the Tower of London.
06
I N M E M O RY
In 2019, Gatsby tragically lost two valued staff members –
Richard Kisang’ and Luke Potter. We share the messages below
from family, colleagues and friends in tribute to them.
THROUGH MSINGI, I HAVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
TO CONTRIBUTE TO EAST AFRICA’S ECONOMIC
TRANSFORMATION TO ACHIEVE WIDESPREAD AND LASTING
PROSPERITY. I’M CONFIDENT THAT MSINGI WILL CONTRIBUTE
SIGNIFICANTLY TOWARDS THE EFFORTS TO BREAK THE CYCLE
OF POVERTY FOR MILLIONS IN EAST AFRICA
RICHARD R. KISANG’
“He was always committed to his work, “Richard was a warm friend and more “As a person, Kisang’ was very jovial, a
always willing to go the extra mile – and than a colleague – a dreamer and a great guy to be around. He always lifted
always willing to help a friend or colleague man of vision. He was full of love, good the spirits of every team member he
with the minimum amount of fuss.” humour and a maturity well beyond worked with. His brilliance shone through
his years. We were always stunned to and in some instances, some of us would
“Richard was never one to turn down a
discover how young he actually was. be shy to engage in a debate with him
request for help at any time or whatever
He was a wise man who demonstrated because he had all his facts set out.”
kind. He always made an effort to assist.
the values of love, prayer and forgiveness.”
Be it with his time, skills, advice. He was “His star could not stop shining from its
both brilliant and hardworking. “Richard was simply a lovely guy. first day. Kisang’ did not only have intellectual
He overcame many obstacles to achieve He was always engaging, and had an ability brilliance but also sharp entrepreneurial
success at a very young age.” to hold a crowd by speaking softly and skills. We have indeed lost such a talented
seriously – and was always well-informed Kenyan, a friend and a comrade.”
“As a testament of his brilliance and
about Kenya, speaking with the
capability, he quickly established himself “Richard was a thought leader,
knowledge and wisdom of someone
as a go-to person within the department, independent-minded and a great
so much older. A smile was never far
very ably coming up with innovative ways and generous soul.”
away – he had a great sense of humour
to deliver exceptional service. It was
and was always great fun to be around.” “You inspired me as a person and
known if there was a difficult project,
many more. You were always the
Kisang’ would be the guy to be consulted.” “Richard was at the very inception
best brain and soul.”
of the Msingi concept at Gatsby
years ago, putting in countless “We must never forget the joy with which
hours to ensure the setup and success Richard faced life. As he liked to say ‘eat
of the organisation. In his work, he life with a big spoon’. Richard brought
embraced duty and friends as one, great warmth into our office, he was
constantly reaching out to colleagues at larger than life, who can forget his roaring
Msingi and the wider Gatsby family, and laugh and his wonderful sense of humour.”
putting in time and effort to never leave
“He loved his family who were never far
anyone behind. His colleagues and vast
from his thoughts even on the busiest of
network of professional contacts
days at work – our entire office knew
remember him as a natural leader who
about Tina and the children.”
was knowledgeable, insightful and
a tireless champion for the country, “May we as friends of Richard keep
region and continent.” his spirit alive.”
07
“We have the choice and ability to “It didn’t take long for me to realise how
improve society and fix the broken world, lucky I was to have a boss and mentor like
and Luke was a prime example of Luke. He eagerly shared his wealth of
someone who dedicated his working life experience and ideas with me; he always
to that cause.” had time, despite how busy he was; he
pushed me to think big and be ambitious.
“He was an incredibly hard worker,
And when we worked together on
sometimes to his detriment. He simply
something, he always made sure I was
never put himself first. No matter how
given the credit. Putting others first was
challenging – he was unwavering in
second nature to Luke. He was someone
choosing what he saw as the right path.”
to look up to, to aspire to be more like.”
“Luke possessed the dual qualities of being
“This outpouring of love and praise would
both a big thinker and understanding the
have really embarrassed Luke, because
detail needed to get there. It has to be
he was a very humble guy. He would
said that sometimes the detail became
probably have grinned for a moment, but
overwhelming though, and many a time
then just got on with his work in his
we would be bewildered by his complex
diligent, thoughtful and humble way. He
diagrams, concepts and pages crammed
selflessly gave his time and energy to others.”
full of notes!”
“Family was hugely important to Luke.
“He had a wicked and unique sense of
“One of his most inspiring traits was his Eleni and Holly always featured in
humour, and those striking blue eyes
deep interest in the world and how it his plans, and he couldn’t hide his
always had a mischievous glint in them.
worked. He was always open to all the excitement of sharing his passions
We will miss his smile, his crazy ideas,
endless possibilities for progress and was with his two favourite girls.”
his funny stories, and his quiet but
always full of discussions as to how new
determined energy for life and for “He was always surrounded by friends.
ways of thinking could make a difference.”
helping others.” Because he was the very fire around
“Luke would enter the office and make it a which others would warm themselves.”
“Part of his legacy will be those many
point to connect with everyone. And he
smiling faces of farmers and their families “He was extremely motivated to make
remembered, no matter how long it was
whose livelihoods he so passionately the world a better place and worked so
since you last spoke, where conversations
helped to improve.” hard to bring success not for himself but
– both work and personal – left off.
for others. People love him and admire
It was always these small things – the few “He lit up the room with his smile and his
his dedication. He will always be my
minutes he took with people, the gentleness. You felt like you were the only
friend and source of inspiration.”
thoughtful feedback he gave, how he’d one in the room when he talked to you.
push you to think strategically and how he Gracious, warm, good, kind, beautiful and “Thank you for all you have given to
made it a point to appreciate the work smiley. You could see the love he had everyone you touched, Luke, and we
that you were doing – that made him for his daughter when he talked about will strive to honour your legacy by living
such a great colleague.” her and her dance competitions.” your values and continuing your work.”
I STRONGLY BELIEVE IN THE NEED FOR SOCIETIES TO OFFER
AS EQUAL AN OPPORTUNITY AS POSSIBLE TO ALL, AND
THAT, WHILE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS IS ESSENTIAL
TO BUILD A COUNTRY, LONG-TERM STABILITY IS NOT
ACHIEVABLE UNLESS THE GAINS ARE WIDELY SPREAD
LUKE POTTER
08
PL ANT SCIENCE
ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE IN FUNDAMENTAL
PLANT BIOLOGY, AND NURTURING TALENT
AMONG YOUNG SCIENTISTS
We aim to support research which We also sustain an extended group
builds a fundamental understanding of of plant scientists through our Plant
plant biology. To this end we provide Science Network, and award ad hoc
core funding for two major laboratories. grants to researchers whose work
The Sainsbury Laboratory at Norwich needs additional support from a funder
is a research centre for the study of prepared to take risks in support of
plant-pathogen relationships. The more- ground-breaking research.
recently established Sainsbury Laboratory
Some of the greatest challenges posed
Cambridge University is devoted to
by population growth and climate
the study of plant development.
change will only be met by translating
These centres of excellence attract a fundamental understanding of plant
world-class researchers, and offer biology into improvements in agriculture.
inspiration and opportunities to the Where opportunities to advance
young scientists we encourage and new knowledge into practical use are
support through our studentships, identified, we provide support for
summer schools and educational projects. their development.09
THE SAINSBURY LABORATORY,
NORWICH ( TSL)
Since 1987 Gatsby has supported TSL
to focus on understanding how microbes
manipulate plants and cause disease, and
how plants defend themselves against
this process. Over three decades, TSL
has built an outstanding international
reputation for scientific excellence.
Key discoveries over the past year
include: identification of a domain,
called MADA, present in a group of plant
immune receptors, which may be involved
in triggering plant cell death during
immunity; identification of a novel calcium
channel protein which is key to early
plant defence; and the discovery of new
disease resistance genes from wild potato
varieties, wheat, barley and legumes for
a range of significant crop diseases.
We recently carried out a comprehensive THE GATSBY PLANT SCIENCE Seeking to nurture post-16 students to
review of all the Centre’s activities. EDUCATION PROGRAMME (GPSEP) become the next generation of plant
Five TSL scientists – Jonathan Jones, GPSEP aims to improve the teaching science researchers, in 2019 GPSEP
Sophien Kamoun, Cyril Zipfel, Nicholas and learning of plant science at all ages, further developed its plant science
Talbot and Joe Win – appeared in engaging and inspiring the next generation ‘masterclasses’, working with nine
the Clarivate Analytics Highly-Cited of plant scientists through projects in universities and reaching 300 16–18 year
Researcher List 2018, and group leaders both schools and higher education. The olds. With funding from EIT Food, an
have also raised significant external programme is overseen by SLCU and the online course for pre-university bioscience
funding from the UK’s Biotechnology Cambridge University Botanic Garden. students was also developed. The course,
and Biological Sciences Research Council ‘Improving Food Production with
The Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS)
(BBSRC) and Global Challenges Research Agricultural Technology and Plant
project provides engaging plant science
Fund, the European Research Council, Biotechnology’, launched in autumn 2019
teaching resources for UK school teachers
international foundations and industrial and recruited nearly 1,000 participants.
and technicians. In 2019 a new online
partners. Based on its excellent scientific 2019 also saw the 15th annual Gatsby
course was developed, focussing on
developments, outputs and future plans, Plant Science Summer School, at which
building subject knowledge and confidence
we have confirmed renewed support for 80 of the UK’s brightest bioscience
in teaching plant science. Jointly developed
TSL for a further five-year research cycle. undergraduates participated in a series of
with the National STEM Learning Centre,
lectures, practical sessions and discussions
The Executive Director, Professor over 650 UK educators have already
with leading scientists and researchers.
Nicholas Talbot, is steering a new participated in the course. SAPS also
strategic direction linking fundamental continued to run its Train the Trainer
and translational research to address courses for those who train student
emerging diseases, sustainable agriculture science teachers. In 2019 these popular
and plant health. As part of this, TSL courses enabled the cascade of SAPS
will recruit a new faculty member activities to around 1,650 trainee
with complementary expertise, and science teachers. OVER 650
collaborative efforts will be fostered
between group leaders within TSL and UK EDUCATORS
at other Gatsby-supported institutions.
A further new effort is an innovative HAVE ALREADY
Masters degree programme on global
plant protection launching in 2020. It will PARTICIPATED IN
equip the next generation of leaders with
not only key knowledge of molecular plant Above: Undergraduates identifying and THE COURSE
classifying plants during a practical session at
pathology, but also with the expertise the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School 2019.
to address contemporary challenges –
in the control of emerging diseases in Opposite page: SLCU Research Associate
global agriculture, as well as in knowledge Stephanie Smith is investigating the control of
shoot branching by nitrate availability in the
transfer and business practices.
model monocot plant Brachypodium distachyon.10
THE LABORATORY
CONTINUES TO
INVEST IN CUTTING-
EDGE TECHNOLOGY
TO FACILITATE ITS
EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH
SAINSBURY LABORATORY Research activities across SLCU continue These researchers, from SLCU, TSL,
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY (SLCU) to integrate computational and theoretical Cambridge University, Lancaster
The aim of SLCU is to develop an approaches with diverse experimental University and the John Innes Centre,
integrated understanding of the methods. This year the Laboratory hosted are developing innovations to increase
regulatory mechanisms underlying plant the second Cambridge Developmental productivity, increase crop yields
growth and development. Now in its Biology meeting which focused on sustainably, and empower farmers
second five-year research cycle, the quantitative approaches. SLCU also across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Laboratory has a highly collaborative continues its ongoing computational During the visit, Alok Sharma announced
and interdisciplinary research biology workshops in collaboration that DFID will provide a further
environment that draws on molecular, with ENS-Lyon. £38 million of UK aid to contribute
cellular, whole plant, computational, to a portfolio of projects, and this
The Laboratory continues to invest in
and population biology approaches to will strengthen DFID’s ongoing
cutting-edge technology to facilitate its
investigate how plants are constructed. partnership with the Gates Foundation.
experimental research. A new Zeiss
There are currently twelve research upright confocal microscope for spectral Every year, the Laboratory runs a range
groups, two of which joined recently. detection has been acquired, and in-house of outreach and engagement activities.
Dr François Nédélec, a group leader, construction of a light sheet microscope For Big Biology Day in October 2019,
studies cell morphogenesis and as part of a cross-university collaborative SLCU and the Cambridge University
development using synthetic and systems project is nearing completion. SLCU Botanic Garden jointly ran a hands-on
biology approaches, along with computer contributes to the EPSRC-funded exhibition with a theme of ‘Seeds,
modelling. His expertise at the physics/ FINESSE NanoBio initiative run by the Bees and Pollen’. Through fun, engaging
biology interface combines molecular university’s Department of Engineering, activities, people of all ages explored
and cellular scales, using information to and this will acquire a customised helium/ the special mechanisms that plants have
simulate the collective behaviours that neon/gallium ion microscope for ultrahigh- evolved to attract different pollinators
make cells ‘alive’. Dr Sarah Robinson, a resolution imaging. and disperse their seeds. Activities
career development fellow, investigates included a new card game called Pollinator
In October 2019, David Sainsbury
how cell and organ size and shape are Blitz, designed and created by SLCU
welcomed Bill Gates (co-chair of the Bill &
determined by using biomechanics, researchers Pamela Ribone and Stefano
Melinda Gates Foundation), Alok Sharma
modelling and genomic approaches; Gatti. Visitors could also take home
(UK Secretary of State at the Department
she has developed a unique mechanical
for International Development (DFID)) their own mini-hydroponics science
microscope that can track extensions
and Professor Charlotte Watts (DFID experiment to compare the differences
in live cells.
Chief Scientific Advisor) to SLCU to between monocot and dicot seeds –
meet plant scientists working on projects the two major divisions of flowering
supported by the three organisations. plants – when they germinate.11
THE GATSBY PLANT In summer 2019 we supported seven THE TWO BLADES
SCIENCE NETWORK research placements for second-year FOUNDATION (2BLADES)
The Gatsby Plant Science Network undergraduates, hosted at the universities Gatsby provides core support to
consists of Gatsby-funded undergraduates, of Bristol, Cambridge and Leeds, and 2Blades, a charitable organisation
postgraduates, postdocs and alumni, with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh that supports the development of
mentors chosen from UK universities and Kew. These undergraduates will crops with durable disease resistance
with teaching and research interests in now have the opportunity to apply for and promotes their deployment in
plant science. Sainsbury PhD studentships and will also agriculture worldwide, with a particular
attend a training weekend in Cambridge aim of benefitting developing countries.
A challenging and stimulating training
in 2020. We are delighted that all eight Over the past year, 2Blades reviewed
weekend for Sainsbury PhD students took
undergraduates who participated in its portfolio and is focussing on six
place in spring 2019 in Cambridge. After
the undergraduate placement scheme programmes, with its major efforts
the PhD students’ own presentations,
in 2018 have now chosen to study for remaining in wheat, soybean and maize.
Professor Dame Jean Thomas gave a very
PhDs in plant science, including three
entertaining and inspiring account of her The importance of understanding
who secured Sainsbury PhD studentships.
personal journey in science. The following plant pathogens at the molecular level
day, two Sainsbury alumni, Dr Fabian Ahead of the new academic year, led 2Blades to help to complete the full
Kellermeier and Dr Fiona Robertson, members of the Network met in genome sequences of two of agriculture’s
each shared their experiences of very Oxford. This annual meeting provides most dangerous and complex fungi –
different career paths – Fabian having an important forum for undergraduate Wheat Stem Rust and Asian Soybean
started in industry and moved to a and PhD students to meet influential Rust. The long-running wheat programme
career in teaching, with Fiona staying members of the UK plant science has completed two field tests to evaluate
in academia and now lecturing at the community. The evening lecture was the performance of multiple-stacked
University of Zimbabwe. given by the zoologist and former resistance genes. These were
Chief Scientific Adviser at DEFRA, exceptionally successful in protecting
Professor Sir Ian Boyd, who spoke plants from disease symptoms, and this
on ‘The entropy problem and critical promising finding will now progress
trade-offs’. towards a demonstration trial in Kenya.
The programme on Asian Soybean Rust
(ASR) includes two academic partners,
TSL and the Federal University of Vicosa,
and has recently secured a new industrial
partnership with Bayer. A further
exciting pipeline of ASR resistance gene
candidates from multiple species related
to soybean is coming out of the 2Blades
group at TSL directed by Dr Peter van
Esse. Finally, on maize, 2Blades is again
working with Bayer to identify resistance
against damaging ear and stalk rots
through the 2Blades and Zipfel research
groups at TSL.
Opposite page: SLCU’s Pamela Ribone and
Stefano Gatti have designed an interactive
plant science card game called Pollinator Blitz
for public outreach activities. Players have to
correctly match flowers with their pollinator
in a race against their opponents.
–
Left: The plant science advisors, Professors
Jane Langdale, Ottoline Leyser (front centre),
Liam Dolan and Nick Talbot (back centre), with
PhD students in their final year at the most recent
Gatsby Plant Science Network meeting in Oxford.12
NEUROSCIENCE
ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE
IN EXPERIMENTAL AND
THEORETICAL NEUROSCIENCE
One of the most exciting challenges of Gatsby has also developed several
the 21st century is to understand how innovative collaborative programmes
the brain performs the computations around the world. In addition, we
which directly underpin our behaviour. support cutting-edge research meetings,
Our approach is to work towards this by and invest in education, outreach and
harnessing the efforts of a dynamic and sector development programmes.
multi-disciplinary group of scientists with
a common interest in the workings of the
brain. We are partnering with Wellcome
and University College London to do
just that in the form of the Sainsbury
Wellcome Centre – a scientific research
centre using state-of-the-art techniques Above: SWC Histology Research Scientist
to investigate how brain circuits process Jessica Bron-Tabi adjusts a stereo dissecting
information to create representations microscope in preparing histological reactions
to visualise brain samples.
and guide behaviour. –
Opposite page: Gemma Estrada Girona and
Yiota Demosthenous, two scientists in the recently
established SWC Virology Core, collaborate on
the design of new gene delivery tools to precisely
trace and manipulate brain circuits.13
SAINSBURY WELLCOME
CENTRE FOR NEURAL CIRCUITS
AND BEHAVIOUR (SWC)
SWC is a research centre at University
College London (UCL) which will house
about 200 scientists and support staff
investigating how brain circuit function
underlies behaviours.
Research highlights include work
from Dr Tiago Branco’s group; this has
identified circuits and cellular mechanisms
involved in how an animal escapes from
threats, and opens up a promising way
to understand cognitive control of
instinctive behaviours. Dr Sonja Hofer’s
group elucidated the circuit mechanisms
in the brain’s visual area which facilitate In September 2019, an international and USA. This highlights the Unit’s
integration of contours in the environment, panel of experts carried out an exceptional training environment.
and so may be important in object extensive review looking at how SWC has
In 2019, the Unit celebrated the success
grouping and in understanding the visual developed over its initial research cycle.
of its PhD training programme when one
scene. And a new virology core has been The reviewers were very complimentary
of its recent students, Wittawat Jitkrittum,
established to expand on the sharing of of achievements to date including the
supervised by Professor Arthur Gretton,
viral reagents for circuit tracing already calibre of the recruited researchers, the
won the Inaugural ELLIS (European
done by the Margrie and Murray labs. core facilities and the research culture.
Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent
They agreed SWC has great potential to
New faculty member Dr Athena Systems) PhD Award, which recognises
make important discoveries over the next
Akrami joined SWC in autumn 2018. outstanding research achievements in
five years. We look forward to working
Her research combines theory and artificial intelligence and machine learning.
with SWC to finalise arrangements and
experiment to study the fundamental support for the second research cycle. Peter Orbanz joined GCNU in summer
principles by which the nervous system’s 2019 as an Associate Professor of Machine
computations underlie learning and Learning. His research group will study
memory; high-throughput training is GATSBY COMPUTATIONAL
network and relational data, Bayesian
used to combine sophisticated and NEUROSCIENCE UNIT (GCNU)
nonparametrics, and exchangeability and
quantifiable behavioural paradigms Gatsby founded GCNU at UCL over two
symmetry properties. More generally, he
with powerful tools to monitor and decades ago to bring together a critical
is interested in all mathematical aspects of
manipulate neural circuits. mass of theoreticians focussing on the
machine learning and pattern recognition.
computational theories of perception
SWC continues to develop deeper and action in neural and machine systems. The quality of GCNU research was
links with the Gatsby Computational further highlighted by securing two oral
Neuroscience Unit (GCNU; also located In July 2019, a three-day ‘birthday’
presentations at Neural Information
within the SWC building). In addition to symposium was organised to celebrate
Processing Systems (NeurIPS) 2019, with
overlaps in PhD programmes, a senior the 21st anniversary of the Unit. The first
papers on causal inference and on neural
post-doctoral fellowship programme day was a public programme featuring
models for planning under uncertainty.
designed explicitly to link theory and current and previous faculty members, as
well as alumnus Dr Demis Hassabis (CEO, NeurIPS is the foremost international
experiment has been launched. Each conference linking artificial and natural
fellow will be jointly mentored by SWC Deepmind); they discussed their work and
the key role the creation of GCNU had intelligence, with only 0.5% of paper
and GCNU faculty, and will operate submissions selected for oral presentation.
with greater independence to pursue played in the then burgeoning fields of
projects actively engaging both domains. theoretical neuroscience and machine In addition, GCNU have appointed
learning. The remaining days consisted of two key individuals: a skilled neuro-
UCL researcher Professor Neil Burgess talks from student and post-doc alumni. informatician who will support the
has been appointed as an affiliate The meeting was a success, with curation and professionalisation of
group leader to help further catalyse approximately 70 of the world’s leading GCNU’s outputs to increase their impact
breakthroughs at the theory-experiment experts in theoretical neuroscience and and collaborations with experimentalists;
interface. SWC will host a Wellcome machine learning attending. Some former and a scientific programme manager
collaborative award led by Professor Unit members have gone on to large tech to oversee partnerships and actively
Burgess and involving scientists from UCL firms such as DeepMind, Uber, Amazon develop broader engagement.
and Oxford focussed on representations and Alibaba – whilst the majority have
of spatial transformations in the retained academic positions in top
hippocampus and parietal areas. universities throughout the UK, Europe14
THEORETICAL NEUROSCIENCE PSYCHIATRY CURRICULUM BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE
AT COLUMBIA AND HEBREW REVIEW AT RCPSYCH ASSOCIATION (BNA)
UNIVERSITIES In partnership with Wellcome, we have In late 2018, we provided a three-year
We renewed support for two world-class renewed support to the UK’s Royal grant to BNA to implement a new strategy
theoretical neuroscience centres as part College of Psychiatry to update the aiming to reposition the Association as a
of an on-going partnership with GCNU. content of the postgraduate curriculum powerful force supporting neuroscience
These are the Centre for Theoretical for psychiatry to include neuroscience and neuroscientists in the UK. This will
Neuroscience at Columbia University in and technologies relevant to brain and be achieved by a drive to increase and
the USA and the Gatsby Programme in mental health disorders. broaden membership, the introduction
Theoretical Neuroscience at the Safra of bold annual themes, and a major
During 2019, the College updated the
Centre for Brain Sciences (ELSC) at sector development project: Credibility
neuroscience components of the syllabus
the Hebrew University in Israel. Gatsby in Neuroscience.
and all candidates taking the written
funding is used by these centres to
examination are now required to learn The project on credibility started in
support graduate students and post-
the new content. The bootcamp model early 2019 and will explore issues of
doctoral scientists, bridging academic
for teaching neuroscience principles reproducibility, replicability and reliability
personnel, administrative support, and
which was successful in early phases of in neuroscience research over the next ten
a new IT infrastructure.
the project is being continued, with more years. The official launch took place at the
This support has been instrumental in self-organised events around the UK. Houses of Parliament in November 2019.
enabling the centres to develop further. SWC hosted a BNA workshop in late 2019
We also provided twelve bursaries for
For example, the Columbia Centre on reproducibility, demands for research
psychiatrist trainers to attend the British
secured significant US BRAIN Initiative that embodies excellence and impact, and
Neuroscience Association (BNA) 2019
cooperative grants to link experiment the next Research Excellence Framework
Festival of Neuroscience in Dublin; this
and theory on visual stimuli and on motor exercise (REF2021). BNA will host
enabled them to expand their knowledge
control, while group leaders at ELSC the biennial Federation of European
and contacts so as to lead new training
have formed international collaborations Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum
events and strengthen greatly the
with the US and EU brain initiatives. in Glasgow in summer 2020.
College’s regional ‘Neuroscience in
Psychiatry Networks’ for the future. Expansion in the staff team has allowed
Appetite for the latest neuroscientific BNA to continue existing activities such
information continues, and an advanced as the Festival of Neuroscience as well as
bootcamp is being considered that explore new ones, ensuring that the BNA
could be used across the country. is truly representative and relevant to
Below: Professor Maneesh Sahani, Director
everyone in neuroscience including those
of GCNU, giving a lecture on Machine Learning in the commercial sector, the clinic and
to PhD and Master’s students at UCL. in wider society.15
3,000 OF THE
RECENTLY
DEVELOPED
NEUROPIXELS
PROBES ARE IN USE
IN LABORATORIES
AROUND THE
WORLD
STANFORD OPTOGENETICS CAJAL ADVANCED NEUROSCIENCE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT –
MOONSHOT FOR AUTISM TRAINING PROGRAMME NEUROPIXELS PROBES
We are supporting Professor Karl We are partnering with FENS, Since 2013 a consortium of UCL (with
Deisseroth at Stanford University to International Brain Research Organisation funding from Gatsby and Wellcome),
discover the mechanisms of autism (IBRO), Bordeaux Neurocampus and HHMI Janelia in Virginia, USA, and the
brain dynamics with a view to proposing Champalimaud Foundation to support Allen Institute in Seattle have collaborated
therapies. Over the past year, his group the continued development of the with Imec in Belgium to develop and
has developed an approach for cellular- CAJAL programme, a dedicated manufacture state-of-the-art nano-
resolution, real-time identification and neuroscience training facility. This electronic devices for detecting the
control of social neurons in part of the represents a much-needed European activity of hundreds of neurons.
brain called the orbitofrontal cortex. equivalent to the highly-respected
Stimulation of these social neurons cutting-edge hands-on intensive At the end of 2018, the successfully-
was found to modulate reward-related training courses in the USA. developed Neuropixels probe was
feeding behaviour, suggesting that there commercialised. The probe is 10mm long
The goal of creating a strong, sustainable with 960 sites and 384 recording channels.
are subnetworks which can control
programme is beginning to be realised. This combination of dense recording sites
behaviours in relation to social influences.
The programme was recently established and a high channel count into a small and
The causal dynamics of social behaviour
as an independent entity in Belgium. light-weight probe allows implantation of
will be investigated over the coming year.
An experienced executive manager is multiple probes and long-term recording
These findings will help the Deisseroth
being sought to join in 2020. This new of very large populations of neurons
group to create novel and effective
role will develop and implement new simultaneously across several brain
therapies which will have an impact on
plans, including a strategy for partnerships, areas in freely-behaving animals.
the treatment landscape for Autism
fundraising and marketing to continue
Spectrum Disorder. In early 2019, production was ramped up
to grow the organisation.
and Neuropixels probes started to ship
to neuroscience groups all over the globe.
By the end of 2019, more than 250
laboratories have received Neuropixels
probes, with about 3,000 probes
distributed in total. SWC and the CAJAL
programme provide training workshops
on Neuropixels probes to increase access
Above: Dr Tristan Chaplin, a postdoctoral fellow
in the group of Professor Troy Margrie, aligns an
to researchers across the world who have
objective in a miniaturised microscope designed not previously used probe technology
to measure brain activity. in their neuroscience experiments.16
E DU C AT ION
STRENGTHENING TECHNICAL EDUCATION
AND SKILLS IN THE UK BY DEVELOPING AND
ENABLING INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMES AND
INFORMING NATIONAL POLICY
For over thirty years, Gatsby has Adopting this approach, 2019 has seen us
developed and facilitated innovative inform national policy in areas including
programmes to strengthen science, technical education reform, career
technology, engineering and mathematics guidance, funding for post-16 STEM
(STEM) skills in the UK. In recent years, courses, and the recruitment and
we have focussed much of our effort on retention of specialist science teachers.
seeking to influence national education
policy. We do this by undertaking
rigorous problem analysis, commissioning
high-quality research, proposing pragmatic
policy solutions and engaging closely Above: In 2018, every secondary school
with government officials, sector bodies in England received Gatsby’s Good Practical
and other stakeholders to support Science report, which specifies what world-class
implementation of positive reform. practical science should look like in schools and
how it can be achieved.
–
Opposite page: Our local area programme works
in five localities to support coherent planning for
technical education reform, in order to provide
clear progression pathways for young learners.17
TECHNICAL EDUCATION REFORM It is important that all parts of the FE We are working with BCS, the Chartered
In June 2016, the government accepted all sector understand the implications of Institute for IT, and the Science Council
34 recommendations of the Independent technical education reform and are able to ensure that this opportunity will also
Panel on Technical Education, chaired by to fully engage in its implementation. be available for T-level students in IT- and
David Sainsbury. Since then, Gatsby has To this end, we have partnered with the science-related fields.
worked alongside the Department for Association of Colleges and DfE to deliver
The apprenticeships system in England
Education (DfE) and key partners to awareness-raising workshops to support
continues to undergo significant reform.
support a technical education system that FE training providers’ planning for
As such our work is focussing on how
develops the skills needed by employers, T-levels. We have also arranged several
to improve the quality of apprenticeship
and provides students with a clear route international study visits, taking college
training and on exploring the mechanisms
to skilled employment or further study. leaders and government officials to
other countries use. As part of this
explore highly-regarded technical
Successful technical education reform approach, we have recently commissioned
education systems in countries such
requires collaboration between national research to examine the quality of on- and
as Switzerland and the Netherlands.
and local government, Further Education off-the-job training in apprenticeships to
(FE) institutions and employers. As such, Industry placements will be a key understand how it might be improved.
we continue to work with local decision- component of T-levels, providing We are also planning to convene an
makers across Mayoral Combined students with an opportunity to spend international symposium to bring together
Authorities and Local Enterprise an extended period with an employer renowned experts to discuss how to
Partnerships to support and encourage and learn essential on-the-job skills. ensure the quality of technical education
coherent planning. To support their success, we are piloting while responding to the changing
work to coordinate industry placements demands of the modern workplace.
At the national level, government must
across NHS Trusts. In 2019, we also
oversee a framework for qualifications
published a report on international
that enable people to develop the
insights to industry placements that
knowledge and skills which will see them
illustrated various approaches which
flourish in future employment. We are
could inform the expansion of
therefore delighted at the progress being
placements in England.
made with the implementation of T-levels.
Alongside apprenticeships, T-levels – to Professional registration helps to give
be introduced from September 2020 – technical occupations the status they
will offer young people the strong deserve. Apprentices already benefit
technical education they need to start from strong links between apprenticeships
a rewarding career. and professional body registration.
SUCCESSFUL
TECHNICAL
EDUCATION
REFORM REQUIRES
COLLABORATION
BETWEEN NATIONAL
AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENT,
FURTHER EDUCATION
(FE) INSTITUTIONS
AND EMPLOYERS18
HIGHER TECHNICAL STEM SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE The TMiH campaign has already featured
EDUCATION REFORM With significant reform to the over 75 technician case studies from a
In 2019 the DfE launched a consultation technical education system underway, wide range of leading employers. CERN,
on proposals for how to establish a set it is important that learners are aware Audi, Volkswagen, the UK Atomic Energy
of employer-approved ‘Higher Technical of the opportunities technical education Authority and Wellcome Sanger are just
Qualifications’, ensuring that they are can provide. a few of those featuring in the past year.
offered by providers with demonstrably TMiH is also creating social media content
Our Technicians Make it Happen
high-quality technical provision, and that will engage as well as inform young
campaign ( TMiH) continues to go from
bringing awareness of them to young and people about the role technicians play in
strength to strength, and is increasingly
older learners alike. These qualifications, their world.
seen by government, careers professionals
at education levels 4 and 5, will provide
and education organisations as an We continue to commission research
excellent progression pathways for T-level
excellent way of illustrating technical to inform debate about the critical roles
graduates wanting to study further before
careers through case studies and other technicians play in industry. In June 2019,
entering employment, as well as for
material. In 2019, a new TMiH website – we published a report by Professor Paul
existing employees looking to upskill.
technicians.org.uk – was launched to Lewis of King’s College London about
Gatsby research has been fundamental
target an audience of young people, the role technicians play in innovation.
in building these proposals and has been
parents and teachers. The campaign In collaboration with the High Value
widely cited by DfE and others. The
also continues to exhibit at STEM and Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) and
outcome of the government consultation
careers events attended by young other centres of innovation, we also
will be published later in 2020 and we
people, including the Big Bang Fair supported a series of international visits
will continue to engage with DfE to
and WorldSkills UK Live.
ensure the higher technical education to explore how other countries link
reforms deliver on their promise. With T-levels soon in delivery, seeking and innovation and skills. We are now working
maintaining relationships with employers with the HVMC and others to explore
In April 2019, government announced the
who actively champion their technician how the lessons learnt on these visits can
first twelve Institutes of Technology (IoTs)
workforce is of increasing importance. be made to work in an English context.
– collaborations between FE colleges,
universities and employers, which will
specialise in providing higher technical
education in STEM. Later that same year,
an additional £120m was announced to
create a further eight IoTs so that there
will be one in every part of England.
Having first presented the idea of IoTs to
government in 2014, we are pleased they
are being launched across the country
and are committed to supporting their
success in the future.
£120m
In 2019, an additional £120 million was announced
to create a further eight Institutes of Technology
so that there will be one in every part of England.
Right: Helen and Gillian, apprentice Light
Vehicle Service Technicians at Volkswagen Audi.
Credit: Leonora Saunders
–
Opposite page: A careers fair at Park View
Academy. Gatsby remains committed to ensuring
that schools and colleges are provided with
the support they need to give every young
learner access to good career guidance.19
GOOD CAREER GUIDANCE
Since 2018, the Gatsby Benchmarks
for Good Career Guidance have been
at the heart of the government’s career
guidance strategy for schools and colleges.
All schools in England are now required to
work towards achieving the Benchmarks
and they are also included in Ofsted’s new
inspection framework. Our work in this
area has received international interest
over the past year, with Gatsby hosting
stakeholders from Italy, Hong Kong, India,
Australia, China and Spain, some of whom
have subsequently launched pilots of
their own career guidance frameworks
modelled on our Benchmarks.
We are committed to ensuring that
schools and colleges are provided with
the support they need to reach the
Benchmarks. In 2018, we published a
best practice guide, illustrating how
schools and colleges could approach
the achievement of each Benchmark in
practice. In 2019 we published further
guidance to support those working with
students with Special Educational Needs
and Disabilities (SEND), in partnership SCIENCE AND MATHS IN SCHOOLS BUSINESS EDUCATION
with the Careers & Enterprise Company, We continue to advocate the need for FOR ENGINEERS
Disability Rights UK and expertise from good practical science in schools, and Each year the Sainsbury Management
across the SEND sector. One hundred we work with partners to support and Fellowships (SMF ) scheme provides
schools and colleges across England promote best practice as articulated in ten bursaries of £50,000 to encourage
have now reached the gold standard of our 2017 Good Practical Science report. outstanding, early-career engineers to
meeting all eight Benchmarks. Elsewhere, We are also supportive of STEM Clubs in study for an MBA at a top international
the proportion of schools and colleges schools and colleges which allow students business school. More than 350 engineers
achieving at least half of the Benchmarks opportunities to explore STEM in more have benefitted from the scheme since
has almost doubled over the past year. informal settings. To this end, we are it started over 30 years ago. Of these,
supporting STEM Learning to deliver more than 160 have gone on to found or
We are committed to supporting face-to-face support to school staff, a co-found businesses, collectively valued
parents and carers to help children make set of dedicated online resources, and at £4.6 billion and employing over 18,000
informed decisions about their future. a scheme to develop and recognise people. The SMF bursary scheme is
Over the next year we will be embarking the achievements of the teachers and managed by the Engineers in Business
on work to explore how schools and technicians who run STEM Clubs. Fellowship (EIBF ) which organises
colleges can best work with parents
We also commission research to inform networking events throughout the
and carers in this way.
policy on the recruitment and retention year for alumni of the scheme. We also
We are also working to establish of science teachers. Gatsby’s 2018 report, support EIBF to undertake other activities
a common understanding among What happens when you pay shortage- to promote business education for
employers of the essential skills students subject teachers more money? by engineers. One such activity is a new,
need to thrive in the modern workplace. Dr Sam Sims, for instance, was cited in the inter-university competition in which
In 2019, we worked with several government’s new teacher recruitment undergraduates and recent graduates
organisations to launch the Essential and retention strategy, and informed the compete in teams to produce a
Skills Taskforce. The taskforce is striving development of the government pilot compelling business plan – and in
to develop a common framework of of early-career retention payments now some cases a working prototype –
employability/transferable skills that underway. Similarly, we were pleased that of an engineering-based product.
can be used by schools, colleges, our 2018 analysis looking at the relative Twenty-three universities participated
universities and employers. costs of teaching science and engineering in the competition in 2019, and EIBF
subjects to 16–19-year-olds was influential hope to increase this to 50 by 2022.
in the government’s decision to increase
the funding weightings for these subjects
from 2020.You can also read
