THE start of 2003 for the Darwin Centre for Biology and Medicine brought the welcome news that two prominent Pembrokeshire businessmen, Richard Packman, managing director of Pembrokeshire Business Initiative, and Milford Haven Port Authority general manager Ted Sangster, are joining the Darwin board of directors.
Commenting on the appointments, acting chairman of the Darwin Centre, Mr. Robin Lewis, managing director of Magstim Company Ltd, Whitland, said: "On behalf of my colleagues I am delighted to welcome Richard Packman and Ted Sangster. Their appointment is symbolic of the close identification of the Darwin Centre with Pembrokeshire and its economy. Their advice will be invaluable as we plan the further development of the centre's activities in the county."
As well as Robin Lewis, other existing board members include: Professor Anthony Campbell, professor in biochemistry at University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff; Neville Evans, British Association for the Advancement of Science based in Cardiff; Glyn Jones, principal, Pembrokeshire College; David Lort-Phillips, director of PBI and member of IWA; and Dr. Stephanie Matthews, consultant in medical biochemistry Llandough Hospital, Cardiff.
The aims of the Darwin Centre to develop an international marine, research and sabbatical centre in Pembrokeshire are now being addressed in a feasibility study funded by ERDF Obj 1. These aims were profiled at Darwin's two-day marine conference in Pembrokeshire College in September 2002 which saw international speakers join with local experts to discuss the marine environment in terms of education, commercialisation, research and public understanding of science.
Invitations have gone out to tender for this two-part study. The successful bid will be announced later this month.
Darwin Centre activities so far in Pembrokeshire have been spearheaded by the Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival, which has staged a range of activities in the county since its inception in 2000. The support of key partners has been instrumental in ensuring Darwin's success in the county. One of the main supporters since the outset has been PBI.