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Introduction to ALDES

Committee

Fringe meetings at Conference

Papers

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ABOUT ALDES

THE ASSOCIATION OF LIBERAL DEMOCRAT ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS

( Aims - Activities - Membership - Leaflet and Application Form )

Virtually all political subjects have some science based dimension. For example exploitation of fossil fuels has brought huge economic benefits, but now scientists have to find a way to sustain those benefits whilst containing global warming. The pharmaceutical industry produces thousands of health giving drugs, but the proliferation and cost of those drugs is forcing a debate on expanding or rationing care in the NHS. Progress in telecommunications and computers is changing the whole way we work. In some cases clerical work can be done as easily in Taiwan as Torquay.

Indeed, science underpins our lifestyle. Yet while science provides options, politicians must decide outcomes. Unhappily few scientists and those in the science-based professions of engineering and medicine, get involved in UK politics, and politicians are poorly educated in technical matters.

Aims

ALDES aims to bridge that gap. Political parties need people with know how to generate innovative ideas and ensure policy has a secure scientific foundation. ALDES has 3 main objectives:

·                To serve the Liberal Democrat party by providing specialist knowledge in policy development

·                To promote better understanding within the party of what science and those who use science - engineers and medics - can and can not do, and so create a positive image for science and technology.

·                To create a good fellowship amongst engineers, scientists, and medics in the party

Activities

ALDES was formed at the 1991 Autumn Conference at Bournemouth. Since then it has organised fringe meetings at nearly all federal conferences; built up a list of around 40 booklets and briefing notes; and contributed to most party policy working groups. Currently it has over 200 members including MPs, MEPs, members of the House of Lords, and several professors. It produces 4 newsletters each year for members and, besides its web site, has conferences on CIX and Topica. Its AGM takes place at the party’s Autumn conference. It is a Specified Associated Organisation within the Liberal Democrat party.

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Membership

New members must be members of the Liberal Democrats, but are always welcomed.

The current subscription is £10, with concessions for those who are unwaged and on low incomes (£5), and students (£3).
Subs can be paid by SO or cheque payable to ALDES and posted to: Bill Smith, Hon Treas. ALDES, 7, Varden Avenue, Beeston, Notts, NG9 2SJ.

Further details are available from the Chairman, Rowland Morgan or
Secretary, Chris Lomax (mail@chrislomax.org.uk)

Right-click here and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As" to download an application form in .pdf format (needs Adobe Reader installed on your computer)

 E-mail our Secretary Chris Lomax (mail@chrislomax.org.uk).