THE CAMBRIDGE STATISTICS DISCUSSION GROUP
Wednesday 26th November 2003 7:15 for 7:45
Statistical Laboratory,
Centre for Mathematical Sciences,
Wilberforce Road
Cambridge
GM Crops on Trial
Peter Rothery,
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology,
Monks Wood
Abstract:
The first genetically modified (GM) crops being proposed for commercial
planting in the UK are insensitive to broad-spectrum herbicides. These crops
offer advantages for weed control but raise concerns about effects on farmland
wildlife. The Farm Scale Evaluations (FSE) is a large, three-year study to
examine the effect of commercial management of these genetically modified
herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops (beet, spring and winter oilseed rape and
maize) on arable weed and invertebrate populations. This talk will outline
the background to the FSE, describe the statistical issues in the design and
analysis, and present some of the main findings (published by The Royal
Society in October 2003).
Speaker:
Peter has worked as statistician applying and developing statistical methods
and mathematical models in ecology at several institutes of the Natural
Environment Research Council (Nature Conservancy, 1969-73; Institute of
Terrestrial Ecology, now Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; 1973-84 &
1995-present; British Antarctic Survey, 1984-95).
Directions:
The main entrance is reached from Clarkson Road by going along the
footpath to the right of the Newton Institute, and turning left through the
gatehouse towards the main building (Pavilion A), which has a glass front and
a curved grassed roof. The main entrance is in the middle of the glass
front. Coffee before the talk will be in the common room in Pavilion D,
and the talk will be in Meeting Room 5 in Pavilion A. Free Parking is
available after 5pm on Clarkson and Wilberforce Roads.
Next Meetings: PLEASE NOTE EXTRA DECEMBER MEETING.
10th December - Brian Wiens (AMGEN) on 'Active control, noninferiority and
equivalence in clinical trials'.
3rd February - Angela Wood (MRC Biostatistics) on 'Dealing with Missing
Outcome Data'.
3rd March - Haidee Philpott & John Law (NIAB) on 'A case study in Winter
Wheat Fungicide Trials in the UK 1991-2001'.
5th April - Anthony Edwards (Gonville and Caius).
Supper: Some members eat regularly in the University Centre before
each talk meeting in the downstairs bar at 6pm. Feel free to join them.
Subscriptions: of 4 pounds per member are now due for the 2003-2004 session.
Secretary: Peter Watson, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit,
15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 2EF;telephone 01223 355294 Extension 801;
E-mail [log in to unmask]
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