Premier Waste Management appoints world class scientists to create a Scientific Advisory Group SAG

Recognising the need for research into waste management, non-renewable streams and recycling, the company has created SAG with the aim to become the industry leaders in pioneering research. This approach will ensure they are at the forefront, offering state of the art and revolutionary approaches to waste.


The SAG consists of four eminent scientists, world class and leaders in their fields. These individuals will meet quarterly to share findings, consolidate research and discuss issues both environmental and waste management related. The group will also be tasked with developing research and white papers that will influence the future of the industry.


The first issue that SAG will consider for Premier Waste is that of phosphates. Headed by Dr Brian Chambers, the expert in this field, the research will uncover the serious nature of phosphate depletion in the world and the predicted issues surrounding its chemical extinction.


SAG includes:


Professor Nigel Lightfoot CBE, HPA Centre for Emergency Preparedness

Having graduated from St Mary's Hospital Medical School Professor Lightfoot gained experience in the nuclear submarines in the Royal Navy, general practise and medical microbiology before becoming the Navy's consultant medical microbiologist in 1979.


In 1982 he joined the Public Health Laboratory Service and was appointed Director of Newle Laboratory in 1989, becoming Group Director of Laboratories in the North of England in 1995. Appointed as Head of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) training and scenario development to the Department of Health in 2002 he is expert advisor to the Chief Medical Officer and has made significant contributions to the Global Health Security Network of the G7 group nations where he is co chair of Risk Management and Coordination Working Group.


Professor Lightfoot is Head of the Health Protection Agency's Pandemic Influenza Programme and has developed cross-agency co-ordination of expert facilities and planning for pandemic influenza preparedness. He works across Government with other departments in pandemic influenza preparedness, particularly with the Department of Health, Cabinet Office, Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Department for Transport and Home Office.


Professor Ed Stentiford MIMechE, FCIWEM, BA, MA, MSc

Having worked in industry for seven years after graduating, Professor Ed Stentiford worked with Tate & Lyle as a project engineer, and at Yorkshire Water as design engineer. He joined the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds in 1977.


Currently his research activities include solid waste management and resource conservation with an emphasis on biological treatment methods and composting in particular. His research work has been supported by the EU, EPSRC, DFID, DEFRA and industry.


Currently serving on the editoral panel of five journals, Ed Stentiford himself has had over 180 published articles. In addition to acting as a consultant for international agencies, governments and private companies he also runs seminars and courses on solid waste treatment and management in the UK and overseas.



Professor Tom Curtis, Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences Newle University

Professor Curtis is internationally renowned for his work on applied and theoretical design and management of engineered biological treatment systems. Following his degree in microbiology from the University of Leeds he started his career as a research technician working on public health engineering. Initially researching the removal of pathogens in low cost wastewater treatment in Northern Brazil he progressed in to construction in the Middle East and then worked within the UKs Department of Health. Joining the University of Newle in 1994 he has continued his work in biological treatment systems.


Dr Brian Chambers BSc, PhD, FISoilSci, CSci. Senior Principal Scientist

Soils and Nutrients Service Product Leader, ADAS

Dr Chambers joined ADAS in 1985 after completing BSc Soil Science at Newle University and PhD at Aberdeen. He has over 20 years experience in applied and policy driven research for DEFRA, Environment Agency, Food Standards Agency, Waste and Resource Action Programme (WRAP), as well as the Scottish Government, and farmers and growers in the UK.


Dr Chambers has advised government and industry on, among others, Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, and Pollution Prevetion. He is internationally recognised for research in to soil science, organic manure and minimisation of environmental pollution. He has authored over 300 papers on nutrient use and soil science. He is a visiting Professor at Cranfield University, a Chartered Scientist, a Fellow and Past President of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists, a member of the British Society of Soil Science, an Associate Editor of the Soil Use and Management Journal, an NPK club "A" member and is Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS) qualified - Registration number F/00646.