News in brief

Zeneca is considering the demerger of its speciality chemicals business in an attempt to sharpen its focus on life sciences. Businesses including biocides, colours, life-science molecules, performance and intermediate chemicals, resins and leather chemicals could be on the block. ICI, Zeneca's former parent company, has first refusal on some of these businesses, and is considering the reacquisition of the resins and intermediates businesses.

* CIA calls for risk assessment

An `extensive international programme of chemicals testing, risk assessment and management' is required to boost the public's confidence in the chemical industry, according to the UK Chemical Industries Association. `The industry has accepted that it must do more to reassure the public,' said director-general Elliot Finer.

* Measurement partnership

The National Engineering Laboratory, the Institute of Measurement and Control and GAMBICA are among the members of a National Measurement Partnership, a new organisation intended to improve access to measurement facilities in the UK. Backed by the DTI, the NMP will ensure that the UK's measurement needs are being addressed; will issue good practice guides, and will advise on measurement queries and problems.

* Kvaerner launches MSc course

The University of Durham and Kvaerner have joined forces to launch a one-year MSc course in chemical process technology, based at Kvaerner's technology centre near Stockton-on-Tees. The course, open to ten students, aims to provide the training needed by holders of chemistry first degrees before entering jobs within the process industries.

* Tyne Tees flies the standard