Marine panel keeps head above water

Radical changes to the number and make-up of panels are expected for the second round of the government's Foresight programme, which aims to identify growth areas in science, engineering and technology. The blueprint for the next round will be launched later this month. The focus of panels, as suggested in March when the consultation on the next Foresight round began, is likely to be shifted from distinct business sectors to general themes. The number of sector panels is expected to be cut with the introduction of thematic panels. The marine panel, whose future was thought to be under threat, is now believed to have been given a temporary reprieve until September 1999.