British Vacuum Council
The need for a national body to serve the interests of the scientists and engineers engaged in expanding the field of vacuum science and technology in the UK became apparent in 1959.
Because of the inter-disciplinary nature of the subject no single Professional Institution could be expected to give a complete service to all vacuum workers.
Further examination of the role of the JBCVST after several years' operation led to the conclusion that it should continue but with the formulation of a proper Constitution to regularize its existence.
The BVC is normally represented on all the Scientific Divisions of the IUVSTA and plays a full and active part in its work, including organising Conferences and Workshops.
In the early 1970s this annual lecture was presented at a special meeting held in London and hosted by one of the constituent bodies.
All were extremely energetic in carrying out the general policy established by the council and in developing the International standing of the Journal.
During the period where royalties were received, the income had allowed the BVC to give financial support to postgraduate students in the UK to enable them to attend scientific meetings both at home and abroad.
The BVC has sponsored short courses on vacuum and related topics over the years, including a very successful training course on Vacuum Technology, run by Drs Chambers, Fitch and Halliday, which was first held in Glasgow in March 1986 and has since been repeated at various venues many times.
In 1981 the Council was pleased when Dr. C. R. Burch agreed to allow his name to be attached to the prize in recognition of his pioneering work in vacuum science particularly in developing Apiezon oils some 50 years earlier.
It was presented to Prof R H Williams at the 1st European Vacuum Conference held at Salford in April 1988, immediately before the Annual Address.
Currently the British Vacuum Council awards the Senior Prize, which is associated with the John Yarwood Memorial Medal.
To encourage the awareness of young scientists and engineers of the subject of vacuum, the Council instituted in 1977 a prize to be presented each year to a young scientist or engineer working in a UK laboratory, adjudged to have presented the best scientific paper in that year.
In 1981 the Council was pleased when Dr. C. R. Burch agreed to allow his name to be attached to the prize in recognition of his pioneering work in vacuum science particularly in developing Apiezon oils some 50 years earlier.
Applicants must be graduates within ten years of receiving their first degree or non-graduates at an equivalent stage of a professional career.
