Cambridge University Library has announced a public appeal for help in locating two missing notebooks which document some of Charles Darwin's most seminal concepts, including his 1837 'Tree of Life' sketch (pictured above). Once thought misplaced, an exhaustive search of the library has led the curators to sadly conclude the notebooks have, most likely, been stolen. Now registered on the national Art Loss Register for missing cultural artefacts, these invaluable works have also been added to Pysche - Interpol's database for stolen artworks. The public appeal was launched today to coincide with 'Evolution Day', which recognises the anniversary of Darwin's publication of On Origin of Species in November 24th 1859.

In the words of Dr. Jessica Gardener, University Librarian and Director of Library Services, "Someone, somewhere, may have knowledge or insight that can help us return these notebooks to their proper place at the heart of the UK's cultural and scientific heritage". Anyone with any information that may help find Darwin's missing notebooks are urged to contact manuscript appeal (@) lib.cam.ac.uk or to contact www.cambs.police.uk/report reference number 35/71468/20 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Read more about the notebooks and the appeal here. 

In advance of the launch of a new SUEZ group sponsored insights report coauthored by Dr. David Greenfield and myself, join us for "The Ocean Pollutant You've Never Heard Of - the invisible pollutant" webinar.

Focussing on the invisible pollution that comes from tyre wear and road surface run-off, this webinar will explore the scale and nature of the problem, together with the recent and emerging innovations, inventions, and approaches that may help to mitigate it in the years ahead.

Joining Dr. Greenfield and I on the panel will be session chair, Dr. Adam Reed - External Affairs Director, SUEZ UK, together with Stuart Hayward-Higham - Technical Director, SUEZ UK, and award-winning young design innovator and Founder and CEO of Matter, Adam Root.

We'll be discussing issues including how tyre rubber reaches the oceans; the known scale and complexity of the problem; new and near-future tyre design, materials, and engineering; and how new approaches in transport infrastructure design and management, including smart devices and systems, together with changes in driving and consumer behaviour may impact on sectors including waste management and recycling, and manufacturing. Those that can't attend the webinar, but that would like to view a recording can do so on request.

About SUEZ group in their own words... 

"We’ve been experts in water and waste management for 160 years. We operate on 5 continents, on which SUEZ harnesses all its desire for innovation to achieve a smart and sustainable management of resources throughout the world. Our company works with its customers to restore and conserve the planet's fundamental elements that are water, air and soil."

​Register for a place here.