Life on board ESS

36 years ago today we were watching Jackie Stewart winning the Monaco Grand prix. Not on TV but at the trackside itself. I was doing a post-doc at the EU laboratory at Ispra on the shores of Lago di Maggiore. Neutron scattering with a view of the Monte Rosa. It was a defining year for me in many ways. We had headed down to the coast on Friday night and found ourselves a hotel in Ventimiglia, which is certainly twenty miles away from somewhere, but I'm not too sure where. Someone will know. Tickets on Saturday morning were not difficult to come by at 90 Francs a time - about 15 € - "did they let you keep the seat" exclaimed my Father, who was somewhat allergic to spending money, and so we headed off to the famous swimming pool with grand prix cars roaring around the track during the practice session. The next day was all noise and excitement, smells and glamour mixed together, and a Scottish winner. Quite an event.

As we look forward, with a certain anticipation, to the dinner of Research Ministers in Brussels on Thursday night where our fate (well, that of the ESS) might well be decided we can reflect on the risks and uncertainties of the Monaco Grand Prix. It is not won until the chequered flag is frantically waved as the winning car passes by in a flash. A lot can happen in a Grand Prix even on the final lap. We have to keep our eyes on the road as we negotiate that final lap for ESS. And we do well to remember that once that flag is waved, then the real work begins !

Happy motoring!!