Augmented reality, robotics and personalised health care are likely to be the big science trends of the next 12 months, according to the founder of SelectScience, the fast-growing Bath-based specialist publisher.
The Corston-based global online publisher’s editorial team is made up almost exclusively of highly qualified scientists.
That gives them unrivalled access to many of the world’s top laboratories and an insight into the kind of cutting-edge scientific developments that could change people’s lives over the next year. 
SelectScience CEO and president Arif Butt, pictured, said more dots were being joined in science than ever before, and his firm was able to “report more on the contamination of our food and the environment, the effects this has on our genetics and the resulting increase in disease”.
He also said trust was vital in a world full of disruption.
“I believe the media have even more responsibility to ensure effective communication of scientific success to make the world a healthier place… we do this at SelectScience through reviews and moderation,” he said.
Among SelectScience’s highlights last year was exclusive access to Prof Francisco Radler’s WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) accredited anti-doping laboratory for the Olympic Games in Rio
The invitation gave SelectScience the chance to showcase the positive science behind the Games.
Scientists are becoming increasingly more proactive in having their voices heard, said Mr Butt. In 2016 more than 4,000 scientists were involved in the Scientists’ Choice Awards, SelectScience’s annual recognition of the year’s success in technology and communication.
The awards celebrate some of the amazing advancements in a wide range of scientific fields, pushing the boundaries of our understanding. Nominations and voting are already underway for 2017’s awards.
Since it was founded by Mr Butt in 1998, SelectScience has brought dozens of high-quality jobs to the Bath area. It grew by 25% last year and is set to continue its expansion over the coming months, with around 12 vacancies on offer across the organisation.
In 2013 it gained a prestigious Queen’s Awards for outstanding achievements in international trade.
