Centromere - principal consultant
Centromere Limited is wholly owned by Dr Ian Vance. Ian has an honours BSc in Biological Sciences and a PhD in Marine Microbial Ecology. He is a Chartered Biologist and a member of the Institute of Biology. Ian has acted as a referee for several biological journals and grant committees and is a member of the Energy Institute Microbiology Committee.
After completing his thesis, Ian spent three years as a post doctoral research fellow working in fermentation technology applied to biofuel production. He joined the BP Research Centre in 1980, evaluating simultaneous saccharification of cellulose and ethanol production in anaerobic fermenters as a route to producing gasoline extenders from organic waste. Over the subsequent 24 years, Ian worked on many diverse projects for BP, including 4 years in the USA as a Senior Team Leader in Oilfield Microbiology, supporting production operations in Alaska. His final position for BP was Senior Consultant in Environmental Technology, carrying out environmental impact assessments and evaluating remedial technologies.
Ian has been active in many technical projects with major companies, organisations and government agencies, including:
- Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO)
- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
- AstraZeneca
- Azerbaijan International Operating Company
- BP Exploration Operating Company
- Department of Trade and Industry
- DuPont
- Energy Institute
- Environment Agency
- Maersk
- Norsk Hydro
- Norske Shell
- Novartis
- Petronas
- Shell Exploration and Production Company
- The Mary Rose Trust
- Total Fina Elf
- Yara