This is to add my personal thank you for the support of the British Council to FUTURO REMOTO 2002.  As you will know, Kevin's contribution has been tremendously successful with school children, with the general public and with the...press.

The subject was interesting and intriguing, and Kevin is a gifted communicator. There was, however, also another ingredient that played a critical part in the success story and that should be emphasised. Kevin has a very informal approach; he dressed like the kids, he was with his audience on the floor, he made himself available at the end of each presentation - the different language not being a problem. People could touch not only his gadgets but also his scars.

There is a powerful message that should not be lost: access to the person is as important as access to the subject. People here are used to a more formal relationship between the "eminent scientist" and the public. Kids are more used to being taught than talked to. Informality is the exception rather than the rule.

On the contrary, there is a style of delivery, of teaching and of communicating that is distinctly British and that can never fail to make a lasting impression on our typical audiences. It is a cultural asset which, I believe, is as valuable as any other form of knowledge that the UK should project and benefit from.

Renewed thanks to the British Council team for such an effective collaboration.