Berenice Blackburn was born in the nineteen fifties, just in time - as she says herself - 'to enjoy a solid grammar school education.' At that time girls were hardly encouraged to take up scientific pursuits, but Berenice did so with enthusiasm. Afterwards, university and then the world of work. In all her working career, Berenice worked for only two companies. She never rose as high as she hoped. 'The glass ceiling was very thick then, ' she says, 'and still exists, I believe.' Asked to mention her finest achievement, Miss Blackburn points to her vegetable garden, which she claims not only feeds her organic produce but helps to keep her fit