Issue No. 58 Autumn 2006 Bush Telegraph The House Magazine of the Edinburgh Consortium for Rural Research NEW SCIENCE CHAMPION FOR SCOTLAND Professor Anne Glover has been appointed risk analysis, assessment of bioremedia- of enhancing the uptake of scientif- to the new post of Chief Scientific Adviser tion potential and application of biosen- ic research in Scotland by government, for Scotland. Her role is to sors for human toxicity assessment. In industry and society.” 2000, the industry and government group • provide independent advice to Scottish Biotech Scotland named Remedios as the “All scientists need to assume responsi- Executive ministers, nation’s best new biotech company. bility for communicating their research • take the lead in co-ordinating science to a wide audience so that science seems policy across the Executive, She has served on a number of commit- less remote and more relevant to every- • work closely with the science commu- tees including NERC’s Freshwater Sciences day life.” nity, in partnership with the Chief Sci- Peer Review Committee entists in the Health and Rural Affairs & (1998-2001) and is current- In her new role Anne will Environment Departments. ly a member of the NERC work three days a week as Environmental Genomics Chief Scientific Adviser and Anne holds a personal chair in Cell & Steering Committee and will continue her scientific Molecular Biology at the School of Medi- the DTI/BBSRC LINK Biore- work at Aberdeen Univer- cal Sciences at Aberdeen University. mediation Programme sity for the remainder of Management Committee. the week. As an undergraduate Anne studied bio- chemistry at the University of Edinburgh, In responding to news of Professor Wilson Sibbett, followed by a PhD in microbial biochem- her appointment Anne the Chair of the Scottish istry at the University of Cambridge, and said: Professor Anne Glover, FRSE Science Advisory Com- a postdoc in Aberdeen investigating the “I am delighted to be mittee, and the Executive’s genome of slime mould. She was granted appointed as the Chief Scientific Adviser external Chief Adviser on Science, will a lectureship at Aberdeen University under for Scotland.” continue in that role until December 2006 the ‘new blood’ scheme to allow her to “Scotland’s scientific endeavour is out- when his role as science champion will be focus on research. standing in both national and interna- taken on by Anne. tional arenas and I want to contribute Currently, her main research areas are to ensuring that our scientific excellence ECRR members will have the opportunity molecular microbial ecology, microbial translates to increased prosperity and to hear much more from Anne on 13 Feb- signalling and biosensor technology. The quality of life for the people of Scotland.” ruary 2007, when she has kindly agreed biosensors have been applied to diagnose to give the annual Peter Wilson Lecture. environmental pollution and have been “I also hope to convey the excitement and This event is co-sponsored by ECRR, the commercialised through a university spin- potential of science to non-scientists so Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Insti- out company called Remedios, of which that they can share in the pleasure of new tution of Biology (Scotland). Tickets are Anne is Technical Director. Her work with- discoveries.” available through the Events Team at the in Remedios includes the development RSE or through Mike Talbot, ECRR Sec- of biosensors for environmental analysis, “I have a strong commitment to knowl- retary. Anne will speak to her title, “Does bioavailability assessment, toxicity and edge transfer and want to explore ways Science Matter?” www.ecrr.org.uk Director’s Notes Scientific Director’s Notes Over the summer months, ECRR hosted an experience and anecdotal material for maintain a first-class science education Education and Outreach seminar, imme- application in the classroom. system for pupils, students and the diately prior to our Summer Reception at population at large. This advice has been Abden House, in order to improve contacts Jack Jackson, Assistant Chief Inspector of consistently provided to the Scottish and connections between the many Schools (now retired) provided a view from Executive. initiatives and endeavours in this field which the centre of the Scottish education members engage in. Fourteen delegates system, and he gave us the historical Next year, on 30 May, ECRR’s Biennial Forum representing 13 institutions/departments, perspective. He provided messages that we will be hosted by Scottish Natural Heritage, shared knowledge of their programmes and do not have a shortage of specialist biology, at its Battleby Centre, on the theme of experiences in stimulating interest in science chemistry and physics teachers in Scotland; Scottish Energy. The discussion meeting will among school children and the wider every secondary school has them. But in address the potential mix of energy sources population of Scotland. primary schools there is a problem with technically available to us, and, in particular, sufficient qualified staff, and in their the environmental and social factors to be Among us, there were two participants confidence with science. The biggest taken into account as we plan to renew external to the ECRR community to bring problem in both areas is adapting to a existing capability and bring on-stream the other dimensions to the discussion: John changing and more demanding curriculum, new technologies at a capacity which will Richardson of SSERC brought us the which emphasises the importance of make a difference. So, the session themes message that teachers are looking for lifelong CPD for teachers. will provide the spectrum from traditional opportunities to gain “hands-on” and oil and coal through onshore wind, marine “brains-on” experiences of science at work, During the ECRR Summer Reception which wind, wave and tide systems, to biofuels and not just lectures about it. So, in addition to followed, Professor Wilson Sibbett, Chairman solar opportunities providing more conventional Continuous of the Scottish Science Advisory Committee, Professional Development (CPD) courses, picked up the education theme noting the Chris Browitt they engage teachers in “fusion days” with emphasis which the Committee has placed ECRR Scientific Director visits to major industries and institutes on the central role that science must September 2006 where science is a significant component of continue to play in Scottish life, in the commercial and academic success (eg BP, economy, and in securing our prosperity. It Roslin, SAC, SCRI). These provide practical is, therefore, of paramount importance to Ladhar Bheinn in Knoydart with Loch Hourn below – Photo courtesy of Dr James Barnes Page 2 Bush Telegraph www.ecrr.org.uk Members’ Reports Scottish Crop Research Institute Sarah Stephens Dundee University, says “An exciting alter- tivars currently occupy 96% of the raspberry Science Communication Officer native to potatoes currently on the market market in Scotland and Glen Ample, released Scottish Crop Research Institute offering unique colouring and flavour” in 1996, is the most widely grown raspberry Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA cultivar in the UK at present and Glen Lyon Phone: 01382 560000 The Director of SCRI Professor Peter Gre- the number one variety in Spain. email: [email protected] gory said “SCRI is proud to add to its cat- alogue of outstanding blackcurrant and SCRI’s blackcurrant cultivars, named after raspberry varieties a new potato developed mountains in Scotland, include Ben Hope, FIELDS OF GOLD through Scottish scientific creativity. This Ben Gairn and Ben Alder. It is estimated that Scottish science has scored again. The sci- new product, resulting from a close part- SCRI-bred blackcurrants account for more entists at SCRI in partnership with Green- nership of strategic research and com- than 50% of the global crop, and new varie- vale AP have developed a new potato mercial know-how again demonstrates our ties are being launched most years. variety “Mayan Gold”. Mayan Gold is like commitment to the delivery of high quality potatoes eaten in Peru, tasty, fast cooking and healthy food”. and rich in carotenoids. It is praised by NEW SCIENCE LEADER many leading chefs. Professor David Hopkins has taken up the FRUITS OF SCIENCE new post of Director of Science Planning. The story started in the 1960s. Mike DéMaine Rhona Brankin, Deputy Minister for Environ- His role will be to help drive forward the sci- MBE remembers “My colleague George ment and Rural Development visited SCRI on ence agenda of the Institute and contribute Mackay first recognised the potential of the the 22nd August to sample the fruit of the to its research programmes. long-day adapted phureja population for new raspberry variety, Glen Doll and review producing a niche novelty vegetable for the the progress of the Living Field Project. David Hopkins previously worked at the UK. We found cooking characteristics were University of Dundee, but joins SCRI from quite a bit different from common pota- Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin the University of Stirling where he was toes – although they produce delicious mash said: “Scottish raspberries are world class, Professor and Head of the School of Bio- after careful steaming, we liked them best with an excellent reputation for quality and logical and Environmental Sciences. He fried. We were getting exciting flesh col- flavour. The Glen Doll raspberry is the first brings with him experience of research into ours – orange, all shades of yellow and then new product to come to fruition from the soils and nutrient cycling in agricultural, some with red or purple markings. Dormancy raspberry breeding consortium. It’s already semi-natural and natural systems includ- was a problem. In their native country they attracting a lot of interest from growers and ing research in the Antarctic dry valleys, cropped up to three times per year – they I’m sure it’ll be a great success. where complex communities of organisms didn’t want to stop growing.