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
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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. We improved on live in the world’s most extreme terrestrial the dormancy issue significantly but they still With a number of potential new varieties environment. sprout early unless you have chilled storage. coming through, this whole project shows All the improvements were made by selection a great determination by the industry to followed by allowing the best to interbreed keep Scottish raspberries among the best SCIENCE AWARD pollinated by bumble bees. Classical plant in the world.” Dr Alison Lees has been awarded the Peter breeding with minimal interference by us!” Massalski prize for her research into potato Glen Doll is a late season variety with supe- pathology. This prize is given for the most Deputy Food Minister Rhona Brankin, on a rior flavour and shelf life and has in-built meritorious research by a young scientist. recent visit to SCRI, said: defence against aphids. Canes have been After completing a first degree in Biology at “This product clearly demonstrates the released to the industry and fruit is expected the University of Wales, Bangor, Dr Lees car- excellent science we support in Scotland. in the shops next summer. ried out research at The John Innes Centre, The adaptation of a tasty potato native Norwich, into the detection and control of to equatorial regions to production in the The raspberry breeding programme at SCRI wheat pathogens, gaining her PhD in 1995. Scottish climate, shows the outstanding is best known for the ‘Glen’ series of cul- contribution science can make to our lives tivars which are grown throughout the Dr Lees then moved to SCRI to take up – and it takes less time to cook, saving both world. The first of the series, Glen Clova, a position in the potato breeding group, time and energy.” was released in 1970 and for many years assessing germplasm for resistance to dis- was the mainstay of the raspberry industry. eases, before moving to her current job in Anne Colquhoun, Abertay University, who Glen Moy released in 1981, was the first the Programme of Plant Pathology.. did a lot of the taste and cooking tests at spine-free raspberry cultivar. SCRI-bred cul-
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Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland
Professor Chris Glasbey Research Providers (MRPs), the Universities • Improving data sharing between MRP BioSS of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, collaborators; Edinburgh University and the Scottish Bioinformatics Forum • Support for interactively linking graphical JCMB, King’s Buildings (SBF). The aim of SBRN is to speed the displays to external data and storage of Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ development of new treatments for disease data in databases rather than flat files email: [email protected] in humans and commercially important etc.; crops and animals, and place Scotland • QA implications of high throughput data at the forefront in developing integrated generation; MAKING NUMBERS TELL computational resources for biomedical • Act as a peer group focus for research. Although the emphasis is Modern biological research generates large bioinformatics expertise at MRPs; academic, involvement of SBF will amounts of data. These data need to be • Specific Projects – MRP Node will develop analysed to enable treatments for common enable the scope to be widened, through collaboration, training courses, conferences a series of research projects focussed on diseases, such as diabetes and cancer as MRP priorities; well as crop and animal diseases, to be and other outreach activities, to include all • The formation of a steering group for the developed. Bioinformatics brings together in Scotland with a commercial or academic MRP node with representation/input from skills in computing, mathematics, statistics interest in bioinformatics research. the SEERAD funded organisations. and biology to allow this analysis to happen. The MRP node, led by the Scottish Crop
BioSS is a partner in the recently created Research Institute (SCRI) and BioSS, is Scottish Bioinformatics Research Network initially focusing on: (SBRN). SBRN has been funded jointly • Automation of analysis/workflows; by SHEFC and SEERAD to facilitate • Improved access to Linux clusters at SCRI collaboration among bioinformatics and RRI and external clusters in Scotland research centres in SEERAD’s Main and beyond;
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Shauna Hay management. The main focus of the project cons of ecotourism, as well as children’s Press & Marketing Office, will be training and capacity-building, which story times and art sessions. Running Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh started this August with Dr Harris and Dr through October the series was organised 20a Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR Jean-Marie Moutsambot_ of the university in association with Stop Climate Chaos and Tel: 0131 248 2900 running the first parataxonomy course for with the support of WWF Scotland. email: [email protected] seven conservationists in northern Congo. Mike Robinson, Head of Development at The Republic of Congo is rich in biodiversity RBGE and chairman of Stop Climate Chaos Conserving the Congo’s and some sixty per cent is covered by Scotland has been keen to involve both forests lowland tropical forests including some experts and the general public in the debate undisturbed wilderness. It is important that about what can be done to protect the Two Edinburgh botanists are at the forefront these areas are properly managed to ensure environment. Mike feels the debate is not of a major new project, funded by the UK they are conserved for future generations. about whether climate change is or is not government through the Darwin Initiative, going to happen – it is already happening to support the future management and and there is no doubt about whether or not conservation of large areas of ancient forest Climate change is no humans are causing it. What matters now is in northern Congo, thereby helping to storm in a teacup how long we have to repair it – and time is protect many rare and endangered plants running out! and animals. The implications of climate change at home and around the globe have come under the Dr David Harris, Herbarium Curator at spotlight this autumn when members of the Ecotourism in the RBGE, is working with WCS-Congo and public engaged in three weeks of thought- Garden of Aden Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, on provoking events at the RBGE. Aimed at this £184,500 initiative which will increase sparking an interest across all age groups Ecotourism has already been under the forest inventory work, provide botanical and levels of interest, the line-up ranged spotlight at RBGE’s successful “Soqotra data to local users in a novel, accessible from lectures by high-profile academics and – Land of the Dragon’s Blood Tree’’ and useful format and promote forest authors to open debates on the pros and exhibition which opened at the beginning of July and has been attracting up to 500 and 600 visitors a day. The archipelago of Soqotra, often referred to as “the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’’, is one of the world’s most diverse, yet least known areas. RBGE botanist Dr Tony Miller has spent 20 years researching its flora and has witnessed how man and nature have lived in harmony. He recognises the fragile balance is now under threat as development and tourism begins to affect life on the islands.
Sunbathing on Soqotra, where tourism is in its embryonic stage, is an example of the culture clash that can occur when travellers start to explore new territories – and with little knowledge of the religious and cultural values of the host country. Other less overt issues range from how travellers choose to reach their destinations and the impact on the environment by burgeoning resorts with a wasteful attitude to water use. Conversely, travel can have very positive aspects on Dr Harris with Congolese fellow conservationists people and countries.
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Scottish Agricultural Science Agency
Scottish Agricultural Science Agency 1 Roddinglaw Road Edinburgh EH12 9FJ Tel: +44 (0) 131 244 8890 Fax: +44 (0) 131 244 8940 email: [email protected]
NEW HOME – RENEWED ENERGY [Editor’s note: Prepared these notes following the ECRR Directors’ visit to SASA’s new HQ.] Outline of SASA’s new HQ
The ECRR directors held their August meet- ing at the SASA’s spanking new building SASA is an executive agency of the Scottish Dwarf Virus. Transitional research on molec- at Gogarbank, near Heriot Watt University. Executive Environment and Rural Affairs ular assays has resulted in the inclusion of Professor Gordon Machray hosted the lunch Department (ERAD). Its aims are to provide tests for the plant pathogens Mircrodochu- and talk and he and Simon Cooper showed scientific and technical advice and informa- im nivale and Tilletia caries within the scope those attending around the facilities. tion to ERAD. It is primarily arable orientat- of quality assurance under UKAS. ed and spends a good deal of time on issues The new building, officially opened in June covering plant breeders rights, plant health The agency is responsible for inspecting 2006, cost £33M and includes offices, labs, and implementing EU regulations. Some both potato and cereal crops grown for seed greenhouses, and an excellent lecture thea- 90% of the work is thus in service delivery in Scotland which involves looking at over tre and is situated on the Agency’s 150 acre with the remaining 10% research orientated. 1000 cereal and 4000 potato crops annu- farm. The site gives panoramic views down ally. They sample seeds directly and also towards the Forth which on sunny days like Of the work that SASA does cover on on behalf of farmers. The ECrR members that of the ECCR meeting are spectacular. research and development projects work has were shown the germination assessment The move to the new site had been well included the rapid identification of potato techniques for cereals and also the unique planned and went without any major trou- varieties through genotyping, the risk posed collection of potato varieties that are bles. The 170 staff had all had an opportu- by Ralstonia solanacearum (which causes maintained at Gogarbank. This included old nity to comment on their own new facilities brown rot in potatoes), the prevalence favourites like King Edward and Arran Pilot and a great deal of flexibility had been built of Potato Mop Virus and the relationship and all of the Pentland varieties, the latter in. Thus a contented staff! between Potato Virus P and Potato Rough having been developed in Edinburgh.
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Scottish Agricultural College
Janette Elder SAC Corporate Information Officer King’s Buildings West Mains Road, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 535 4185 email: [email protected]
Looking ahead with confidence A very positive report for 2005-2006 year was presented to the SAC AGM by the Chairman, Mr Ian Ivory and Chief Executive, Professor Bill McKelvey. Increasing student recruitment figures, increased numbers of consultants and consultancy clients, and a new research strategy were reported, SAC Board members 2006 together with another positive financial performance. tice. These farms, in priority catchments, SAC links overseas SAC is a leading player in the new Centre in Angus and Ayrshire designated by SEPA, of Excellence for epidemiology, population will concentrate on environmental impact At a European Agency for Reconstruction health and infectious disease, a consortium assessments, water quality and biodiver- meeting in Belgrade in September, SAC Con- of prominent researchers from six organi- sity. SAC will be working closely with the sultant Matthew Brown spoke on the devel- sations. The centre creates a forum for Macaulay Institute, SEPA, SEERAD and NFUS opment of ‘An integrated socio-economic knowledge transfer that will be particularly on this project. development plan based on the rehabilitation important in the design of livestock disease of the middle Danube River Basin and Inland surveillance programmes and for the control Student recruitment for the current year is waterway system of Serbia’. and prevention of animal diseases. also buoyant, with latest figures showing a SAC has initiated two new monitor farms 33% increase in acceptances of offers for first Simon Oxley, senior researcher in SAC’s Crop that will focus on environmental best prac- year places. & Soil Systems Group and expert on the barley disease Ramularia, has just returned from France where he has been sharing his knowl- edge with leading French farmers, maltsters and brewers at a series of meetings.
Renewable Energy Fair More than 2,800 people attended a fair at SAC’s Auchincruive Estate in September – this was Ayrshire’s first public fair devoted to renewable energy. Visitors to the event crowd- ed the lecture rooms to hear presentations by specialists and consultants on the workings of solar, heat pump, wind, hydro and wood- burning systems, energy efficiency, grants and government policy on renewables. Demonstra- tions of the renewable energy technologies included a working wood pellet stove, wind A few of the large gathering at the Renewable Energy Fair in September turbines and solar panels.
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Roslin Institute
Professor Harry Griffin been established to lead the project forward and Director the position of the new institute Director is cur- Roslin Institute (Edinburgh) rently being advertised later this year. Roslin DIRECTOR TO RETIRE Midlothian EH25 9PS BBSRC have committed £2M extra core fund- Professor Harry Griffin has announced Tel: 0131 527 4200 Fax: 0131 440 0434 ing to the new institute and the University of that he intends to retire as Director of email: [email protected] Edinburgh are creating four new Professional the Roslin Institute in March 2007. posts to be based there. A recent joint advert for Harry took over leadership of the Roslin MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS career-track/academic fellows by Roslin Insti- Institute in 2004 on the death of Profes- By 2009/10, Roslin Institute will have moved tute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary sor Peter Clark. Harry has been a key from its present site to a new £65M+ facility Studies attracted over 80 applications figure in defining the Institute’s vision on the Easter Bush campus of the University of and strategy over the years. He has also Edinburgh. played a pivotal role in the develop- Gene marker technology ment of the new Edinburgh Bioscience The new institute will bring together researchers at work for the UK sheep Research Centre. currently in Roslin Institute, the Neuropatho- industry genesis Unit of the Institute for Animal Health the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, is and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary A Roslin Institute led project is bearing fruit for developing a DNA chip to monitor indicators of Studies and may also accommodate livestock three UK sheep breed organisations. MASACS health and performance. The idea behind the researchers from the Scottish Agricultural Col- (Marker Assisted Selection Applied to Commer- chip is to take a ‘snapshot’ of biological proc- lege (SAC). cial Sheep) is developing new genetic markers esses within the fish, from small tissue samples. for muscle depth and worm resistance which The ‘snapshot’ provides a means of detecting With a critical mass of +500 staff, students and will be incorporated into breeding programmes changes that may signal a problem. visiting scientists and state-of-the-art facili- by Charollais Sires, British Texel Society Ltd and ties for in silico, in vitro and in vivo research on the Suffolk Sire Referencing Scheme Ltd. The The development of the chip is the culmination animals and their pathogens, the new institute project is led by Prof. Stephen Bishop. of a four-year study known as Salmon TRAITS aims to be the world leading centre for research (Transcription Analysis of Important Traits in in animal bioscience. Cracked eggs no more? Salmon) The project is co-ordinated by Prof Alan Teale of Stirling University’s Institute of Aquac- With close links to the nearby Moredun Roslin scientists have been involved in an EU ulture. Research Institute and to researchers at the funded consortium looking to optimise the qual- University of Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings and ity and safety of table eggs. Cracked eggs are Little France campuses, the new institute will both an economic cost and a health risk as this Roslin Cells Centre provide an intellectually stimulating environ- can allow the entry of bacteria into the egg. The ment that will attract the very best staff and launched team has produced a method of selecting birds students. The University of Edinburgh is also A new initiative has been launched to underpin whose eggs are less prone to crack. investing £37M in building new teaching facili- the development and exploitation of stem cell ties on the Easter Bush campus which by 2010 science in Scotland. The Centre is a partnership will be home to 1000 veterinary students. FISH AND A CHIP between Roslin Institute, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, the University of Edin- The concept of a Centre of Excellence in animal Salmon farmers and wildlife biologists share burgh and Scottish National Blood Transfusion bioscience in Edinburgh was first floated by a common dilemma: how do you assess well- Service (SNBTS) and will create clinically useable Professor John Clark OBE FRSE when he was being in an animal that often gives few indica- human stem cell lines compliant with UK and appointed Director of the Roslin Institute in tions that things are badly wrong before being European regulatory requirements. 2004. found dead? The Centre is led by Dr Paul De Sousa of the RI had a very successful Visiting Group Report Collaborative research between scientists at University of Edinburgh and will be based at and in February 2006, BBSRC Council approved Ark Genomics at Roslin Institute, the Institute Roslin initially before transferring to the Centre the creation of the new institute and committed of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, for Biomedical Research being developed by the £35M to the project. A Programme Board has the Universities of Aberdeen and Cardiff, and University of Edinburgh and Scottish Enterprise.
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Edinburgh University’s School of In Brief. . . Geosciences‘ Eco-Dimona motorglider
Centre of Excellence to fight animal diseases Deputy Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin has announced the award of a research contract, worth £2.5 million over the next five years, to a Centre of Excellence to carry out research on the epidemiology of animal diseases. The contract has been won by a consortium of prominent researchers from six organisations: University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Scottish Agricultural College, Moredun Research Institute, Macaulay Institute and Biomathemat- School of Geosciences flying high ics & Statistics Scotland. The School of Geosciences at Edinburgh University has bought a new aircraft to enable The research work to be undertaken will focus researchers to probe the lower atmosphere and its interactions with land surfaces. The aircraft on major endemic diseases problems of livestock. will be used to measure the concentration of greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere. This Diseases that will benefit from these advances will help to determine the sources and sinks of the gases relevant to the Kyoto Protocol. It will include worm and liver fluke infections in sheep also be used to measure turbulent structures in the lowest layers of the atmosphere which and cattle, pneumonia in cattle and tick borne should help test new theories of atmospheric turbulence. diseases in sheep. Emerging areas such as antibi- otic resistant bacteria, drench resistance in worms infections and exotic diseases will also benefit from generic tools and methods that will be devel- New research facility at oped by the Centre. King’s Buildings Economics Discussion Circle The Director of the new Centre, Professor Mark A £5.5 million research facility that will help The Environmental & Agricultural Economics Woolhouse of the University of Edinburgh said: researchers tackle some of the toughest challenges Discussion Circle holds monthly meetings “By bringing together the combined talents of in civil and environmental engineering was officially from October to March at Greens Hotel, 24 several leading Scottish research institutes in this opened at the King’s Buildings Campus of the Uni- Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh. The meetings partnership, we will greatly improve our under- versity of Edinburgh on 22 September 2006. are usually held on the first Monday of the standing of the spread of infectious diseases and month and commence at 6.30pm. how to control them. It is the kind of resource that Work carried out at the William Rankine Building was needed during the foot-and-mouth disease will have direct impact on industry and commerce The autumn programme covers the following epidemic of 2001 and will be needed again in the and help support green initiatives in the wider topics: future”. community. The building also features a sunlight • Mon 9 Oct tracking device – the first of its kind on the United What does Scotland want from the new Mark Woolhouse is Professor of Infectious Disease Kingdom – which draws daylight into the building Rural Development Programme? Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh. He and further reduces energy bills. Speaker: Sarah Skerratt, SAC has worked on a variety of infectious disease sys- tems in humans and animals and has published • Mon 6 Nov A crucial component of the work will be to build City regions and rural development over 150 scientific papers. Mark was a government a better understanding of the ways in which con- advisor during the UK 2001 foot-and-mouth dis- Speaker: Neil Ward, Centre for Rural struction materials behave; another key strand of Economy, Newcastle ease epidemic (work for which he was awarded an the research will be to devise more efficient ways OBE in 2002). of cleaning up contaminated land. • Mon 4 Dec The role of Scottish land-based industries in mitigating carbon dioxide emissions New School Head Speaker to be confirmed Professor Martin Siegert has Further information about EAEDC meetings can taken up the post of Head of be had from Paul Allanson at p.f.allanson@ the School of Geosciences at dundee.ac.uk. Edinburgh University. He was previously Professor of Physical Geography and Director of the British Glaciology Centre at the University of Bristol. He specializes in the exploration of Antartica, using direct and remote methods. William Rankine Building
Bush Telegraph page www.ecrr.org.uk In Brief. . . Getting together at Millport Napier’s new appointments An informal meeting of fish researchers and postgraduate Napier University has appointed two Associate students at Scottish universities Deans in the Faculty of Health, Life & Social and institutes was held on 12-13 Sciences. August 2006 at the University Marine Biological Station Millport Dr Keith Guy takes up the position of Associate to exchange ideas and encour- Dean of Research & Knowledge Transfer. Keith age collaboration. The event was has been a lecturer and researcher at Napier organised by DR Steve Simpson of since 1997 and was appointed as a Reader in the Institute of Evolutionary Biol- 2001. Previously he was an immunologist with ogy at Edinburgh University. the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh. Socialising at the Scottish Professor Morag Gray has been appointed Asso- Universities Fish Symposium ciate Dean of Academic Development. She is a former Head of Curriculum Development with the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences and has extensive experience in developing curricula and facilitating learning at undergraduate and post- New map to ease conflict Crisis for seabirds graduate levels. between wind farms and Reports of hundreds of dead or starving young seabirds around Scotland - including some many wildlife miles from the coast - are leading to speculation New £37m vet school A new map indicating Scotland’s most sensitive among experts that these incidents may be linked areas for building wind farms has been to a much larger problem. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, produced by RSPB Scotland in an effort to help unveiled the first artists’ impressions for a developers avoid the most important areas for Post mortems on the birds shown that many multi-million pound facility for the Royal birds. It is hoped the map will help minimise the of the birds are underweight and have empty (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, when conflict between wind farms and birds of high stomachs, suggesting they are suffering from a she visited Edinburgh University in June. conservation concern by helping developers chronic shortage of food. Sandeels are a principal The new teaching facilities, to be built next avoid the most sensitive sites. The map, jointly prey for guillemots and many other seabirds. to the hospitals for small and large animals funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and the at Easter Bush, Midlothian, will enable the RSPB identifies those areas where wind farms Dick Vet to give trainee vets the best pos- would pose a high to medium risk for important sible education and equip them to meet the bird populations. challenges of veterinary practice in the 21st century. People and parasites A series of free public events highlighting the very diverse relationships between people and parasites in the modern world has been devel- Guillemots at Sumburgh earlier this year. oped, thanks to an initiative lead by a Moredun Photo courtesy of Tony & Beth Gerrard scientist. Dr Euan Dunn, head of marine policy for the RSPB, The programme of events developed by the Brit- said: ‘Able to dive 300 feet for fish prey, guillemots ish Society for Parasitology, Moredun and the are massively buffered against scarcity, so evidence University of Glasgow launched on 8 August of starvation signals a desperate lack of food”. with a series of public lectures at Glasgow’s SECC and an exhibition celebrating the parasitic So far there have been reports of nearly 100 dead discoveries of Scottish scientists through the or dying guillemots in Northern Ireland, princi- Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal years. The exhibition will travel around various pally washed up on the shores of South Down, meets The Principal, Head of the Vet School, science centres and take part in science festivals and around 120 guillemots in the Loch Fyne area Elaine Watson and Vice-Principal of throughout the UK over the next year accompa- of western Scotland. Several guillemots have Development, Young Dawkins. nied by a full series of public lectures. also been reported from highly unusual inland locations, including the centre of Glasgow, Cri- Dr Lee Innes from Moredun’s Parasitology Divi- anlarich and Loch Awe. Some birds have been sion was the driving force behind this project, reported swimming up small burns, presumably successfully securing funding from the Well- in a desperate attempt to find food. come Trust as part of their Engaging Science programme.
Page 10 Bush Telegraph www.ecrr.org.uk Meetings / Notices / Events
People & Events
ECRR DIARY 2006
Nov 1 Main Board Meeting & AGM Board Room, Crew House, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh 14.30
Careers workshop for postgraduates SAC, Peter Wilson Building, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh 16.00
Winter reception SAC, Peter Wilson Building 17.00
Dec 4 Executive Committee SAG Peter Wilson Building, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh 10.30
Directors’ lunch Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland JCMB, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh 12.30 Host: Professor David Elston
2007
Feb 13 Annual ECRR Peter Wilson Lecture “Does Science Matter?” given by Professor Anne Glover at the 17.30 Royal Society of Edinburgh George Street, Edinburgh
Mar 5 Directors’ lunch Napier University, School of Life Sciences Host: Dr Kathy Velander 12.30
May 30 ECRR Biennial Forum Scotland’s Energy-One-day meeting at SNH Battleby Centre near Perth
HEAD OF CROP and SOIL SYSTEMS RESEARCH Dr Bill Spoor has been appointed Group Manager for SAC’s Crop and Soil Systems Research Group.
After taking a degree in agricultural botany in Aberystwyth, he completed a PhD on breeding systems in graminaceous species at Reading University. He joined the East of Scotland College of Agriculture (ESCA) in 1975 as a lecturer in Plant Genetics and Breeding, a post which was shared between ESCA and the University of Edinburgh. In that role he made a major commitment to undergraduate education but steadily developed research interests in genetic diversity of crop species, acquiring a wide spread of interest Dr Bill Spoor including work on soft fruit (raspberries and strawberries), brassicas and even peanuts.
Since then Bill has established an impressive research record. He went on to lead the Plant Biotechnology group in the emergent SAC in 1989 - around which time he was also appointed Director of Postgraduate Studies in the Institute of Ecology and Resource Management (IERM) for the University of Edinburgh. In 1995 he became Head of the Crop Science Group in the Plant Sciences Division and, following restructuring, became Deputy Manager of the Crop and Soil Systems Research Group. Bill has maintained research interests in the use of varietal mixtures and ecological combining ability amongst genotypes and in the general area of base broadening in crops.
Bush Telegraph page 11 www.ecrr.org.uk www.ecrr.org.uk ECRR Member Organisations
University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk College of Science & Engineering College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine College of Humanities & Social Science Scottish Agricultural College www.sac.ac.uk Research & Development Education & Training Napier University, School of Life Sciences www.napier.ac.uk/fhls/lifesciences University of Stirling, Institute of Aquaculture www.aquaculture.stir.ac.uk UHI Millennium Institute www.uhi.ac.uk University Marine Biological Station Millport www.gla.ac.uk/centres/marinestation Moredun Research Institute www.mri.sari.ac.uk Forest Research, Northern Research Station www.forestry.gov.uk Roslin Institute www.roslin.ac.uk Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland www.bioss.sari.ac.uk British Geological Survey www.bgs.ac.uk Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Edinburgh www.ceh.ac.uk DEFRA Lasswade Veterinary Laboratory www.defra.gov.uk/vla MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit www.hrsu.mrc.ac.uk National Museums of Scotland www.nms.ac.uk Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh www.rbge.org.uk Royal Society for the Protection of Birds – Scotland www.rspb.org.uk Scottish Agricultural Science Agency www.sasa.gov.uk Scottish Crop Research Institute www.scri.sari.ac.uk Scottish Natural Heritage www.snh.org.uk Scotland & N. Ireland Forum for Environmental Research www.sniffer.org.uk Edinburgh Centre for Tropical Forests www.nmw.ac.uk/ectf Scottish Centre for Animal Welfare Sciences
CONTACTING ECRR Scientific Director: Dr Chris Browitt Email: [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Mike Talbot Email: [email protected] Bush Telegraph Editor Mike Steele Email: [email protected]
ECRR, University of Edinburgh, Room 3618, JCMB, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ Tel: 0131 650 4890 Fax: 0131 650 4901
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