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THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ISSUE 14 • SUMMER 2006

RESOURCE THE NEWSLETTER OF ’S NATIONAL ACADEMY

Independent Energy Inquiry Stimulates Debate Scotland should urgently seek a secure, competitive, socially equitable and low carbon emissions supply of energy. This will require energy from a diversity of fuels, countries and technologies, helping Scotland to be competitive in global markets, with all sections of society having access to energy at a price they can afford, and using technology with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions throughout their life cycle. This was the conclusion of the RSE’s major independent Inquiry into Energy Issues for Scotland launched in June. To achieve its goals, the RSE report recommends a comprehensive and integrated strategy and four key changes: (1) an increase in the efficient use of energy; (2) the use of cleaner energy sources; (3) the research and development of new technologies to benefit Scotland; and (4) the implementation of more effective measures to improve market operation. Instigated by the Council of the RSE, the Inquiry calls for urgent action in view of the prediction that Scotland’s Energy demands will increase by 50% between 2000 and 2050, whilst facing a reduction in North Sea oil and gas production and at a time when our coal and nuclear electricity-generating plants are approaching the end of their economic lives.

New Clerk Maxwell Award FRSE is Chief Scientific Advisor The Vikings and Scotland Energy Inquiry

Chaired by Professor Maxwell Irvine and endorsed by the RSE’s Council, the multidisciplinary expert committee’s report makes 37 key recommendations. Available in full on the Society’s website and in hard copy, the report broadly emphasises that diversity of supply is crucial, there being no single solution to the energy gap our faces; that Scotland has an opportunity to make important decisions on energy infrastructure and is in a position to influence decisions on electricity. As a Nation we should reduce energy use by a combination of changing attitudes and behaviour, better building design, the reuse of urban waste for water and space heating, the use of modern energy saving devices, and using waste for energy production in the main urban areas. The report concludes that there is much potential in renewable technologies which should be explored. We should reject the false polarisation of a nuclear v wind debate and seek decisions reached through a process of public engagement in which consensus, rather than the strongest lobbying groups, prevails.

DEBATING SCOTLAND’S ENERGY CHOICES The Inquiry report is the beginning, not the end, of the Society’s contribution to this important debate. After the Society’s AGM in October there will be an opportunity for Fellows to discuss the analysis and findings of the reports. A series of events around Scotland is being planned to provide the opportunity for input by the public and all interest groups and a parallel series with schools. This programme will culminate in a conference in Edinburgh in March 2007 where we shall seek to distil and report on the outcomes of the country-wide activity. The Committee had a membership with wide-ranging expertise. It was chaired by Professor Maxwell Irvine, FRSE, Professor of Physics, of Manchester and Professor Roger Crofts, CBE, FRSE, Visiting Professor of Geoscience, , was the Secretary. Inquiry Chairman Professor Maxwell Irvine, FRSE

TAKING EVIDENCE AROUND SCOTLAND AND OVERSEAS: FUNDING: During the year, evidence was taken from almost one hundred expert witnesses and The Chair and Members of the RSE’s nearly two hundred written independent Committee gave their submissions were received. time to the work of the Inquiry Meetings were held in voluntarily, without any charge. The Lewis, Orkney, Shetland, RSE acknowledges, with thanks, the Inverness, Aberdeen, financial support provided by: , Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire Council; The Binks Trust; London. In addition, a Buccleuch Estates Ltd; Highlands & delegation visited Finland to Islands Enterprise; Scottish & Southern observe its approach to Energy plc; Scottish Enterprise Energy energy issues. Written Team; and Total E&P UK plc. evidence submitted to committee can be seen at: http:// REPORT FORMAT & COPIES: www.royalsoced.org.uk/ The Summary Report is available in hard enquiries/energy/evidence/ copy and online. The Full report is index.htm available online at www.royalsoced.org.uk and in hard copy, by request (ISBN: 0 902198 742) Inquiry Secretary Professor Roger Crofts, CBE FRSE from Mr William Hardie, Secretary to the Committee Email: [email protected]

2 The President’s Perspective

As this Newsletter shows, the Society continues to be active on many fronts. The most notable event this summer was the launch of our report on the Energy needs of Scotland, the result of a one-year Inquiry chaired by Professor Maxwell Irvine FRSE. The report came out on schedule and at an opportune moment, and was well received. Our relations with the Scottish Executive occupy much of our time and are being transformed by the recent appointment of Professor FRSE as Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland. The creation of this post was a move that we had strongly argued for. This year has been widely celebrated as the 175th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s greatest scientist, James Clerk Maxwell. One outcome has been the establishment of an annual James Clerk Maxwell Prize Lecture, under the auspices of the RSE, generously sponsored by Wolfson Microelectronics. Plans for a statue of Maxwell are also being pursued. Two RSE events are particularly noteworthy. The highly topical conference on Islam and Democracy was held in May (see back cover) and was broadcast to much of the - speaking world. A two-day meeting on the Viking influence on Scotland, organised jointly with our Norwegian colleagues, is planned for later this month. These two meetings emphasise the wide scope of the RSE, embracing science but extending well beyond it into other cultural dimensions. Sir Michael Atiyah, OM, FRS, PRSE, HonFREng, HonFMedSci

The Royal Society of Edinburgh The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is an educational charity, registered in Scotland. Independent and non-party- political, we are working to provide public benefit throughout Scotland and by means of a growing international programme. The RSE has a peer-elected, multidisciplinary Fellowship of 1400 men and women who are experts within their fields. We seek to provide public benefit in today’s Scotland by: 1 Organising lectures, debates and conferences on topical and significant issues 2 Conducting independent inquiries on matters of national and international importance 3 Providing educational activities for RSE FELLOW APPOINTED CHIEF SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR FOR primary and secondary school SCOTLAND students throughout Scotland 4 Distributing over £1.7 million to top Professor (Lesley) Anne Glover, FRSE has been appointed Chief Scientific Advisor for researchers and entrepreneurs Scotland. Professor Glover, who has a Personal Chair in Molecular Biology in the working in Scotland School of Medical Sciences at the , will be seconded to the 5 Showcasing the best of Scotland’s Scottish Executive. Sir Michael Atiyah welcomed the appointment: “This is a most research and development important post which will help Scotland establish its position in UK science circles and capabilities to the rest of the World on the international scene. With the ever-increasing role of scientific matters in public 6 Facilitating Scotland’s international affairs it is vital that the Scottish Executive has access to the best scientific advice, collaboration in research and through a variety of channels. The RSE hopes to establish a good working enterprise relationship with Professor Glover and assist her in her important task”. 7 Awarding prizes and medals

3 Recognising Excellence JAMES CLERK MAXWELL AWARD The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), and the RSE have agreed to create the James Clerk Maxwell Award, which will be supported by Wolfson Microelectronics plc. This top new annual award is to encourage and reward transforming developments in electronics and electrical engineering or related fields and which are profoundly improving people’s lives. The scale of the challenge lies in the identity of the pioneering Scottish Scientist whom the prize commemorates - James Clerk Maxwell. A hero of Einstein’s and the man who laid the foundations for almost all aspects of communications central to the way we live our lives today, Clerk Maxwell will be no easy act to follow. The exceptional winner of The IEEE/RSE James Clerk Maxwell Award will receive $20,000 and a prestigious gold medal. The new award is being funded by Wolfson Microelectronics plc, a global leader in the supply of high- performance mixed-signal chips for the digital market. Wolfson’s global headquarters are in Edinburgh, Maxwell’s place of birth. Professor Michael Lightner, (pictured IEEE President Professor Michael Lightner and Sir Michael sign the Agreement (photo by Gary Doak) above right), President of the IEEE, visited the Society on 31 August 2006 Sir Michael Atiyah said: to give a lecture and to sign the Agreement between the RSE and IEEE. Maxwell ranks with Einstein as one of the founders of modern Physics and deserves much greater recognition in Scotland that he has previously received. This is the 175th anniversary of Maxwell’s birth and I am delighted that the IEEE is joining forces with the RSE and Wolfson Microelectronics to create this significant new international award which recognises Maxwell’s contribution to the whole of modern technology. Seeking world-class competition, we are spreading the net wide – worldwide. There are no restrictions as to race, gender or age and entrants are not required to be Fellows of the RSE nor Members of the IEEE. The IEEE/RSE James Clerk Maxwell Award will be presented at the prestigious IEEE Honors Award Ceremony in the USA, and the winner will also discuss their outstanding work at a high profile event in Scotland.

David Milne OBE FRSE, CEO of Wolfson Microelectronics plc, commented: Maxwell made a tremendous contribution to maths, astronomy and engineering, and is considered by many to be the father of electromagnetic theory. Wolfson is delighted to pay tribute to his remarkable legacy by supporting this award. It is essential that we encourage and reward the best international work in electronics and electrical engineering in order to encourage potential engineers and support the Maxwells of the future. Professor David Milne, CEO, Wolfson Microelectronics plc (image courtesy of Wolfson)

4 Scotlands’s Research Talent AWARDEES 2006 The following awards will be made at the Annual Awards Ceremony on 29 September 2006 at the Royal Society of Edinburgh: Royal Society of Edinburgh/SE Cormack Vacation Research BP Personal Research Fellowship Enterprise Fellowships Scholarships 2006 Dr Cristina Persano Electronics Sharon Baillie. An alcohol problem!! Magnitude and tempo of landscape Miss Frances Flood, Collaborative Tools Understanding the role and formation changes: reading the music. for Application Sharing Across Landline of CH30H in star-forming regions. Department of Geographical and Earth and Mobile Connections Department of Physics, University of Sciences, Department of Electronic and Electrical Strathclyde CRF/RSE Personal Research Engineering, University of Strathclyde Calum Brown. The Epoch of Fellowships in the Biomedical Mr Amar Seeam Completely Reionization. School of Physics, Sciences Reconfigurable Display Keyboard, University of Edinburgh (ROE) Dr Francois-Michel Boisvert, the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Duncan Forgan. Planetary core growth Wellcome Trust Biocentre, Division of University of Strathclyde in turbulent protoplanetary discs. Gene Regulation and Expression, Life Sciences School of Physics, University of Characterisation Dr Allexis Enright. Detection of sexually Edinburgh (ROE) of the nucleolar proteome during the transmitted infections using surface Jennifer Noble. The building blocks of cell cycle enhanced resonance Raman scattering life. Combining SPITZER Observations Dr Anne E King, The Obstetrics and (SERRS) Department of Pure and Applied and Laboratory Studies to unlock the Gynaecology Section, Division of Chemistry, University of Strathclyde first stage of Nitrogen-chemistry in Reproductive and Developmental Dr Alison Reith. The ARM Test. An in protostellar objects. Department of Sciences, University of Edinburgh vitro cell assay for evaluating novel anti- Physics, University of Strathclyde, The NF kappa B pathway and cancer therapeutics and carcinogens. Colin Simpson. Microlens Planet inflammatory and innate immune Division of Cancer Sciences and Search. School of Physics and mechanisms in human endometrium Molecular Pathology, University of Astronomy, Scottish Executive Personal Research Glasgow Cormack Undergraduate Prize 2005 Fellowships Dr Romain Viguier Harvesting Natural Katharine Johnston. A search for Dr Jan-Willem Bos. New Multiferroic Products from Weeds, School of starlight reflected from tau Bootis b. Materials. Centre for Science at Chemistry, University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy, Extreme Conditions and School of Microelectronics University of St Andrews Chemistry, University of Edinburgh Mr Jochen Leidner Mobile Search in Cormack Postgraduate Prize 2005 Dr Nancy Sabatier. The role of Natural Language School of Informatics, Brian Hamilton. Electron acceleration at hypothalamic peptides in the University of Edinburgh reconnecting x-points in solor flares. regulation of appetite. Centre for Royal Society of Edinburgh/BBSRC Department of Physics and Astronomy, Integrative Physiology, University of Enterprise Fellowship University of Glasgow Edinburgh Dr Suzanne Dilly The “Magic Tag” Kit: A Lessells Travel Scholarship Dr Huabing Yin. Click-Chemistries for tool for simple, rapid immobilisation of Guy German from the School of 2D and 3D Programmable Surfaces: Bioactive Molecules for Chemical Engineering at the University of Applications in Biomedical Engineering. Genomics approaches to drug discovery Edinburgh received funding to visit the Department of Electronics and Electrical Department of Chemistry and Warwick University of Minnesota, Minneapolis in Engineering, University of Glasgow Business School, June 2006 for a short course on Scottish Executive Support Research Mr Gareth Richards RAMP derivatives as Rheological Measurements - Fellowships novel cancer therapies School of Application to Polymers, Suspensions Dr Kevin Hammond Guaranteed Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Processing Resource Bounds for Real-Time Alastair Kilgour from the School of Embedded Systems. School of Research Prize-Winners 2006 Engineering and Electronics at the Computer Science, University of St Makdougall Brisbane Prize University of Edinburgh received his Andrews Professor Colin McInnes FRSE. Professor award to visit the Medical Polymers and Dr Stuart Macgregor. Towards Ever- of Engineering Science, University of Biomaterials Group at the Department More Realistic Modelling of the Strathclyde of Mechanical Engineering at the Chemical Reactivity of Transition Metal BP Prize Lectureship University of California for 6 months Systems. School of Engineering and Professor Graeme Laurie. Professor of from January 2007 to research How the Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Medical Jurisprudence, University of structure of orthopaedic polyethylene Dr Tom Mackay Chiral Sculptured Thin Edinburgh changes as a result of wear in total joint Film as Biosensors. School of Henry Duncan Prize Lectureship replacements; an electron microscopy Mathematics, University of Edinburgh Professor James Hunter CBE. Professor study. of History of the Highlands and Islands, UHI Millennium Institute 5 International LANGUAGESLanguages in Scotland IN SCOTLAND - - WHAT’S THE PROBLEM What’sLn the PrLobleanguage “Languages in Scotland – What’s the condemned to linguistic incompetence. Problem? - a conference held at the RSE Those of our speakers, predominantly in March and attended by over 130 Scottish-born, who use other people stimulated a wide-ranging languages successfully, both at work discussion of two questions: first, is and in their daily life, are not all there really a problem in language university graduates, far less modern teaching and learning in Scotland and, languages graduates. What they secondly, if so, what is the problem? showed was an enthusiasm for Specifically, the conference aimed to languages as an added dimension to examine the current challenges and their relations with and understanding best practice of teaching and learning of other people, as well as a realisation modern languages in Scotland, and the that dealing with other people in their economic and cultural value of own language is commercially and languages as a life skill for Scotland professionally rewarding and and its people. sometimes essential. The notion that hand, there is no doubt that the earlier we do not need to know other a child becomes accustomed to hearing languages because everyone else can and speaking more than one language, speak English impoverishes our young the more natural it will be for him or people. her to regard language proficiency as a The conference also showed how the normal part of life. Equally, lively and resources of audio-visual technology - energetic language departments in the now increasingly accessible - can be are essential to produce the used to stimulate interest in languages language teachers of tomorrow. and skill in using them. We will not We need to ask more questions and easily forget the video-clip of students collect more data in order to in a Scottish school playing Blind Date understand the full range of the in Japanese. Languages can become a problems discussed at the conference. ‘fun’ part of the without As a first step, the RSE proposes to surrendering academic value or rigour. collect the statistical data that are The conference began with an overview Nor is the issue purely one of European currently lacking in order to build an of challenges and best practice from languages. The ability to communicate accurate picture of language teaching, representatives of the Scottish in Chinese and other Asian languages language learning and language skills Executive, HM Inspectorate of is of benefit to the European economy generally in Scotland. We welcome Education, the British Council, the as well as the Scottish economy and in information and ideas from all those European Commission and the Scottish this respect Scotland is strengthened by who are interested. Centre for Information on Language our ethnic minorities. The full report of the event will be Teaching and Research (Scottish CILT). On the negative side the conference published in early October 2006 and The second session focused on showed that we do not seem to value will be available to download from the “languages at work”, covering the knowledge of other languages as a life RSE website (www.royalsoced.org.uk) or personal experience of Scots who have skill that is, economically as well as by contacting used foreign languages in their careers culturally, vital to the success of [email protected]. and innovative approaches to language Scotland and its people. teaching using modern technology. The third session explored what is Perhaps the most important message to currently being done in schools in the come out of the conference is that ‘the state and private sectors (including problem’ is not just a technical problem Gaelic medium education) and in concerning the place of languages in “ institutions of Further and the school curriculum and the Education. examination system. For many people, the Further Education Colleges will play On the positive side, the conference a more significant role in promoting showed that Scotland is not, as some language competence as an acquired would suggest, a monolingual culture. skill than will the schools or the We are not, as a people, irretrievably universities. On the other

6 LINKS WITH SISTER ACADEMIES Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Professor Rona MacKie CBE FRSE (RSE International Convener) visited to sign an informal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The agreement was signed in Stockholm in June by Professor MacKie and the Permanent Secretary of The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Gunnar Öquist. This agreement seeks to promote the sharing of information and Professor Rona Mackie and Gunnar Öquist sign the MoU publications and to encourage closer cooperation and collaboration. It is the policy of the International EVENTS AND VISITS Committee to follow the signing of a new MoU with a joint activity or event Annual EU Lecture – Solidarity in the with the new partner academy. The Enlarged European Union – 26th June Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences 2006 shares the concerns of the RSE on Following the success of the visit of future provision of energy and is Commissioner Potocnik, EU engaged in an energy enquiry not Commissioner for Research, to the RSE dissimilar to that recently published in 2005, the European Policy Forum of by the RSE. The Royal Swedish the International Committee plans to Academy therefore plans to invite RSE fund an annual lecture on a European fellows involved in the preparation of theme. We were therefore delighted the RSE Energy enquiry to Stockholm that Mr Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, current in the autumn of 2006 to consider Vice-President of the European the findings of both groups and Parliament accepted our invitation and explore possible future collaboration chose as his title “Solidarity in the in this area. enlarged European Union”. Mr Saryusz- Memorandum of Understanding Wolski is Polish and was previously with The Slovenian Academy of Professor in the University of Lodz. He Sciences and Arts leads the Polish delegation to the Mr Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Vice-President of the European Parliament The Royal Society of Edinburgh also European Parliament, and is responsible signed an MoU with The Slovenian for the new neighbourhood policy of Academy of Sciences and Arts in the EU. August 2006. The MoU sets out the Mr Saryusz-Wolski gave an excellent and Visit by Professor Engelbrecht – agreement to facilitate, encourage thought-provoking address to a President of ALLEA – 25 October and support research collaboration in distinguished audience, dividing his 2006 all areas between research groups in theme into internal solidarity and Scotland and . Under this support between and to member states, Professor Engelbrecht, President of agreement the two academies also and external solidarity of EU member ALLEA (All European Academies) has agree to fund academic exchanges states in relationships with neighbours arranged to visit the Royal Society of between the two countries through in adjacent countries. The lecture gave Edinburgh on 25 October 2006 and the RSE’s Bilateral Exchange rise to a large number of topical and will give a public lecture. Further details Programme.The signing of this important questions to which Mr will be available on the RSE website. agreement brings the total number Saryusz-Wolski responded with careful of formal and informal international consideration and insight. agreements entered into by the RSE to ten. 7 International

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Professor J. E. Wilkinson, Professor of Education, University of Glasgow Institution visited: Taipei Municipal University of Education, Taipei, Taiwan

This award enabled research to be undertaken into the current policy of the Taiwan Government in Early Childhood Education and its impact on services for families with young children in Taiwan. Professor Wilkinson was fortunate to have been granted a 1:1 interview with the Depute Minister (Mr Wu, Tsai-Shung) who is responsible for Early Childhood Education in Taiwan. He also visited a number of kindergartens in both the public and private sector, and met with kindergarten principals, teachers and university professors. In addition, he taught a graduate class in Taipei Municipal University of Education on the subject of ‘Ideology and Early Childhood Education’. Keynote lectures in several universities were also given One of the main current functions of the International Committee of the RSE is to and Professor Wilkinson was the invited award short-term travel grants. These aim to enable Scottish researchers to establish speaker at a Teacher Education links with colleagues abroad with a view to forging long-lasting collaborations. These Conference in Chi Nan University. grants are available to all researchers at postdoctoral level, not only to Fellows of the Finally Professor Wilkinson was invited RSE. They are perhaps particularly appropriate for younger members of research to spend three days in Hong Kong on groups in helping establish international links. an official visit of Taiwan’s Private Four reports of projects supported by the RSE are described below. The report from Kindergarten Association. During this Professor Simmons and Dr Ritchie of Heriot-Watt chronicles the founding of a visit Professor Wilkinson made contact longstanding collaboration with colleagues in Taiwan as a result of initial funding, with several professors in the Hong and the remaining three describe collaborations at earlier stages in their evolution. Kong Institute of Education and was subsequently invited to read a paper at the first Conference of the Asian Pacific Educational Research Association in Dr Michael Taliansky, Research Leader (Senior Principal Scientific Officer), Hong Kong in November 2006. Scottish Crop Research Institute Institution Visited: Institute of Plant Protection, Bet Dagan, Israel

The purposes of this award were: to facilitate collaboration between the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Institute of Plant Protection (IPP); to investigate the role of a plant caspases in plant defence response; to use new equipment and technology developed at IPP for the delivery of genetic material into plant cells; and to give lectures at IPP. Dr Taliansky also learned new technology and used a special facility developed by the IPP team that allows the delivery of genetic material directly to plant cells. As a result of this visit, the collaboration between the two laboratories has led to a productive exchange of ideas between the two groups. The collaboration will be continued on the ResistVir Coordination Action funded by the EC under Framework Programme 6. Dr Taliansky has been invited to take part in the work of the subcommittee on the methods of non-conventional virus resistance led by the Israeli colleagues.

8 Scottish-based host: Professor Patricia Connolly, FRSE, Department of Bioengineering, University of Strathclyde The Royal Society of Edinburgh & Visitor: Dr Dorota Pijanowska, Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical National Natural Science Foundation Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw of China – Joint Projects Scheme

Dr Pijanowska is developing lab-on-a-chip devices with biosensor components and The RSE is pleased to announce the Prof Connolly’s research group work in the area of point of care or non-invasive launch of a new joint funding scheme medical diagnostic devices, some of which are based around biosensor technology. with the National Natural Science The main aims of the visit were therefore the exchange of experience related to Foundation of China (NNSFC). development of biosensors and their applications and discussion on possibilities of The scheme is designed to facilitate future cooperation in a field of biosensors. Dr Pijanowska had the opportunity to international collaboration between work and spend time with members of Prof Connolly’s group and also to visit a researchers based in Scotland and research group from the University of Glasgow Bioelectronics Group. She also gave a China in the field of animal health. The seminar entitled “From biosensors to lab-on-a-chip devices”. It is likely that some RSE grant provides a maximum of opportunity for collaboration will arise in the near future. £6,000 per year, for two years. This funding is to be used for travel and subsistence, with the option of using Professor John Simmons FRSE and up to £1,000 on research expenses. A Dr James Ritchie, Heriot-Watt similar level of funding will be provided University by the NNSFC to the successful China- Institution visited: National Cheng based applicant. Joint Projects are Kung University, Taiwan intended for researchers of at least postdoctoral status, employed by Following the RSE-funded visit to research institutions in Scotland and work with Professor Jing-Jing Fang at China. the National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan in 2004, Professor Fang has now received confirmation of support Professor Simmons lecturing at the National from the National Science Council of Cheng Kung University Taiwan to take forward a joint project concerned with computer-assisted modelling of facial features for Eligibility and Deadlines reconstructive surgery. Those involved The Society’s International Exchange agree that this exciting collaboration Programme is open to Scottish-based would not have been possible without researchers of at least postdoctoral the initial seedcorn funding provided status for visits of up to 4 weeks – by the RSE. either to Scotland or to the Logo of the National Natural Science collaborator’s overseas institution. Foundation of China (NNSFC) Applications are also invited for the Open Exchange Programme, which is for visits between Scotland and countries not covered by the RSE’s The closing date for receipt of bilateral agreements. Both Exchange applications is 20 September. Further Programmes are open to Fellows and information and the application form non-Fellows of the Society. are available from the RSE website The deadlines for applications are: 31 (www.royalsoced.org.uk/international) January, 30 April, 31 July and 31 Professor John Simmons FRSE and Professor October each year (unless otherwise Jing-Jing Fang indicated on the website: www.royalsoced.org.uk/international).

9 [email protected] FORTHCOMING EVENTS TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RSE EVENTS. To book tickets online, visit www.royalsoced.org.uk or contact [email protected] for further information.

SEPTEMBER 2006 Wednesday 27 September 2006 at 6.00pm Wednesday 20 September 2006 at The Royal Museum, NATURAL DISASTERS DISCUSSION FORUM Lothian Street, Edinburgh. Earth, Wind, Fire and Water: Earthquakes 5.30pm Professor Robin Spence, Architectural Engineering, . LECTURE Mr Pete Sweetman, Mercy Corps The Vikings and Scotland: The Northern World and its The loss of life from earthquakes over the past 100 Significance for Scotland years is over 1.5 million, with many millions more suffering injuries, homelessness and economic ruin. In Developing countries, which suffer 90% of the impacts, vulnerability is rising owing to world population increases (4 times higher), urbanisation (3 times), and expansion onto unsuitable land. In the Developed World, the economic losses are staggering; estimates for the 1995 Kobe earthquake, in Japan, are between 100 and 200 billion Euros. Although we can’t stop earthquakes happening, disasters can be avoided using techniques we already have to make our villages, towns and cities almost immune to their impacts. Image courtesy of Cassandra Nelson / Mercy Corps Supported by Heriot-Watt University, The Scottish Executive and The Institution of Civil Engineers Magnus Magnusson Hon KBE FRSE The Vikings - saints or sinners? Heroes or villains? Settlers or invaders? Raiders NOVEMBER 2006 or traders? Pillagers or poets? Perhaps they were all of these things. Certainly Monday 6 November 2006 at their impact was significant wherever 5.30pm they sailed. For centuries they LECTURE controlled huge areas of Scotland, from Rights, Freedom and Welfare in Shetland and Orkney down to Galloway Economics and the south-west. By their mere Professor presence they helped to shape the Prasanta Kumar , leaving an Pattanaik, enduring cultural legacy which modern University of scholarship is only now beginning to California, reveal. Image courtesy of Magnus Riverside Magnusson (Carnegie Centenary Professor 2006) Traditionally, the conception of social Thursday 21 - Friday 22 September 2006 at The Royal Museum, welfare in economics has been based Lothian Street. Two Days on a utilitarian foundation: it has been CONFERENCE typically assumed that social welfare is The Vikings and Scotland: Impact and Influence determined exclusively by the utilities of This is a joint conference with The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters the individuals constituting the society. Speakers include Professor Arne-Emil Christensen, and Over the last few decades, however, this Professor CorrFRSE, University of basically utilitarian framework has been The longships arrived off the coasts of Britain and from the North c.800AD extended to accommodate non- carrying Viking warriors whose main purpose appears to have been raiding and welfaristic considerations such as those plundering. But these Scandinavian pirates had a lasting impact on Scotland. of individual rights and freedom. The Ambitious for power, looking for land to settle and trade routes to dominate, they paper discusses the tensions between took over the Northern and Western Isles, using them as bases for syphoning off the different values that have been wealth of the Christian monastic communities. The Scandinavian inheritance is still in highlighted in recent contributions in evidence today in Orkney and Shetland, where St. Magnus Cathedral is a memorial to welfare economics. Image © Microsoft the culture which grew out of the Norse settlement and the conversion of the Vikings Supported by The Carnegie Trust for to Christianity. Image courtesy of Historic Scotland the Universities of Scotland.

10 ` JANUARY 2007

Monday 27 November 2006 at 5.30pm 16 January 2007 at Perth THE RAYMOND AND BEVERLY SACKLER DISTINGUISHED LECTURE Concert Hall Calcium Signalling in Health and Disease ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES REGIONAL LECTURE This is a joint lecture with the Academy Using History and Science to of Medical Sciences Understand Scotland’s Changing Sir Michael J. Berridge, FRS, Laboratory Biodiversity, 1600-2000 of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Dr Fiona Watson, Director, AHRC Institute, Cambridge Research Centre for Environmental Cells have access to a very extensive Ca2+ History, signalling toolkit from which each cell type Environmental scientists are well aware expresses a unique set of components to of the importance of the past in create Ca2+ signalling systems with widely understanding the present, but different spatial and temporal properties. historians are rarely involved in Such Ca2+ signalling systems are not fixed analysing landscape change, despite in stone, but are constantly being their discipline’s ability to help establish remodelled. A number of important not only what happened but why. Dr disease states (hypertension, congestive Watson’s own work with an heart failure, manic depressive illness, interdisciplinary team in the Centre for Alzheimer’s disease) may result from Environmental History at the University abnormal remodelling of Ca2+ signalling of Stirling seeks to unravel the highly systems. A good example is congestive complex relationship between nature heart failure, a major cause of human and human activity in the Scottish morbidity and mortality, which is controlled uplands over the last four hundred by a number of signalling pathways of years. The results provide a fascinating which Ca2+ seems to play a prominent role. insight into the shaping of the Image courtesy of Sir Michael J Berridge landscape and the attitudes of those who inhabited the ‘wildernesses’ we love today. Image courtesy of Dr Fiona Watson Wednesday 29 November 2006 at 6.00pm This lecture is organised jointly with the NATURAL DISASTERS DISCUSSION FORUM Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Earth, Wind, Fire and Water: Floods Speakers Include Professor Gareth Pender, Heriot-Watt University and Professor Edmund Penning-Roswell OBE Flooding is a natural process that is essential to the preservation of many natural eco- systems; however, when the flooded area is land used for human habitation the consequences can be severe. The autumn 2000 floods in inundated ten thousand properties and eleven thousand people were made homeless, businesses closed and roads and railways stood still. The total cost of this damage and disruption has been estimated at £1B. The speakers will explain the causes of flooding, present research on measuring the social impact of flooding and provide first hand experience in responding to the aftermath of the flood that occurred in the east end of Glasgow in 2002. Image The full list of RSE events appears on courtesy of Professor Gareth Pender the RSE website, www.royalsoced.org.uk/events and in Supported by Heriot-Watt University, The Scottish Executive and The Institution of Civil the RSE events diary, available from the Engineers Events Team ([email protected])

11 Free, fully-organised educational activities for young Young People people throughout Scotland Stem Cell Research Discussion Forum for Students In June, the RSE visited Inverness to run a series of events on Stem Cell Research. S5 and S6 students from throughout the Highlands met at Inverness College Three speakers discussed various aspects of Stem Cell Research. Dr Neville Cobbe, in June for a day of discussion and University of Edinburgh, introduced the field, asking “What is a Stem Cell? What is a debate on Stem Cell Research. Human Being? When does life begin? What is OK?” Dr Matt Dalby, University of Edinburgh discussed the potential applications of Stem Cell therapies. Professor In the morning the speakers Graeme Laurie, University of Edinburgh, discussed some of the legal aspects of Stem introduced the topic, students then Cell Research, illustrated with responses from around the world. split into workshops to consider the issues and formulate their own opinions. The day concluded with students presenting their views to the conference and an open-floor debate. Students felt that the study of embryonic stem cells was important, because of their great potential; however such research, and the source of such cells should be carefully considered as the question of how a ‘life is defined is key to this issue. It was accepted that clinical trials are a key process in the development of new treatments e.g. using stem cells. However, students suggested that, in Dr Neville Cobbe conducting workshop group on Public Trust of Scientists light of recent cases, the risks must be carefully identified and minimised Public Discussion wherever possible, and it should be ensured that participants are fully The UHI Millennium Institute hosted an RSE public debate in June entitled, The Ethics of aware of the risks involved. Stem Cell Research and included a video conference link to audiences in Orkney. Students suggested that the public The audience engaged the speakers in a lively discussion on a variety of issues including have a right to form their own the comparative benefits of Adult Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells and a comparison opinions and contribute to debates on of international legislation and its impact upon research. The evening concluded with a topics of national importance, like discussion of potential ways stem cells might be donated by the public for research e.g. stem cell research. In order to achieve via IVF (use of ‘extra’ embryos) or a ‘donor card’ system for the donation of adult stem this it was suggested that unbiased cells. sources of information should be readily available to the public, and scientists should build on existing public trust via increased, unbiased and honest communication on a variety of levels. The RSE is compiling a report of the day which will highlight students’ opinions on this important topic, for more information or to request a copy of the report please contact the Education Team, [email protected]. The event was run in partnership with the Scottish Initiative for Biotechnology Education (SIBE) and supported by the Students in afternoon break-out workshop discussing the media Darwin Trust of Edinburgh.

For more information please contact the Education Team, [email protected].

12 Resource for Schools Masterclasses This summer the Education Team have Maths Masterclasses been developing an electronic teaching Maths Masterclasses aim to show that resource based on the Discussion maths is fun and creative, whilst Forum to encourage debate on Stem presenting children in their final years Cell Research in the classroom. All of primary school with challenging schools in Scotland will be invited to investigations, designed to develop contribute to a national survey on Stem problem-solving, intuition and Cell Research. analytical skills. For further information Short films showing the talks and contact the Education Team, debates on the day will be available on [email protected]. Recent CD-Rom and our website, along with classes have been held at Aberdeen City activities and teaching resources. The Council and the University of Dundee. format is flexible, so schools can create a format that suits them. Professor Graeme Laurie presenting talk on Startup Science Masterclasses Copies of the CD-Rom can be laws surrounding SCR Saturday morning science masterclasses requested by contacting the Education for S1/S2 students, emphasising the Team, [email protected], in Summer School role of science, engineering and addition the full resource will be technology in society. These accessible from our website, In July and August S5 and S6 students imaginative events enable students to www.royalsoced.org.uk. from Edinburgh and the Lothians spent investigate a variety of topics in greater a week at Heriot-Watt University The resource will be produced in detail, through hands-on, fun activities. gaining a motivational insight into partnership with the Scottish Initiative Startup Science masterclasses are run in university life and the careers and for Biotechnology Education (SIBE) and partnership with organisations courses they might want to take up in supported by the Darwin Trust of throughout Scotland at the University the future. Edinburgh. of Aberdeen, the University of Dundee, The Summer School gave participants the University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt Through a broad range of activities, we an opportunity to explore the broad University and the University of St aim to enthuse young people about range of subjects on offer at University Andrews. science, engineering, technology and level, from mechanical engineering and maths and demonstrate the links computer science to chemistry and between topics studied at school and sports , in interactive the wider world. We are also keen to workshops. Students encountered develop cross-curricular activities to many challenges through the week, highlight the RSE’s multi-disciplinary from building a raft and testing it on a nature. RSE staff organise and run all wave basin to making ice-cream using events for volunteers, and manage liquid nitrogen. schools’ liaison. The summer school also included core skills workshops aimed at skills helpful in the final years of school, at university Students at the forum or in a job, e.g. presentation skills and note-taking. Talk Science Schools Talks This year the RSE ran two Summer Schools in partnership with Heriot-Watt This autumn ‘Talk Science’ speakers will University; the events were supported be visiting schools throughout Scotland by City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East to talk about a variety of topics, Lothian and West Lothian councils. including Whitburn Academy, West Lothian, Inverness Royal Academy, various schools in Aberdeenshire and Facilitator at workshop Perthshire as part of Techfest 2006 and Lochgelly High School.

13 Fellows’ Notice Board FELLOWS DECEASED APPOINTMENTS, AWARDS, CITATIONS It is with much regret that we record Stephen Mark BARNETT, Raymond William OGDEN and Austin Gerard SMITH have the deaths of the following Fellows: been made Fellows of the Royal Society of London. Dr Harold Burnell CARTER John Anthony BUTT, Hector Lewis MacQUEEN and Charles William John WITHERS Professor Ronald Haxton have been made Fellows of the GIRDWOOD John William HANCOCK has been made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Professor John William Beaufoy Engineering. KING Professor Sir , FRSE, former Chief Medical Officer, was installed as Dr Bernard RAISTRICK the new of the University of Glasgow at the annual Commemoration Day Professor Lovat Victor Charles REES ceremony on 21 June 2006. Dr Hamish Alexander ROBERTSON Professor Geoffrey BOULTON, OBE FRS FRSE, of Edinburgh University has been Professor David Cumming SIMPSON awarded the Lyell Medal of the Geological Society. Earlier in the year Professor Dr James Andrew Buchan SMITH Boulton was also honoured with the Tedford Award for Science from the Institute for Dame Muriel Sarah SPARK Contemporary Scotland. Professor John Bedford STENLAKE Professor John FORFAR was recently presented with the 2005 Royal Marines Historical Professor Frank WILLETT Society Award, for his history of 47 Commando, “From Omaha to the Scheldt” which draws on his frontline service from 1943-45 as Medical Officer of 47 Commando. OBITUARIES In 2001, when the Year Book was FELLOWS’ COFFEE MEETINGS split into the Directory and the Review Coffee is available in the Fellows’ Room on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 am. Once a of Session, it was decided that month, between October 2006 and March 2007, this will take the form of an informal Obituaries should be published discussion in the East Wellcome Room. These are informal and friendly occasions, separately when sufficient numbers open to all Fellows and, if you are able to attend, you will be made most welcome. (around 50 Obituaries per volume) Below is the programme for the coming season: became available. Following concern 10 October 2006 The Interface between science and art at the lack of published Obituaries, it Professor Roy H Burdon has now been decided that the 16, which were being held over from 7 November 2006 The Crusades from the Muslim side 2001, as well as some of those Professor Carole Hillenbrand obtained more recently, should be 5 December 2006 Nuclear Waste – Personal Experience published in the Review of the Professor John R Greening Session, and 39 Obituaries have been 9 January 2007 Doom watch included in the 2006 Review, which is Sir Alan Peacock due to be posted to Fellows in 6 February 2007 The Unicorn – a curious evolution September. Obituaries can also be Professor John E Dale viewed on the RSE website, and a list 6 March 2007 Prematurity and Postmaturity in Scientific Research of Fellows for whom obituaries are Professor Alastair C Wardlaw still required, can also be obtained STAFF NEWS there. The Fellowship Office is now A number of staff changes have taken place since our last Newsletter. working on the backlog of obituaries. Frances Fowler, International Relations Manager and Emma Faragher, Education BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST Outreach Officer, have left for pastures new. Frank Pullen, Central Services Manager has retired. Avril Davidson, Head of SSAC Secretariat is currently on Maternity Leave. Knights Bachelor Brian Gammell IVORY As a result there have been some new arrivals as well as some internal changes. Marc Richard Timothy HUNT Rands, Policy Officer, is covering Avril’s post until she returns and Ian Melville has Order of the British Empire joined us on a temporary basis to cover for Marc. Andy Curran has joined us with Commander (CBE) responsibility for Property Services and Jennifer Cameron has assumed responsibility Jean BEGGS for Office Services alongside her current IT responsibilities. Nicholas HASTIE Ekua Hayford has replaced Tracy Rickard, who has moved from the SSAC to an Sarah MACINTYRE expanded Research & International team, which also now includes Morven Chisholm, Order of the British Empire Officer International Relations Officer. Jenny Liddell has moved from there to the (OBE) Communications Team. Mary BOWNES Christine DAVIES We are also pleased to announce that Avril and her husband Phil, had a baby boy, Alexander KEMP Andrew James, at the end of May and that Maggie Tait has returned to Reception after Colin SUCKLING a period of ill-health.

14 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT RECEIVES ROYAL RECOGNITION NEW FELLOWS’ INDUCTION Royal Medals were awarded to Sir David Jack CBE FRS FRSE for his many innovative DAY pharmaceutical drug discoveries and to one of the world’s leading Mathematicians, Following the first successful Induction Professor Sir John Ball FRS FRSE, at a ceremony held in the Society’s rooms in July. The Day held in May 2005, the event was Medallists were approved by the RSE’s Patron, Her Majesty The Queen and repeated on 8 May 2006. Fifty-three recommended by the RSE’s Council, in recognition of intellectual endeavour, which Fellows met Council for lunch, when has had a profound influence on people’s lives, world-wide. Prestigious gold medals, they were welcomed by Sir Michael designed and produced in Scotland, were presented to the Medallists by Sir Michael Atiyah. Professor Andy Walker, the Atiyah. Fellowship Secretary, gave an overview of the Society’s activities, after which Fellows were given a tour of the Society’s rooms and had an opportunity to meet RSE staff and view an exhibition of the Society’s activities. The Admission Ceremony was held in the Wolfson Lecture Theatre. Lord Kerr (Honorary Fellow), three Corresponding Fellows, Walter Paul Baier, Ian David Duncan and Daniel Szechi, and 49 Ordinary Fellows were invited by Sir Michael to sign the Roll book. Each Fellow was presented with a certificate. This year a ‘graduation-style’ board of photographs was prepared for the day, as well as a booklet including details and portrait photographs of the new Fellows, which was available as a memento. The board of photographs is currently on display in the RSE SIR DAVID JACK CBE FRS FRSE, (left), PROFESSOR SIR JOHN BALL FRS FRSE, Reception area. formerly Research and Development (right), Mathematical Institute of Oxford. Director, Glaxo Holdings London. Sir John is widely regarded as one of the LEGACIES In 1961 Sir David became Research most prominent mathematicians in the Director of Allen & Hanbury Ltd, a world. Sir John is Honorary Professor at This form of giving makes an extremely subsidiary of Glaxo Group based in Heriot-Watt and is based at the valuable contribution to the resources Ware. The first major invention of the where he is available to registered charities, as well Ware team was salbutamol, which is Sedleian Professor of Natural Philosophy as having tax benefits for the donor’s the active ingredient of Ventolin Inhaler and Fellow of The Queen’s College. Sir estate. Any Fellow interested in and was soon the most prescribed John has also received Visiting discussing, in confidence, how a legacy bronchodilator in the world, gaining a Professorships in several international might contribute further to the life of Queen’s Award for Technological institutions and through these has been the Society and its public-benefit Achievement in 1973. Sir David’s team an enthusiastic ambassador for UK activities, is invited to contact the Chief went on to gain four more Queen’s mathematics. His other role is in Executive, Dr William Duncan, Awards for medicines which have been organising, managing and promoting [email protected] or RSE significant in the treatment of asthma, mathematics. He was one of the Treasurer, Edward Cunningham, peptic ulcers, the control of vomiting founders of the International Centre for [email protected] during cancer chemotherapy and Mathematical Sciences in Edinburgh in migraine. Glaxo is one of the most 1990. Sir John’s organisational and successful pharmaceutical companies in motivational skills are of world renown the world. In 1982 David Jack was and he serves as manager and awarded a CBE and in 1992 a consultant to many international knighthood. Sir David’s work has organisations. He is currently President improved the quality of life and in some of the International Mathematical cases saved the lives of millions of Union, the controlling body of world people throughout the world. mathematics. In 2005 Professor Ball’s work was recognised when he received a knighthood.

15 Islam and Democracy

On 5 May 2006 a conference was held ‘Existing forms of democracy in Muslim in the Society to debate the subject countries as seen from a seat of world ‘Islam and Democracy’. The day-long power’. She said that while democratic conference was well attended and in values in the broad senses should be addition was broadcast live to much of promoted, no particular model should the Arabic-speaking world by British be imposed. Satellite News and Al Jazeera television. The third talk on the subject, ‘The challenge of democracy in the Middle East’ was given by Professor John Esposito, Professor of Religion and International Affairs, the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim- Christian Understanding, Georgetown University, Washington DC. Professor coming to an end and expressed the Esposito pointed out that new Gallup hope that the report on the conference polling evidence shows strong support would be distributed to other learned among Muslim populations for bodies elsewhere in the UK. democracy or democratic-style reform; It had emerged during earlier their problem with the West is western discussion that understanding the denigration of Islam, and western relationship between Islam and observers have not adequately democracy requires a deconstruction of understood this. both concepts: democracy is no more a single thing than Islam is, and it could Following the welcome by Sir Michael The final talk of the conference was be that some forms of Islam can accept Atiyah, President of the Royal Society of given by Professor Tariq Ramadan, some forms of democracy. Promoting Edinburgh, the scene for the Visiting Fellow at St Antony’s College, democracy is not the same as imposing conference was set by Professor Yasir Oxford and Senior Research Fellow, it, and it is in the interests of Western Suleiman FRSE, Professor of Arabic and Lokahi Foundation, London, who spoke governments to create space for more Islamic Studies and Director, Edinburgh on ‘The diversity of forms of both voices to be heard—while accepting the Institute for the Study of the Arab democracy and Islam and their consequences of democratisation even World and Islam, University of compatibilities and incompatibilities’. if this creates space for voices critical of Edinburgh. Professor Suleiman Professor Ramadan’s talk comprised the West. explained why the Society had decided three sections, the first a theoretical to hold the conference. Common discussion about the Islamic tradition’s The conference had allowed a free and Western perceptions of Islam are that it responses to democracy and the way frank exchange of views and many is backward, violent, and not democracy is perceived in Western worthwhile points had been made. The compatible with democracy. Muslims, countries; the second on the current event was supported by HRH Prince meanwhile, argue that Islam is political dynamics of Muslim countries, Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz deliberately misinterpreted and and within Muslim communities in the Alsaud, The Foreign and slandered in the West. Professor West; and the third a discussion of Commonwealth Office and The Suleiman stated that the conference shared responsibility. Edinburgh Institute for the Study of the was not intended to rebut such Each talk was followed by a question Arab World and Islam. A full arguments but to bring together and answer session and after the final conference report is now available. prominent, active speakers to debate talk there was a panel discussion Please contact Lia Brennan. this subject, addressing several involving all the speakers. [email protected] fundamental questions. The summation was given by Baroness Frances Guy, Head of Engaging with the Shirley Williams of Crosby, who Islamic World Group, Foreign and regretted that such a vibrant conference Commonwealth Office, then spoke on on an under-explored subject was COPY ADDRESS INFORMATION website: www.royalsoced.org.uk Please send any copy to Jenny Liddell at 22-26 GEORGE STREET www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk the Society. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] EH2 2PQ

ReSourcE : ISSN No 1473-7841 Any opinions expressed in this Tel: 0131 240 5000 newsletter are not necessarily those of replaces RSE News all RSE Fellows Fax: 0131 240 5024