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THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH ISSUE 6 • SPRING 2003

RESOURCE THE NEWSLETTER OF SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL ACADEMY

MAJOR FUNDING BOOST AHEAD The Society is to receive a 25% increase in its grant-in- aid from the Scottish Executive this year. From April 2003 the grant will be £1.1 million, with further increases expected in subsequent years. Welcoming this development, Lord Sutherland said, “The RSE is delighted that its post devolution role as Scotland’s National Academy is recognised by the Scottish Executive. Increased funding will enable us to do much more, both at home and abroad, to promote the research excellence necessary for Scotland’s future prosperity. This welcome increase in public funding owes much to the efforts of my predecessor, Sir William Stewart, and the way he repositioned the Society.” It is intended that the Executive’s grant will be used to: · expand the Young People’s programme of Schools lectures, workshops and masterclasses, and develop new science promotion and science education initiatives in consultation with the Scottish Science Advisory Committee. · award 3 Personal and 3 Support Fellowships each year, so as to maintain a steady-state average of 12 in post. · implement newly signed Exchange Agreements with China, Taiwan and Poland, and develop further international exchange schemes. · promote Scotland’s excellence internationally, and strengthen links with European institutions. · produce a varied, topical programme of public lectures, debates, symposia and other events, mainly on science and technology issues. · enhance the capability to provide independent expert advice and analysis, including some in-depth inquiries. Overall income to the Society and its connected Charitable Trust, The RSE Scotland Foundation, is expected to exceed £3.3M in 2003/04 – nearly twice that in 2001. There have been major increases in funding from public, charitable and private sector sources.

New Fellows Elected GM Gene Flow TVS - Bridging the Gap RSE in Action Partnership to Encourage Scotland’s Top Young Innovators A partnership between The Gannochy Trust and the RSE has led to the creation of Scotland’s highest accolade for individual achievement in innovation. Designed to encourage Scotland’s young innovators, The Gannochy Trust Innovation Award of The Royal Society of Edinburgh will be awarded annually to a young, Scottish-based innovator whose work has the potential to promote social and economic wellbeing. A £50,000 cash prize will be presented to the winner of this prestigious new award. The purpose of the award is to encourage younger people to pursue careers in fields of research which promote Scotland’s inventiveness internationally, and to recognise outstanding individual achievement which contributes to the common good of Scotland. The award, which it is hoped will be presented annually, also seeks to promote Scotland’s research and development capability in new technologies and areas of social importance. Targeted at a new generation of Scottish innovator, any individual under the age of forty five working in Scotland will be eligible to compete for the award. Competition entries from fields of research and development, which have demonstrable potential to benefit Scotland’s social or economic wellbeing, have been sought and narrowed down to a short-list of five. Chaired by Lord Ross, the distinguished panel of judges includes Chairman of Trustees of The Gannochy Trust, Russell Leather, Sir Bruce Pattullo, Professor Andy Walker, and Dr Ian Sword. The first award will be presented at a prestigious event in June. The Gannochy Trust’s Chairman, Russell Leather said: The Trustees of the Gannochy Trust share the enthusiasm of The Royal Society of Edinburgh for innovation and recognise its importance. Scotland has for long been noted for its capacity to generate and execute new ideas. It is vital to our future prosperity that this capacity is not only maintained but enhanced. The Trustees look forward to a fruitful partnership with The Royal Society of Edinburgh, with the expectation that this Award will stimulate and encourage our young and gifted people to use their talents to the full, for the benefit of their fellow citizens. Russell Leather, Chairman of Gannochy Trust

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland’s National Academy of Science & Letters. It is an independent body with charitable status. The Society organises conferences and lectures for the specialist and for the general public. It provides a forum for informed debate on issues of national and international importance. Its multidisciplinary fellowship of men and women of international standing provides independent, expert advice to key decision making bodies, including Government and Parliament. The Society’s Research Awards programme annually awards well over £1.5 million to exceptionally talented young academics and potential entrepreneurs to promote commercial exploitation of inventiveness and boost wealth-generation. The RSE is active in classrooms from the Borders to the Northern Isles, with a successful programme of lectures and hands-on workshops for primary and secondary school pupils. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, working as part of the UK and within a global context, is committed to the future of Scotland’s social, economic and cultural well-being.

2 Bridging the Gap

Technology Ventures Scotland (TVS) has As part of the RSE’s contribution to sector, Scottish Executive and its just produced Bridging the Gap, a helping promote closer links between agencies, and the Society. The breadth discussion paper, making 20 key the business and academic of this group – unique in Scotland – recommendations on Knowledge communities, the Society is holding an helps create a cohesive approach to Transfer in Scotland and the interaction evening discussion in May, arranged in delivery of the commercialisation between SMEs and academe. conjunction with TVS, Institute of strategy for Scotland, as well as Directors Scotland, and CBI Scotland. providing a focal point in The report addresses how to bridge the The key speakers will be: communication with those gap that prevents existing small and organisations wanting to know what is medium enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland · Ilkka Lakaniemi, Nokia Ventures happening. from gaining optimum business value · Melfort Campbell, IMES from our academic institutions. It Latest statistics show that Scotland is identifies 20 recommendations for · John Coggins, University of Glasgow contributing well, relative to other parts consideration by Universities and of the UK, in commercialisation activity, The RSE played a key role in the Research Institutes, SMEs, and public but that there is scope for producing creation of TVS, which is an sector bodies, in particular SHEFC and more, particularly through greater independent body, co-funded by Scottish Enterprise. involvement by the business sector. Scottish Enterprise and SHEFC. There is Introducing the report, RSE Council a small Board of Directors and a much Scottish Enterprise and SHEFC are member, John McClelland, who chairs larger Advisory Board, currently with 22 reviewing their future funding of TVS, TVS, said “A key process that needs members, with participation from and their consultant’s report is expected attention is that of engagement across industry, commerce, the university shortly. Scotland in our indigenous R&D capabilities. We are focusing not only on the small number of ‘technology smart’ new companies, but the many thousands of more traditional organisations where technology access is new and often untried, yet the potential to innovate is there.” Copies of the Report can be found on the TVS website at www.technologyscotland.org or by emailing [email protected]

SCOTTISH RESEARCH FACTS

With just 9 per cent of the UK The per capita income from research Scotland has the highest concentration population, Scotland wins: grants and contracts in Scotland is GBP of biotechnology provision in 39. This compares to GBP 28 for Europe.18 per cent of all UK · 12 per cent of the total UK funding England, GBP 17 for Wales and GBP 15 biotechnology-related PhDs are council resources for research. for N Ireland. awarded in Scotland. · 13 per cent of the research councils’ Scotland has 13 per cent of all the UK Other Scottish research strengths resources for research. academic departments rated 4, 5 or 5* include computer science: social work; · 13 per cent of government research in the 1996 Research Assessment optoelectronics; and electrical and departments’ resources for research. Exercise. electronic engineering. · 12 per cent of the EU research Scotland’s academics produce 1 per Scottish industry invests only 0.5 per resources spent in the UK. cent of all research publications in the cent of national GDP on research and world - ranking Scotland third in the development, half the level of the UK as world for the number of research a whole, a third of the OECD average publications published per head of and less than a fifth of the rate in population. Sweden. Information from TVS

3 GM Gene Flow Scale and Consequences for Agriculture and the Environment

As part of the UK GM science review, · Dr Riccarda Steinbrecher (Econexus) represented by Dr Brian Johnson, the RSE hosted a debate on gene flow reviewing research into Horizontal Terrestrial Wildlife Team, English and detection on 27 January 2003 to GM gene flow from GM crops, via Nature; Professor Michael Wilson FRSE, identify the extent of current scientific the breakdown and direct transfer of Chief Executive, Horticulture Research knowledge in this area. The discussion GM DNA Institute and Professor Philip Dale, John forum was entitled “GM Gene Flow: Innes Centre. One general point of Over 100 delegates attended, including Scale and Consequences for Agriculture agreement was that gene flow to the Chief Scientific Adviser for the and the Environment”, with nearby crops and into wild relatives Department for Environment, Food and presentations from four speakers: would happen, albeit at a low level, Rural Affairs, Professor Howard Dalton, with a 99% crop purity rate being · Dr Geoff Squire (Scottish Crop FRS, and scientists from the Scottish achievable, but with difficulty. Where Research Institute) reviewing research Agricultural College; Scottish Crop there was disagreement was the into gene flow via pollen and seed Research Institute; Royal Botanic significance to the environment of the from GM crops to non-GM crops Garden Edinburgh; Roslin Institute; gene flow into the wild relatives, with Scottish Agricultural Science Agency; · Dr Mike Wilkinson (University of recognition that there was a need for the Macaulay Institute; Scottish Natural Reading) reviewing research into more research into agricultural Heritage; and the Universities of gene flow via pollen and seed from ecosystems. Aberdeen, Abertay, Dundee, Edinburgh, GM crops to other plant species Glasgow and St. Andrews. Delegates The speakers’ papers and a transcript of · Professor Tony Trewavas, FRS, FRSE also attended from BBSRC- the event are available on the RSE and (University of Edinburgh): reviewing Rothamstead and the Universities of OST websites (www.royalsoced.org.uk; research into how gene flow can be Reading and East Anglia. www.gmsciencedebate.org.uk) and are prevented/minimised (including the feeding into the UK GM science review There was a lively discussion, ably implications for detecting GM genes process. Fellows are invited to chaired by RSE General Secretary, in non-GM supply chains), and contribute to this review with details on Professor Andrew Miller, CBE, FRSE. how to participate detailed on the OST The UK GM Science Review Panel was website.

“At a time of too little knowledge and too many assumptions it appears wise to adhere to the precautionary principle and not risk potential fixation of transgenes from GM crops in microorganisms which may have unforeseen and unpredictable consequences.” Dr Riccarda Steinbrecher

“Assessments will always be made on a case-by-case basis. “One of the things that you have Approval of one GM crop does not provide blanket approval of all. In risk assessment, consider when you are talking about relative risk is crucial. Comparison is made with what we do now and is accepted as safe ecological fitness is the presumption from a history of experience. There is no absolute safety for anything in human life but that something which is fit is bound we act as though there is. Who regards their motor car as unsafe? survive. That is not the case. Founder We have all eaten genetically engineered food all of our lives.” effects are immensely important. If you Professor Tony Trewavas, look at the history of invasions in other FRS, FRSE countries and other continents, you will find that quite often the Founder event “It’s true that these chemicals, the GM types, that are say insect resistant or fungal is unpredictable. So just because you’ve resistant, have these deleterious effects potentially. But at the same time we can do far got one Founder event with increased worse carrying on spraying the chemicals that we do spray on, which very largely affect fitness, doesn’t necessarily mean you non-target organisms, detritavores and the herbivores as well as the intended victims. are going to get a spread of the trans- There are massive effects of chemicals which cause major ecological disturbance.” gene. It depends on luck as well.” Dr Geoff Squire Dr Mike Wilkinson

4 RSE Stance on GM Trials informs Scottish Executive Policy

The RSE’s recommendation that farm- practical experience of commercial-scale practical experience of farmers around scale trials of GM Crops should growing (200 million hectares over 7 the globe provide no indication that continue has been adopted by The years by 5.5 million farmers in 2001) GM crops have any harmful effect on Scottish Executive, in spite of calls from also found no impact or harm to public human health. There is absolutely no a Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry health and nor has consumption of GM room for complacency in developing for the trials to be halted. crop-derived foods. The Society’s report new technologies, however, and it is states that there could, in theory, be extremely important that crop trials are In October 2002 the Society responded long-term effects on human health that conducted under strict controls and to the Health and Community Care have not yet been detected and that closely monitored. GM crops offer us Committee’s invitation for written continued research and monitoring is great potential benefits in developing submissions to its Inquiry into the essential to check the longer-term disease resistance, improved crop yield Health Impact of GM Crops. The situation. and in the diversity of produce we can Society advised that trials should go grow. We should, I believe, adopt the ahead, so long as tests are strictly It asserts that all of the GM crops which “precautionary principle” and advance monitored. In a written submission to are currently grown commercially, have our understanding of GM crops safely the Parliamentary Committee, which been exhaustively assessed for food and with scientific rigour for the benefit took evidence in public in November safety by public health authorities of our rural communities, consumers last year, the RSE stated that there is no worldwide. Organisations involved and the UK economy.” scientifically proven evidence of any include the World Health Organisation, “threats of serious or irreversible the OECD, EC, United Nations Food and Dr Bill Saunders gave evidence to the damage” to public health from current Agriculture Organisation, many Committee of Inquiry on behalf of the GM Crops. In its report the Society National Academies of Science, the BMA and proposed that there should urged that only through proceeding United States Institute of Food be a moratorium on farm-scale trials. cautiously with research and Technologists and the Swiss Following this, the Society wrote to the experimentation can risks be estimated, Association for Research and Nutrition. BMA offering to share the scientific and asserted that to do nothing in the The RSE’s submission noted that GM evidence which has led the RSE to reach absence of substantiated risk would be food/crop risk assessment procedures its current position on this issue. The wrong. The Society’s report exceed those applied to any other crop BMA reply indicated their intention to emphasised that because there is technology, and expects that these will convene a meeting later this year at uncertainty about the effects of long- no doubt be improved as more which scientists might look at the latest term exposure, rigorous, scientifically information becomes available. research. This meeting will take place robust surveillance must be applied to Protection of the health of the public in June and the RSE will be represented all trials. The “precautionary principle” and the environment should be by Professor Andrew Miller, CBE, FRSE, should, it suggests, be applied by paramount and at the same time, we General Secretary. In March, The advancing our understanding of GM have a duty to explore the benefits to Scottish Executive rejected the findings Crops by continuing research with due humanity and the environment which of the Inquiry into the Health Impact of care. GM can bring. GM Crops that farm-scale trials be haulted. The Executive stated that the The RSE’s view was formed from within Giving evidence to the Health and Inquiry has failed to take the weight of its multidisciplinary Fellowship by Community Care Committee, Professor scientific evidence into account and experts in the field through careful Tony Trewavas, FRS, FRSE and Professor cited the RSE’s evidence. consideration of the best in Plant Biochemistry at the Institute of internationally recognised research. All Cell and Molecular Biology at The Electronic & hard copies of the RSE’s reputable globally available scientific University of Edinburgh said: submission to the Scottish Parliament’s evidence and regulatory approvals Inquiry into the Health Impact of GM “Hard science worldwide and the (since the mid1980s) have shown no Crops are available from Dr Marc Rands, impact or harm to public health. The [email protected]

5 Election 2003 RSE Elects New Fellows for Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Life More than sixty outstanding individuals were elected to Fellowship of The RSE on 3 March 2003. Chosen in recognition of outstanding contributions to their field and achievement in public service, a broad spectrum of expertise is represented in the new list of Fellows. RSE President, Lord Sutherland of Houndwood said: The breadth of the RSE’s expertise is one of the key qualities which enables the Society to make a valuable contribution to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland. I am delighted that these distinguished individuals, who encompass such a diverse range of skills and abilities have been elected to the Fellowship. We will be seeking to harness their wisdom, experience and energy to help achieve the aims of the Society and, in turn to be of further benefit to Scotland.

HONORARY FELLOWS CORRESPONDING FELLOWS

HUNT, Richard Timothy, Nobel McGREW, William Clement, Professor Laureate, Physiology or Medicine; Head of Zoology and Anthropology, Miami of the Cell Cycle Control Laboratory at University, USA; the Cancer Research UK London NEUNZERT, Helmut, Professor, Research Institute Mathematical Foundation of Physics MORGAN, Edwin George, Emeritus and Technology, University of Professor of English, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. Glasgow; Poet Laureate of Glasgow; ROBERTSON, George Islay MacNeill, Secretary-General, NATO; WÜTHRICH, Kurt, Nobel Laureate, Chemistry; Professor of Biophysics, ETHZ, Switzerland; Visiting Professor of Edwin Morgan [photo courtesy of Edwin Structural Biology, The Scripps Research Morgan] Institute, La Jolla, USA.

FELLOWS

ADAMSON, James, Chairman, amf BUTT, John Anthony, Gardiner Insight, Edinburgh; Professor of Music and Head of AINSWORTH, Mark, Professor of Department of Music, University of Applied Mathematics, University of Glasgow; Strathclyde; CAIRNCROSS, Frances Anne, ALEXANDER, Alan, Chair, Scottish Management Editor, The Economist; Water; Emeritus Professor of Local & CALDER, Muffy, Professor of Formal Public Management, University of Methods, University of Glasgow; Strathclyde; CHAPLAIN, Mark Andrew Joseph, BANKS, William McKerrell, Professor of Professor of Mathematical Biology, Advanced Materials and Director of University of Dundee; Centre for Advanced Structural COOKE, Howard John, Head, Materials, University of Strathclyde; Chromosome Biology Section, MRC BIRCH, David James Stewart, Professor Human Genetics Unit, Western General of Photophysics, University of Hospital, Edinburgh; Honorary Strathclyde; Professor, Faculty of Medicine, BLATT, Michael Robert, Regius University of Edinburgh; Professor of Botany and Head of Plant CRAIG, Robert Cairns, Professor of Tim Hunt [photo courtesy of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow; Scottish and Modern Literature, Research UK] University of Edinburgh;

6 HASZELDINE, Robert Stuart, Reader in RAPPORT, Nigel Julian, Professor of Geology, University of Edinburgh; Anthropological and Philosophical HOPE, James Arthur David, Lord of Studies, University of St Andrews; Appeal in Ordinary; READ, Andrew Fraser, Professor of HUNTER, William Nigel, Professor of Natural History, University of Edinburgh; Structural Biology, University of ROBERTSON, Pamela, Senior Curator, Dundee; Hunterian Art Gallery; Reader, University KERR, Fergus Gordon Thomas, Regent, of Glasgow; Blackfriars, Oxford, Edinburgh; ROBINSON, Ian, Chairman Hilton LOGIE, Robert Howie, Anderson Group plc; Amey plc; Scottish Professor of Psychology, University of Enterprise; Aberdeen; SAMUEL, Ifor David William, Professor MacKENZIE, John Macdonald, of Physics and Royal Society University Honorary Research Professor, AHRB Research Fellow, University of St Centre for Irish-Scottish Studies, Andrews; John McCormick [Photo courtesy of BBC] University of Aberdeen; Honorary SMART, Brian George Davidson, Head Professor, Universities of Stirling and St of Institute of Petroleum Engineering, CRAWFORD, Thomas Maxton, Andrews; Professor Emeritus, University Heriot-Watt University; Chairman, ECS Technology Ltd, South of Lancaster; SMITH, Austin Gerard, MRC Research Queensferry; MARSHALL, Mary Tara, Director, Professor and Head of Institute for DALYELL, Tam, Member of Parliament Dementia Services Development Centre, Stem Cell Research, University of for Linlithgow; University of Stirling; Edinburgh; DAVIES, Michael Charles Radcliffe, McCORMICK, John, Controller, BBC STRACHAN, Hew Francis Anthony, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Scotland; Chichele Professor of the History of Physical Sciences and Professor of Civil McDONALD, James Rufus, Rolls Royce War, University of Oxford; Fellow of All Engineering, University of Dundee; Professor of Power Engineering, Souls College, Oxford; Visiting DEARY, Ian John, Professor of University of Strathclyde; Director of Professor, University of Glasgow; Differential Psychology, University of Rolls Royce University Technology TOLAND, John Francis, Director, Edinburgh; Centre in Power Systems; International Centre for Mathematical DOMINICZAK, Anna Felicja, British McKELLAR, Quintin Archibald, Sciences, Edinburgh; Professor of Heart Foundation Professor of Scientific Director, Moredun Research Mathematics, University of Bath; Cardiovascular Medicine and Director, Institute; Chief Executive, Moredun WALKINSHAW, Malcolm Douglas, British Heart Foundation Glasgow Foundation; Professor of Structural Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Centre, McKENZIE SMITH, Ian, President, Royal University of Edinburgh; Western Infirmary, Glasgow; Scottish Academy; WALLACE, John Williamson, Principal EDGAR, William, Group Director, John McKILLOP, Thomas Fulton Wilson, of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music Wood Group Plc; Chief Executive, AstraZeneca; and Drama, Glasgow; Professor, FORRESTER, John Vincent, Cockburn McMAHON, April Mary Scott, Professor University of London; Professor of Ophthalmology and Head of English Language and Linguistics, WEETMAN, Pauline, Professor of of Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sheffield; Accounting, University of Strathclyde; University of Aberdeen; MILNE, Robert William, Managing WHATLEY, Christopher Allan, Bonar FRAME, Margaret Catherine, Professor, Director, Sermatech Intelligent Professor of Modern History and Dean Institute of Biomedical and Life Applications, Livingston; of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Glasgow; Group MOORE, Johanna Doris, Professor of Sciences, University of Dundee; Leader, Beatson Institute for Cancer Artificial Intelligence and Director, WHITTY, Niall Richard, Visiting Research, Glasgow; Human Communication Research Professor, The Law School, University of FRANCE, Peter, Professor Emeritus of Centre, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh; French, University of Edinburgh; MUSCATELLI, Vito Antonio, Daniel Jack WRIGHT, Alan Finlay, MRC Clinical GILL, Evelyn Margaret, Director, Professor of Political Economy and Scientific Staff, Western General Macaulay Land Use Research Institute; Dean of Social Sciences, University of Hospital, Edinburgh; Honorary HARDMAN MOORE, John Halstead, Glasgow; Professor, University of Edinburgh. George Watson’s and Daniel Stewart’s PACKARD, Christopher John Dillon, Professor of Political Economy, Honorary Professor of Pathological University of Edinburgh; Professor of Biochemistry and Consultant Clinical Economic Theory, London School of Scientist, Research & Development Economics; Leverhulme Personal Director, Glasgow Royal Infirmary; Research Professor;

7 Recent Events The Value of the Post-Mortem Examination debated in a forum that acknowledges establishment of the NHS Quality the hurt of the past but at the same Improvement Scotland working party time recognises the need to move which has created relevant guidelines forward in order that the discipline of for Trusts. The fact that Audit Scotland pathology can continue to contribute has completed a Scotland-wide review to a broader understanding of the of pathology departments to ensure mechanisms of disease, and ultimately complete openness about past practice Events in the last few years have posed to the improvement of patient care. To and current procedures allows the a major threat to essential medical achieve this the Organising Committee public to make enquiries with research which uses human tissues for developed a number of objectives for confidence that they will obtain a better understanding of disease. Over the Symposium. These objectives speedy and accurate response the last few decades, significant include a full definition of the regarding post-mortem procedures, progress has been achieved in contribution which the post-mortem and information regarding retention understanding diseases of the brain, examination can make towards the and use of the organs and tissues. diagnosis in individual patients, particularly as a result of post-mortem The symposium, held on 10 April, towards teaching doctors and allied examinations, and modern treatment of featured key note speakers from professions in training and, of key diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and around the UK, each of whom is expert importance to society, towards research Parkinson’s disease is linked to this in their field whether it be pathology, which is undertaken by medical research. Individual families and society forensic medicine, the law, ethical scientists. These objectives should be as a whole often stand to benefit from considerations, high standards or the very clearly defined for both hospital information derived from a post- views of families. An afternoon session based and medicolegal post-mortem mortem (autopsy) examination. was devoted to discussing the issues examinations. Regarding hospital post- Unfortunately the term autopsy is not which had been raised and debating mortem examinations, the wishes of well understood and needs to be the way forward. The speakers the deceased, if known, and their adequately explained in order to re- included Baroness Warnock, Professor relatives are paramount. While establish public confidence in the Shelia McLean, Dr David Steel, Mrs authorisation for a medicolegal post- procedure and matters relating to Jaffa, Professor Sebastian Lucas, mortem is given by legal authorities informed authorisation. To this end Professor Robert Hume and Professor rather than the relatives, this does not the McLean Review Group on Post- Anthony Busuttil. The symposium was allow for research for which explicit Mortem Organ Retention was attended by delegates from the Scottish authorisation needs to be sought from established by the Scottish Executive in Executive, the Department of Health, the family. The ethical considerations Scotland and the Retained Organs the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal were reviewed at this symposium, Commission by the Department of Service, as well as from medical and highlighting the fact that any research Health in England and Wales. The allied disciplines. opportunity for the public to participate project which aims to utilise post- in consultation has been a valuable mortem human material must be The RSE in hosting this symposium step towards recreating trust amongst submitted to an Ethical Committee and recognised the value of the post- families and society in general. to the Hospital Trust in which the mortem examination and wished to However the number of post-mortem research is to be performed and the play a part in securing the future role of examinations that are performed in approval of these bodies has to be this essential pathology procedure so hospital has declined in recent years. It gained. The current legal framework that clinical research will not suffer. may not be generally realised that as a for undertaking post-mortem There is a valuable opportunity result of the recommendations from examinations was reviewed and the currently in Scotland to develop a the McLean Review Group, from the likely developments in this area were properly informed framework for post- Retained Organs Commission as well as discussed. The participation of mortem examination in which families from the Royal College of Pathologists, specialised lay groups in developing the can authorise what they want to the information provided to relatives guidelines for the future is welcomed happen for hospital deaths and are and the way in which authorisation is by professional groups involved in consulted and kept informed in the sought for all post-mortem procedures post-mortem examinations and their context of medicolegal post-mortem has already changed radically and for contribution is a key factor in examinations. recovering public trust. A very the better. Professor Jeanne Bell important factor in ensuring that the Department of Pathology, The Society considered it to be timely standard of post-mortem examination University of Edinburgh and appropriate for these matters to be is uniformly high across Scotland is the

8 Public Transport and Public Expectations

On 3 March, David Bayliss, OBE, FREng, want improved - reliability, frequency, Former Planning Director of London fare structures, comfort, cleanliness and Transport addressed the Society on the personal safety. issues surrounding modern public Planning controls to limit dispersal transport. would help but would take a long time Mr Bayliss highlighted the advantages to have much effect. of using public transport, but conceded Substantial improvements to bus that there were several valid reasons for services would require a package of people not making greater use of the traffic priorities, more modern vehicles, services currently available. These safe and convenient stops and stations, stating that although new technology include; changes in the places where together with better information and and systems have important roles to people live and work, increases in car easier fare and ticketing systems. play in making existing modes work availability, shortcomings in transport better, the scope for entirely new pricing and a number of attributes of Light rail systems can boost the appeal systems is small. public transport systems themselves. of public transport but are Public transport networks are sparser cost-effective only along busy travel However, new operational concepts than the road network used by cars, corridors. Their effectiveness is such as demand-responsive bus/taxi and buses and taxis have to compete improved when co-ordinated with bus systems and “mobility packages” with cars and lorries for congested road services and integrated ticketing and combining car and public transport use space resulting in slower and less information services. are emerging and have the potential to reliable journeys. They are also close the gap between the two forms of Metros have the greatest capacity to disjointed and therefore require transportation in some circumstances. serve the densest urban corridors and interchange. The result is that most whilst the opportunities for new lines There is no “silver bullet” that can public transport journeys take longer are few nationally there is considerable eliminate the present shortcomings of and are less convenient than going by potential for expanding and our public transport system, but there is car. This disadvantage is reinforced by modernising the London Underground. a wide range of measures which, public transport prices rising faster than together with better co-ordination, can motoring costs - compounded by Similarly, improvements to stations, reduce the gap between expectations improvement in the quality and modern trains, information and and reality. However, implementing reliability of cars. ticketing systems would increase the these is a challenge to which we have appeal and use of rail. Mr. Bayliss then identified the attributes not yet adequately responded. of public transport that people most Mr. Bayliss concluded his lecture by

I, Cyborg

On 18 March, Kevin Warwick, Professor nervous system was linked to a of Cybernetics at the University of computer. This research led to him Reading, delivered the annual joint being featured as the cover story on the Royal Society of Edinburgh / Royal US magazine Wired. Academy of Engineering Lecture His latest book I, Cyborg is an entitled I, Cyborg. autobiography in which he describes In 1998 Dr Warwick shocked the the groundbreaking research carried international scientific community by out in 2002 when he and a computer having a silicon chip transponder network became one. surgically implanted in his left arm. A A full report of the lecture has been series of further implant experiments published by the Society (ISBN No 0 took place in 2002 in which Kevin’s 902198 687 8)

9 [email protected]

TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RSE EVENTS. To book tickets online, visit FORTHCOMING EVENTS www.royalsoced.org.uk or contact [email protected] for further information. MAY 2003

Monday 12 at 5.30pm Monday 26 at 5.30pm (RSE) FREE PUBLIC LECTURE and Genetics and Insurance: Can They Wednesday 28 at 6.15pm (King’s College Conference Centre, University of Live Together? Aberdeen) Professor Angus MacDonald, CRF PRIZE LECTURE - FREE Department of Actuarial Mathematics War of Words: The British Army and the Western Front 1914-18 and Statistics, Heriot-Watt University. Professor Richard Holmes, CBE, Royal Military College of Science, Cranfield University. Advances in genetics have led to heated The bloody struggle on the Western Front has polarised historians. Some have written debate about life and health insurance. of ‘Lions led by Donkeys,’ while others see the British army’s achievement as a ‘Forgotten Will a new “genetic underclass” appear, Victory.’ Richard Holmes, whose book on the British soldier on the Western Front is to unable to get insurance? Or, will insurers be published in 2004, argues that we still find it hard to approach the war as history be ruined? The strongest evidence comes rather than as literature. He suggests that letters and diaries of participants, written at from actuarial models, which show that the time, tend to give a different view of the war to that reflected in much of its poetry the claims of both sides are often and literature, and believes that the debate about generalship has tended to obscure exaggerated, but many difficult issues the real achievements of the men who fought and endured. We should, he argues, have remain in this controversial area. less polemics about Haig, for or against, and look harder at the everyday lives of the Book tickets online at officers and men who won the war. www.royalsoced.org.uk Book tickets online at www.royalsoced.org.uk

Tuesday 27 : 9.00am - 4.30pm SYMPOSIUM Scotland’s Drug Problem The central aim will be to discuss the relative merits of different policies, including so-called “legalisation”, with the aim of stimulating a better informed public debate about the issues involved. The Symposium will discuss how best to minimize the harm, both medical and social, caused by the current widespread use of illegal drugs and the relative merits of alternative policies for combating the problem. Contact [email protected] for further information or see www.royalsoced.org.uk. Registration fee £60.

JUNE 2003 Monday 9 at 5.30pm Thursday 5 : 9.00am - 4.30pm FREE PUBLIC LECTURE SYMPOSIUM The Fate of the Neanderthals Scotland’s Land: Its Use and Management Professor Chris Stringer, Department of Scotland’s Land is subject to external influences, such as those from European Palaeontology, The Natural History neighbours, as well as to influences from inside Scotland. Events including foot and Museum, London. The Neanderthals mouth, land reform and changes in CAP will all have their impact on the best use of the evolved in Europe at least 200,000 years land. Important new areas such as tourism and recreation have pushed aside the ago. Around 35,000 years ago, modern opinion that land is only seen as a resource to produce food and timber, and replaced it humans (Cro-Magnons) arrived, along with a belief that the land can act as a key element to broaden the rural economy. An with major behavioural changes and the integrated approach to its management has become necessary, and the question that Neanderthals disappeared soon arises is ‘what changes are needed in the present system to help the traditional afterwards. Some workers argue that the industries such as agriculture and forestry live along side these new uses’? Cro-Magnons genetically absorbed Contact [email protected] for further information or see them, but other data suggest they www.royalsoced.org.uk. Registration fee £60. became extinct. Explanations range from disease or warfare through to economic competition from the Cro-Magnons. In this talk Professor Stringer will review the history of the Neanderthals, the impact of DNA studies, and the latest ideas about their fate. Book tickets online at www.royalsoced.org.uk

10 SEPTEMBER 2003

Monday 1 at 5.30pm Wednesday 17 - Thursday 18 FREE PUBLIC LECTURE at The British Academy, London Goals, Greed and Governance CONFERENCE Professor Neil Hood, CBE, FRSE, Professor of Business Policy, University of Strathclyde. England and Scotland in Union Against a background where the ethical behaviour of business is under growing public from 1603: Anglo-Scottish and institutional scrutiny, this lecture will look at some of the fundamental trends and Relations - Past, Present and their causes. It will address questions such as ‘why does it matter how business is run’? Future ‘what is the the role of personal values’? and ‘what are the limits to the reform of The RSE is joining with the British corporate governance’? Academy to mark the 400th Anniversary Book tickets online at www.royalsoced.org.uk of the Union of the Crowns with a two- part conference in London and Edinburgh looking at the impact of developments in the Constitution, Politics, Economy and Society. This, the first part of the conference will focus on Anglo-Scottish Relations from 1603 to 1918. The second part, in Edinburgh (6-7 November) will focus on Anglo-Scottish Relations since 1918. For further information and to Tuesday 16 : 9.00am to 5.00pm register for this event please contact SYMPOSIUM Angela Pusey ([email protected]), Scotland and the Media The British Academy, Concerns continue to be voiced about the 10 Carlton House Terrace, relationship between the Scottish Media, London, SW1Y 5AH. the Scottish Parliament and the public, Telephone: 020 7969 5246. and also about the ownership of the Registration fee payable. Media itself. This Symposium will consider whether or not there has been a breakdown of trust where the Media is concerned, and whether or not the standards and the quality of journalism are properly serving the public interest. Other questions will include - ‘does the Media praise success in Scotland as much as it highlights failure’? And ‘is Scotland properly served by London-based regulatory agencies’? MSP Window. [Photo courtesy of Contact [email protected] for Photograph ©2003. Scottish Parliamen- further information or see www.royalsoced.org.uk. Registration fee tary Corporate Body] £60.

Wednesday 24 - Friday 26 CRF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Infection and the Threat to the Food Chain The experiences of coping with BSE and foot-and-mouth disease are ones that nobody in Britain wishes to repeat. But infectious agents evolve rapidly and so it is certain that these will not be the last novel challenges to food security. This conference will start by considering the lessons learned from the numerous challenges of recent years. Its second day will examine new threats (including bioterrorism), where we stand now, and new and better ways for coping with current and future problems. Attendance at the CRF International Conference is by invitation only. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

11 Free, fully organised educational activities for young Young People people throughout Scotland The RSE Roadshow Startup Science Masterclasses

As part of the Science O3 Festival - a mixture of talks, workshops and demonstrations University of St Andrews for school students and the public, aimed at increasing the profile of Science in and 26 April Ships, Stars and Planets around Wick and Thurso - the RSE Roadshow visited schools in the area on 25-26 3 May Bagpipes and Electrons March. Students from P6 to S5 were set the following challenges : 10 May Dinosaur Olympics Maths Workshops for P6/7 Students by Professor Jack Carr, FRSE and Teresa Carr, Maths Department, Heriot-Watt University, 17 May Chemical Cluedo: a murder mystery Codes and Circles Heriot-Watt University Once upon a time there were 3 circles, a great big daddy circle, a medium sized mummy circle and a little tiny baby circle. Find a code that will help you all draw the 26 April Chemical Cluedo same picture of domestic bliss. 3 May DNA Extraction Using Funny Money Kitchen Chemistry How would you cope if your money suddenly changed, instead of £1, £2, £ 5, £10 10 May The Mystery of Magnetism notes you were faced with 5 scab and 8 scab notes? What would you do if the 24 May Police Car Crash Analysis shopkeepers never gave change? Money is funny anyway, but this is weird! University of Dundee Hands on Earth Science Workshops for P6/7 Students by the NESciE (Natural 10 May Slug Races and Fruit Feast Environment Science Education) team led by Dr Douglas Paton, Department of Geology 17 May Chemistry with Fizz and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh, 31 May DNA fingerprinting: a Design a Dinosaur murder mystery Can you create the best adapted 7 June Life on the Forest Floor dinosaur for our Jurassic environment? Investigate environmental adaptations, Satrosphere, Aberdeen biological niches, climate and mass 29 March Metals extinction in this workshop. 26 April Astronomys Scotland Rocks! 10 May The Strange Properties of By investigating the rocks and fossils of Powders Scotland, and comparing them to the 24 May Wonderful Water climate of different geographical University of Glasgow locations on Earth today, participants 3 May How to be a Weather will discover the evidence of Scotland’s Forecaster journey from the South Pole to its current position. 10 May How to be a Bridge Builder Dr Allan Jamieson, Director of the 17 May How to be an Astronomer Forensic Institute, lectured to senior 31 May How to be a Rocket Scientist pupils and members of the public on A Hillhead Primary School Pupil with his Death, Drugs and Dynamite, a Dinosaur fascinating look at the work of the modern forensic scientist Discussion Forum Schools’ Lectures Maths Masterclasses Another in the series of Discussion 4 April Guided Tour of the Universe University of Dundee Forums for S5 and S6 students will take by Professor Henry Ellington 3 May Rabbits, Plants and place on 20 June 2003, on the subject at Culloden Academy, Architecture of Diet and Obesity - Diet & Lifestyle, Inverness 10 May The Triangle, the Rose and Drug Treatment and Clinical Aspects, at May/June Death, Drugs and the Eleven Times Table the Rowett Research Institute, Dynamite! By Dr Allan 17 May Binary Numbers, Adding Aberdeen. Jamieson at Brechin High Machines and School, Angus Multiplication Summer Camp June Preston Lodge High School 31 May Messages, Morse and This year’s summer camp - a week of Mathematical Codes workshops, talks and field trips will take place in July at the University of For Information on the Young People’s Programme, contact Dr Harinee Selvadurai, Edinburgh. [email protected]

12 International International Exchanges Voyages of The Royal Society of Edinburgh has now signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Discovery National Science Council of Taiwan, to facilitate, encourage and support research A major new project in partnership collaboration in all areas between Scottish and overseas research groups. between the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scottish Development Under the RSE exchange programme, grants will be awarded International, Universities Scotland and through open competition. Formal application forms are now British Council Scotland was launched available on the RSE website. in April. Invitations were issued to (www.royalsoced.org.uk/international) selected global companies to send their heads of research and development on The grants are for short-term visits of up to four weeks visits to Scotland hosted by the four duration, the key objectives being to enhance the research partner organisations. capabilities of individual researchers, develop international collaborative links, and enable participation in international The visits are designed to bring to the programmes. attention of potential partners the many innovative ideas being generated Both visitors and hosts abroad should by internationally renowned academics have established contact before and researchers in Scotland in the fields submitting an application, either by of Life Sciences and Energy. previous collaboration or by scientific correspondence. The first such “Voyage of Discovery” is planned for September 2003, with another to follow in November and two Visits will be funded under the terms of more in January and March 2004. the agreements with the Partner Academies. More information about the project, and some examples of world class research in Life Sciences and Energy Closing Dates Travel Costs currently being undertaken in Scotland Applications can be submitted at any The RSE will pay the cost of APEX or can be found on a specially designed time and will be considered by the equivalent fares plus travel to and from website: Grants Committee in June, September the UK departure point. Local costs will www.scottishdevelopmentinternational.com/ and December 2003. be met by the partner academies. discovery Eligibility Applications should be sent to Applications are considered in all areas Michael White, International Officer, of the natural sciences, social sciences, Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 arts letters and humanities and are George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ open to researchers and academic staff Tel: 0131 240 5018/5000 from Universities or Research Institutes Fax: 0131 240 5024 in Scotland, or with proven links to E-mail: [email protected] Scottish Institutions.

New Exchanges

The object of the overseas exchange programme, funded by the Scottish Executive, is to enable young scientists and scholars to come to Scotland or to visit overseas from their Scottish academic base for a short period of time with a view to establishing ongoing collaboration. We have signed agreements with the relevant national academies in Taiwan, China and Poland for six exchange visits in each direction annually, each of around 3 weeks duration. We have funding to enable us to sign 2 more agreements in 2004 and in 2005, a total of 7 in all. The International Committee would be very pleased to hear from Fellows concerning countries with which they may already have a working relationship which they would propose as one of the four new partnerships we will establish over the next two years. The current pattern involves a signed agreement with the relevant national academy, so it would be particularly useful if fellows who already have contacts with these academies felt they could act as informal ambassadors for the RSE in establishing these new overseas links. Fellows are asked to contact Michael White ([email protected]) if they wish to discuss this further.

13 SSAC

New Appointment

Following his recent appointment to the position of Director of Questacon, the In relation to identifying centres of Australian National Science Centre, Professor Graham Durant tendered his resignation excellence and priorities for science, the from the Scottish Science Advisory Committee (SSAC). SSAC is planning to continue its series of brainstorming meetings. To date, it The Council of the RSE has invited Dr Stuart Monro, Scientific Director of Our Dynamic has considered the life sciences and the Earth to join the SSAC for one year from 1 April 2003 and we are delighted that he intention is to arrange meetings to has accepted this invitation to serve on our Commitee. Dr Monro is currently discuss energy, engineering and seconded to this position from the British Geological Survey, where he is a Principal manufacturing and other topics of Geologist. In addition he has considerable experience of teaching with the Open particular strategic interest to Scotland. University (OU) and is currently a member of the OU’s Council. A report is currently being drafted on Current Activities the meeting relating to the life sciences. The SSAC has met five times during its first year and has established three Working Further information on the work of the Groups to define and drive forward its work programme: SSAC can be obtained from the SSAC Secretariat: Tel 0131 240 5014 or - Science Education Working Group email : [email protected] - Science in Society Working Group web : www.scottishscience.org.uk - The Science Base : Mechanisms for Excellence Working Group Each of these Groups has identified a number of priority areas that ought to be addressed in a Scottish context and a number of discussion papers are currently being produced. The Committee intends to produce its first annual report in the summer.

Staff News

David Murray left at the end of March Sharon Jesson left the Society at the New appointments 2003, after 16 years as Accounts end of April 2003, when her husband New appointments include : Administrator. He will continue to took up a senior academic position at provide some voluntary administrative Monash University, Melbourne, Cathy Crawford, reception team; assistance. Australia. Jean Finlayson who joins the staff as Following the successful conclusion of Sue Walker, Events Officer returned International Assistant on 5 May; and the Fundraising Campaign, Stuart (part-time) from Maternity Leave in Gary Johnstone, appointed on a Armstrong, an independent February 2003. temporary basis as Accounts Assistant. Fundraising Consultant completed his Duncan Welsh, who provided term with the Society at the end of maternity cover for Sue Walker has March 2003. been appointed to a second Events Graeme Herbert’s secondment from Officer post to cover the expanding the Scottish Executive has been events programme. extended to March 2004. Receptionist Paulette Hughes returned to Australia in December 2002.

14 Fellows’ Notice Board

FELLOWS DECEASED NEW YEAR HONOURS FELLOWS’ DISCUSSION It is with much regret that we record We congratulate the following Fellows SUPPER the deaths of the following Fellows : who were honoured in the 2003 New Wednesday 7 May 2003, 6.30-9.00pm. Professor Hugh Anderson Year Honours List Does Fishing in the North Sea Have a Professor F V Atkinson, Hon FRSE Knights Bachelor Future?, with Professor A D Hawkins, Professor Colin Bell Peter Alexander Burt CBE, FRSE; Professor Alasdair McIntyre, CBE, FRSE, and Mr Michael Park, Dr Eric A C Chamberlain Order of the British Empire Chairman, Scottish Fisheries Federation. Dr David O Edge Commander (CBE) Tickets, priced £18, are available from Baron (George) Emslie Mr Ian Cleland Ritchie Sarah Gilmore, Events Co-ordinator. Professor Robert E Kendell Officer (OBE) Professor Alan G Morton RSE COLLECTIONS IN THE Professor John Barry Dent Professor G Otto Schenck, Hon FRSE Professor Tariq Salim Durrani NATIONAL LIBRARY OF Dr Terence P Scoffin Professor Colin Angus Vincent SCOTLAND Dr Frank Smithies Readers may not know that there are Professor Richard A Stradling two RSE collections deposited in the Professor Harry F W Taylor National Library of Scotland. These are Professor George R Tristram the important Hume papers, unique Dr Archie R Turnbull research material for the study of David Dr E Geoffrey Walsh Hume and the Scottish Enlightenment, and the RSE archives, including minute Viscount (George) Younger of Leckie GOLF CHALLENGE books, correspondence, etc, from the This year the Fellows’ Golf Outing will foundation of the Society in 1783 until COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP be to Lundin Links on Friday, 29 1935. August. The cost will be around £48 Fellows are invited to make suggestions The RSE archives have a full inventory per head and includes a light snack, 18 to fill Council vacancies which arise at on the NLS website (www.nls.uk/ holes of golf and an early evening meal. the ASM in October 2003. A catalogues/online/cnmi/index.html - Interested Fellows should send a non- nomination form can be obtained from search under “Royal Society of returnable deposit of £5.00 (cheques the Fellowship Officer Edinburgh” and click on “Acc.10000” payable to “Lundin Golf Club”) to ([email protected]) or to access/print out). The Hume Sandra McDougall at the Society. downloaded from the website. manuscripts (MS 23151-23164) were Email: [email protected]. listed in the RSE Proceedings, vol. lii, pt 1, 1932: this list is not on the NLS NOMINATIONS FOR FELLOWSHIP website. Fellows are reminded that the closing date for new nominations is 31 July 2003. The Society’s collection of over 5000 Nomination forms are available in the Fellows’ only area of the web site, or from the runs of scientific journals, mostly Fellowship Office ([email protected]). Wherever possible, nominations received from learned institutions should be submitted in an electronic format in addition to the hardcopy with original throughout the world in exchange for signatures. its own publications, was transferred to the National Library in 1981 under an The Fellowship Office will shortly be sending out forms for proposers to update agreement with the Scottish Office. The nominations still under consideration. These forms must also be returned by 31 July. National Library continues to house these journals and to add current issues AWARDS, APPOINTMENTS AND CITATIONS of those received on exchange. Approximately half of the titles are Professor Donald Bowes has been Catalysis Society of South Africa and included in the online catalogue awarded the Emanuel Boøický Medal of gave the opening Plenary Lecture at the available at the Library’s website Charles University, Prague, for recent CATSA 2002 Conference in (www.nls.uk) under ‘Catalogues’, and fundamental contributions to the Cape Town. the remainder, though not yet included development of mineralogy and Professor Richard de la Rue was in the online catalogue, have been Petrology. recently elected a Fellow of the Royal listed on a separate database, which is Professor Terry Lyons was recently Academy of Engineering. shortly to be made available on the elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. Sir Alwyn Williams has been awarded website. National Library staff are happy Professor Lovat Rees received the the Lapworth Medal by the to answer specific enquiries by 2002 Eminent Visitors Award of the Paleontological Association. telephone (0131 466 3811) or email ([email protected]).

15 Science and Society The RSE/Scottish Executive Science in Enterprise Fellows the Community Award testify to value of Sensation Dundee, the Glasgow Fellowships. Science Centre, The SCI Fun Scottish Building on the success of the current Science Technology Roadshow and Enterprise Fellowships, a series of NESciE & SESEF (Natural Environmental well-attended information events was Science Education & Scottish Earth held in March to demonstrate the Science Education Forum joint opportunities available. nomination) were invited to an awards The RSE was invited by the Scottish dinner on 6th March at the Sheraton On 10 March, at the Hub Cafe, Executive to administer a Science in the Hotel, Edinburgh, where Iain Gray, MSP, Edinburgh, 30 guests heard of the Community Award as part of the 2020 announced NESciE & SESEF as the experiences of Professor David Milne Science Education conference held in winners, with the runner up being OBE, FRSE, of Wolfson Microelectronics Edinburgh from 5-7 March 2003. This Glasgow Science Centre. The Careers Ltd, Edinburgh, and Dr Andrew award recognised organisations or Scotland Business Awards were also Peacock, an Enterprise Fellow in groups who take science education out announced and presented at this event. Microelectronics. Andrew told the audience how the Fellowship to the community and, in so doing, The trophies were designed by programme had helped him develop promote the public understanding of Jonathan Crawford, a final year art the business skills required to form a science. student from Edinburgh College of Art, spin-out company from Edinburgh Representatives of the short-listed winner of a design competition run by University. He has recently merged his organisations - STEM Strategy from the RSE in all the Scottish Art Schools. company with another and is now Professor Managing Director of the new Andy Walker, company, IceRobotics. RSE Vice- At the Lighthouse, Glasgow, on 12 President March, David Stewart, a company (centre back founder and adviser to new start-ups row) with and Dr Marie Claire Parker, a members of Biotechnology Enterprise Fellow from the NESciE & 2001/2002, addressed around 50 SESEF team, guests. Dr Parker has formed a winners of company called XstalBio Ltd, a spin-out the 2020 company from Glasgow University, the Science in the founding technology being an inhaler Community for diabetics to allow delivery of insulin Award. into the body without the need for [Photo by Paul Watt] needles. In Aberdeen, on 13 March, Tom Smith, of Nessco Ltd, an Aberdeen-based Wellcome Trust Research Workshops telecommunications company, addressed a small, but positive The Wellcome Trust Research Workshops were advertised in April with a closing date audience and Iain Chirnside, a current of 6 June. These are available in three areas; Biomedical and Behavioural Sciences, Enterprise Fellow in Energy, of Brinker History of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. The funding is for one day workshops of Technology Ltd, described how the up to 35 people with the aim of bringing interested parties together for discussion. Fellowship programme had helped him Application forms and regulations are on the RSE website or contact Jenny Liddell, gain the business skills and awareness Research Awards Coordinator (Tel: 240 5000 or e-mail:[email protected]) to spin his company out of Aberdeen University. COPY DATE ADDRESS INFORMATION The copy date for the next issue is 22-26 GEORGE STREET website: www.royalsoced.org.uk 7 July 2003. Please send copy to Jennifer EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk Cameron at the Society. EH2 2PQ e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Any opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Tel: 0131 240 5000 ReSourcE : ISSN No 1473-7841 all RSE Fellows Fax: 0131 240 5024 replaces RSE News

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