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THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH ISSUE 3 • WINTER 2001

RESOURCE THE NEWSLETTER OF SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL ACADEMY A Science Strategy for Scotland Science policy in Scotland is to be shaped by an independent, expert group, to be formed by The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning, Wendy Alexander, announced the creation of the Scottish Science Advisory Committee, a key part of the first ever Scottish Science Strategy, at its launch in the Glasgow Science Centre in August. This is a central element of the science policy framework which sets out a new way forward to foster science in Scotland. The Scottish Science Advisory Committee, which is being set up under the auspices of the RSE will identify priorities, inform policy in science and technology, and advise Scottish Executive Ministers on issues of scientific importance. It will monitor progress and advise the Executive on how the Scottish Science Strategy is being implemented across departments. This remit has been agreed following consultation between RSE President, Sir William Stewart, and the Scottish Executive, which will fund the work of the Committee. The Society will be responsible for selecting the eminent men and women of the Committee and advertisements for positions on it, will appear shortly in the National Media. The Royal Society of Edinburgh will appoint a Chairperson to the Committee and it is expected that the Chairperson will also act as chief adviser on science to the Executive. Once appointed, the new Committee will be housed in its own part of the George Street Ashley Coombes, The ATOM Photographic offices of RSE.

Infectious Salmon Anaemia Bio-terrorism A Pandemic of Diabetes a scientific perspective First Words Since the last issue of ReSourcE, there salmon anaemia, and mediation in has been a significant change at the top relation to patient/health service of the Scottish Parliament - Henry disputes in Scotland, science McLeish has demitted office. He was a masterclasses for young people, strong supporter of The Royal Society of commercialisation workshops and the Edinburgh and shared our commitment programme of Scotland’s Wellbeing to contributing to the social, cultural and seminars, sponsored by the Executive, on economic well-being of Scotland. The important policy issues such as budget of the Society increased, the Education, Energy, Transport and Health, Science Strategy for Scotland was have been widely welcomed. Our launched and a positive relationship Fellowship of some 1200 men and developed between the Executive and women has much to offer Scotland. An the Society. independent source of expertise, the We welcome his successor, Jack Society will seek to develop new McConnell, MSP and look forward to programmes to help Scotland to realise working positively with him and the its full potential. Parliament. I very much hope that I shall be seeking a meeting with the support for the Society will continue to First Minister to consider ways in which be enhanced. The RSE has a key role to the Society and the Executive can Sir William Stewart, FRS, FRSE play in providing new initiatives and well continue to work positively together and President thought through advice, of broad develop new, progressive initiatives. We relevance and value to the people of look forward to building on what has Scotland. Our review of foot and mouth been established so far. disease, our inquiries into infectious

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Promoting economic development 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. An independent review into the RSE/ Fellowship Programme is shaping up to Its multidisciplinary fellowship of men Scottish Enterprise Fellowships be an excellent contributor to economic and women of international standing programme has reported on the development in Scotland. It is enabling provides independent, expert advice to scheme’s encouraging success rate. progress to be made in the key decision making bodies, including Established in 1997, the programme commercialisation of university research Government and Parliament. aims to help commercialise the and the establishment of technology exceptional research that is being oriented new businesses.” The Society’s Research Awards conducted within Scotland’s universities As a reult of the SQW report’s findings, programme annually awards well over in the key areas of optoelectronics, PPARC will continue its scheme of £1/2 million to exceptionally talented biotechnology, microelectronics and Enterprise Fellowships for a further two young academics and potential communication technology. years. entrepreneurs to promote commercial exploitation of inventiveness and boost In a recent, independent review, Three RSE/PPARC Enterprise Fellows have wealth-generation. economic development consultants already successfully created new Segal Quince Wicksteed (SQW) said of companies. Matthew Dallimore, Mark The RSE is active in classrooms from the the scheme: Williams and Andrew Zodrozny shared Borders to the Northern Isles, with a their experiences with the PPARC successful programme of lectures and “…economic impact performance…is very good, in terms of business spinout Enterprise Fellowships Committee at the hands-on workshops for primary and RSE in October. They are now seeking secondary school pupils. from universities, net job creation and cost effectiveness...The Enterprise further funding to develop the new UK The Royal Society of Edinburgh, firms. 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. RSE in action RSE Announces Membership of Foot & Council Mouth Committee 2001-2002 Professor Ian Cunningham is to Chair The organism and the disease; At the ASM, held on Monday 29 the RSE’s independent inquiry into Foot outbreaks, including the recent one; October, the following were elected to & Mouth Disease. Professor Gavin approaches to control; impact on the serve on council for the session 2001- McCrone will be Vice Chairman of the economy; impact on tourism; lessons for 2002 committee, which is being set up at the the future President instigation of the President and Council The Committee will invite organisations Sir William Stewart, FRS of The Royal Society of Edinburgh. and individuals to give evidence to one Vice-Presidents The expert group will conduct a wide of its two subcommittees: Biological The Rt Hon Lord Ross ranging assessment of the impact of the Issues under the chairmanship of Dr Bill Sir David Carter disease on animal health and examine Martin and Economic Impact, chaired by Professor A C Walker the social and economic consequences Professor Gavin McCrone. General Secretary for Scotland of the recent epidemic on Membership of the expert group is : Professor A Miller, CBE the countryside and on the food chain. Professor Ian Cunningham, CBE, FRSE, Treasurer Particular emphasis will be placed on Sir James Armour, CBE, FRSE; Dr Brian Sir Laurence Hunter, FBA future methods of prevention and Ashcroft; Dr Jean Balfour, CBE, FRSE; Mr Curator control, and recommendations will be Ivan Broussine; Sir David Carter, FRSE; Dr Professor M D McLeod made on lessons to be learned for the W J Irvine, FRSE; Barbara Kelly; Dr Bill Fellowship Secretary future. Martin, FRSE; Professor Jeff Maxwell, Professor J D M H Laver, FBA The remit of the group is: To investigate OBE, FRSE; Professor Gavin McCrone, Programme Convener the outbreak, spread and control of Foot CB, FRSE, Dr Donald McRae; Dr Laura Professor J S Beck and Mouth Disease in Scotland in 2001. Meagher; Mr David Mitchell; Dr Peter Research Awards Convener In fulfilling this remit, the Working Party Nettleton; Professor Stuart Reid, FRSE Professor J R Coggins is expected to have regard to: Dr Robert Sellers; Mr Loudon Hamilton, International Convener CB, (Secretary). Lord Wilson of Tillyorn , KT, GCMG, KStJ Youth Programme Convener Dr L S D Glasser, MBE Chairman of the Committee, Professor Secretaries to Meetings Ian Cunningham said: Professor C M Duffus We will assess the impact on the national Professor D J Breeze economy, the food chain, and tourism, Councillors and will also be concerned with control Mr E Cunningham, CBE measures and their implementation. Professor C Kuo Professor E B Lane The recent outbreak of Foot & Mouth Professor J F McClelland, CBE Disease affected many spheres of life in Professor R G M Morris, FRS Scotland. In order to approach this Dr W S Nimmo complex subject, the range of expertise Professor M Peaker, FRS found in the committee is diverse. The Professor D H Saxon Society is delighted that a number of Professor P F Sharp specialists from outwith the RSE’s Professor I H Stevenson Fellowship have accepted invitations to Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, FBA be part of the Committee.

Image Courtesy of the National Trust for Scotland. Photographer Bill Stout

Submission of Evidence & Views Individuals and organisations are encouraged to submit information relevant to the remit of the committee, preferably by e-mail to : [email protected] or, alternatively in writing to: Mr Loudon Hamilton, at the Society. Up to date information will be posted on the RSE website www.royalsoced.org.uk

3 Examining Infectious Salmon Anaemia

¨ the detection methods used to identify the virus and the disease. ¨ the effectiveness of culling as a means of control, making use of comparisons with regimes for control used in other countries The independent group aims to report on its findings by February 2002. Members of the Working Party are :

Chair Sir Roderick MacSween FRSE: Emeritus Professor of Pathology, University of Glasgow Members Professor Ian Aitken: Scientific Director, Edinburgh Centre for Rural Research; Professor Peter Maitland FRSE:Independent Research Consultant, Fish Conservation Centre; Professor Imants Priede FRSE: Professor of Zoology, image courtesy of Scottish Quality Salmon University of Aberdeen; Professor Stuart An independent working party, chaired legislation requires that once a fish farm Reid FRSE: Professor of Comparative by Professor Sir Roderick MacSween, has been designated as infected, all fish Epidemiology and Informatics, University Former President of the Royal College of will eventually have to be withdrawn, the of Glasgow Veterinary School and Pathologists, has been established by site disinfected and left fallow for 6 Department of Statistics and Modelling The Royal Society of Edinburgh to assess months. There is presently no Science, University of Strathclyde; the science behind legislation governing compensation for any income lost by Professor John Sargent FRSE: Professor the control of Infectious Salmon farmers as a result of this process. of Marine Biochemistry, Institute of Acquaculture, University of Stirling; Sir Anaemia (ISA). The working party is being set up William Stewart: FRS FRSE: President of A viral disease of salmon, which poses following representations made to the the RSE no threat to human health, but with RSE by members of the industry who serious economic impact on farms which express the view that the current EC Secretary Dr Marc Rands: Research are infected, the first outbreak of ISA legislation is not wholly based on sound Officer, Royal Society of Edinburgh was detected in 1998 in a salmon farm science. [email protected] in Loch Nevis. To date it has been The remit of the RSE’s working party is to detected in 11 farms and has been consider: suspected on a further 25 farms on the ¨ the scientific issues surrounding the Scottish West Coast and in Orkney and scheme put in place by the United Shetland. Infection by the virus does not Kingdom for the withdrawal of all always lead to severe clinical signs of the fish in Scottish farms infected with disease and the death of the fish. infectious salmon anaemia (ISA), as Nevertheless, current European required by EU legislation.

Sir Roderick MacSween, chairman of the Working Party said : We wish to examine the evidence for ISA being an exotic and not an endemic infection in salmon in Scotland. In addition the scientific basis for establishing viral infection and confirming the presence of virus-related disease must be shown to be robust: implementation of the withdrawal proposal when viral infection is suspected has serious Lord Jenkin of Roding, Hon FRSE, signing the consequences for farmers and, even more significantly, for Fellows’ Roll during the meeting of the those breeding salmon stock. [photo supplied by Sir Foundation of Science and Technology held Roderick MacSween] at the RSE on 23 October. [Photo: G Doak]

4 Research and Awards A number of other RSE Medals and J M LESSELLS TRAVEL Prizes are due to be awarded in the SCHOLARSHIPS coming Session. These Scholarships allow engineering These are subject to detailed terms and graduates of Scottish HEIs to spend up conditions which can be obtained from to a year abroad on a project of their the Research Fellowships Secretary or choice which will benefit their found on the RSE Web Site and in the engineering career. Graduates of all Fellows’ Year Book. forms of engineering are eligible to apply. Please note that the Scholarships Brief details of the awards to be made are not available to pursue activities this year are as follows and Fellows are overseas as part of a first degree. encouraged to make nominations. The closing date for applications is Keith Medal. Earth Sciences 28 February 2002. Neill Medal. Natural History. ROYAL MEDALS Makdougall Brisbane Prize. Biological The Royal Medals were Instituted by Her Sciences. Recipient to be aged under 40. Majesty the Queen in 2000, when she BP Prize Lecture in the Humanities. visited the Society’s Rooms and made the Archaeological and Historical Studies. inaugural awards to Professor Sir Recipient to be aged under 40. Kenneth Murray, Professor Peter Higgs and The Lord Perry of Walton. In 2001, CRF Prize Lecture. Arts and Letters. HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, James Scott Prize Lecture. Natural THE HENRY DUNCAN PRIZE presented the medals to Sir James Black, Philosophy. LECTURESHIP 1999 Professor Tom Devine and Professor Ian Scott. The closing date for these prize and medal nominations is 30 January 2002 RSE Fellows are invited to make nominations for the award of the 2002 2002 RESEARCH Royal Medals, three of which are awarded annually, to individuals who FELLOWSHIPS have achieved distinction and are of The Scottish Executive Enterprise and international repute in any of the Lifelong Learning Department Personal following categories : Life Sciences; and Support Research Fellowships, BP Physical and Engineering Sciences; Research Fellowships, Lloyds TSB Humanities and Social Sciences; Business Personal and Support Fellowships plus Dr David McCrone [photo Gary Doak] and Commerce. three PhD Studentships are available Stateless Nations in the 21st Century : Candidates for the Royal Medals should, next year. The Case of Scotland . Dr David preferably, have a Scottish connection, Scottish Enterprise Enterprise McCrone’s prize lecture, delivered after but need not be RSE Fellows. Fellowships in Optoelectronics, the ASM on 29 October, placed The closing date for nominations is4 Biotechnology, Energy, Microelectronics Scotland at the centre of the social March 2002, and Communications Technologies and science dilemma over the autonomy and the PPARC Enterprise Fellowships will boundaries of societies. also be available in 2002. Just as a small boat is the first to sense Information and application forms are changing tides and currents, so small available on the RSE web site now. societies confront social change most RSE GRANTS immediately, and have to react quickly or go under. Larger societies can hold out Travel Grants for longer but ultimately have to change, Dr M R W Johnson to travel to India to study geology in the Himalayas often with bad grace. Support for Meetings

Professor P W J L Brand for a meeting entitled Techniques for the detection of planets CONTACT : Anne Ferguson, Research and life beyond the solar system to be held at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh Fellowships Secretary or Professor John Support for Publication Coggins, Research Awards Convener. e- Professor R S Crofts as a guarantee against loss for the publication of Conserving mail [email protected] or see Nature: Scotland and the Wider World, to be published by Tuckwell Press Ltd www.royalsoced.org.uk

5 Beyond September 11 2001 .....to what extent should global eradication of a disease necessarily Bio-Terrorism be assumed to be a good thing.? A Scientific Perspective Sir William Stewart re-examines the goals of vaccination programmes

image courtesy of CAMR

Specialised facilities are required for the handling of pathogens and manufacturing of vaccines

On Monday September 3 2001, at the BA The bacterium can cause the disease eradication) results in non-vaccination - Festival of Science in Glasgow in my anthrax, because of the toxins it and in any case is total eradication Presidential address, I raised the issue of produces. There are three forms of feasible in the world of the 21st bioterrorism and asked whether the UK, anthrax : cutaneous anthrax, (caused by century. Non-vaccination as a goal, as a nation, was adequately prepared for spores entering through cuts on the leaves populations dangerously such an eventuality. The point was made skin); ingestion anthrax, (caused by exposed if the organism is ever used as not because I had any particular insight eating material containing the spores); a bioterrorism weapon. The risk into the issue or that I was “in the and pulmonary anthrax, (caused by benefit analysis of vaccination becomes know”. It was made simply by a scientist, inhalation of the spores). Although the hugely important, costly and is a who had thought a lot about such first two types can be satisfactorily difficult issue to resolve in the light of things, and as President of the BA about treated with antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxin, bioterrorism. the challenges as well as the pulmonary anthrax does not respond Second, the potential for bioterrorism opportunities, which the escalating pace well to antibiotics and death often means that stocks of vaccine must be of technological developments in the life ensues. readily on tap, readily stored and sciences generally may bring. I asked I believe the UK is well prepared to deal routinely replaced when past their what rogue nations and groups without with anthrax. The UK is the only country expiry date. It also raises the question nuclear weaponry or other sophisticated in the world able to produce licensed of whether, in terms of preparedness, leading edge technology might do. anthrax vaccine at present, but the use of there may have to be a cadre of On Tuesday September 11 2001, a week anthrax as a bioterrorism agent has huge vaccinated front-line staff able to deal later, it became starkly apparent with the ramifications for a nation’s preparedness. with anthrax type emergencies if they appalling attack on the World Trade First, there is the question of the extent are to arise. Centre, and a few weeks later, although to which global eradication of a disease Third, whilst the current focus is with no readily apparent connection, should necessarily be assumed to be a probably rightly on specific vaccines for anthrax spores were being disseminated good thing. Take smallpox. This disease specific diseases, this could become through the US Post with ensuing deaths has been eradicated from the UK and more of a problem if the number of as a result. vaccination of the population against it potential agents increases, as is likely - Virtually overnight, the world had has been stopped. That has been a and especially if the agent is unknown changed, probably irreversibly. triumph of modern science and and/or no vaccine is available. Much There is no need to go over old ground medicine. more attention to basic research on the on anthrax in any detail. Bacillus Yet, global stocks of the virus have human immune response, with an anthracis is a gram-positive rod-shaped apparently not been eradicated, leaving emphasis on possibly establishing bacterium which produces spores which populations vulnerable to exposure to it, good and safe methods of stimulating are highly resistant to physical and were it to be made available as a a generic response in times of need, is chemical attack and which, as a result, biological weapon. required. can withstand the shearing effects and My point is that there may be problems New problems demand re-appraisals of high temperatures of explosions. ahead if eradication (without total global past approaches and require new solutions.

6 Thinking Scotland THE SUPPLY OF SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS ¨ Not enough able students are being science researchers in the future. attracted into the physical sciences, ¨ The Society concluded that the UK did mathematics and engineering because not need more students studying of attitudes established in early years. At science in general to satisfy industry’s the very enquiring primary school age, needs, but needed more high quality most children are being taught their students. first science by non-scientists. ¨ It recommends that the decline in ¨ In Scotland attempts to teach general physical sciences and engineering science in S1/2, have had only mixed students has to be arrested and the UK success and have further camouflaged needed to take a more positive line in the shortage of physics and chemistry encouraging students to study the teachers. “hard” sciences and engineering. ¨ Job opportunities for engineering ¨ If the quantity and quality of those graduates abound in industry, especially admitted to undergraduate degrees in [photo by Gary Doak] in the oil and gas industry, and such subjects could be improved, then therefore few engineering graduates the numbers going on to postgraduate In its evidence to Sir Gareth Roberts’ continue into postgraduate and work should increase accordingly. The (above) review of the supply of scientists postdoctoral research at university. root cause would need to be tackled at and engineers, the Royal Society of ¨ The submission warned that a serious primary and secondary school levels. Edinburgh has warned that there has shortfall of such scientists and been a steady but measurable drift from engineers in universities, could result in science and mathematics into other HEIs being unable to provide well- subjects in schools in Scotland and qualified engineering and physical across Europe.

GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH COUNCILS DOES SCOTLAND HAVE THE The Royal Society of Edinburgh has re- for the Arts and Humanities Research SKILLS TO SUPPORT A emphasised the importance of the Board to be developed into a fully- Research Councils, operating on a UK- fledged Research Council funded on a KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY? wide basis. In its submission to the par with other Research Councils. At a Discussion/Dinner held by the Office of Science and Technology’s On the merits of peer review, the Society Foundation for Science and Technology Quinquennial Review of the Grant commented that the electoral college at the RSE on 23 October, Sir Gareth Awarding Research Councils the Society system for peer review was now Roberts, Dr Ian Ritchie, Chairman, stressed that the scale of the UK system accepted by the academic community Orbital Software and Dr Alan Sinclair, of basic research benefits Scotland, and and had served it well. However, shift in Scottish Enterprise, examined the issues the other regions of the UK, by emphasis from peer review of proposals facing Scotland as it seeks to capitalise stimulating international to peer audit of research outcomes, on its scientific expertise. competitiveness. while speeding up the initial grant There was widespread agreement with The Society argued that merging the awarding process, may make it ever the view that Scotland was better Research Councils into one single more difficult for proposers from provided with skilled scientific and organisation would not confer any outside top departments, or young engineering graduates than other parts advantage over the present system. A researchers without a significant of the UK, but that it suffers rather from single over-arching Council would still research history, to break into the a lack of management, entrepreneurial have to invent sub-divisions in order to funding cycle. While it could be argued and marketing skills. However progress function. Nevertheless, it recognised that that the concentration of funding to a was being made as universities sought many important research areas occur at restricted number of top departments to promote a culture of enterprise the interface between disciplines and might be the most effective allocation of among graduates and themselves were that the Research Councils needed to research funding, the Society concluded involved in entrepreneurial activities. collaborate effectively to fund cross that there was a risk that high quality Prospective employers increasingly disciplinary activity. research opportunities might be missed expected scientists and engineers to In line with the recommendations of the simply because of their unusual origin. exhibit other broader skills such as team- Dearing Committee, the Society called working and problem-solving abilities. A copy of the summary of the debate CONTACT : Marc Rands, Research Officer or Professor Andrew Miller, CBE, FRSE, General can be found on the RSE Web Site. Secretary. [email protected] All recent submissions are reprinted on the RSE Web Site www.royalsoced.org.uk

7 [email protected] TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RSE EVENTS. Please contact FORTHCOMING EVENTS [email protected] or see www.royalsoced.org.uk for further information

DECEMBER JANUARY Friday 25, Monday 3 at 5.30pm Monday 7 at 5.30pm 9.30am-5pm MEDAWAR LECTURE WITH THE ROYAL ORAL HEALTH PUBLIC LECTURE SOCIETY WORKSHOP Options and Knowledge for Vision: Vision for The A to Z of Oral Opportunities in a Knowledge Cancer: an Pandemic of Diabetes How do eyes’ optical images mediate Holistic Route The number of people perception and behaviour appropriate for The incidence of oral with diabetes mellitus is non-optical features of objects? From the cancer in the UK is increasing and late expected to reach earliest reflex behaviour, knowledge, presentation is common. In order to epidemic proportions inherited or learned, is essential. How can improve the early detection of this disease during the first quarter of the 21st century. eyes discover new non-optical and to provide a high quality of care for The burden of mortality due to heart knowledge? Implications for art and the patients, a co-ordinated, interdisciplinary disease and kidney failure together with philosophy of science will be discussed. approach is essential. This workshop will the risk of blindness and foot problems Professor Richard Gregory CBE FRS FRSE, provide outcomes for strategic planning sets a real challenge to health care Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychology, of integrated oral cancer services in professionals. The Tayside DARTS diabetes University of Bristol Scotland. network combines the strengths of a systematic and integrated collaborative FEBRUARY Monday 18 at 5.30pm approach underpinned by appropriate Wednesday 6, 10am-5pm JOINT LECTURE technology. and offers real opportunity for WORKSHOP A Tale of Two Towers: Big Ben and co-ordinated evidence based clinical care Particle Physics at the Limits Pisa as well as new approachess to clinical and This is an exciting time for Particle Physics. Joint RSE /Royal Academy of Engineering genetic epidemiology in diabetes. New opportunities for seeking the Higg’s Lecture. Professor Ray W Newton, Postgraduate Boson are opening up at the highest Professor John Burland will outline the Dean and Dr Andrew D Morris, Reader in energy colliders; New measurements hint “decline” of these two famous towers, Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical at fundamental differences between describing how they responded to their School, Dundee matter and antimatter; New experiments respective stabilisation works, and also try to elucidate the origin of cosmic rays at present the latest results from both Thursday 6 at 7pm the highest energies. projects. Professor John Burland FREng From RSS Discovery to Space FRS, Professor of Soil Mechanics, Imperial Shuttle Discovery : Leading the Friday 15 at 5.30pm College of Science, Technology and Medicine. Way for Exploration of the Space JOINT LECTURE Frontier. Is Evolution Over? James Watt Auditorium, Heriot-Watt Joint RSE/Edinburgh Centre for Rural Research and the Institute of Biology Thursday 21 at 2pm Lecture. SYMPOSIUM: THE FUTURE OF RETAILING 3 Many people - from H G Wells and other Tomorrow’s Retailing in Scotland University. Utopians onwards - see a future of ... today EDINBURGH LECTURE biological decline for Homo sapiens, as, Over the next 5-10 years, issues of Dr Bonnie Dunbar, Corr FRSE, Astronaut, somehow, the weaker are allowed to location and spatial structure are likely to Assistant Director of University Research & survive. Professor Jones will argue that, continue at the forefront of strategic Affairs, NASA. See Page 12 for further instead, everything we know about decision making for retailers. The nature details. [photo courtesy of NASA] human evolution suggests that it is over of the changing balance between city (at least in the West, and at least for the centres and out-of-town developments; time being), with no natural selection, no options for hard pressed small towns, random change in small populations and potential new functions for town and city perhaps a decline in mutation rate. centres and the extent to which public Utopia, for those who worry what it might policy will circumscribe locational be like, is already here. decisions will be explored. Professor J S Jones, University College London

All meetings are held at 22-26 George CONTACTS : Susan Walker, OR Professor Street, Edinburgh, unless otherwise J S Beck, Programme Convener. stated. [email protected]

8 Free, fully organised educational activities for Young People young people throughout Scotland Winter Programme

Startup Science Masterclasses : Saturday morning Science for S1/S2 students. Funded by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland The winter masterclasses have been running over the past weeks, with enthusiastic groups of students attending at all venues. Further series will be held in the spring. University of Glasgow University of St Andrews 3 November. How to be a weather 17 November. Bagpipes and Electrons forecaster - Satellite imaging and its by Dr Bruce Sinclair application to weather forecasting. 24 November. Dinosaur Olympics by Dr 10 November. How to be a bridge Ruth Robinson designer - Weak shapes, strong shapes 1 December. Chemical Cluedo: a murder and their application to bridge design. mystery by Professor Russell Morris and 17 November. How to be a rocket Dr Chris Baddeley scientist - The mechanics of propulsion 8 December. Exploring our universe and its application to DIY rockets. from the back garden outwards by Dr 24 November. How to be an Moira Jardine Astronomer - The Motions of the Stars University of Dundee and Planets. How to measure the From Molecules to Muscles distance to the Moon, illustrated inside 24 November. Cells Strutting their Stuff our inflatable Starlab planetarium by Dr Inke Nathke and Professor Birgitte Satropshere, Aberdeen Lane 3 November. Life in the Soil led by Ken 1 December. Having the Heart to Get a Kilham. A look at soil animals Grip by Professor Michael Rennie 17 November. Strange Properities of 8 December. How an Embryo Knows its Granular Materials led by Howard Head from its Tail by Professor Cheryll Chandler Tickle and Dr Kate Storey Heather Reid of BBC Scotland and the 1 December. The Uses of Astronomy led 15 December. Tracking your Molecules Glasgow Science Centre, who has presented by Alistair Flett. Navigation, satellites by Dr Carole MacIntosh several masterclasses on weather forecast- and seasons ing, pictured during a visit to RSE. 15 December. Christmas Crackers led by Schools Lectures Christmas Lectures Lesley Glasser. The technology behind 11 December. Lasing Down the Internet This year’s Christmas Lectures will be the snaps and bangs! by Professor Thomas Krauss at Kingussie given by Dr Bonnie Dunbar, NASA Heriot-Watt University High School Astronaut, at Dumfries Academy on 4 December. (see page 12). There will be a 3 November. Chemical Cleudo led by Dr 11 January. Bridge Building by Professor talk for local school students in the John Parker. Solve a murder mystery Miles Padgett at Milburn Academy, afternoon and and another talk for the with 6 suspects Inverness general public in the evening. If you 10 November. DNA Extraction using Primary Maths Masterclasses. Kitchen Chemistry led by Dr Peter Morris would like to attend the public lecture, November 10, 17, 24, December 1. please contact Dr Harinee Selvadurai. 17 November. The Game of Life led by Dalmeny Primary School. Prof. Des Johnston. See how maths can be used to understand biological HOW TO BE A BRIDGE DESIGNER. evolution Dr David Ireland with students at one of 24 November. The Mystery of the recent joint RSE/University of Magnetism led by Dr Mike Steel. Design Glasgow, Department of Physics and and test your own Magelev train. Astronomy Masterclasses for S5/S6 pupils.

This series of Masterclasses also included CONTACTS : Dr Harinee Selvadurai, How to be a Weather Forecaster, hosted Education Officer or Dr Lesley Glasser, by Heather Reid of BBC Scotland and the Young People’s Convener. Glasgow Science Centre, and workshops [email protected] on Astronomy and Particle Physics. [Photo by Professor Miles Padgett]

9 recent events INNOVATION IN SCOTLAND SCIENCE AND THE PARLIAMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY Members of the Scottish Parliament, scientists and civil servants met in Edinburgh on Scottish Enterprise, The Scottish 15 November for the first Science and the Parliament event organised by the Royal Executive and the Scottish Higher Society of Chemistry in association with the RSE and Scotland’s leading science bodies. Education Funding Council hosted this RSE Research Awards Convener, Professor John Coggins made a presentation about important event in Glasgow on 26 the Science Strategy for Scotland, and spoke of the Societ’s role in setting up the November. Scottish Science Advisory Committee - a central element of the new framework. The audience of one hundred and thirty also heard from Alex Neil, MSP, Convener of the The conference addressed a number of Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee who spoke of the challenges facing key questions including how research science and technology in Scotland. can play a strategic role in economic development, models of best practice in Twenty five MSPs including Education Minister Nicol Stephen and Deputy Conservative Scotland and lessons from overseas. Leader Annabel Goldie joined the event for the lunchtime buffet and exhibition. Head Speakers were Wendy Alexander, of the Scottish Executive’s Rural Affairs Department John Graham, the Scottish Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Executive’s head of science policy Andy Bishop and the Scottish Parliament’s Chief Learning; Dr John Sizer, SHEFC; Dr Robert Executive Paul Grice also attended to hear short speeches outlining the importance of Crawford, Scottish Enterprise; Ms Lynne science to Scotland. Cadenhead, Far Blue; Dr Peter Denyer, The day of activities was rounded off with a visit to the Scottish Parliament’s Question Microemissive Displays; and Mr Leif Time . Gustaffson, VBK AB and Centre for Construction Management, Gothenburg, Sweden.

STEM CELLS AND CLONING: A SCIENCE AND ETHICS DILEMMA CONTRIBUTING TO THE During October and November, two committee secretariat, visited the Society FUTURE OF EUROPE DEBATE events were held at the Society on the to meet experts in the field. topic of Cloning. On 5 November, The European Parliament established Professor Michael Steele FRSE, School of this temporary committee in December Biological and Medical Science, 2000 with a mandate to report on an University of St Andrews and Dr Harry inventory of new and potential Griffin, Division of Molecular Biology, developments in human genetics and of Roslin Institute presented a public their uses, an examination of the related lecture on Stem Cells and Cloning. ethical, legal, economic and social The lecture was followed by a Discussion problems and a recommendation as to In association with the Scottish Jean Forum, Reproductive Cloning - Does the what extent the public interest requires a Monnet Centre for European Excellence, End Justify the Means? led by a panel of proactive response to such the RSE hosted a seminar, chaired by eminent speakers including : Professor developments and uses, whilst giving Bruce Millan, on 24 September to Alastair Campbell, Director, Centre for guidance to the EP and to the other EU launch The Future of Europe Debate in Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol, institutions in the area. The committee Scotland. The importance of the event the Rt Reverend Bishop Holloway FRSE, is expected to report by December 2001. and its value to the debate was reflected former Bishop of Edinburgh and Primus by the speakers and participants who of the Scottish Episcopal Church, attended. Speakers included Jack Professor Sheila McLean FRSE, Director, McConnell, Scottish Executive Minister Institute of Law and Ethics in Medicine, for Europe, Members of the Scottish University of Glasgow and Dr Helen and European Parliament, European Watt, Research Director, Linacre Centre Commission representatives, and for Health Care Ethics. Contrary to ambassadors and representatives from press reports, the RSE did not bar member and accession states. anyone from attending this free, public debate. THE FOOT AND MOUTH CONTROVERSY On 18 October, a delegation of the As part of the BA’s Festival of Science, the RSE held a symposium on Foot and Mouth at European Parliament’s Temporary the University of Glasgow on 7 September. Committee on Human Genetics, Speakers Fred Brown of the United States Department of Agriculture, Dave Rowlands comprising Mr John Purvis, CBE, Mrs of the University of Leeds and Mark Woolhouse of the Centre for Tropical Veterinary Astrid Thors, and members of the Medicine, University of Edinburgh, presented the issues clearly and forcefully. A well- informed and wide-ranging discussion followed.

10 Fellows’ Notice Board FELLOWS DECEASED PROFESSOR ANDREW MILLER, CBE, GENERAL SECRETARY It is with much regret that we record the Professor Miller, who was elected General Secretary deaths of the following Fellows : at the ASM on 29 October, was until recently Professor Malcolm M Campbell Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professor Kenneth B Fraser Stirling and is now Interim Executive Chairman of the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Professor Graham W Gooday Cancer Research Foundation. Professor Donald A Low He said of his election : “As the RSE moves into a Professor William MacKenzie new phase of activities, its founding goal of the Professor John L Malcolm “advancement of learning and useful knowledge”, Professor Hans A Meidner remains the same, but its approach will adapt Professor Olga Oleinik, Hon FRSE radically to meet and to match the challenges and Professor John S Orr opportunities of the new century. The Fellows are a Professor James C Petrie national asset of great worth and I will do all I can photo supplied by University of Stirling Professor John M Reid to stimulate their contribution to Scottish society in the discovery and application of Professor John C S Richards new knowledge and its dissemination to all. I , along with many others in the RSE, am Dr Duncan Taylor deeply grateful to my predecessor Peter Wilson for five years of dedicated work for the Society. I wish him well in his new activities.” Professor Paul E Weatherley, FRS ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES : RSE STAFF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR Kate Ellis, Head of Administration since 1995 resigned in October 2001, to take up the The RSE Rooms will be closed from part-time position of Bursar with the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland. Friday 21 December 2001, reopening on She has remained with the Society on a part-time basis as Financial Manager. Thursday 3 January 2002. Kate’s administrative duties have been taken over by Frank Pullen who joined the staff from the University of Abertay Dundee, as Central Services Manager on 1 October. Heather Mantell, Events Manager since 1998, left in late October to spend 2 years in COFFEE MEETINGS Sydney. Her replacement, Roisin Calvert will join the staff in early 2002. On 8 January 2002 meetings will resume when Dr David M Munro, Jennifer Etchells, Facilities Co-ordinator, will leave the Society in December 2001 and Director, Royal Scottish Geographical will join the BMA as Facilities Co-ordinator. Society will give an address on W S AWARDS, APPOINTMENTS AND CITATIONS Bruce, The Scotia and Argentina. On 5 February 2002 the subject will be Professor Geoffrey Boulton was Professor Sir Alan Peacock has been A 1952 Conviction and its recently awarded the Seligman Crystal awarded the LAUREA HONORIS CAUSA Constitutional Importance lead by Dr W of the International Glaciological by the Faculty of Law at Universita Degli E S Mutch, OBE. Society. This will be the first time that Studi di Torino (Turin) On 5 March 2002, the talk will be A the award has been made to a Professor Lovat V.C. Rees was geologist. presented with the International Zeolite Citizen’s View of the Role and Remuneration of Company Executives by Mr Andrew Cubie has been appointed Association (IZA) Award 2001 at the the new Chairman of the Scottish Credit recent 13th International Zeolite Professor Joseph F Lamb & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Joint Conference in Montpellier, France. Advisory Committee. Professor John B Stenlake recently Professor James A Green has been received the Hanbury Memorial Medal awarded the De Morgan Medal of the for 2001. This medal is awarded jointly DISCUSSION DINNERS AND London Mathematical Society for his by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and SUPPERS fundamental contributions to group the Linnean Society, for original research representation theory. in the natural history and chemistry of Discussion Dinner - 4 March 2002 Professor Roland Paxton was recently drugs. History, Heritage and Development. awarded a “Certificate of Appreciation” Professor Andrew Whiten will receive Tickets £28 by the American Society of Civil the 2001 Jean-Marie Delwart Award of Discussion Supper - 12 February Engineers for his contribution to its the Académie Royale des Sciences de 2002 Annual Conference 2001 of 3 invited Belgique on 15 December. Charitable Status and Public Benefit. papers on historical engineering and Professor Roland Wolf recently Tickets £18 engineering conservation topics. delivered the Gerhard Zbinden Contact [email protected] Memorial Lecture at the EUROTOX for further details and to reserve places 2001 Congress in Istanbul.

11 Round up FROM RSS DISCOVERY TO SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY : LEADING THE WAY FOR EXPLORATION OF THE SPACE FRONTIER. Dr Bonnie Dunbar, Corr FRSE, Astronaut, research being conducted in many Assistant Director of University Research different scientific and engineering THE EDINBURGH LECTURES & Affairs, NASA, will address widely disciplines, which will also be described. are a continuation of the established differing audiences when she comes to At the Edinburgh Lecture she will and acclaimed Lothian European Edinburgh as part of the Edinburgh continue the theme of exploration of the Lectures, launched in 1992 as part of the Lectures Series on 6 December and also physical environment around us, which national programme of events gives the RSE Christmas Lectures at has been as important to human Dumfries Academy on 4 December when celebrating the UK’s Presidency of the progress as intellectual pursuit of the arts European Union and culminating in the she will speak to local school students and sciences. Only 100 years ago, European Summit in Edinburgh in and then to the wider community about Captain Scott sailed from Dundee, by the importance of “Exploration” from wooden ship to the Antarctica - a December that year. the early explorers at the turn of the 20th relatively unexplored region of the Earth. century to those who explore space Today, two nations regularly launch today. humans into space and two more are on The Edinburgh Lecture will take place at She will discuss the research conducted the verge. A look at history can help us 19.00 on Thursday 6 December 2001 at on board the Space Shuttle and the chart the course into the future, but what the James Watt Auditorium, Heriot-Watt International Space Station, and show a may that future be? What are the University. film from her most recent mission, which challenges and the opportunities? What Reservations can be made by telephone docked with the Russian Space Station, are the potential risks of not being a part or by post to : Usher Hall Box Office, MIR. Integral to these programs are on- of that human imperative? Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA. £3 going educational programs, and charge per ticket. Tel 0131 228 1155 or in person at the Usher Hall Box Office, or The RSE Christmas Lecture has been an annual event in the RSE calendar since 1980. Assembly Rooms Box Office, 54 George Held at a different location each year an eminent speaker addresses an audience of Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR. students in the afternoon and this is followed by a public lecture in the evening. Subject to availability unreserved tickets Further information about the Christmas Lectures can be obtained from Dr Harinee are available free of charge at the venue. Selvadurai, Education Officer at the Society. e-mail : [email protected] www.edinburghlectures.org

THE NUFFIELD BURSARY SCHEME FOR INNOVATIVE VACATION PROJECTS FOR SCOTLAND Sir William Stewart opened an event at the Royal Museum of Scotland on 28 August, celebrating the 7th anniversary of the Scheme in Scotland which allows fifth year students to work alongside practising scientists in commercial and industrial establishments, research institutions and universities. Fifth year secondary school pupils from Orkney to Ayrshire were at the Museum to present poster displays of their vacation project work. [photo Gary Doak]

COPY DATE ADDRESS INFORMATION The copy date for the next issue is 22-26 GEORGE STREET website: www.royalsoced.org.uk 7 January 2002. Please send copy to EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk Jennifer 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