news THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH ISSUE 26 AUTUMN/WINTER 2009 RESOURCE THE NEWSLETTER OF SCOTLAND’ S NATIONAL ACADEMY

SCOTLAND’S RESEARCH TALENT In September 2009 over 70 researchers, mostly in the early stages of their careers, were invited to attend the RSE Annual Research Awards Ceremony. The Awards were presented by RSE President, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, KT GCMG and Professor Alan Miller, RSE Research Awards Convener. Former BP Research Fellow, Professor Miles Padgett, (pictured below right) who held his Fellowship at the University of St Andrews between 1993 and 1995, also addressed the meeting. Professor Padgett now holds a personal Chair in Physics and is head of the Optics Group at the University of Glasgow. He was elected to the Fellowship of the RSE in 2001 and served as Young People’s Convener from 2005 to 2008, remaining an active member of that programme today. Lord Wilson is pictured with Dr Sinead Rhodes from the Department of Psychology, University of St Andrews whose research proposal was granted a small project fund in the Scottish Crucible programme. Full details of all the awards can be found inside.

International Links Climate Change Debate Education Programme Scotland’s Research Talent Lessells Travel Scholarships Cormack Vacation Piazzi Smyth Bequest Dr Spela Ivekovic Scholarships Research Scholarship School of Computing, University of Dundee Dominic Lawson James Henderson Swarm Intelligence and Projective Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Physics, Geometry for Computer Vision University of Glasgow University of Strathclyde Visiting the Department of Computer The analysis of a Ca II (854.2 nm) Understanding the nature and formation Engineering, University of Parma and the line of a solar flare of water ice in the interstellar medium Department of Computer Science, University of Verona Julie McCormick (pictured right) School of Mathematics and Statistics, Yifan Liu University of St Andrews School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, The 3D Structure of Emerging Magnetic Heriot-Watt University Flux on the Sun Micromechanical Cantilever Biosensors for Rapid Disease Diagnosis Martin Uhrin Visiting the Department of Biomedical Department of Physics, Engineering, Duke University University of Strathclyde Initial stages of planetary formation: Meropi Mari Simulation of dust cluster growth and collision Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University of Edinburgh Unravelling Alzheimer’s Disease Visiting the Department of Physics, University of Berlin Ruby Raheem Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University of Edinburgh CRF European Travel Raman Spectroscopy and Optical Tweezers CRF European Travel for Assessing Live Sperm Health Fellowships – Fellowships – Visiting the Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology at the UC Davis Visits to Europe Visits to Scotland Medical Center, University of California Elizabeth A Kirk Dr Ivan Biliarsky School of Law, University of Dundee Institute of History, Arctic Governance Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Visiting Arctic Centre, The Old Testament in the Political Ideas of University of Lapland, Finland Iro-Scottish and Slavic-Orthodox Tradition Visiting Department of Mediaeval Studies, Dr Pablo La Porte University of St Andrews Department of Language & Intercultural Studies, Heriot-Watt University Dr Massimiliano Cappuccio Perception and Misperception in Centro di Ricerca Sulla Complessità, International Politics: Britain, France, Spain Università Degli Studi Di Bergamo and the Rif War (1921-1926) Anti-representationalism and mirror- Visiting Fondation Nationale des Sciences neurons-based action recognition Politiques (Sciences-Po). École Doctorale. models: ideomotor schemata, motor Adam Sadowski (pictured above) Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris intentionality and smooth coping School of Engineering and Electronics, Visiting Department of Philosophy, University of Edinburgh Dr Penny Travlou University of Stirling Exploration of the elastic and plastic Open Space, Edinburgh College of Art Professor Keith Dixon buckling of shells under unsymmetrical loads Examining New Approaches in British & North American Research & Visiting Laboratoire Betons et Structures, Youth-Specific Research Methodologies Studies Centre, Université Lumiére de Lyon Institut National des Sciences Appliquées Visiting Centre for Urban and Regional Influences in contemporary British politics de Lyon, France Studies at Helsinki University of Technology and Department of Architecture Visiting Department of History, University David Tyndall and Design at Aalborg University of Stirling, and Centre for Irish and Scottish School of Engineering, Studies, University of Aberdeen. University of Edinburgh Dr Zsuzsanna Varga Professor Alesandro Torre Parallel Fluorescence Correlation Centre for Russian, East & Central Faculty of Law, University of Bari, Italy Spectroscopy (FCS) European Studies, University of Glasgow Scottish Government and Constitution Visiting Laboratoire de Spectrometrie National identity and language in 19th from the 1707 Union to Devolution Physique, Université Joseph Fourier, Century travel writing Visiting Adam Smith Research Foundation, Grenoble University, France. Visiting Department of Manuscripts, National Szechenyi Library of Budapest University of Glasgow

2 Awardees 2009 BP Trust Scottish Government Arts Professor James Porter Department of Music, Research & Humanities Small Grants University of Aberdeen Critical performing edition of Premier Dr Kormi Anipa Fellowship [Second] Livre du meslange des pseaumes Department of Spanish, et cantiques a trois parties, recueillis de la Dr Jan Klett University of St Andrews musique d’Orlande de Lassus, & autres Department of A Probe into the Early History of Juan de excellens musiciens de nostre temps Pure and Applied Valdes's Dialogo de la lengua Chemistry, ([Geneva,] 1577 Professor Alan Boyle University of Strathclyde Antonia Thomas Department of Law, Application of Synergic Synthesis Department of Archaeology, University of Edinburgh to Metal-Organic Supramolecules Orkney College UHI The United Nations and International and Nanomolecules Monumental Visions: Art Law-making and Archaeology in the Heart of Dr Matthew Chrisman Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Lloyds TSB Foundation Department of Philosophy, University of Edinburgh for Scotland Personal Why Knowledge is Better Research Fellowship Professor Ruth Evans Department of English Studies, University of Stirling What can a fourteenth-century manuscript held in a Scottish library tell us about Lollardy, the textual transmission of English Scottish Government Arts vernacular devotional books and the & Humanities Workshops mediaeval understanding of a ‘text’? Dr Clémentine Deliss Dr Chris Gair Future Academy, Edinburgh College of Art Department of English/American Studies, Future Collections: Imagining Study Yale University/University of Glasgow Collections in the 21st Century Writing Americans: The White City and the Invention of National Culture, 1893–1917 Professor Simon Frith Dr Michaela Dewar (pictured above) Department of Music, Human Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh Department of Psychology, Music Research and Music Policy University of Edinburgh Robert Alan Jamieson Improving memory in amnestic MCI via Department of English Literature, minimal interference University of Edinburgh Between Leith and Lerwick CRF Personal Research Fellowship in the Biomedical Sciences

Professor Tim Ingold FRSE (above) Department of Anthropology, University of Aberdeen Reconnecting the cultural and the Professor Simon P Newman (above) natural: engaging art and Department of History, anthropology in northwest Greenland University of Glasgow The transatlantic slave trade and plantation Dr Rita McAllister slavery in the Americas: exploring Scottish Department of Research, connections Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama Celtic–Cossack Connections Dr Kathryn Whitby-Last and Dr Alison Brown Dr Kai Zeng (pictured above) Professor Andrew Murphy School of Law, University of Aberdeen Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of English, University of St Andrews Obstacles and Solutions to the Repatriation University of Edinburgh Ireland's English: Edward Dowden and the of Sacred-ceremonial Objects from Scottish Modelling Genome Evolution in Bacteria Politics of Victorian Literary Studies Collections to their Indigenous Owners

3 Scotland’s Research Talent

Scottish Government Scottish Government Personal Research Support Research Fellowships Fellowship Professor Ian Main FRSE School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh Dr Sarah Coulthurst (pictured right) Identifying reservoir compartments Division of Molecular Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee Professor Jason M Reese FRSE Investigation into the role of a new protein Department of Mechanical Engineering, secretion system in the virulence University of Strathclyde of the opportunistic pathogen, Serratia Engineering Micro and Nano Flow Systems marcescens Dr Andy White (pictured below) Department of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University Mathematical Models of Ecological Systems in Scottish Government a Changing World Personal Research Fellowships Co-funded by Marie Curie Actions

Participants in Scottish Crucible 2009

Dr Tom Ball School of Social and Environmental Sciences, University of Dundee Dr Gordon Baxter School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews Dr Richard Blythe School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh Dr Stephane Bordas Civil Engineering Department, University of Glasgow Dr Paul F Griffin Dr Iain Burns Dept of Chemical & Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde Department of Physics, Mr Rune By Business, Mangt & Ent Department, Queen Margaret University University of Strathclyde Dr Wojcieche Chrzanowski Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Glasgow Microphotonic Quantum Registers: Single Dr Alison Dawson Department of Applied Social Science, University of Stirling Trapped Atoms for Quantum Simulation Dr Mirela Delibegovic Inst of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen Dr Edgar Huitema Dr Alison Elliot Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen Department of Plant Sciences, University of Dr Ashleigh Fletcher Dept of Chemical & Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde Dundee, College of Life Sciences Dr Margaret Fletcher Department of Management, University of Glasgow Mechanisms of virulence acquisition during Dr Timothy George Scottish Crop Research Institute Phytophthora–host associations Dr Wendy Gidman Inst of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde Dr Janine Illian School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of St Andrews Dr Alistair J. McGowan Dr Lisa Lee Inst for the Study of Sci, Tech & Innovation, University of Edinburgh Department of Geographical and Earth Dr Sandy Louchart School of Maths & Computer Science, Heriot-Watt University Sciences, University of Glasgow Dr David Lusseau Inst of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen Disentangling signals of regional Dr Sarah Lynagh Research & Development, Biopta Ltd biodiversity change from geological Dr Mark Naylor School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh and sampling biases Dr Sinead Rhodes Department of Psychology, University of Strathclyde Dr Mark Naylor Dr Morven Shearer School of Biology, University of St Andrews School of GeoSciences, Dr Stuart Smith School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh Dr Christine Switzer Department of Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde Managing Uncertainty in Earth Systems Dr Carmen Torres-Sanchez Dept of Design, Manuf & Eng Mangt, University of Strathclyde Dr Jano van Hemert School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh Dr Ian Overton Dr Fredericke van Wijck School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University Biomedical Systems Analysis, MRC Human Dr Jo Vergunst Department of Anthropology, University of Aberdeen Genetics Unit Dr Rebecca Wade School of Contemporary Sciences, University of Abertay Dundee Integrative Computational Studies of Dr Nial Wheate Inst of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Development, Stem Cells and Cancers Further details about Scottish Crucible 2009 are available on the programme website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/scottishcrucible/ 4 Awardees 2009

Scottish Enterprise Gordon Dobie BBSRC Enterprise Department of Electronic and Electrical Enterprise Fellowships Engineering, University of Strathclyde Fellowships Miniature Robotic Vehicles for Structural Inspection Dr Michael Gilroy Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde Dr Burcak Alp Condition Based Monitoring Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Paul Adderley University College London School of Informatics, Use of Novel Collagen for Clinical The University of Edinburgh and Industrial Translation Sustainable Opportunity Solutions’ Dr Simon Baker FUSITRAM®: Sustainable Decision Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Support Tool for Business Travel Carcinogenesis, Department of Biology, University of York Dr Norman Alm (pictured below) The Biomimetic Urothelium School of Computing, University of Dundee A Communication Support System for Dr Jorge Garcia-Lara Older People with Dementia Department of Molecular Biology Brian O'Reilly (pictured above) and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield Institute for Energy and Environment, Novel vaccine and antibody therapy against University of Strathclyde Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections The Energy Egg Nir Grossman Professor M. Babs Oyeneyin Institute of Biomedical Engineering School of Engineering, & Division of Neuroscience, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen Imperial College London Integrated Flow Assurance Solutions for Patterned Excitation of Light-Sensitive the Energy Industry Biological Compounds Dr Andy Spence Angela J Murray School of Mathematical and Computer School of Biosciences, Dr Dan Arnold Sciences, Heriot-Watt University University of Birmingham Institute of Petroleum Engineering, t3D: the Software Suite for Web-based Biorecovery of Precious Metals from Heriot-Watt University Product Presentation Secondary Sources and Biorefining into A method for adding geological New Catalysts knowledge to quantify the true uncertainty Professor Stefan Przyborski in petroleum reservoirs STFC Enterprise School of Biological Science, Dr Antoine Assal (pictured below) Fellowship Durham University Department of Civil Engineering, University Platform Technology for Routine of Strathclyde Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Environmental Forensics as a Tool to Cut the Cost of Brown-field Development

Dr Liisa Van Vliet (pictured above) Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge Dr Anke Lohmann (pictured above) Cell-type tuning for transfection reagents Micro and Nano Technology, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Matthew Wilcox Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Institute of Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Industrial scale-up of electrospinning Newcastle University of nanofibres Alginates are a Natural Product to Aid in Weight Management 5 RSE Research Awards

RSE RESEARCH AWARDS IN THE ARTS & HUMANITIES – commencing in 2010 Now in the fourth year of a programme of research awards in the Arts and Humanities Network Awards funded by the Scottish Government, the RSE provides funds to support Research Up to £20,000 (£10,000 per annum) Networks, Workshops and Small Grants to promote collaborative research in the To be held from Arts and Humanities. 1 September 2010 – 31 August 2012 Funds can be used for organising colloquia, seminars, conferences, workshops or inviting Workshop Awards distinguished visiting scholars/practitioners to Scotland. Funds will be expected to cover £10,000 costs of travel, administration and the hosting of events, a range of outputs and the To be held from dissemination of the outcomes in an appropriate form. 1 September 2010 – 31 August 2011 The RSE held an awareness-raising meeting in November 2009 and links to the Small Grants presentations made at that meeting are available to view and/or download at: Up to £7,500 www.royalsoced.org.uk/research_fellowships/Arts_and_Humanities.htm To be held from 1 April 2010 – 31 March 2011. For further information contact Anne Fraser – [email protected] – 0131 240 5013 Application forms can be downloaded from the website as above. Closing date: 25 January 2010

ARTS AND HUMANITIES CASE STUDY – Darwin and Scotland

In 2007, the RSE/Scottish Government natural history. Edinburgh academics further exhibitions that celebrated Darwin's Arts & Humanities Committee awarded and curators such as Robert Grant, William anniversary in different ways, that were £10,000 to the University of Edinburgh, Macgillivray, and Robert Jameson had a shown side by side in the Talbot Rice Gallery to hold a Workshop on a project entitled lasting influence on the young and from 23 October until 12 December 2009. Darwin’s Edinburgh. The lead contact for inquisitive scholar. These early experiences, Darwin's Edinburgh gave a historic this project was Dr John Scally, Director gained in the University and on the banks perspective on Charles Darwin's time in of University Collections (Library, of the Forth had an enduring impact. Edinburgh as a medical student in the Museums and Galleries). As the Darwin scholar Janet Browne has 1820s. It drew on unique archival material noted: “biographers regularly go back to The year 2009 marked the bicentenary from the University's Collections and was Darwin’s Edinburgh years, convinced the of the birth of Charles Darwin and the staged in the Georgian Gallery. seeds of all his later thinking lie there — 150th anniversary of the publication of and to a large degree they are right.” An Entangled Bank presented a series of On the Origin of Species by Means of (Janet Browne, Darwin’s Origin of the diverse but interrelated works by five Natural Selection — one of the most Species: a Biography, London, Atlantic, contemporary artists, who drew inspiration significant achievements in Western 2006, pp. 11–12). from one of Darwin’s most famous visual intellectual history. It convulsed society metaphors. The exhibition was shown in when it first appeared in 1859, and the Funding was made available to hold a the White Gallery. debate it initiated continues to the present Research Workshop (October 2007) day. Darwin had close and very significant and a Symposium (March 2008) to Dr Scally said 'The Arts & Humanities connections with Scotland, and the twin initiate interdisciplinary dialogue, to Workshop Award allowed us to bring anniversaries that fell in 2009 offered explore themes, and to begin mapping scholars together to scope out and debate a unique opportunity to explore pathways to significant collaboration the main themes for further research into and examine these relationships. and to a better understanding of the Darwin's time in Edinburgh and his Scottish dimension of Darwin and enduring impact on Scotland. Not only did Darwin was an undergraduate at the Darwinism. A recording was made of the the RSE award get us off to a great start by University of Edinburgh for two years, from symposium and the talks can be downloaded providing funding for our workshop 1825 to 1827, during which time his future from: http://ace.caad.ed.ac.uk/Darwin/ . and symposium, it allowed us to gain career was determined. He arrived at support for the project from other funders.' Edinburgh to study medicine and left two The successful outcome of the Workshop years later resolved to pursue a career in and Symposium subsequently led to two

6 The RSE branches out

BigDNA MOVES ON FROM RSE ENTERPRISE FELLOWSHIP At a ceremony in November 2009, the Edinburgh-based company, BigDNA was awarded Nexxus’ Most Promising Young Life Science Company of the Year Award (East). BigDNA is a spin-off from the Moredun Research Institute and is based at the Roslin BioCentre. The bacteriophage vaccination technology originated at the Research Institute where Dr John March (pictured right) held an RSE/Scottish Enterprise Enterprise Fellowship in Life Sciences (2005–2006), working on the production of cheap, stable and efficient vaccines for use in developing countries in a project entitled, Bacterial viruses for antiserum production services and vaccine delivery. Dr March founded BigDNA in 2007 and is Chief Executive Officer of the Company which has enjoyed rapid growth since. Dr March said, “We have progressed in leaps and bounds in the last two years in terms of technology development. This award is fantastic in terms of official recognition of the progress we have made, and in particular, it identifies the important role that our dedicated and innovative science team have played in this progression.”

US AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN VISITS THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH On his first official visit to Scotland, the new US Ambassador to Britain, Louis B Susman, (pictured right) addressed an invited audience at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He described the major issues in the world today and outlined how President Barack Obama is seeking to lead the way on several fronts, including the financial crisis, climate change and terrorism. After praising “the independent and adventurous spirit” of Scotland, Ambassador Susman focused on the challenges facing the US and Scotland – and the rest of the world – and said that he was optimistic because we have entered “a new era of possibility and hope”, with President Obama seeking greater engagement with the rest of the world, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. After speaking of Obama’s intentions in relation to several specific areas such as health- Lord Wilson of Tillyorn KT GCMG, the care, foreign policy, climate change and education, Susman went on to discuss the President of the RSE, thanked the Ambassador “special relationship” between the US and the UK, and said that anyone who thinks it has for his frankness, saying that it was the mark diminished is wrong – and is ignoring the lessons of history and the realities of the world of someone who really knows what he is today. The two countries continue to work side by side, especially when it comes to law talking about that he occasionally says, “I enforcement, the economy and military matters, and “America has no better friend or don’t know the answer.” There had been a more dependable ally,” since we share too much in terms of our commitment to huge wave of expectation following the democracy, the rule of law and tolerance. Susman then added that the US was “eternally election of President Obama”, Lord Wilson grateful” for the courage and the sacrifice of Britain’s serving troops, including Scottish continued but he was sure that Ambassador regiments. Susman would be an excellent ambassador – always enormously welcome in Scotland. Finally, Susman said that President Obama had not just done a lot to improve the image of the US abroad but had also inspired young Americans to serve their country in a way [Extract from summary report of that no other President has been able to do since John F Kennedy. Ambassador Susman’s talk by Peter Barr]. The full report can be read on line at The meeting was then opened to the floor and several members of the audience asked www.royalsoced.org.uk/events/re- direct and often probing questions, to all of which the Ambassador responded with ports/2009-2010/ambassador.pdf impressive perceptivity and refreshing candour.

7 International INTERNATIONAL Scottish-based Host: Dr David McKee, Senior Research Fellow, University of Strathclyde EXCHANGE REPORTS Visitor: Associate Professor Jacek Piskozub, Head One of the main purposes of the of Physical Oceanography, Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences RSE International Programme is to award short-term travel grants to Light plays an important role in determining the biological enable Scottish researchers to productivity of the oceans and is a signal for satellite ocean establish links with colleagues in colour sensors. Light is both absorbed and scattered by sea- water and materials found in seawater such as phytoplank- other countries with a view to a ton, mineral particles and dissolved organic material. long-lasting collaboration, through Attempts to measure the optical properties of these joint publications and joint materials are frustrated by the effects of scattering on applications for longer-term funds. measurements. Dr McKee and Associate Professor These International Exchange Piskozub are using advanced modelling techniques to develop a better understanding of Awards are available to all the effects of scattering on in situ measurements of absorption and attenuation (McKee et researchers of at least postdoctoral al. 2008 Optics Express). A key unknown in this application and for remote sensing level, not only to Fellows of the applications is the extent to which multiple scattering is a significant contributing factor. RSE. These awards are perhaps During this visit to the University of Strathclyde, the host and visitor focused on developing a better understanding of the manner in which multiple scattering modifies the angular particularly appropriate for early distribution of scattered photons. In the process they have uncovered new knowledge career members of research groups about a fundamental physical process that has application well beyond their initial area of to facilitate establishing research. Their plan is to publish these results in as high profile a journal as possible and to international connections. use these results to inform further research into measurement errors and water leaving Following are excerpts from radiance signals. The results are general in nature and could be applied to other turbid media such as biological tissue, plasmas, clouds and atmospheric scattering. Dr McKee reports of visits supported by the and Associate Professor Piskozub’s work in this area has previously led to a joint publica- International Exchange Programme. tion including a contribution by a PhD student from the Strathclyde Group. Further work in this area will partly be undertaken by a PhD student from the Polish group.

Dr David McArdle, School of Law, University of Stirling Visited: Dr Simona Kunstec-Lipicer, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia The purpose of the visit was to carry out interviews with various stakeholders with an interest in anti-doping regimes in Slovenian sport, supplemented by interviews with people who have specific knowledge of the legal ramifications of anti-doping. Drs McArdle and Kunstec-Lipicer committed to presenting conference papers, a journal article and a report for the Ministry of Education/Slovenian Olympic Committee. An initial conference paper, highlighting the legal framework and the interview responses was presented in September 2009 at the Society of Legal Scholars Conference, Keele, and the visitor and host will continue to work on that paper with a view to producing another conference paper, and something worthy of publication, over the winter months.

Drs McArdle and Kunstec-Lipicer were particularly interested in the ramifications of a recent European Court of Justice judgment on the competition law aspects of doping control, and given that one of the athletes in that case was Slovenian they anticipated considerable awareness on the part of those involved in Slovenia’s anti-doping programme. They were surprised at the lack of awareness but noted instead that the new World Anti-Doping Authority Code (which came into force in January 2009) obliges the stakeholders to come to terms with, and finance, what Drs McArdle and Kunstec-Lipicer believe is an unnecessarily expensive and disproportionately punitive regime which has little relevance to Slovenian sports practices. The need to comply with the Code is clearly a more pressing issue to the respondents than the implications of European competition law, and while this is hardly surprising, it does raise some important issues, because the responses indicated that even if it were properly implemented, the Code contains provisions that give rise to concerns on competition grounds and, indeed, other aspects of European law.

8 Stuart Cross, School of Law, University of Dundee International Exchange Visited: Dr Shashikala Gurpur, Symbio- Programme Eligibility sis Law School, Symbiosis International and Deadlines University, India The International Exchange This visit built upon a previous visit by Programme is open to Scottish- Stuart Cross to Symbiosis Law School in based researchers of at least post- doctoral status for visits of up to four 2007 and a return visit by Dr Shashikala weeks – either to Scotland or to the Gurpur to Dundee in 2008. A formal collaborator’s overseas institution. Memorandum of Understanding has been Through the Bilateral Exchange signed between the two law schools and Programme, costs are shared by the the purpose of this visit supported by the RSE and its bilateral partners (sister RSE was to further develop strands of activ- academies with which we have ity set out in the Memorandum of Under- established agreements). The RSE standing and to investigate how proposed An area where this is manifesting itself also runs an Open Exchange joint initiatives could be taken forward. is in respect of plant breeding and plant Programme, which is for exchanges between Scotland and countries not Discussions with staff at Symbiosis Law varieties. covered by the RSE’s bilateral School have identified that considerable Discussions are underway about the joint agreements. Both Exchange research activity is underway in respect of supervision of PhD candidates and the Programmes are open to Fellows and non-Fellows of the Society. the protection of traditional knowledge inclusion of a series of articles in the and the interface between traditional Symbiosis IPR Chronicle which Stuart There are four deadlines per year, knowledge and modern intellectual Cross now edits. and the next deadline for property law regimes. applications is 31 January 2010. Applications for the Bilateral Programme are invited for all four deadlines, however please check the RSE website for confirmation of the deadlines for the Open Programme. (www.royalsoced.org.uk/international).

RSE JOINS UK ACADEMIES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE

The International Human Rights Network assists scientists and scholars around the world who are subjected to severe repression solely for having non-violently exercised their rights as given by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Network sends out regular alerts on its cases, asking members to send letters of support to Governments, Embassies etc. The UKHRC provides a way for the Academies to jointly address these alerts. The RSE representatives on this Committee are RSE Vice-President Professor Hector The Royal Society of Edinburgh has MacQueen and RSE International Convener, recently strengthened its commitment Sir David Edward. to human rights by joining the The Committee will consider each alert newly-established UK Academies Human and decide which should be responded to, Rights Committee (UKHRC). The UKHRC and this Committee, rather than the represents a new collaboration between general Fellowships would be responsible the Royal Societies of Edinburgh for any actions taken. and London, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the By joining this Committee the RSE is joining Academy of Medical Sciences to provide numerous other National Academies, a means for the academies to address including a number of our sister academies, alerts issued by the International Human in responding to these Network alerts, with Rights Network of Academies and the aim of helping to reduce human rights Scholarly Societies. abuses around the world.

9 Evidence and Advice

Stimulating the Arts in Scotland – the establishment of Creative Scotland

public functions. Orders would be made realistically be required to achieve them. by way of a statutory instrument, which The Scottish Government should consider would not be subject to the same level of the importance of increased funding if its Parliamentary scrutiny as primary ambitions for Creative Scotland are to be legislation. realised. • The Committee should seek assurances from the Scottish Government that it will explore the application of the provision in s.7(5) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act as a way of In August the RSE prepared an Advice ensuring that Creative Scotland benefits Paper to the Scottish Parliament Education, from charitable status. Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee’s call for evidence on the general principles • As the expectation is for Creative of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill, Scotland to have a key and leading role in particularly the proposals for the developing a thriving creative industries establishment of Creative Scotland. sector, it is essential that funding is in place The RSE had previously commented on to enable it to fulfil that function. A joint the Creative Scotland Bill in April 2008. committee should be established The Advice Paper set out a number of comprising those bodies that have common important concerns which need to be or complementary goals in promoting and • The wider remit of Creative Scotland addressed. Its main recommendations supporting creative industries in Scotland. offers an opportunity for the Further were, that: • One of the attractions of the and Higher Education sectors to become • The Committee should seek assurances establishment of Creative Scotland for the better integrated into the creative sector. from the Scottish Government about the artistic community is the opportunity it It is important that Creative Scotland use of the order-making powers in Part 2 of could provide to increase funding. establishes close links with HEIs and the the Bill. The powers would enable However, there appears to be a mismatch Scottish Funding Council to develop Scottish Ministers to make orders that they between innovative aspirations and the mutually supportive partnerships. consider would improve the exercise of absence of the financial support that will

Setting Science and Technology Research Funding Priorities

In September the RSE responded to an • It must be recognised that invitation from the House of Lords fundamental research, targeted Science and Technology Committee to programmes and translational inform its inquiry on setting science activities form a research and technology research funding priorities. continuum. To divert funds away from fundamental The main aspects were, that: research in favour of targeted • Science and technology in the UK is programmes now will mean currently at a pivotal moment in that the continuum will not be determining its future. While our science fed by either ideas or creative base is at present second only to that of skills for the future. the USA in scope and output, major intermediary functions to stimulate the • Research Councils should redirect their investments and structural changes by other take up of pre-commercial opportunities efforts towards their fundamental mission countries mean that significant changes created by fundamental research. of stimulating and funding the highest are required to maintain the UK’s position. levels of creativity. This is currently being • The Government also has a role to play • There is a strong economic case to be undermined by the increasing pressure in stimulating private investment, by made for government support in science on Councils to deliver short-term benefits. demonstrating sustained commitment funding. The development of “knowledge through setting long-term national • The role of government is twofold: capital” is the only major competitive priorities, such as targets for energy to ensure that there are intermediary advantage for nations such as the UK, and green technologies, while allowing processes able to deliver thematic and its maintenance and development will flexibility in how these are achieved. programmes of research that deliver on be an imperative for a strong and dynamic specific policy objectives; and to create economy.

10 The RSE on Climate Change

The RSE launches major Briefing Paper on Climate Change & the UN Copenhagen Summit independent inquiry on In the latest of a series of contributions to formulating policy to tackle climate change and to align with the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, the RSE has released climate change a Briefing Paper on Climate Change and the UN Copenhagen Summit. The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has The Briefing Paper outlines: launched its next major inquiry on Facing up to Climate Change. The Inquiry > the scientific evidence for climate change Committee will be headed by climate upon which the discussions at Copenhagen scientist Professor David Sugden, Professor are based; of Geography from the School of > the status of forecasts of future changes Geosciences at the University of Edinburgh and their impacts; and a world leader in ice sheets and global climate change. Professor Sugden will chair > the priorities for international collaboration a multi-disciplinary group of experts that in mitigating climate change and particularly will look into the gap between the policies for the United Nations Copenhagen Climate necessary to deal with climate change Summit; and what the public will currently accept. > the priorities for Government in Scotland The science that indicates that climate in meeting its carbon emissions targets change is resulting from greenhouse gas and preparing to adapt to the climate changes. emissions is well established, with the only real uncertainty being the scale of the Commenting on the paper and the UN future changes. Even if an ambitious Copenhagen Summit, Professor Geoffrey international settlement can be achieved Boulton, General Secretary of the RSE, said, at the Copenhagen Climate Change “Societies and governments have to decide Summit, Scotland will need to adapt to the whether to reduce greenhouse gas emissions climate change that is already inevitable. now by ‘decarbonising’ their economies in Amongst the challenges that climate change anticipation of changes that might be is likely to bring to Scotland will be: the smaller than forecast; or to wait and see, impact on food security and our level of thereby risking that we will be too late self sufficiency; changes to energy prices – and unprepared in responding to rapidly which have already been rising steeply; changing climate with great social, shortages of food and water in parts of the political and economic costs. world leading to increases in migration; The full membership of the Inquiry and how moving to a low carbon economy Committee is: will affect our daily lives, for example if Professor David Sugden FRSE (Chair) FUNDING individual transport options become Professor of Geography, Geosciences, more limited. University of Edinburgh; A key requirement for the RSE to be able to hold this inquiry is to raise funding from The RSE Inquiry will seek to raise awareness Professor Alan Werritty FRSE (Deputy Chair) Research Director, UNESCO Centre a range of sources independent from of the challenges ahead, both from global Government. warming and from a move to a low carbon for Water Law, Policy and Science, economy, and identify how individuals, University of Dundee The RSE is grateful for the financial support communities and industries can turn these Mrs Erica Caldwell FRSGS Hon President already pledged from: challenges into a positive opportunity. of the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers; Senior Examiner, SQA; Former Scottish Natural Heritage; SEPA; Shell As part of the evidence-gathering process, the Faculty Head, Carnoustie High School U.K. Limited; Highland Council; BP; Committee would welcome submissions of Dr Andrew Dlugolecki Former Director GlaxoSmithKline; Royal Bank of evidence from Government bodies, of General Insurance Development at Aviva; Scotland Group; Scottish Water; The companies and individuals on what they are Member of the UK Adaptation Forestry Commission Scotland; Scottish doing in response to climate change and Sub-Committee on Climate Change Estates Business Group; Scottish Rural what barriers to change they are facing. Professor Colin Campbell Science Leader, Property and Business Association; Soils Group, The Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen Scottish Power; The Binks Trust; RSPB Submissions should be made to the Inquiry Scotland; City of Edinburgh Council; by 1 May 2010, preferably by e-mail to: Professor Nick Hanley Professor of Environmental Economics, University of Stirling Marks & Spencer Group plc; Scottish [email protected], Dr Andrew Kerr Director, Scottish Alliance Environment Link; and the Yorkshire or by hard copy to: for Geosciences, Environment and Society & Clydesdale Bank Foundation. Dr Marc Rands, (SAGES); specialist in climate change policy. The RSE is still looking for further support The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Professor Janette Webb Professor of to complete the Inquiry and any additional 22-26 George Street, Sociology of Organisations, School in Social funding to assist this work would be welcome. Edinburgh EH2 2PQ and Political Science, University of Edinburgh

11 [email protected] FORTHCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 2010 MARCH 2010 Tuesday 26th January 2010 at 7 pm Monday 1 March 2010 at 6 pm SCIENCE AND SOCIETY BOOK DISCUSSION DAVID ANDERSON BERRY MEDAL The Invisible Enemy: A Natural PRIZE LECTURE History of Viruses The importance of being red Professor Dorothy Crawford OBE FRSE Professor Jonathan Rees, Grant Chair (Professor of Medical Microbiology, of Dermatology, University of Edinburgh Basic and Clinical Virology Laboratory, Imagine, at some far distant time, on some University of Edinburgh) strange planet, you bumped into a stranger who, like you, was heavily freckled and had The Invisible Enemy provides a compelling red hair. What would you talk about first? scientific account of microbes, their history, Why is it that how your skin reacts to ultra- and the dangers they pose – now and in the violet radiation reveals so much about your future. Microbes are disarmingly small genetic ancestry. And what has hair got to and simple. Nevertheless, the smallpox virus killed over 300 million people in the 20th do with it anyway? Does it still really Century alone before it was eradicated in 1980. The AIDS virus, HIV, is now the world's matter how your skin reacts to sunshine? biggest killer infection and the single most common cause of death in Africa. In recent years, the outbreaks of several lethal viruses such as Ebola and Hantavirus have caused great public concern – yet most people remain woefully ill-informed. Professor Crawford illustrates her arguments with vivid and wide-ranging examples.

Please note that spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. FEBRUARY 2010 Tuesday 16th February 2010 at 6pm ECRR PETER WILSON LECTURE Energy Professor Jim McDonald FREng FRSE, Principal, University of Strathclyde Over the last twenty years, building on work in mouse genetics and experimental dermatology, we have a broad outline of the physiology of human pigmentation and how it relates to ultraviolet radiation. Is it still important to be red, or should we avoid it at all costs?

The opportunity to realise Scotland’s renewable energy potential that represents approximately 40% of the European total will be considered and quantified. More general themes such as low carbon technologies and energy infrastructure will be developed. Reference will be made to the key outcomes from the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen and their impact on the Scottish opportunity. Throughout the lecture, case studies will be presented on exciting Scottish-based energy technology This lecture forms part of an RSE Ordinary projects ranging from rural deployment and community initiatives through to major Meeting and so shall be preceded by infrastructure projects. Society business, such as New Fellows This is a joint lecture with the Edinburgh Consortium for Rural Research (ECRR) signing the roll and the Institute of Biology

12 Tuesday 16th March 2010 APRIL 2010 at 6pm LECTURE Monday 19th April 2010 at 6 pm The simplicity and complexity of DISCUSSION FORUM wind: an engineer’s tale A Question of Chemistry? The role Ian Irvine, Technical Director, of the composer and librettist in SgurrEnergy the creation of opera Andrew Clark, Critic, Music Journalist, Stuart MacRae, Composer Louise Welsh, Librettist Alex Reedijk, Director, Scottish Opera *Event fee £8 (to include refreshments) What is the role of a 21st-Century opera company? To present tried and tested clas- sics or to nurture homegrown talent and explore the evolution of the artform through the creation of new opera? Scot- tish Opera had the latter as its goal in bringing together new teams of writers and composers as part of Five:15 Operas Made in Scotland. Composer Stuart MacRae and author Louise Welsh are joined by music journalist Andrew Clark in SgurrEnergy has worked on projects for an examination of the characteristics of a non-grid-connected power systems successful opera partnership. specially designed for remote locations Joint lecture with Scottish Opera and capacities of only a few hundred kilowatts (kW), right up to some of the world’s largest renewable energy developments with capacities of thousands of megawatts (MW). They have worked on onshore wind farm projects across the globe, including Europe’s largest wind TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RSE EVENTS farm on Eaglesham Moor near Glasgow, Scotland and a pioneering 50-MW project RSE Lectures and Discussion Forums are open to all and normally free in Inner Mongolia, China. Technical to attend* but registration is required. To register please contact the Director and co-founder Ian Irvine will Events Team. Please note that many RSE events run to full capacity. discuss the need for sustainable energy If you book a place at any event but are unable to attend, please and the challenges to be faced in the inform the RSE Events Department who will reallocate your place. context of global climate change. Book tickets by phoning the events ticket line: 0131 240 2780 Joint lecture with the or go online at: www.royalsoced.org.uk Royal Academy of Engineering This lecture takes place during For further information contact: [email protected] National Science and Engineering Week 12–21 March 2010. *some events may carry a charge to attend; please see individual events for registration details

13 Fellows’ Notice Board

RSE COUNCIL AND EXECUTIVE BOARD The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland’s National Academy. It is an At the 2009 Annual Statutory Meeting on Monday 5 October the following independent body with charitable Fellows were elected to serve on Council and Executive Board: status. The Society organises conferences and lectures for the Council Executive Board specialist and for the general public. It provides a forum for informed debate President General Secretary on issues of national and international Lord Wilson of Tillyorn KT GCMG Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE importance. Its multidisciplinary Fellowship of men and women of Vice-Presidents Treasurer international standing provides Professor Jean Beggs CBE Mr Ewan Brown CBE independent, expert advice to key Professor Tariq Durrani OBE decision-making bodies, including Curator Professor Hector MacQueen Government and Parliaments. Professor Duncan Macmillan Mr John McClelland CBE The Society’s Research Awards International Committee Convener General Secretary programme annually awards over £2 m Professor Sir David Edward KCMG QC PC Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE to exceptionally talented young Programme Convener researchers to advance fundamental Treasurer knowledge, and to develop potential Professor John Richardson Mr Ewan Brown CBE entrepreneurs to commercialise their Research Awards Convener research and boost wealth-generation. Fellowship Secretary Professor Alan Miller Professor Peter Holmes OBE Among its many public benefit Young People’s Convener activities, the RSE is active in Ordinary Members classrooms from the Borders to the Professor Mary Bownes OBE Sir John Arbuthnott Northern Isles, with a successful Professor Anna Dominiczak OBE Chairman of RSE Scotland Foundation programme of lectures and hands-on Dr Ian Halliday CBE Professor John Coggins OBE workshops for primary and secondary Professor Susan Manning school pupils. Education Committee Professor Cairns Craig OBE Professor Sally Brown OBE 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.

FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY CORPORATE PARTNERS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH

If you would like to know more about The Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Friends of the Society initiative please contact: Gordon Adam, Director of Business Development and Communications on: 0131 240 2781 or email [email protected]

14 FELLOWS’ COFFEE MEETINGS FELLOWS HONOURED Coffee is available in the Fellows' Room on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 am. Once a month, between October 2009 and March 2010, this will take the form of a discussion in the East The RSE offers its congratulations Wellcome Room. These are informal and friendly occasions, open to all Fellows and, if you to the Fellows listed below. are able to attend, you will be made most welcome. Below is the programme for the coming season: On St Andrew's Day, 30 November 12 January 2010 Dr James Wilson 2009, LORD PATEL OF DUNKELD Runs on homozygosity, population history and disease and LORD HOPE OF CRAIGHEAD 2 February 2010 Sir David Edward were appointed to the Order of Events, adaptability and survival, the case of the European Union the Thistle by Her Majesty the 9 March 2010 Professor Charles McKean Queen. The Order of the Thistle How mythological is our perception of Edinburgh? is the highest chivalric honour in Scotland. In the UK as a whole it is second only to the Order of the Garter amongst chivalric orders. RSE ROYAL MEDALS 2010 FELLOWS DECEASED The order honours Scottish men Nominations are sought for the 2010 RSE It is with much regret that we record and women who have held public Royal Medals by 1 February 2010. These the deaths of the following Fellows: office or who have contributed in are the most prestigious awards presented some way to national life. Lord by the Society and are given in recognition Professor George W ASHCROFT Hope is also Deputy President of of research excellence and scholarship. Dr Margaret BARNES the Supreme Court of the United Professor Geoffrey H BEALE MBE For full details and nomination forms, Kingdom. Lord Patel became the Dr Norman E BORLAUG (HonFRSE) please contact Anne Fraser – 0131 240 first Asian appointee in the Order's Sir John W CROFTON (HonFRSE) 322-year history. 5013 – [email protected] Professor John S GILLESPIE Professor Donald B MCINTYRE Lord Iain D MACPHAIL GRANTS FOR FELLOWS Professor David J ROBINS The next closing date for Fellows’ Grant Dr Ronald H SMITH applications is 28 February 2010. Fellows are asked to apply well in advance, as retrospective applications cannot be considered. Grants are available in the following areas: STAFF NEWS – Travel Assistance; – Support for Meetings; Koren Calder, Education Outreach Officer – Research Visitors to Scotland; left to join the Book Trust in October – Visiting Lecturer; and Events Assistant, Catriona Hart is – Research Liaison within Scotland; temporarily filling the post until a – Publications; and – University/Industry Liaison. permanent replacement is appointed. Temporary Events Assistants, Åsa Seljestad Lord Patel of Dunkeld KT Full details and application forms are and Maria Gonzalez leave at the end of available on the RSE website at December: Åsa to commence permanent www.royalsoced.org.uk/research_ Professor William EARNSHAW, Professor employment and Maria to get married in fellowships/grants.htm or contact Anne Irwin MCLEAN, Professor Andrew MORRIS Fraser – [email protected] her home country, Mexico. We offer all and Professor Colin WATTS were elected – 0131 240 5013. three our best wishes. to the Academy of Medical Sciences in April 2009 Professor (Oscar) Peter BUNEMAN and Professor David Alan LEIGH were elected Fellows of the Royal Society of London CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR in May 2009. The RSE Rooms will close on Professor Stephen MCLAUGHLIN was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy Thursday 24 December 2009 of Engineering in July 2009. and will reopen on Monday 4 January 2010.

15 Science and the Parliament 2009

THE SCIENCE BEHIND HEALTH The Royal Society of Chemistry hosted its annual Science and the Parliament event at Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, in November 2009. The event looked at the relationship between science and health and discussed a broad range of ways in which scientific developments contribute to better health.

Nicola Sturgeon pictured at the conference with RSE President, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn

Chaired by the President of the RSC, Professor Dave Garner (right), the keynote address was delivered by Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister of the Scottish Government and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing. Ms Sturgeon also presented Science Awards in Chemistry, Physics and Biology to promising young scientists from various Scottish schools The event involved the leading scientific and colleges of further education. bodies in Scotland, and several RSE Fellows played a prominent role, including Professor During breakout sessions, four groups considered the following issues: Food Anne Glover CBE FRSE, (above), Chief and human health; Disease, globalisation & climate change; Drugs and therapies; Scientific Adviser to the Scottish and Diagnostics. Each group formulated a question and these formed the basis of Government and Professor Karen Vousden a Parliamentary Question and Answer session with a panel of MSPs (pictured below l-r): FRS FRSE, (below), Director of the Cancer Alex Johnstone (Scottish Conservative), Patrick Harvie (Scottish Green); Dr Richard Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow. Simpson (Scottish Labour); Dr Richard Pike, CEO Royal Society of Chemistry (Chair); Dr Bill Wilson (Scottish National Party) and Ross Finnie (Liberal Democrat). Over 300 delegates attended and over 30 scientific organisations took part with exhibition displays. The event brought together MSPs, civil servants and a wide range of people from the scientific community in Scotland and was successful in achieving its aim of informing decision makers about some of the important scientific endeavours that are taking place in Scotland. The event was organised by Bristow Muldoon, RSE Head of Policy and Parliamentary Affairs who also works for the Royal Society of Chemistry.

COPY ADDRESS INFORMATION Please send any copy to Jenny Liddell at 22–26 GEORGE STREET website: www.royalsoced.org.uk the Society – [email protected] EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk ReSourcE: ISSN No 1473-7841 EH2 2PQ e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0131 240 5000 Any opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of all RSE Fellows Fax: 0131 240 5024 The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, is Charity No. SC000470 Events ticketline: 0131 240 2780 The RSE Scotland Foundation is a connected charity, registered in Scotland as Scottish Charity No. SC024636