SPRING 2009

NEWS FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY INSIDE SCIENCE

Young Explorers touchdown in New Zealand International Expedition Prize is a ‘once in a lifetime experience’

Science takes to the stage The Royal Shakespeare Company premiers a new play on the emergence of modern science UPDATE FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY

This third issue of Inside Science contains early information Did you know? about exciting plans for the Royal Society’s 350th Anniversary in 2010. The Anniversary is a marvellous Steady footing, opportunity to increase the profile of science, explore its shaky bridge benefits and address the challenges it presents for society On its opening day, crowds of but perhaps most important of all to inspire young minds pedestrians experienced unexpected with the excitement of scientific discovery. swaying as they walked across London’s Our policy work continues to address major scientific issues Millennium Bridge. Whilst pedestrians affecting the UK. In December we cautioned the Government on fondly nicknamed it the ‘wobbly bridge’, the levels of separated plutonium stockpiled in the UK – currently physicists were busy exploring the the highest in the world. With support from our Plutonium Working Group, the Society has reasons for the phenomenon. submitted detailed comment to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) for a report to The view was widely held that the Government on management options for the stockpile. ‘wobble’ was due to crowd loading and Late last year we ran an extremely successful MP-Scientist pairing scheme, helping to build pedestrians synchronising their footsteps bridges between parliamentarians and some of the best young scientists in the UK. MPs on with bridge motion. However, a study the scheme and partner scientists from their constituencies explain how it provides them with published in the Royal Society journal clearer understanding of the challenges they both face. Proceedings A offers a contrasting view. By modelling the ways in which The Royal Society Enterprise Fund is now officially open for business and we are looking for humans maintain balance, it found support, both to calibrate the quality of the opportunities presented to us and for information that pedestrians walking randomly and about potential new technology companies which need financial backing. keeping balance as normal, can cause large bridge oscillations. This provides We recognise that future scientific leaders need access to the best of science internationally further insight into the cause of the and our programme of Frontiers of Science meetings took UK participants to Japan in ‘wobble’ and could inform bridge design November. One former co-Chair explains how the programme has been important in in the future. developing her science communication skills and establishing new contacts overseas.

In October, as part of a delegation led by Professor Lorna Casselton, I attended the International London’s Millennium Bridge Science Council (ICSU) general assembly held in Maputo, the first time this assembly has been held in Africa. In November we celebrated Africa Week and welcomed the annual meeting of the African Science Academy Development Initiative at the Royal Society. The Royal Society Pfizer Award was awarded to Dr Enock Matovu for his pioneering research into sleeping sickness. All this demonstrates the importance the Society attaches to supporting scientists in Africa. Truth hurts I hope you enjoy reading about the variety of our work in this issue. Please keep your feedback It is commonly known that dangerous coming in to [email protected] prey animals such as bees, wasps and ladybirds advertise their toxicity through their brightly coloured pigmentation. However, it has been asked whether these warning signals are an honest reflection of how poisonous a prey Stephen Cox, Executive Secretary animal is.

Research published in Royal Society As we prepare for our 350th • Invigorate science and mathematics journal Proceedings B suggests that the Anniversary in 2010, we are working education brightness of the pigmentation gives a to achieve five strategic priorities: direct indication of a prey’s toxicity. It • Increase access to the best science explains that the antioxidant molecules • Invest in future scientific leaders and in internationally used by prey to make them brightly innovation • Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder pigmented may also be used to prevent • Influence policymaking with the best and excitement of scientific discovery them from poisoning themselves. scientific advice Inside Science is organised to reflect those So, because of this dual use, a prey’s goals warning signal really is a genuine indicator of its toxicity.

2 Inside Science INVEST

The Royal Society Enterprise Fund is open for business and has started reviewing investment opportunities. The Fund, led by Chief Executive Dr Andrew Mackintosh, encourages scientists Vision into to consider commercial applications for their science and to help novel technology to transfer to the market place. reality The Fund will address a big problem facing entrepreneurial scientists and engineers – the need to attract private funding to turn inventions into businesses when the financial risks of such ventures are high. It has already attracted an overwhelming number of ideas – Andrew puts the number received at over 80 and still growing.

He says: “We hope Fellows of the Society, University Research Fellows and alumni would like to become involved in this new venture and there are a number of ways in which they can do so.” This could be letting the Royal Society know about potential new technology companies which need financial support. Or it might be lending specialist technical expertise, which Andrew believes is invaluable in helping to calibrate the quality of the opportunities presented. He says: “We’d like to encourage our existing network to develop an ongoing association with our investee companies – maybe helping with scientific advice or mentoring.” The Enterprise Fund Andrew explains that philanthropic fund-raising in 2008 was very successful: needs your help to “We have received over £5m to date towards our £20m initial goal, bring innovation and we’d like to hear of any contacts scientists might have who may be inspired by our ambitions and could become donors to the fund, to the marketplace or help in other ways.”

Unlike typical venture capital funds which return investors’ capital with Both are the result of philanthropic donations received under the any profit once their investments are sold, the Enterprise Fund will banner of the 350th Anniversary campaign to raise £100m of private re-invest any proceeds to fuel its continual growth, helping to support money for science. Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society said: technology businesses in the future. “[The new schemes] are focussed on applied science and blue-skies science respectively and reflect the need to make sure that all areas The Fund also represents an opportunity to take part in a unique of research are well funded.” scheme. Andrew says: “As far as we are aware, no other academy of science is doing this. This is the UK academy of sciences saying A new website has been launched which gives full details on the the translation of science into useful products and services is an Enterprise Fund and its operation: royalsociety.org/enterprisefund important part of scientific activity.” You can find out more about the Theo Murphy Blue Skies Award at: royalsociety.org/blueskies At the same time as the announcement of details of the Enterprise Fund, the Society launched the Theo Murphy Blue Skies Award, which will invest a significant sum annually into purely curiosity driven “This is the UK academy of sciences saying the research that has no immediate economic potential. translation of science into useful products and

Together, the two schemes demonstrate that the Royal Society is services is an important part of scientific activity.” committed to covering all aspects of the development of science from Dr Andrew Mackintosh, Enterprise Fund Chief Executive. initial ideas to commercialisation.

Inside Science 3 INFLUENCE

Dr Deirdre Black, a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow from the University of Cambridge, was paired with Mr David Howarth, Liberal Democrat It takes two MP for Cambridge After the week in Westminster reciprocal visits take place. This year Dr Deirdre Black, a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow from the High Energy Physics Group at the University of Cambridge, was paired with Mr David Howarth, Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge. Visiting Dr Black at her research centre, Mr Howarth learned more about the centre’s research with the Large Hadron Collider, which opened earlier this year.

He said: “This is an excellent opportunity to see the research that is taking place in Cambridge first hand. The pairing scheme provides the chance to learn more about the advances in science that could affect our everyday lives and the decisions being made in Parliament.”

Dr Black attended meetings in Mr Howarth’s constituency and said of the experience: “The scheme is a fantastic opportunity The MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme for me, as a science researcher, to learn helps bridge the gap between more about the role that science plays in Government, how decisions involving science the lab and Parliament are being made and implemented, and how scientists can be useful in this process.”

There are 646 Members of Parliament some of the best young scientists in the UK. Over 150 pairs have taken part in the scheme (MPs) in the UK, and of those 40 have a By pairing each MP on the scheme with a and some have gone on to work together science degree, including engineering, scientist from their constituency it is hoped on local environmental issues, take part in physics, chemistry and maths. That’s just that the pairs will form mutually beneficial events and write joint articles. A number 6.2% of all MPs. relationships that will give them a clear of scientists have also gone on to have an understanding of some of the challenges active involvement in policy making through The proportion of science related issues they they face.” secondments to the Parliamentary Office of regularly deal with, both in the House of Science and Technology and government Commons and in the constituency, is much The scheme works by inviting the scientists departments. Marie says: “Next year we will higher. Within the last year MPs have been to London where they spend a week in be expanding the programme, to run a civil- asked to vote on the Human Fertilisation and Westminster. There they meet the different servant scientist pairing scheme alongside Embryology Bill, the Climate Change Bill and bodies within Parliament that look at science, the existing MP-Scientist pairing scheme, as the Energy Bill, all of which contain complex such as the Parliamentary Office of Science part of our aim to get independent scientific scientific issues which need to be addressed. and Technology (POST). Marie explains: “This advice to the heart of Government.” year they attended a ministerial meeting So how do MPs make decisions on important organised by the House of Commons We are currently in the process of recruiting issues? How do scientists working in these Innovation Universities Science and Skills Scientists, Civil Servants and MPs to take areas pass their findings on to those forming (IUSS) committee on nuclear engineering, part in this year’s scheme. If you would the policies? Marie Rumsby, Impact and where they heard from the Science Minister, like to take part in the scheme email Promotion Advisor, Science Policy Centre, Lord Drayson. The scientist also spends [email protected] explains how the Royal Society is trying valuable time with their MP during this For more information on science policy to help. She says: “We run a successful week, learning about an MP’s role, and even activities please contact Marie Rumsby at MP-Scientist pairing scheme which aims to spotting a few well known politicians in the [email protected] build bridges between parliamentarians and House of Commons ‘Strangers’ bar’.” or telephone +44 (0) 207 451 2525.

4 Inside Science Managing separated plutonium

The UK’s civil stockpile of over 100 The Royal Society calls for tonnes of separated plutonium co-ordination on the UK’s is the largest in the world and the Government’s strategy for its radioactive waste policies management is unsatisfactory in providing for its safe, secure and the design of a geological repository Martin Rees said: “Such an option would efficient management. for radioactive waste. A late decision to be deeply controversial and face significant In December 2008, Martin Rees, President of incorporate plutonium disposal at such a site political challenges. Among other things, it the Society, wrote to the Secretary of State could be costly and difficult to accommodate. could make it easier to acquire the material for Energy and Climate Change urging the needed to make a nuclear weapon.” The letter stressed that energy security and Government to integrate its strategy for nuclear non-proliferation are key issues to The letter and comment to the NDA build managing the UK’s stockpile of separated consider when formulating a plutonium upon the Society’s previous policy work in plutonium into wider energy and radioactive management strategy. It also added that this area, which dates back to 1998. waste management policies. Government propositions to sell part of For more information see: The Society also submitted detailed comment its plutonium stockpile could incur both royalsociety.org/policy to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority a potential economic loss due to wasted (NDA) for an NDA report to Government energy production as on management options for the stockpile. well as a possible Burning plutonium in new nuclear power security risk. stations in the UK could provide both a reuse and waste management strategy. However, the Society highlighted its concern that Government strategy as it stands is constrained by administrative boundaries since the remit of the NDA does not extend to consideration of new nuclear power stations.

A co-ordinated approach must also be taken by including plutonium in discussions currently taking place regarding

5 INVIGORATE

It promised to be the adventure of a Young Explorers lifetime and for two young British science students, winners of the Royal Society touchdown in International Expedition Prize, the trip lived up to its billing as they travelled New Zealand across New Zealand in December.

Winners James (Jamie) Stefaniak and International Expedition Prize is a Elisabeth (Lily) Muller impressed judges ‘once in a lifetime experience’ with their Gold CREST level Nuffield Bursary projects at the UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair in London last year. hard hats and gas masks and were told to that produces a low birth weight, may lead to The trip took them to remote locations be prepared to use them. We walked up to epigenetic changes in the foetus’ DNA that including the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area the crater lake which was a seething lake of predisposes the individual to type 2 diabetes, (famous for its geysers and huge volcanic green liquid and you could feel the acid in obesity and coronary heart disease later on craters), and White Island, New Zealand’s the air starting to burn any exposed skin.” in life. This has major implications for health only active marine volcano. They also spent treatment across the globe.” With a new awareness of the unpredictability time at the Royal Society of New Zealand of volcanoes, Jamie and Lily made their way Having experienced so much in such a short and the New Zealand Ministry of Research, to Wellington, where they met 29 talented time there was still time for a final visit to Science and Technology. New Zealand students who completed the Waipoua Forest. There, Lily and Jamie Jamie was immediately impressed by what he CREST science projects. Presenting Science saw thousand year old native Kauri trees saw. He said: “We visited Wairakei research in the UK, they had the opportunity to and visited Paihia, then Waitangi where they centre, where GNS (Institute of Geological explain the projects which won them the learnt about the indigenous Mauri culture. and Nuclear Sciences) scientists gave us a VIP expedition. Jamie said: “Everyone was “It’s been an exhilarating weekend, but I can’t tour of the geothermal power station and extremely interested in our investigations, believe that this amazing scientific adventure the work they do. One microbiologist even and it was great being able to share our will soon be drawing to a close!” said Jamie. showed us a hot-spring living bacterium he scientific views with people from the This trip was a chance for Lily and Jamie both discovered (OP10) which can convert waste opposite side of the globe.” to experience science and research in new plant material (cellulose) into ethanol – really contexts, and to explore their own feelings The last leg of their journey saw the explorers cutting edge stuff.” about the careers ahead of them. “I’ve depart for Auckland where they were given always loved my science,” said Lily “but now A helicopter ride to White Island, an active a VIP tour of the Liggins Institute, one of I know I’m destined to be both an academic volcano 30 minutes from the coastline, was the world’s leading centres for research into and a teacher. This prize has really allowed a highlight for both young scientists. Jamie foetal and child development, breast cancer me to see what my future as a scientist might reported: “Standing next to a super-acid and evolutionary medicine. Jamie said: “We be like.” Jamie agreed: “I’ve never been so lake with volcanic fumes streaming out of were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity sure I want to be in research. I can’t wait to the ground next to you is a once in a lifetime to speak with the Institute’s Chairman, be making discoveries of my own.” experience!” Lily was equally struck: “[We Professor Peter Gluckman FRS. [Research] landed] in the active crater itself. It was a suggests that changes in the intrauterine Read a blog from the trip at: scienceblogs. little alarming when we were issued with environment, such as a low nutrient supply org.uk/InternationalExpeditionPrize

6 Inside Science Practical work in science involves:

• hands-on experiences which High prompt thinking about the material and natural world.

Score That work includes two core types of activity:

• scientific techniques and procedures, both in the laboratory and in the field • scientific enquiries and investigations.

Each of these includes both physical and mental processes – the practice of scientific skills and the understanding of the purposes of scientific procedures and enquiries in order to develop knowledge and conceptual understanding. Working to SCORE (the Science Community was to seek a consensus about what practical Representing Education) has put into improve the work is and isn’t.” action a three year programme of work quality of In terms of future plans Rosalind says: to improve the quality of practical work “Clearly, a framework and printed resources in science. practical alone are not going to significantly improve The SCORE partners (Association for Science work in science the overall quality of practical work in Education, Biosciences Federation, Institute science. SCORE used the report to identify of Biology, Institute of Physics, Royal Society, what else needs to be done. SCORE must

Royal Society of Chemistry and the Science such as why the amount of time secondary provide clear leadership and work with others Council) work together to strengthen science school teachers spend on practical work is to remove or lower the barriers teachers education in the UK. decreasing and how much of that work is identified, such as the curriculum, resources good quality.” and exams and assessments. SCORE has Why focus on practical work? Dr Rosalind recommended that the Department for Mist, SCORE Manager, explains. “In 2008, SCORE’s first actions have been to publish Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) begin SCORE commissioned the Practical Work in ‘practical work in science’ resources for a programme to integrate practical work Science report. It highlights that UK students primary and secondary schools together in science into continuing professional undertake a significant amount of practical with a framework setting out what practical development (CPD) models.” work during lesson time and that teachers work in science is, why it’s important and feel confident delivering practical work how to use it. In January 2009, DCSF appointed the activities. There is also significant support Association for Science Education and available – for teachers wishing to gain Rosalind explains that SCORE is working their partners as preferred supplier for a further confidence in their practical work with the education community to provide package of working including teacher skills or for those simply looking for new support. “SCORE has formed a consultative and technician CPD. Find out more at: ideas. But the report also raises questions, stakeholder group and one of its early tasks score-education.org

Work has begun on the Royal Society’s For more information on the ‘state of the Assessing third ‘state of the nation’ report on science nation’ reports and the Royal Society’s the state of and mathematics education, which will education programme, see: focus on primary and early secondary royalsociety.org/education the nation schooling. It is expected that the report will be published by the end of 2009.

7 INCREASE

Going global: Africa action the International Council for Science

The global scientific community gathered in Mozambique in October for the 29th General Assembly of the International Council for Science (ICSU) – the first time the meeting has been Celebrating and held in sub-Saharan Africa. consolidating work The highlight of Africa Week in Bringing together more than November last year, a series of events to in Africa in a week 250 leading scientists from explore and celebrate the Royal Society’s of events at the around the world, the UK was work across the continent, was the Royal Society represented by a Royal Society launch of two new flagship programmes: delegation including Dr Tamsin The Leverhulme Royal Society Africa Mather, a Dorothy Hodgkin Award and The Pfizer Royal Society working with other academies. She said: Research Fellow. She said: African Academies Programme. “A number of messages came out of the “[I was impressed by] the role meeting, not least the importance of working To advance research for the well-being that the Royal Society plays more effectively with social scientists, of Africa and its people, The Leverhulme in this forum. Its name was economists and engineers, to deliver policy Royal Society Africa Award will fund research brought up during the meeting reports that address critical socio-economic collaborations between scientists in Ghana, issues in Africa.” as an example of good practice, Tanzania and the UK in five areas, identified including its efforts to involve with stakeholders in all three countries. It For further information see: young scientists in ICSU.” will also be used to strengthen the research royalsociety.org/capacitybuilding and training capacity of the African institutions involved.

In parallel, the Society has developed a new programme of training and project support to develop and strengthen national science academies in four African countries. The Royal Society Pfizer African Academies

Programme will be developed in partnership Dr Enock Matovu (left), winner of with the academies concerned and with the Royal Society Pfizer Award the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). How does our capacity building work Africa Week coincided with the annual make a real difference in Africa? meeting of the African Science Academy Development Initiative (ASADI), held this Dr Enock Matovu is a Ugandan scientist whose work has already saved year at the Royal Society. The ASADI hundreds of lives. Awarded the Royal Society Pfizer Award during programme is run by the US National Africa Week, he is researching drug resistance in African trypanosomes, Academies of Sciences to support African parasites that cause sleeping sickness – a disease which kills 50,000 people science academies in providing independent a year, usually from the world’s poorest populations. advice to African government. It also gives Dr Matovu plans to use the award to track the possible emergence of African academy leaders the opportunity resistance to eflorithine, one of the front line treatments for sleeping to listen to development partners. sickness. He said: “It is reassuring that someone out there recognises my Tracey Elliott, Head of International work humble contribution to our understanding of the mechanisms of drug at the Royal Society’s Science Policy Centre, resistance in African trypanosomiasis. This understanding is a major step believes that there’s a great deal that can to control of the disease that afflicts the poorest populations in Africa be learned from the ASADI programme and and is disadvantaged by the presence of just a few drugs on the market.”

8 Inside Science Frontiers of Science meetings bring together some of the best early-career scientists from the UK and around the world to discuss current research in their fields. Ruth Cooper, Senior Policy Advisor, explains: “Many of the young scientists who are invited to Frontiers of Science (FoS) are potential leaders of the future and collaborations formed at these meetings set the foundation stone for international scientific partnerships.”

In 2008 the Royal Society organised a significant expansion of the programme, and following successful meetings in Hong Kong, India and Germany, the latest was held just outisde central Tokyo, in Finding common partnership with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). ground The wide-ranging sessions covered bio- inspired approaches to advanced materials, UK scientists have a unique jellyfish ecology, gamma-ray bursts, genetic basis of cognition, olfaction and pheromonal opportunity to meet their communication in vertebrates, self- Japanese counterparts assembling materials and transport networks.

Ruth says: “Japan has an excellent science FoS in Poland before becoming a meeting travelling back to Hong Kong in March. base, plus we had good local organisers organiser herself. She says: “It was massively During the meeting I had the opportunity and a pool of keen young scientists. This exciting to help build the Hong Kong event, to tour around institutions with the all combined to make the meeting an particularly for an early career researcher, contacts I made and there’s a real chance undoubted success.” because of the prestige of the Royal Society. I for further meetings and collaboration over was slightly intimidated to be co-chair at first, the longer term.” Participant Mio Murao said that the most but I soon realised what a learning experience valuable aspect was “meeting and getting FoS meetings will continue as we approach it would be on an individual level.” to know top scientists from various fields our 350th Anniversary in 2010 and the (especially women scientists), a rare Natalie’s communication skills improved as programme will strive to maintain its balance opportunity in Japan.” a result. She says: “I listened to other people, of continuity and evolution. Natalie says: and not only learned from their experience “I recommend to anyone who’ll listen to The scheme also encourages participation but encouraged quieter participants to get get involved in the programme if they are irrelevant of experience. Ruth says: “Seniority involved. I think I helped raise their comfort invited – as it’s absolutely fantastic. Aside does not matter – it’s about finding levels, which I felt proud of. I didn’t have the from the fact that I learnt so much about enthusiastic and able participants. We same science experience as other participants other areas of science, it was also beneficial don’t want to exclude bright and fantastic so it was great that I was able to contribute to learn so much about myself and the way scientists, in fact we are put in touch with to the meeting in that way.” I work with others – an amazing opportunity many individuals that are not already part at this stage in my career.” of the Royal Society community and this She’s already experiencing the benefits of allows us to extend our reach beyond our the opportunity to network: “I will be Find out more at: royalsociety.org/fos immediate contacts.”

That inclusivity played a part at the Hong The Frontiers of Science scheme encourages participation Kong meeting in 2008, which was co-chaired irrelevant of experience. It’s about finding enthusiastic and able by Dr Natalie Plank, at the time a first year post-doctorate researcher. The scheme participants to form collaborations and set the foundation stone encourages scientists to hand over the baton for international scientific partnerships. to new participants and Natalie attended

9 INSPIRE

reports, which will focus on transition from Countdown secondary education to undergraduate first degree studies in science and mathematics. to 2010 We will be involved in an ambitious series of international activities. The flagship event is the InterAcademy General Assembly in The Royal Society invites you January 2010, which the Royal Society is to ‘See Further’ hosting and co-organising. We also plan to co-host a science meeting with Canada, focusing on research that underpins one or more of the G8 Presidency themes in 2010. The Royal Society will celebrate its reflected across television, radio and web 350th Anniversary in 2010 with a year- broadcasting. Our long history of scientific long series of events, exhibitions, and publishing will also form an important publications to increase both the public’s element of 2010 celebrations and we will involvement in and the profile of science. publish special issues or special contributions in our own journals. We are working with This programme will begin on 30 November Harper Press to publish a book edited by 2009 (known in the Society as Anniversary the award-winning author Bill Bryson in the Day from the date of its founding) and will spring of 2010. It will offer a unique look at run until November 2010, 350 years after scientific issues from the past 350 years with the Society was formed. It is intended that chapters by leading scientists and well-known the programme will have a legacy in terms authors including Margaret Atwood, Richard of ongoing engagement with new audiences Dawkins and Martin Rees. developed during the year. Our Library and Archives have long been At the heart of celebrations, we will create a focus for the rich history of scientific a Summer of Science in central London. progress in Britain and beyond. In 2010 Working in partnership with the Southbank this will be formalised with the creation of Centre, the event will be open to everyone, the Royal Society Centre for the History of and will give visitors the opportunity to meet Science. Visitors to the Royal Society will be the scientists and engineers at the forefront able to walk through 350 years of scientific of the UK’s research activities and explore progress in Britain. As well as celebrating their work. There will be an accompanying the achievements of Fellows from the 17th programme of events, including partnerships century to the present, the exhibition will In 2010 the Royal Society will with museums and galleries to celebrate put into context the history of the Society celebrate its 350th Anniversary. arts and science and to reposition science which was founded by men who were Newton believed that by firmly as a cultural activity. A programme curious about the natural world and wanted standing on the shoulders of of discussion meetings will be held during to ‘See Further’. giants he had ‘seen further’ than 2010 in new or rapidly changing research others. We have chosen ‘See fields and there will also be a programme of We have a longstanding commitment to Further’ as the theme for 2010 science policy public forums, the inaugural inspiring young minds by supporting activities because it encapsulates what of which will be held during the Summer of that bring together the best of science and the Royal Society is all about – Science festival. education for the future of young people. Fellows of the Royal Society see Our long-running Partnership Grants Scheme Throughout 2010 we will work in partnership further into the complexities of will give more UK students the opportunity with over 70 cultural institutions nationwide the universe by using a way of to experience science first hand in 2010. An on a programme of events and activities to Associate Schools Scheme will be set up in thinking called science. involve the public, to broaden our anniversary 2010, providing schools from across London We have now launched a new celebrations beyond our London base and to with unprecedented access to our facilities. website to bring you the latest bring science to a new audience. news from our 350th Anniversary During 2010 we will publish the fourth in our The BBC has committed to making 2010 programme. Find out more at: series of ’state of the nation’ education policy a Year of Science. This is likely to be seefurther.org

10 Inside Science Sir Tim Berners-Lee FRS at the unveiling of the new portrait by artist Jennifer McRae. © Jennifer McRae. For more information on Jennifer’s work please visit her website: jennifermcrae.co.uk

Unveiling the creator of the web

The Royal Society is home to a new Science takes portrait of Sir Tim Berners-Lee FRS to the stage A striking new portrait of World Wide The Royal Shakespeare Company Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee FRS was unveiled at the Royal Society premiers a new play on the in November.

emergence of modern science Sir Tim came face to face with the painting for the first time at an unveiling ceremony hosted by Dame Stephanie Shirley, who sponsored the commission. Jennifer McRae, the award-winning artist behind the portrait, said: “It’s important The Tragedy of Thomas Hobbes, a play Award-winning playwright Adriano Shaplin at the Royal Society with lead actor Jack Laskey to observe body language as well as on the emergence of modern science physicality when creating a portrait. He’s in the Seventeenth Century by the Preparing for the play, writer Shaplin and a mercurial man, energetic and open; I award-winning playwright Adriano Jack Laskey, who plays Hooke, visited the needed to convey his intellectual fluidity.” Shaplin, held its world premiere in Society to look at archive material from the London in December. time including the Hooke Folio a collection Before revealing the work of art, Dame of papers written by Hooke and acquired by Stephanie said she had chosen the artist Set in London in 1658, the Royal Shakespeare the Society in 2006 for £1 million. for her subtlety and lightness of touch, Company production celebrates the growth and heralded the sitter as a “fourth of public scientific demonstrations and Director Elizabeth Freestone explains the dimensional genius,” and “one of the debate. It pits the philosopher Thomas story behind the play: “After the restoration most influential men of our era.” Dame Hobbes against a group of young scientists of Charles II, science was officially recognised Stephanie hoped that other donors would led by Robert Hooke and Robert Boyle as in the form of the Royal Society, whilst the follow her example in sponsoring new science and philosophy battle it out for the theatres reinvented themselves with new likenesses of key scientists. public’s attention. dramatic forms. Restoration comedy, with its uncensored ribaldry, blew away the scars of On seeing the portrait, Sir Tim drew a link The Society hosted a public conversation the civil war along with the cobwebs of the between cyberspace and the artwork, between Shaplin and science historian Simon closed theatres. Anything was a target for likening the Web to a canvas which Schaffer. They discussed the germination of the new playwrights – including the newly should be available for everyone to use. the play and how it reflects the history of founded Royal Society.” the period – perhaps best marked by the The Royal Society is to be the permanent founding of the Royal Society in 1660. Find out more at rsc.org.uk home of the painting.

11 VISIT US

Public LECTURE PRIZE LECTURES DISCUSSION MEETINGS

12 March 2009 at 6.30 pm 26 March 2009 at 6.30 pm All Royal Society Discussion Meetings are free Talent and Autism: Panel Bakerian Lecture: Mathematics to attend but pre-registration online is essential. Discussion convened jointly by in the Real World: From Brain the British Academy and the Tumours to Saving Marriages 20 and 21 April 2009 Computation of Emotions in Man Royal Society Professor James Murray FRS and Machines Chair: Professor Uta Frith FRS FBA. 20 April 2009 at 6.30 pm Professor Peter Robinson and Dr Rana el Kaliouby Moderator: Dr Daniel Glaser. Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Lecture Panel members: Professor Francesca Happé, 11 and 12 May 2009 Professor David Edgerton Dr Mark Lythgoe, Professor John Sloboda and Darwin and the Evolution of Professor Joan Freeman. 26 May 2009 at 6.30 pm Flowers Croonian Lecture Sir Peter Crane FRS, Professor Else Marie Friis Professor Linda Partridge CBE FRS and Professor William Chaloner FRS

All lectures are free - no ticket or advance 8 and 9 June 2009 booking required. Energy Materials to Combat Climate Change The lectures will be webcast live at royalsociety.org/live and available to view Professor Richard Catlow FRS, Professor Peter on demand within 48 hours of delivery. Bruce FRS and Professor Peter Edwards FRS

Rewarding excellence NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

This is the third issue of Inside Science since Professor Robin Clark, CNZM, FRS, New Year Honours our launch in June and your feedback has been of University College London, has been very welcome. We want the magazine to evolve awarded the inaugural biennial Franklin- Knighthood and use your comments to make changes to our editorial policy as well as design. We Lavoisier Prize of the Maison de la Chimie Professor Martin John Taylor, FRS, trialled a move to more environmentally friendly (Paris) and the Chemical Heritage Foundation Professor in Pure Mathematics, University uncoated paper for our Autumn issue and that (Philadelphia). The Prize was presented on of Manchester. For services to Science. 28 January 2009 in Paris where Professor has now become a permanent change. Clark addressed a special meeting of the Commanders of the Order of the Please get in touch and let me know what Maison on a topic associated with Chemistry British Empire you’d like to see more (or less) of and I look and Art. Professor Clark said: “This is a Professor Ottoline Henrietta forward to working on our Summer edition. major award and I am obviously delighted Miriam Leyser, FRS, Professor of Plant Best wishes, Charlotte with the news.” Developmental Genetics, University of York. Editorial team For services to Plant Science. Professor Athene Donald, FRS, Editor: Charlotte Marling of Cambridge University, has won the Professor Martin Charles Raff, FRS, Picture Editor: Jason Codrington prestigious 2009 European Laureate as part Emeritus Professor of Biology, MRC Contact us: [email protected] of the L’ORÉAL-UNESCO Awards For Women Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, in Science. Chosen on merit of her scientific University College. For services to All events take place at the Royal Society, excellence, Professor Donald impressed the Life Sciences. 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, judges with her work in unravelling the London SW1Y 5AG mysteries of the physics of materials. She is Professor Peter Neil Temple Wells, FRS, only the second British scientist to receive Research Professor and Senior Scientific For more information and to register for the prize, which was awarded alongside four Director, Institute of Medical Engineering Discussion Meetings: other exceptional scientists at an awards and Medical Physics, University of Cardiff. Web: royalsociety.org/events ceremony held at UNESCO. For services to Healthcare Science. Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7451 2683

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