How Scientists in Scotland Helped Discover Gravitational Waves Foreword
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An Exhibition Celebrating Some of Scotland's Finest Female Scientists
An exhibition celebrating some of Scotland’s finest female scientists www.rse.org.uk All photographs © Ian Georgeson Photography The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, is Scottish Charity No. SC000470 28 29 As Scotland’s National Academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh is proud to number amongst its Fellowship some of the most talented leaders, thinkers and practitioners working in Scotland today. In this exhibition, we have chosen to focus on and celebrate some of the exceptional women scientists within the Fellowship. Leaders and pioneers in their fi elds, they are at the vanguard of new ideas, new knowledge and new technologies which are shaping our understanding of the world, supporting a more sustainable use of resources and securing advances in health care. Some are from Scotland, others have chosen to base their research and make their homes here; all of them are making a positive contribution to society. When we approached the women to be part of this exhibition, we asked them Seven of the women featured why they chose to become scientists. The responses were varied and enlightening: for some it was always their dream or passion or they had been encouraged and were or are members of the inspired by family, friends and colleagues. For others, the desire to become a RSE Young Academy of scientist came later whilst studying at university and realising that, not only did Scotland. they enjoy and were good at science but, it was also a realistic career choice. And what a career choice! Throughout the exhibition, we gain a sense of what these women love about their life in science: the joy in discovering and learning new things; the satisfaction that comes from working in teams and collaborating with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines; the pleasure in supporting and nurturing talent; and the fulfi lment that comes from doing something which is They are: making a diff erence to people’s lives and the way in which they live. -
Gravitational Wave Detection by Interferometry (Ground and Space)
Living Rev. Relativity, 14, (2011), 5 LIVINGREVIEWS http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2011-5 (Update of lrr-2000-3) in relativity Gravitational Wave Detection by Interferometry (Ground and Space) Matthew Pitkin Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Stuart Reid Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Sheila Rowan Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Jim Hough Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Accepted on 17 June 2011 Published on 11 July 2011 Abstract Significant progress has been made in recent years on the development of gravitational- wave detectors. Sources such as coalescing compact binary systems, neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries, stellar collapses and pulsars are all possible candidates for detection. The most promising design of gravitational-wave detector uses test masses a long distance apart and freely suspended as pendulums on Earth or in drag-free spacecraft. The main theme of this review is a discussion of the mechanical and optical principles used in the various long baseline systems in operation around the world { LIGO (USA), Virgo (Italy/France), TAMA300 and LCGT (Japan), and GEO600 (Germany/U.K.) { and in LISA, a proposed space-borne interferometer. -
Cheltenham Science Festival Brochure
5–10 June 2018 Box Office 01242 850270 cheltenhamfestivals.com #cheltscifest THANK YOU to our Partners and Supporters WELCOME A very warm welcome to #cheltscifest 2018. The brilliance In Association with This year we’ve got even more questions to of the Cheltenham ask and big ideas to explore. In a world that Science Festival is more connected than ever before, our is the breadth of Connected:Divided theme looks at what brings what’s on offer, us together and what pushes us apart. but how do you We’ve invited four fabulous guest curators to choose from so help us pull together a packed programme of much? My tip is to book your Principal Partners events for all ages – turn to pages 7-8 to find out faves but try at least one thing what Maddie Moate, Olly Mann, Jessica Barker that’s completely new to you. and FC have in store for you. Who knows – you might be connecting to something that Our MakerShack is back by popular demand really speaks to you. Enjoy! and we have a brand new Cyber Zone exploring the digital world. With more free activities than Vivienne Parry ever before, there’s plenty to fill a day. Chair of Cheltenham Science Festival Major Partners Current Affairs How Science Got Women And Men Wrong page 18 How Do We Solve The Plastic Problem? page 21 Should We All Become Vegan? page 22 Can Democracy Survive Social Media? page 30 The Science Of Donald Trump page 31 Details on pages How Do We Stop Social Media Trolls? page 40 36–37 and 42–43. -
CV Prof. Sheila Rowan Contact
C.V. Prof. Sheila Rowan Contact: Director Institute for Gravitational Research (IGR) Tel: 0141 330 4701 School of Physics and Astronomy Fax: 0141 330 6833 University of Glasgow email:[email protected] Glasgow, G12 8QQ Education: 1991-95 Univ. of Glasgow PhD (‘Aspects of lasers for the illumination of interferometric gravitational wave detectors’) 1987-91 Univ. of Glasgow BSc (Honours, Physics) Appointments: 2016 - Chief Scientific Adviser (3 days/week secondment) Scottish Government 2009 - Director, Institute for Gravitational Research University of Glasgow 2006 - Professor of Experimental Physics University of Glasgow 2003-06 Reader in Physics University of Glasgow 2001-03 Staff Scientist (Research Associate) (75%) Stanford University Research Fellow (25%) University of Glasgow 1998-01 Postdoctoral Research Assistant (75%) Stanford University (Split-appointment) (25%) University of Glasgow 1995-98 Research Assistant University of Glasgow 1995 Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar Stanford University Honours, awards and prizes: Personal recipient 2019 The 29th Elizabeth Spreadbury Lecture University College London 2018 The Sackler Lecture IoA Cambridge Honorary Fellowship Institute of Physics, UK Honorary Degree (DSc) University of Strathclyde Honorary Degree (DSc) Robert Gordon’s University The Baird of Bute Innovation Award The Baird of Bute Society The Founders Day Lecture University of Bath 2017 The St Andrews Day Lecture, Brussels Scotland Europa The John Porter Memorial Lecture IoP Liverpool The (Inaugural) Ailsa Sparkes Memorial -
Download the Trustees' Report and Financial Statements 2018-2019
Science is Global Trustees’ report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019 The Royal Society’s fundamental purpose, reflected in its founding Charters of the 1660s, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Society is a self-governing Fellowship of distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant, and life-changing discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society scientists – our Fellows and those people we fund – continue to make outstanding contributions to science and help to shape the world we live in. Discover more online at: royalsociety.org BELGIUM AUSTRIA 3 1 NETHERLANDS GERMANY 5 12 CZECH REPUBLIC SWITZERLAND 3 2 CANADA POLAND 8 1 Charity Case study: Africa As a registered charity, the Royal Society Professor Cheikh Bécaye Gaye FRANCE undertakes a range of activities that from Cheikh Anta Diop University 25 provide public benefit either directly or in Senegal, Professor Daniel Olago from the University of indirectly. These include providing financial SPAIN UNITED STATES Nairobi in Kenya, Dr Michael OF AMERICA 18 support for scientists at various stages Owor from Makerere University of their careers, funding programmes 33 in Uganda and Professor Richard that advance understanding of our world, Taylor from University College organising scientific conferences to foster London are working on ways to discussion and collaboration, and publishing sustain low-cost, urban water supply and sanitation systems scientific journals. -
INTERNATIONAL UNION of PURE and APPLIED PHYSICS
INTERNATIONAL UNION of PURE and APPLIED PHYSICS GENERAL INFORMATION REPORT On the 28th GENERAL ASSEMBLY Singapore, 2014 IUPAP – 61 January 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS I – ORGANISATION .............................................................. 2 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE ............................................ 4 II - THE STATUTES OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PURE AND APPLIED PHYSICS (AS ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - 2014) .......................................... 13 BY-LAWS (As Adopted By The General Assembly - 2014) .... 19 Appendix A - The International Commissions For The Period 2014 – 2017 .................................................................................. 23 III – MINUTES OF THE 28TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY ......... 24 Appendix B – List Of Participants To The 27th General Assembly ..................................................................................... 49 IV - RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE 2014 GENERAL ASSEMBLY ......................................................................... 53 Appendix C .................................................................................. 59 V. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ............................... 60 VI. IUPAP STATEMENT ON UNIVERSALITY OF SCIENCE ............................................................................. 69 VII. IUPAP OFFICERS ......................................................... 78 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL .............................................................. 820 FORMER PRESIDENTS ............................................................. -
Turnaround for British Physics
The newspaper of the physics community February 2006 CONTENTS Turnaround for British physics 2 News Young Physicists Conference ● Science without words Ayala Ochert reports the views of an international panel on UK physics and astronomy. ● Debate with a difference ● IOP in Reading ● Report on The state of physics and astronomy women in physics research in the UK has markedly improved in the last five years, thanks 5 People to substantial increases in investment, Tony Sherborne says that according to an international panel of science teachers could learn world-renowned scientists. But the from film and television panel warns that increased levels of funding must continue, otherwise this improvement may not be sustained. Last October the 14-strong panel, which includes two Nobel prize-win- ners, visited the UK at the invitation of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Particle Physics and Astronomy 6 Letters Research Council (PPARC), the The joys of mentoring ● AWE Institute of Physics and the Royal ● The retreat of physics Astronomical Society. They were ● Physicists have soul asked to assess the quality of UK physics and astronomy research and 7 Event horizon to compare it to that in other leading What’s on at the Insitute scientific nations. This was the second visit of its kind; the first was in 2000. 8 Antimatters The panel took in 12 university Einstein vs. Newton physics and astronomy departments and the CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and spoke to staff, post- docs and PhD students. It published Diamond Light Source its findings in the report International Construction of the Diamond Light Source – the panel praised investment in the science infrastructure. -
Daily Discovery Calendar 2021 Astronomy Physics Discovery/Inventions Earth Science Discover an Important Scientific Anniversary for Every Day of the Year
Days in blue text: Key Psychology Chemistry Engineering Maths Scotland & Science Health Archaeology Biology Computing Natural World Daily Discovery Calendar 2021 Astronomy Physics Discovery/Inventions Earth Science Discover an important scientific anniversary for every day of the year JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman registered as a doctor in John Napier was born in Edinburgh (1550). He was a mathematician, Professor Muffy Calder (known for her work in modelling complex We hope you’re laughing on April Fool’s Day! Laughter is universal - The distress signal ‘mayday’ comes from the French for ‘help me’. It’s Today is International Dinosaur Day! In 2015 researchers nicknamed 1 1 1 the UK (1859). Merit Ptah who lived in Egypt around 2700 BC is the physicist, astronomer, and the discoverer of logarithms 1 software for use in biomedical systems) was appointed Chief babies in all cultures start to laugh at around 4 months old 1 used to radio for help in life threatening situations, and must be said 1 a new species of dinosaur ‘Hellboy’ as the Regaliceratop’s horned frill first woman doctor known by name Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government (2012) three times in a row reminded them of the comic book character Researchers used genetic modification to rejuvenate older blood cells Physicist Francesco Grimaldi, who discovered the diffraction of light, Louis Daguerre took the first photograph of the Moon (1839). Despite 2 from elderly mice (2013). The human body manufactures around 17 Since Einstein first suggested that light is both a wave and particle, Scientists unveiled RoboBee, a miniature robot equipped with the Katherine Dewar and James Clerk Maxwell married in Aberdeen 2 2 was born (1618). -
SAGE COVID-19 Register of Participants' Interests Sir Patrick Vallance FRS Fmedsci FRCP Professor Chris Whitty CB Fmedsci Prof
SAGE COVID-19 Register of Participants’ Interests SAGE participants are required to declare any personal or business interests relevant to the SAGE meetings they attend. This register provides details of these interests. This register and the list of participants is regularly reviewed and updated. Sir Patrick Vallance FRS FMedSci FRCP • Government Chief Scientific Adviser • Office for Strategic Co-ordination of Health Research (OSCHR) Board (until 2017) • Fellow, Academy of Medical Sciences • Fellow, Royal Society • Fellow, Royal College of Physicians of London • Honorary Fellow, University College London • Honorary Member, British Pharmacological Society • Honorary Member, The Physiological Society • GSK shareholdings until March 2021 (mandatory holding period) Professor Chris Whitty CB FMedSci • Chief Medical Officer • Honorary Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) • Consultant Physician, University College London Hospital (UCLH) • Honorary member, National Fever Service • Professor of Physic, Gresham College • Non-executive position, Malawi/Liverpool Wellcome Unit, Scientific Advisory Board • Non-executive Trustee, Sightsavers Professor Jonathan Van Tam MBE • Deputy Chief Medical Officer • Former UK Medical Director, Sanofi-Pasteur MSD Ltd. (2002-2004) • Former UK Head of Medical Affairs, Roche Products Ltd. (2001-2002) • Former Associate Director, SmithKline Beecham Plc. (2000-2001) • F. Hoffman-La Roche – Research grant on influenza (awarded 2010) • Chatham House and European Scientific Working Group on -
KAGRA Next Step Full Lock P
LIGO Scientific Collaboration Scientific LIGO issue 13 9/2018 LIGO MAGAZINE Getting Ready for New Science: Commissioning for O3 Calibration & Detector Characterization Detector to Data pp. 13-16 Updates from KAGRA Next Step Full Lock p. 11 ... and Looking back: A Timeline of GW170817 p.17 Front cover The main image shows Sheila Dwyer (left) and Keita Kawabe (right) aligning the squeezer beam into the interferometer during recent HAM5 in-chamber work at LIGO Hanford. Top inset: commissioning is underway at the LIGO Observatories (see ‘LIGO in 2018: A Commissioning Story’ on p. 6). Bottom inset: the assembly of an ultra-high-performance vibration isola- tion system at KAGRA (see ‘KAGRA: Next Step Full Lock’ on p. 11). Image credits Photos and graphics appear courtesy of Caltech/MIT LIGO Laboratory and LIGO Scientific Collaboration unless otherwise noted. Cover: Main photo from Nutsinee Kijbunchoo. Top inset from G. Mansell/C. Austin/D. Sigg/A. Effler/N. Kijbunchoo. Bottom inset photo from National Astronomical Observatory of Japan/photographer Yutaka Iijima / caption adapted from one by Yoichi Aso (translation by: Hiroko Tsuzuki and Ramsey Lundock). p. 3 Comic strip by Nutsinee Kijbunchoo p. 6-9 Photos from G. Mansell/C. Austin/D. Sigg/A. Effler/N. Kijbunchoo. p. 11-12 Lock celebration courtesy of ICRR, the University of Tokyo. KAGRA’s Y-arm from KAGRA p. 13-14 Images from Maddie Wade. P. 15-16 Images from TJ Massinger. p. 17-23 Glitch image from LIGO/Virgo. Time frequency plots from LIGO/Virgo/Brown/Lovelace/McIver/Macleod/Nitz. Sky localisation from LIGO/ Virgo/NASA/Leo Singer (Milky Way image: Axel Mellinger). -
Gravitational Wave Signal
LIGO Scientific Collaboration Scientific LIGO issue 8 3/2016 LIGO MAGAZINE First detection! 9:50:45 UTC, 14 September 2015 LIGO Hanford signal LIGO Livingston signal The front page shows the first detection of a gravitational wave by LIGO. The orange (top) and blue (bottom) lines show the filtered data collected by the Hanford and Livingston observatories, respectively. The data from each detector is bandpass filtered between 35 Hz and 350 Hz, with additional notch filters used to suppress strong instrumental spectral lines. The back cover and “the waveform explained” show the modeled signal at the LIGO Hanford observatory. The trace is not a line but a band; the width indicates the 90% uncertainties in the black hole binary signal constructed using the posterior samples from the coherent follow-up analysis from both the Hanford and Livingston observatories. The posterior samples provide a distribution for the system parameters from which a signal can be generated for each set of parameters. Then the central 90% of the signals at each sample time are highlighted to produce the trace shown. All model waveforms are bandpass filtered between 35 Hz and 350 Hz, with additional notch filters used to suppress strong instrumental spectral lines. The width of the band indicates the range of plausible signals given our noise model. The title, the back cover and the ‘waveform explained’ have been provided by Ben Farr, currently a McCormick Fellow at the University of Chicago, Christopher Berry, currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and Nutsinee Kijbunchoo who is currently an operator at LIGO Hanford. -
Gravitational Wave Detection by Interferometry (Ground and Space)
Pitkin, Matthew, Reid, Stuart, Rowan, Sheila, and Hough, James (2011) Gravitational wave detection by interferometry (ground and space). Living Reviews in Relativity, 14 (5). ISSN 1433-8351 Copyright © 2011 The Authors. http://eprints.gla.ac.uk/90574/ Deposited on: 12 February 2014 Enlighten – Research publications by members of the University of Glasgow http://eprints.gla.ac.uk Living Rev. Relativity, 14, (2011), 5 LIVINGREVIEWS http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2011-5 (Update of lrr-2000-3) in relativity Gravitational Wave Detection by Interferometry (Ground and Space) Matthew Pitkin Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Stuart Reid Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Sheila Rowan Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Jim Hough Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K. email: [email protected] Accepted on 17 June 2011 Published on 11 July 2011 Abstract Significant progress has been made in recent years on the development of gravitational- wave detectors. Sources such as coalescing compact binary systems, neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries, stellar collapses and pulsars are all possible candidates for detection. The most promising design of gravitational-wave detector uses test masses a long distance apart and freely suspended as pendulums on Earth or in drag-free spacecraft.