news

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ISSUE 7 • AUTUMN 2003

RESOURCE THE NEWSLETTER OF ’S NATIONAL ACADEMY

Gannochy Trust Innovation Award of The Royal Society of Edinburgh won by Dr Barbara Spruce Groundbreaking cancer research has won a Dundee-based doctor Scotland’s top new award for innovation. Dr Barbara Spruce, based at Ninewells and Medical School at The University of Dundee, fought off strong competition to become the first winner of the Gannochy Trust Innovation Award of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. A partnership between The Gannochy Trust and the RSE led to the creation of this coveted award which carries a cheque for £50,000 and a specially commissioned gold medal. The prestigious medal was presented by Nobel Laureate and distinguished scientist and innovator, Professor Sir James Black, OM, FRS, Hon FRSE at an awards ceremony held in Scone Palace in June. Dr Spruce won the award for developing what may become an important treatment advance for cancer patients. She has identified an achilles’ heel in cancer cells and a way to cause them to self-destruct, without harming normal cells. This normal “cell death” process, called apoptosis, was discovered by a former RSE President, Sir Alastair Currie, and has opened up an important field of research. Dr Spruce considers the great advantage of the new research to be that treatment will be largely devoid of the side effects normally associated with conventional cancer therapies. When used together with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, dosages of these could be reduced, lessening their side effects and treatments could be tailored specifically to the patients’ needs. [continued on the back page]

The Fate of the Neanderthals Independent RSE Inquiry on Diet and Obesity Discussion Forum the Scottish Fishing Industry The Scottish Fishing Industry

The RSE has launched an independent inquiry into the crisis facing the Scottish fishing The membership of the Committee, industry. Instigated by the Council of the Society and chaired by the distinguished with expertise in marine biology, fish Biologist, Sir David Smith, the RSE’s independent inquiry seeks to identify what steps stocks, environmental issues, statistical might be taken to secure the future of the fishing industry in Scotland. The principal modelling, social science, business and objective of the Committee, which met for the first time at the end of May, is to make economics includes: an assessment of the extent to which controls imposed on the industry are Sir David Smith FRS FRSE, (Chairman) scientifically robust. former Principal and Vice Chancellor of Scotland has the largest part of the ’s sea fishing industry and many Edinburgh University and former of Scotland’s more remote communities, especially around the North East coast and in President of Wolfson College, Oxford Shetland, are heavily dependent on it for their livelihood. Concerns over declining fish stocks, especially of cod, have led to severe restrictions being imposed under the Professor Ian Boyd FRSE, Director of the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and concerns exist over the long-term viability NERC Sea Mammal Research Unit, of the Scottish fishing industry. University of St. Andrews The RSE Committee has welcomed written evidence from informed organisations and Professor Stephen Buckland, Professor individuals and is engaged in a programme of visits taking oral evidence around of Statistics and Director of the Centre Scotland. The Committee is expected to reach its conclusions by Christmas 2003, and for Research into Ecological and its findings and recommendations will be made widely available in early 2004. Environmental Modelling, University of Sir David Smith (centre) and Professor Gavin McCrone listen to the views of Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s St. Andrews Association Vice-Chairman, Alex West on board the Ocean Quest in Fraserburgh harbour Mr Edward Cunningham CBE FRSE, Chairman, Business Options Ltd Professor Gavin McCrone CB FRSE, Professor in Business Studies, Dr Malcolm MacGarvin, Environmental Consultant & Company Director Professor Alasdair McIntyre CBE FRSE, Former Chief Scientific Officer, DAFS Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen Professor Monty Priede FRSE, Professor of Zoology, University of Aberdeen Professor Randolph Richards, Director of the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling Mr David Symes, formerly Fisheries Management & European Policy, University of Hull Photo by Stuart Brown

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

2 Securing a Future

THE REMIT OF THE INQUIRY INCLUDES: “The Fishing Industry is at the heart of ¨ an assessment of the scientific approach and the level of scientific support many of Scotland’s communities: a underlying present and likely future controls imposed on the Scottish fishing way of life and central to livelihoods industry, including: a comparison with other fishing nations; the impact of and local economies. The crisis facing improvements in catching technology; and the effects of practices such as industrial the industry today has prompted the fishing Council of The Royal Society of ¨ a consideration of role of aquaculture in the industry, and especially in terms of its Edinburgh to mount a broadly-based, potential for replacing some of the reduction in the catch of fish such as cod independent inquiry which will seek ¨ a critical examination of the socio-economic impact of the declining fish catches and to identify what measures might be of the controls on the industry on the Scottish communities affected (including taken to secure the industry for future relevant sectors of the fish processing industry) with particular reference to the likely generations in Scotland. Under Sir effects of the control measures now being implemented David Smith’s Chairmanship, the independent, expert committee will ¨ the formation of recommendations on how a viable sea fishing industry can best be consult widely and examine the maintained in Scotland. science underlying the controls TAKING EVIDENCE AROUND SCOTLAND AND OVERSEAS imposed upon the Scottish Fishing Industry. It is my hope that our

In August the Western Isles recommendations will help to develop Committee visited Lochinver Shetland Islands sound strategies for the future.” Peterhead and Fraserburgh, taking Buckie Fraserburgh Inverness oral evidence from a Peterhead wide range of Aberdeen stakeholders, including representatives

from local Fisheries Pittenweem Partnerships; the Processing and Catching Sectors and Associated Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, Industries, such as KT, FBA, FRSE, President, The Royal net makers and ship Society of Edinburgh. chandlers. The Committee also THE RSE AND PUBLIC POLICY visited the In addition to undertaking the Inquiry Peterhead into the Scottish Fishing Industry, the fishmarket, the largest in the UK; toured fish processing factories in Fraserburgh and Society continues to respond to went onboard a Pelagic fishing vessel, the Ocean Quest. The Committee plans to take Government and Parliamentary calls for more evidence first-hand in communities where fishing is central to the local economy, evidence and advice. Recent examples including: include responses to a consultation Shetland - September, Inverness & Buckie - October, Copenhagen - Visit to ICES from the Scottish Executive on the (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) - October, Pittenweem - Visit to Scottish Human Rights Commission; Fishermen’s Mutual Association - October, Aberdeen - Visit to Marine Laboratory - the European Commission’s November, Lochinver & the Western Isles - dates to be confirmed Communication on the role of the universities in the “Europe of knowledge” and the House of FUNDING Commons Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into the scientific The Chair and Members of the RSE’s independent Committee are giving their time to response to terrorism. the work of the Inquiry voluntarily, without any charge. The Society is actively seeking Fellows who would like to help in the funding from individuals, and from private and charitable bodies to cover the cost of production of these responses and be administration and travel expenses. The RSE acknowledges, with thanks, the financial notified about pending consultations support already pledged from Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, The should contact Dr Marc Rands Clydesdale Bank, J Sainsbury plc, Scottish Enterprise Grampian and Shetland Islands ([email protected]). Council.

3 Research Awards

Some of the brightest researchers from home and around the world will be able to develop their ideas here in Scotland, thanks to grants of almost £1.5 million awarded by the Society. Innovative research in areas such as healthcare, the ageing population, communications, and the environment is to be supported through the RSE, in partnership with key funders in the public and private sectors. The following new awards were announced at the annual Research Awards Ceremony held on 27 August. The Society is grateful to the donors - BP, The Scottish Executive, Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, The Wellcome Trust, Caledonian Research Foundation and Scottish Enterprise - for making these awards possible.

BP PERSONAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION FOR Mr Danny Rafferty. Meaningful Dr Darrel A Swift. Antiquity and severity SCOTLAND Measurement for Rehabilitation. of glacial erosion in Greenland Personal Research Fellowship Caledonian University. University of Glasgow Dr Val Mann. Molecular and Genetic Mr Roderick Sutherland. Development Basis of Ageing and Disease-Related of an Intelligent Audio Analysis System. Changes in the Functional Adaptation Institute of System Level Integration. of Bone. University of Edinburgh Energy Research Studentships Mr Gordon Jahn. Power system Stephen H Butler. Is there a protection – Protection Relay Integrated dissociation between visual search and Modelling Environment (PRIME). visuomotor control in hemispatial University of Strathclyde. neglect. University of Glasgow. **Dr Andrew Starkey. Patent-pending Paula Cox. Autobiographical Technology for Knowledge Discovery. recollection and quality of life across University of Aberdeen. Photo: NASA/JSC Digital Image Collection. the lifespan. University of Aberdeen. Biotechnology CRF BIOMEDICAL FELLOWSHIPS SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE ENTERPRISE Dr Alison Blackwell. Intelligent Insect Dr Jeremy Sanford. Exploring the TRANSPORT AND LIFELONG LEARNING Solutions. University of Edinburgh. cytoplasmic functions of shuttling pre- DEPARTMENT (ETLLD) Dr Iain Greig. A New Route to the mRNA splicing factors. MRC, Western Personal Research Fellowships Treatment of Osteoporosis. University General Hospital, Edinburgh. Dr Nikolaj Gadegaard. The influence of of Aberdeen. Dr Damien Hudson. Genetic analysis of nanotopography on proteins and cells. Mr Donald McPhail. OxyProTec essential genes involved in University of Glasgow. Informed Antioxidant Drug Discovery – chromosome structure and segregation Targeting Free Radicals in Disease Dr Gail McConnell. Application of in vertebrate cells. University of Rowett Research Institute and nonlinear photonic crystal fibres to the Edinburgh. imaging of cell activity in cardiovascular University of Glasgow. SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE ENTERPRISE tissues. University of Strathclyde. Creative Industries FELLOWSHIPS Dr Abbie Mclaughlin. The Synthesis, Mr Matthew Seeney. Team Play Learning Microelectronics Structure and Physical Properties of Dynamics. University of Abertay. Dr Mark Cowper. Personal alarm for the Mixed Transition Oxide Materials. Software Elderly. University of Edinburgh. University of Aberdeen. Dr Sabrina Malpede. Sail Design Dr Yinshui Xia. EDA tool for logic Dr Linda Kirstein. Evolution of drainage Software. University of Strathclyde. networks in collisional settings. synthesis and optimisation. Napier University of Edinburgh. University. Dr David Manlove. Efficient Algorithms Optoelectronics for Matching Problems. University of Dr Richard Abram. Optically Pumped Glasgow. Tunable Semiconductor Lasers. University of Strathclyde. Support Research Fellowships Professor Desmond Higham. Dr David Stothard. Continuous wave Computational Algorithms for Complex optical parametric oscillator: a new Interactions. University of Strathclyde. opportunity in an untapped spectral region. . Dr Xavier Lambin. Density dependence in dispersal and population dynamics. Dr Keith Symington. Dynamic Serial University of Aberdeen. Optical Interconnect (DSOI). Heriot-Watt CORMACK VACATION RESEARCH University. Dr Colin Pulham. Modification of SCHOLARSHIPS 2003 intermolecular interactions using high Electronics Nicola Armstrong. Nanoflare pressures. University of Edinburgh. Mr Christos Kapatos. A digital system Distributions. University of St Andrews. for assessing an amputee’s residual Nicola Bate. Imaging the Dark Matter limb and for the production of with the Hubble Space Telescope functional prosthetic sockets. Advanced Camera Survey. University of University of Strathclyde. ** Fellowship not offered until 3 September 4 Edinburgh Conference in Vancouver, Canada. Gavin Nicholson. Modelling Extreme Ultimate and Fatigue Strength of Ship Grants Committee Ultraviolet Impulsive-Phase Emission in Hull Girders: A Reliability based Solar Flares. University of Glasgow. Approach. Awards Vimal Simha. Imaging Stellar Kathryn Stewart, Napier University. Since September 2002, the Grants Photospheres with Gravitational Conference at Conrad Business & Committee has made the following Microlensing. University of Glasgow Conference Centre, Istanbul, Turkey. awards, totalling £17,541. Isla Simpson. Accretion onto stellar Modelling the effects of Road User Travel Assistance magnetospheres. University of St Charging. Professor J C Brown Andrews. Simon Stewart, Heriot-Watt University. Professor G W S Barrow International Thermal Spray Fiona Speirits. Environmental Effects on Professor J B Dawson Conference, Orlando. the Luminosity Function of Galaxies. Professor J H Dickson University of Glasgow. Ryen White, Glasgow University. Professor R J Donovan LESSELLS TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS University of Washington, Seattle. Professor K Edwards Ali Bahadori, Napier University. Forest Summer Internship. Research Centre, Rotorua, New WELLCOME RESEARCH WORKSHOPS Professor G Graham Zealand. Structural insulated Panel Dr Gwen Kennedy, Ninewells Hospital Professor S Harley (SIP). & Medical School, Dundee. New Professor A Hook Lorna Campbell, Aberdeen University. developments in the biology of Chronic Professor S Kuksin Fatigue Syndrome with emphasis on National Institute of Water & Professor H MacQueen the anti-viral pathway and oxidative Atmospheric Research Ltd, Professor P Slater Christchurch, New Zealand. Spatially- stress and how these impact on the Dr W E Stephens averaged open-channel flow over vascular endothelium. rough bed. Dr Kerri McPherson, Queen Margaret Research Visitor to Scotland Alison Cleary. Glasgow University. University College, Edinburgh. Tackling Professor M J Rennie for Dr Benjamin University of Toronto. Characterisation obesity: identifying gaps in our Miller of the University of Copenhagen. of Silica on Silicon Integrated Optical knowledge. Professor J E L Simmons for Professor S Devices for Biological Sensing. Professor Michael Schweizer and Dr J Ebeid of Ain Shams University, Cairo. Ioannis Moatsos, Glasgow and Steve Euston, Heriot-Watt University. Professor R B Watson for Dr Li-Ping Strathclyde Universities. International Molecular, Clinical and Safety Aspects Geng of the Memorial University of of Nutrition Research. Newfoundland, Canada. Dr M J Wilson for Dr Giacomo Certini of Caledonian Research Foundation the Istituti per lo Studio degli European Visiting Research Fellowships in the Humanities Ecosistemi, Florence, Italy. Support for Meetings The Caledonian Research Foundation and the Royal Society of Edinburgh invite applications Professor J R Coggins from scholars working in Scotland who should be continuing members of academic or academic-related staff at a Scottish HEI and whose research would benefit from a short Dr J Ratter period (2-6 months) spent in countries in Continental Europe. Applications are also invited Auber Award from scholars in Continental Europe who would benefit from a similar period spent in Scotland. Professor E Leader (2002) (Applicants from Continental Europe must be nominated by an academic member of staff of a F L A De Matteis (2003) Scottish Higher Education Institution). Grants of up to £6,000 are available for visits of up to 6 months, to cover the cost of travel, subsistence and relevant study costs. For shorter visits the maximum grant available is reduced pro rata.Research should be in the following fields: Cormack Prizes Archaeology; Art & Literature; Economics & Economic History; Geography; History; Law; The following prizes were presented at Linguistics; Literature & Philology; Philosophy; Religious Studies. the annual Robert Cormack Meeting held RSE/Scottish Enterprise Enterprise Fellowships in Aberdeen earlier in the year: Applications are invited for the 2003 second round of RSE/SE Enterprise Fellowships. These Undergraduate Prize 2002 (Shared) Fellowships provide a year’s salary as well as support funds to assist potential entrepreneurs Nina Hatch. Improving the Detection of based in Scotland form spin-out companies. Business training and access to networks of Weak Gravitational Lensing. University of mentors, business experts and professional advisors are also provided. Edinburgh. Applicants should be in a position to commercialise their technology and to hold an Enterprise Jennifer Toher. Probing Quintessence Fellowship in a Scottish University or Research Institute. Interviews will be held in early with the Hubble Diagram Of Type. December with the start date for Fellowships being 1st April 2004. University of Glasgow. Application forms and further details are available from the RSE website or from the Research Postgraduate Prize 2002 Awards Office ([email protected] for CRF; [email protected] for SE Fellowships). Susan Scott. The SCUBA 8-mJy survey – I. Submillimetre maps, sources and number Closing date for all applications : Friday 31 October 2003. counts. University of Edinburgh.

5 International

Scotland Europa and RSE : Networking Scotland in Europe

Much work in 2002 focused on the The Scotland Europa monthly report to preparation for the launch of theSixth members, Insight Europe contains EU Research Framework policy briefings and news updates that Programme (FP6) that will allocate enable members to remain informed of £11 billion to transnational research current and forthcoming EU activities. projects before 2006. Scotland Europa has the flexibility to Initial awareness-raising has been advise upon and deliver several services complemented by targeted briefings to to members wishing to showcase their potential participants including work and contribute to EU policy business intermediaries and local development. Feedback on proposed The RSE became a member of Scotland authorities. This communication role European legislation can be passed Europa in 2001. Since then, the Society across sectoral boundaries has allowed informally to the eight MEPs for has collaborated constructively with us Scotland Europa to be an effective Scotland, with whom Scotland Europa on a number of projects. On 9 May member of the FP6 Focus Group maintains close contact. Scotland 2003, the day recognised as the 53rd chaired by the Scottish Executive. Europa Papers provide a more detailed platform for members to contribute to birthday of the European Union, the However, it is the personal contacts EU consultations and debates, such as Society hosted the Spring meeting of developed in Brussels by Scotland The Future Role of Universities and the Research, Education and Training Europa that demonstrate key added- Sustainable Development and The Group of Scotland Europa, of which it value. In the early stages of a funding “Policy into Practice” service enables has been a member since 2000. application, meetings with appropriate members to promote a particular policy European Commission desk officers can Scotland Europa is an alliance of public, agenda by providing more highlight key points easily missed in the private and civil society bodies concentrated support for events, papers EU documentation and provide an networking Scotland in Europe. From and networks that increase insight into other proposals in its base in Brussels, it provides core EU engagement at the EU level. development elsewhere in Europe. policy intelligence and funding support Moreover, Scotland Europa brings a The RSE’s involvement has included services to its 62 members as well as to personal dimension to partner searches working on an event to promote Scottish Enterprise. Conference by its membership of the ERRIN European research and expressions of facilities for up to 100 in the heart of network of regional research interest in FP6 on 1 May 2002, as well the EU district are available without representative officers in Brussels. This as an event on 23 February 2001 charge to the personnel of its member network will build on its membership entitled “The Future of Europe”. organisations. of 97 regions from 16 states to develop Scotland Europa and RSE will continue The Research, Education and Training forums in which developing consortia to collaborate through such activities, Group of Scotland Europa is comprised can come face-to-face with with the aim of bringing the expertise of eight Higher Education Institutions; representatives of other actors, and opinion of Scotland to the heart of Universities Scotland; Scottish including SMEs and local authorities, European issues. Qualifications Authority; the which are seeking to participate in FP6. Association of Scottish Colleges and the West of Scotland Colleges’ Although a key benefit of Scotland Europa membership is the provision of Partnership, in addition to the RSE. Scotland Europa provides advance strategic assistance to draw down intelligence on EU policy and funding European funding, it is essential to opportunities to the group, with a view have an eye on the policy dimension. Scotland Europa keeps a close watch on Paul Harris to maximising Scottish participation Research Education & Training Executive and influence. policy developments and identifies opportunities for input from Scotland. Scotland Europa

6 New International Open Exchange Programme offers Top Scottish Researchers Global Gateway

The RSE has established a new international links and joint research For informal inquiries please contact programme of international grants projects, and to enable participation in Michael White or Jean Finlayson. Tel : which offers Scottish-based Researchers international research programmes 0131 240 5000. the chance to collaborate with the best such as Framework Six (FP6). email : [email protected] of their counterparts around the World. Applications for these short visits, of up Drawing upon the Society’s increased Open to all post-doctoral or equivalent to four weeks, are welcomed in all areas grant, announced by Scottish Executive Researchers working in Scottish of the natural sciences, social sciences, in October last year, the International research institutions, the International arts, letters and humanities. Launched Open Exchange Programme adds to the Open Exchange Programme gives in August, applications have already range of international opportunities Scottish-based Researchers the been received for the first round (now and support networks made available opportunity either to travel abroad to closed) of what is set to be a highly to Scottish-based researchers through advance their skills with research competitive competition, open to all the RSE. groups overseas, or to bring top Researchers in Scotland, not just RSE international Researchers to Scotland to Fellows. The closing date for the next share their ideas, insights and expertise. round is 30 November. Full details and The key objectives of these two-way application forms are available on the Sony Chief to Visit visits are: to enhance the research RSE website, www.royalsoced.org.uk The Corporate Advisor in charge of capabilities of individual researchers; semi-conductor technology at the Sony inititiate, support and develop Corporation, Dr Tsugio Makimoto, will visit Scotland on 6-7 October at the invitation of Scottish Development International. He will lecture at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Royal Society of Edinburgh on 7 October. (see page 10 for details). A delegation from the Chinese Convener. Discussions were productive, Academy of Sciences visited the RSE on with the Academy inviting the Society 19 August. The delegation consisted of to participate in a bilateral seminar in Professor Chen Zhu, Vice President, Beijing in March 2004. Stem Cell Research CAS and senior colleagues, including : This would involve RSE bringing Professor Kang Le, Professor Huang Challenges researchers from Scotland to give Hongwen, Professor Ren Hai, Professor presentations on a range of topics Jin Xinming, Mr Wang Zhenyu, Dr Xing including: botany; plant and animal Xuerong. genetics; animal cloning and stem cell While at the RSE the delegation met research; nutrition and human health; Professor Rona Mackie, International nanotechnology and optoelectronics. The legislation governing Stem Cell Research is to be discussed at an RSE forum in Brussels next month. The event, which will be held in Scotland Europa’s offices, Scotland House, will provide an opportunity for experts across a range of disciplines to examine various aspects of stem cell research. The economic, social, legal and ethical issues will be discussed by an invited audience comprising MEPs and staff from the Commission and other European organisations. The event, which was postponed from April to enable key players to attend, is being organised by the RSE in collaboration Photo byGary Doak with Scotland Europa and the Scottish Professor Rona MacKie, International Convener with Professor Chen Zhu, Vice-President, Stem Cell Network. Chinese Academy of Sciences. 7 Recent Events Genetics and Insurance: Can They Live Together?

Professor Angus MacDonald

Advances in human genetics seem to factors could quite well be ignored: allow us to quantify the costs of genetic cause excitement and fear in equal information that implies different information to individuals, in terms of measure: new understanding of insurance risks is no great threat unless possibly higher insurance premiums, diseases and new treatments, even it is so strong that it changes peoples’ and to insurers, in terms of being gene therapy, but also GM crops, behaviour. So the question is: will unaware of information about the true cloning, and the possibility of creating genetic testing, in future, reveal risks of risk of illness and premature death. a new ‘genetic underclass’. These are illness and premature death much more Broadly, they lead us to the conclusion people who would be turned away by extreme than knowledge of age, sex, that if insurers would agree to ignore insurance companies, or charged smoking habits and general health? the results of genetic tests (as they do unaffordable premiums, because their just now, except for very large policies) The answer in most cases is likely to be genes would reveal whether or not they it would have hardly any noticeable ‘no’. Many of the great advances in would die prematurely, or require effect. Research into common illnesses future will be into the genetic expensive medical treatment. Any kind is unlikely to find lots of clear-cut component of the major killers like of ‘underclass’ is a bad outcome. genetic risks to compete with smoking, heart disease and most cancers. Most poor diet and lack of exercise, and the On the other hand, as long as the NHS likely, they will uncover immensely single-gene disorders are rare enough continues to provide universal health complicated networks of interacting that a mature insurance market could care, the decision to buy life, health or gene variants, environments and absorb any extra costs, which would be other kinds of insurance is made lifestyles, within which the genetic very small. So, such models show that voluntarily, or largely so. An insurer has contribution will be hard to isolate, and the answer to our main question, most to ask, why does any particular even harder to measure. And, any of the time, is ‘yes, genetics and applicant want to buy insurance? Is it important ones that are identified insurance can live together’. If this genuine insurance against unforeseen ought to lead to better health, which is should be a surprise, it is perhaps events, or is that person in possession hardly an insurance problem. because arguments that proceed purely of information that suggests a greatly However, that leaves aside those rare from philosophical considerations elevated risk, such as a diagnosis of disorders where a defect in a single (abhorring discrimination) or purely cancer? The NHS would not work if gene really does signal a very high from commercial considerations people could opt out of paying taxes to chance of premature illness or death. (abhorring interference in the free fund it until they felt the need, and These were discovered long before market) make it less obvious, rather equally, private insurance does not genetic testing became possible, than more obvious, where to find the work if it can be obtained after the because they were exactly the diseases pragmatic ground upon which they event being insured against has that were seen to ‘run in families’, and might meet. become too likely to happen. in fact insurers have taken account of However, does this pragmatism solve a Insurance can cope quite well with such ‘family histories’ for a very long problem, or create a bigger one? What everyday risks, however. The cost of life time. To the extent that an ‘underclass’ about the person with a non-genetic insurance may depend on someone’s exists, it is not new; it is just that it only impairment that means they might be age, sex, smoking habits and general recently acquired the ‘genetic’ label, excluded from insurance? health, but until the signs are so bad and all the attention that that brings. that the chance of premature death is Summary of Professor MacDonald’s Actuarial models are mathematical excessive, this degree of variation lecture of 12 May 2003. models of the progression of diseases, neither creates any obvious ‘underclass’ the resulting mortality, and other Professor MacDonald is based at the nor leaves the insurance industry aspects of a person’s ‘life history’ can be Department of Actuarial Mathematics exposed to hidden information. In fact included too, such as when and why and Statistics, Heriot-Watt University. if social policy were to over-ride they choose to buy insurance. They commercial freedom, some of these

8 Scotland’s Drug Problem respond to the drug problem and to Chief Constable Brunstrom believes identify a way forward. Britain may be ready to have a mature debate on what it should do about A full conference report (ISBN 0 drugs. Professor McKeganey, in his 902198 73 4) has been published by summing up of the day’s proceedings, the Society, expressing the views of the echoed that view. He also said there conference, as follows : needed to be a greater willingness to There was clear dissatisfaction with, experiment. The importance of and frustration at, the current position, treatment was emphasised throughout which has left society paying a heavy the conference, but Professor price for its decision to declare certain McKeganey said this should mean more On 27 May, the Society brought substances illegal. It leaves too many than simply methadone. It should together a group of experts from the drug users without help or support, include a trial in Scotland of heroin UK and overseas, including Mr Hugh creates havoc in our communities, prescription, and other initiatives such Henry, MSP, Deputy Minister for Justice, drains resources and powers a crime as the establishment of safe injecting The Scottish Executive, Professor Neil wave that profits only the criminals who rooms. “Recovery from drug addiction McKeganey, Centre for Drug Misuse have caused it. There are powerful is not impossible. There is a way out of Research, Glasgow, Mr Robert Keizer, arguments in favour of considering drug addiction. We must do all we can Dutch Ministry of Health and Welfare, some alternatives. But what to help people find that way out.” alternatives? There appears to be no Dr Peter Reuter, University of Maryland, That may also be true for society at relationship between policy Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom, large. The best choice for the future interventions and prevalence. There is a North Wales Police, Mr Richard may be greater regulation. We need our clear need for more evaluation to Hartnoll, Europan Drug Consultant and politicians to be brave enough to gather firm evidence about what works. Mr Magnus Linklater, former Editor of examine the options. That can start The Scotsman, to examine how best to What should be done in the meantime? with an open and honest debate. The Fate of the Neanderthals

On 9 June, Professor Chris Stringer of humans, but most of these hypotheses One recent view holds that the the Natural History Museum examined imply Neanderthal adaptive inferiority. Neanderthals became extinct because the fate of the Neanderthals in the light they could not cope with the increasing More recently, with improved of recent DNA studies. open country environments of Europe archaeological, dating and around 30,000 years ago. The Cro- The Neanderthals evolved in Europe environmental evidence, it has been Magnons, who in this model were over at least 200,000 years of the possible to examine this time period in better adapted to the changing Pleistocene. But about 35,000 years greater detail. This has led to new ideas conditions, then simply colonised the ago, they were joined by early modern and a greater emphasis on vacant habitats. An alternative view is humans, known as Cro-Magnons. This palaeoclimatic or palaeoecological that extinction probably stemmed from period was also marked by the major factors in Neanderthal extinction, as various factors, including climatic technological and behavioural changes well as a recognition that Neanderthals instability and resource competition of the Upper Palaeolithic, apparently apparently shared many elements of from Cro-Magnons. Overall there was coinciding with the arrival of modern “modern” human behaviour. probably no single universal cause of people. The Neanderthals disappeared Increased knowledge of the vagaries of Neanderthal extinction, which actually soon afterwards, but the factors behind Europe’s climate over the past 100,000 took place across western Eurasia over their demise are still fiercely debated. years has been particularly influential. many millennia. But in western Europe, While some workers argue that Cores from the Greenland icecap, from increasing environmental instability incoming early modern populations the floor of the North Atlantic, and from probably both seriously reduced genetically absorbed them, other data lakebeds in continental Europe, reveal Neanderthal numbers and gave suggest that they became extinct. remarkable, rapid, short-term selective advantage to early modern Explanations for their extinction have oscillations in temperatures. These populations with greater technological ranged from suggestions of disease or show how severe the effects could have and social support for survival. warfare through to economic been on both Neanderthals and Cro- competition from early modern Magnons in reducing environmental capacity to support populations.

9 [email protected]

TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RSE EVENTS. To book tickets online, visit FORTHCOMING EVENTS www.royalsoced.org.uk or contact [email protected] for further information. OCTOBER 2003 Monday 6 October at 5.30pm Tuesday 7 October at 6pm Thursday 16 October at ** FREE PUBLIC LECTURE LECTURE 6.30pm How Cancer Chemotherapy Works Semiconductor Devices for Edinburgh Business School Auditorium, Professor John Smyth FRSE, Director of Entertainment Robots Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, University of Dr Tsugio Makimoto, Corporate Advisor, Campus Edinburgh Sony Corporation in charge of FREE PUBLIC LECTURE

Image courtesy of Professor Smyth This lecture semiconductor technology The Bionic Man will review the The historical background, current status Professor Chris Touamzou, Imperial development and future prospect of Entertainment College London of cancer Robots will be reviewed and in addition, We are entering an exciting new wave of chemotherapy the critical roles played by chip technology inspired by lifestyle, over the past technologies discussed. Entertainment healthcare and the environment. 25 years, Robots were introduced in the late Professor Touamzou’s lecture will show emphasising 1990s, with Sony’s AIBO, a dog-like how we can enhance biological functions the value of Entertainment Robot, being the first of with implantable microelectronics, non-curative its kind. Biped humanoid robots have explore the natural analogue physics of treatment in also been developed and will be silicon technology to replace biological prolonging introduced to the market in the not too behaviour, and demonstrate how a new quality of life. distant future. Entertainment Robots will generation of analogue computing Our understanding of the science behind continue to provide never-ending results can bring significant power these results will be put into the context challenges for chip engineers and will savings in security and of contemporary genetic research to become a new “technology driver” in the telecommunications applications. develop more selective treatments for coming decades. Attendance by For further information and to register cancers as chronic diseases. invitation. For further details please for this event please contact: Press and contact: Joan Serafini, Equator Events. Public Relations, Heriot-Watt University Tel : 0141 353 1444 Telephone: 0131 451 3444 or visit e-mail : [email protected] www.hw.ac.uk NOVEMBER 2003

Thursday 6-Friday 7 November Monday 10 November at 5.30pm CONFERENCE ** FREE PUBLIC LECTURE England and Scotland in Union Grand Challenges for Computing Research from 1603: Anglo-Scottish Professor Sir Tony Hoare FRS, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Ltd. Relations Grand challenges have made major contributions in many mature branches of science - Past, Present and Future astronomy, physics, mathematics, and (more recently) genetics. What are the grand The second part of a two-part conference challenges for research in computing? This lecture will report progress of an on-going to mark the 400th Anniversary of the exploration conducted by the computing research community in the UK. Union of the Crowns, will focus on Anglo-Scottish Relations since 1914 with Thursday 20 November at particular emphasis on the very recent 5.30pm past, the present and the future. FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Devolution was not an isolated event but Scotland’s Contribution to an important part of a process leading to Aviation an uncertain future for Anglo-Scottish Professor Dugald Cameron OBE, Former Relations. A wide range of speakers will Director of Glasgow School of Art and illustration by Professor Dugald Cameron, OBE review the impact of developments in the Professor Roddy Galbraith, Department constitution, politics, economy and of Aerospace Engineering, University of achievements, Professor Cameron will society on the evolving relationship Glasgow highlight Scotland’s contribution to between Scotland and England. Few attempted to fly before Orville and aviation, whilst Professor Galbraith will Contact [email protected] for Wilbur Wrights’ success in December talk about the past, present and future of full programme & registration details or 1903. In Scotland, Percy Pilcher began aerospace research at Scottish see www.royalsoced.org.uk or Tel 0131 flying his gliders in 1895, followed in the universities, with particular reference to 240 5000 and speak to a member of the 1900s by Preston Watson and the the only Aerospace Engineering events team. Registration fee £30. (£20 Barnwell brothers. In this the centenary Department in Scotland at Glasgow concessions) year of the Wright brothers’ University.

10 DECEMBER 2003

Monday 1 December at 5.30pm Monday 8 December at 6pm well as provision of guidelines and **FREE PUBLIC LECTURE FREE PUBLIC DISCUSSION FORUM targeted information, being key Do We Approve of A Jury System SARS – The Lessons Learned components. In recent decades several for Complicated Trials? Dr Valerie Delpech, Public Heath new seasonally-occurring infections with The Rt Hon Lord Penrose, Senator of the Consultant, SARS Team, Communicable the potential to cause havoc have College of Justice in Scotland and Diseases Surveillance Centre, Health emerged. SARS may show a similar Professor Gerry Maher, Commissioner of Protection Agency and Dr Martin pattern and there is a possibility it may the Scottish Law Commission Donaghy, Clinical Director, Scottish return and be imported into Scotland. We must be ready. Lord Penrose approves… Juries are an Centre for Infection and Environmental interface between public and Health professional elements of the criminal The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory justice system. There is no obvious class Syndrome (SARS) between February and for exclusion. Restricting the scope of July 2003 resulted in over 8000 probable solemn prosecution would undermine cases and presented major public health the role of juries and confer undue challenges worldwide. Few cases were discretion on the prosecutor. Our detected in the UK, although the domestic system should be altered where response was considerable, with early necessary and not radically reformed. detection, isolation and reporting, as Professor Maher does not approve… SARS Virus Differing modes of trial do not conflict with the principles of our criminal justice system. Key to this is whether or not some complicated cases revolve around what should be ‘jury’ questions. There are ways of resolving demarcation problems and reforming the procedures involved. JANUARY 2004

Monday 12 January at 5.30pm Monday 19 January at 5.30pm ** FREE PUBLIC LECTURE New Europe: World Views The Cause of Eating Disorders: the EDINBURGH LECTURE Individual, the Culture, or Both? In association with The Edinburgh Lectures Partnership and British Council Scotland Dr Chris P Freeman, Consultant Professor Danuta Hübner, Minister for European Affairs, Poland Psychiatrist, Royal Edinburgh Hospital Launched in 1992, the lectures were originally part of the celebrations during the UK’s and Dr Harry R. Millar, Consultant presidency of the European Union. The lectures are presented by a partnership of Psychiatrist, Eating Disorder Service, Royal organisations including Edinburgh City Council, The University of Edinburgh, The Society of Edinburgh, The National Museums of Scotland, The Scottish Arts Council and Eating disorders are The Scottish Executive, amongst others. Previous lecture series have included the commonest politicians, royalty, broadcasters, journalists and academics. This year the RSE is psychological delighted to welcome Polish Minister for Europe Danuta Hûbner. problem affecting Seats may be reserved in advance on payment of a handling charge of £3.00 per ticket young women in via the Box Office, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA, tel. 0131 228 1155, or Western society. Dr in person at the Assembly Rooms Box Office, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR Freeman’s talk will explore the complex interaction of psychological, social and cultural factors which cause eating disorders. Friday 23 January Dr Millar entitles his talk Eating Disorders SYMPOSIUM in Scotland: Hunger for Solutions. There Harnessing the Resource: Maximising the Contribution of Older Members has been an increasing demand for of Society services for eating disorders. Current Attendance is by invitation only. For futher information, please contact Sue Walker, responses to this demand and proposed Events Officer ([email protected]) future developments will be discussed.

** These Lectures form part of RSE Ordinary Meetings and may be preceded by Society Business, such as new Fellows signing the Roll, etc. 11 Free, fully organised educational activities for young Young People people throughout Scotland Summer Camp Physics Masterclasses Startup Science Masterclasses In conjunction with the University of Saturday morning Science masterclasses This year’s Summer Camp, Science in Glasgow for S1/S2 students, emphasising the our World took place at the University Aimed at enthusiastic S5 and S6 pupils, role of science, engineering and of Edinburgh, from 28 July to 1 August. each session comprises a mixture of technology in society. Students participated in a full talks and practical activities with These imaginative events offer programme of Physics Workshops by guidance and encouragement from accessible talks by experts, and also SCI FUN, team challenges and session leaders. enable students to investigate selected stimulating talks, such as Colourful Saturday 30 August. How to be a topics in greater detail, through hands- Chemistry; Who Wants to be a Weather Forecaster on, fun activities. Satellite imaging and its application to Startup Science Masterclasses will run weather forecasting. A workshop on through the autumn at the Universities preparing weather charts and how to of Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, present concise and accurate Heriot-Watt and Aberdeen/Satrosphere. information (Hosted by Heather Reid of BBC Scotland). Details will be available on the RSE website soon. Saturday 6 September. How to be a Bridge Designer Maths Masterclasses Weak shapes, strong shapes and their application to bridge design. A Further series of masterclasses will be workshop on building your own model held in the autumn term. Aimed at bridge followed by a competition to primary school children, the classes, at find out who made the strongest. Dundee, South Queensferry and Glasgow, aim to show that maths is fun Saturday 13 September. How to be and creative, whilst presenting children an Astronomer in their final years of primary school The motions of the stars and planets. A with challenging investigations, workshop on how to measure the Mathematician; Watts Burning - How designed to develop problem-solving, distance to the Moon, illustrated inside Hot are You?; The Invisible Power of Air; intuition and analytical skills. the inflatable Starlab planetarium. What Killed the Dinosaurs; Scotland Saturday 20 September. How to be a The Ben Nevis Observatory Rocket Scientist The mechanics of propulsion and its application to DIY rockets. A workshop on building your own water-propelled rocket followed by a competition to find which one flies the highest. Schools’ Lectures Lively entertaining talks to enthuse secondary school pupils about science, engineering, technology and maths. During her visit to Fort William in December 2002, to give the RSE 4 September The Sea: A Source of Christmas Lecture, Heather Reid, BBC new medicines for the Broadcast Meteorologist, was pictured 21st Century by Dr at the foot of Ben Nevis, with an image Andrew Mearns Spragg of the Ben Nevis Observatory. Opened as part of the Orkney in 1883, the Observatory took hourly Science Festival meteorological readings for twenty Rocks!; Inside Earth and The Hidden 12 September Win or Bust by years, providing data of international Strength of Paper, as well as visits to the Professor Neil Spurway renown. The Society took a prominent National Museum of Scotland’s at Inverurie Academy role in the establishment of the Granton store; the Royal Botanic and Torry Academy, Observatory and has title to the land on Gardens and the Royal Observatory of Aberdeenshire, as part which it was built Edinburgh. of TechFest [photo : Iain Ferguson]

12 Discussion Forum. Diet and Obesity. supported by the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh and the Rowett Research Institute.

Held at the Rowett Research Institute (RRI), Aberdeen, on 20 June, this discussion forum gave S5 and S6 students from in and around Aberdeen, access to expert speakers and the opportunity to discuss the medical, sociological, psychological and cultural issues surrounding obesity. After an introduction by Professor Dominic Houlihan, University of Aberdeen, the students listened to the views of Dr James Stubbs of RRI on Dietary Approaches to Weight Management; Dr Julian Mercer, also RRI, on Drug Treatment in Obesity, and Professor Iain Broom, on Clinical Aspects: Risk of Associated Diseases. Photos : Donald Stewart Photography. The Forum was then split into five workshop groups, each discussing individual aspects regarding obesity, with the aim of preparing a a presentation to be made For Information on the Young People’s before all the students later. Programme, contact Dr Harinee The findings of the forum will be published by the RSE and presented to key decision Selvadurai, [email protected] and policy makers.

What the students said

- there are no such things as - children were a vulnerable target be withdrawn after successful ‘healthy ‘or ‘unhealthy’ foods, - a for advertising on television, and treatment. balanced diet sometimes including advertising of ‘unhealthy’ products foods considered ‘unhealthy’ is the should be restricted. - fat and obese people are often best way to maintain health. subject to unfair stereotyping. - advertising does not affect eating - “thin” did not always mean habits for the better as advertising - attitudes towards the overweight “healthy”, as well as “fat” not of healthy foods is boring. can often be in part, fashioned by necessarily meaning “unhealthy”. the media. - there should not be a tax on food, - there is a real need for foods high but there could be a tax on the in fat, sugar and salt to carry advertisement of ‘unhealthy’ warning labels. The present foods. system of labelling is inconsistent, and incoherent. - obesity should be treated with a - it is not an individual’s duty to be combination of both healthy, as everyone should have drugs and lifestyle freedom of choice. However, all changes, in should be educated on the programmes tailored consequences of leading an for the individual. unhealthy lifestyle. - anti-obesity drugs - it would not be fair to make obese should be restricted people pay more tax. Not all to those people with obese people could help their life-threatening situation, so the tax would be obesity, and should unfair. Students reporting back on the views of their discussion group

13 Science Information for MSPs

The RSE, the Royal Society of Chemistry The topics for which the service is being · EARTH & ENVIRONMENT (e.g. and the Scottish Parliament Information offered in the pilot study will be: Biodiversity, ecology & conservation, Centre (SPICe) are launching a 1-year Environmental engineering, · AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & pilot Science Information Scheme for Resource Management, Weather, BIOLOGY (e.g. Animal biology, MSPs, in association with the Institute climate and earth processes) of Physics in Scotland and the University Animal husbandry, Fisheries, Plants/ of Edinburgh. crops) · HEALTH & MEDICINE (e.g. Biotechnology, Clinical medicine, · CHEMISTRY (e.g. Pollutants, The goal of this service will be to ensure Medical science, Psychology/ Chemical weapons, Petrochemicals) that all Members of the Scottish psychiatry) Parliament have access to reliable, rapid · CONSTRUCTION & · MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS (e.g. and impartial information on science, MANUFACTURING (e.g. Building statistics and probability) engineering and technology-related safety & design, Engineering) issues in order to help inform · PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY (e.g. · CRIME (e.g. Forensic science, Parliamentary debates on scientific Astronomy, Nuclear Science, Criminal psychology) issues; raise the profile of science in the Photonics and Lasers) Parliament and help ensure MSPs have · ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTING · TRANSPORT (e.g. Transport & road the opportunity to be informed by (e.g. Electronics and communications systems, Vehicle engineering, Fossil appropriately knowledgeable experts. technology; Computing and fuel emissions) information technology) The scheme, which will be launched on For further information about the 18 September at the Scottish · ENERGY (e.g. Electricity generation scheme, please contact the RSE’s Policy Parliament Committee chambers, will and storage, Energy efficiency, Officer (Dr Marc Rands). be operated through a group of 52 Pollution/environmental issues) Fellows, selected by the RSE’s Sectional Committee Chairs. These Fellows will act as topic co-ordinator “sign posts” directing MSP queries to the appropriate expert, who need not be a Fellow. Queries will be directed to these topic co-ordinators through the RSC Parliamentary Liaison Officer or SPICe.

© Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body 2003. All Parliamentary copyrights are reserved. Staff News

David Murray, who retired from the Society in recent months. Sheila Stuart Christel Baudere as Personnel and Society at the end of March, but who and Rebecca Gibson have joined the Administration Assistant from 15 had returned to work for us on a reception/admin team as their September. voluntary basis, sadly died quite replacements. Other internal moves intended to unexpectedly on 17 July 2003. To meet the demands of the Society’s streamline the running of the Society’s Sandra McDougall, Special Projects corporate plan and growing workload, activities have also taken place, with Dr Manager, retired on 30 June 2003, a restructuring of staff functions took Lesley Campbell now heading a Policy, after almost 29 years with the Society. place earlier in the year. Graeme Fellowship and Education team. Many Fellows took the opportunity to Herbert is now Director of Corporate The Scotland-wide Young People’s say farewell at the summer reception on Services, with responsibility for programme is being expanded and 28 August 2003, when the President provision of all internal services and Emma Faragher has been appointed to presented her with a retirement gift on external communications. In addition the new post of Education Assistant, behalf of the Fellowship. to the existing communications, created to facilitate this expansion. facilities, PR, finance and IT staff, Part-time receptionists Cathy Crawford Emma starts on 22 September. further support in this area will be and Elizabeth Bigelow both left the provided by the appointment of

14 Fellows’ Notice Board FELLOWS DECEASED BIRTHDAY HONOURS FELLOWS’ DISCUSSION SUPPER It is with much regret that we record We congratulate the following Fellows Thursday 11 December 2003. What the deaths of the following Fellows : who were honoured in the 2003 Do We Mean By Contemporary Art?, Professor William Cochran Birthday Honours List chaired by Professor Christina Lodder. Professor Nigel D C Grant ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Contact Sarah Gilmore in the events team for further details. Professor Ian S Hughes Dame Commander (DBE) Dr Rodney A Kempton Elizabeth Blackadder, Hon FRSE FELLOWS’ COFFEE MEETINGS Professor Edward M McGirr Officer (OBE) 7 October 2003 Sir Fraser Noble Professor Hugh Brown Sutherland The Euro in a United Europe. Lord Perry of Walton Sir John Shaw, CBE Professor D Geoffrey Smith The above meeting will be followed by Professor Paul D Sturkie OBITUARIES a buffet lunch, costing £10 per person. Mr Wattie J West The Society’s policy is to attempt to If you wish to attend the lunch, please obtain an obituary, preferably from the send a cheque made payable to “the GRANT APPLICATIONS Fellowship, for every deceased Fellow. In Royal Society of Edinburgh”, to Kirsty Fellows are reminded that they are order to speed up the process, the Francis, at the Society offices, before eligible to apply to the Society for a Society has enlisted the help of the Wednesday 1 October 2003. wide range of support Grants, from Curator, Dr Brenda Moon, who will be 4 November 2003 Travel Assistance to Support for assisted in this by Professor Ron Asher Imperialism Ancient and Modern. Conferences and Publications. The (Obituary Editor) and the Fellowship Professor John S Richardson Grants Committee meets quarterly and Office. Obituaries will in the first 2 December 2003 closing dates for applications are 30 instance be published on the Society’s Human Organs for Sale. November, 28 February, 31 May and 31 web site. Limited print runs of obituary Lord Kilpatrick of Kincraig August each year. Full details are volumes will be published periodically 13 January 2004 available on the RSE website or in the and will be available for Fellows who Fungi - What if they Went on Strike?. Fellows’ Annual Directory. wish to receive a copy. Professor Roy Watling 3 February 2004 Pilgrims, Nomads and Tourists : The AWARDS, APPOINTMENTS AND CITATIONS Changing Landscape of Faith. Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, Professor Jean Beggs has been Athens : to Professor Graham President awarded the Gabor Medal of the Royal Teasdale. 2 March 2004 Society for her contributions to the Edinburgh University : to Professor Don't Count your Chickens... isolation and manipulation of Philip Corbett, Professor Ian Dalziel , Professor J S Beck recombinant DNA molecules in a Professor Sir Graeme Davies, Professor eukaryotic organism. Sheila McLean, Professor Arthur DAVID HUME INSTITUTE Milner, Susan Rice, Professor David J Professor John Forfar has been PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS Wallace. awarded a Presidential Medal of the The Political Economy of Sustainable Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Heriot Watt University : to Ewan Development. On Thursday 2 October Health in recognition of the part he Brown, Dr David Miller, Professor 2003 in the Society’s Rooms, by played, as President of the British Roland Paxton, Professor Des Smith. Professor Sir Alan Peacock. Paediatric Association, in transforming St Andrews University: to Professor For further information please contact : that Association into a Royal College. Colin Vincent. Kathy Mountain, The David Hume The Royal Society. James Hough and Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas Richard Nelmes were recently elected Institute, 25 Buccleuch Place, has been awarded the 2003 Linus Fellows of the Royal Society of London. Edinburgh, EH8 9LN. Tel/Fax 667 9609. Pauling Gold Medal by Stanford Email: [email protected] University for his services to the The Royal Academy of Engineering advancement of science (the first non- recently elected James McDonald, John FELLOWS’ GOLF CHALLENGE American chemist to be so honoured. Roulston and Colin McInnes. Colin Fellows enjoyed a breezy day’s golf at McInnes is one of the youngest Fellows Honorary Degrees. Honorary Degrees Lundin Links, a championship qualifier ever of the RAE. have recently been awarded : course on 29 August. Some excellent Sarah Broadie Aberdeen University : to Sir Gerald The British Academy. scores were returned and Professor Henry Gordon, The Rt Hon Lord and Ian Deary have been elected Sean McKee and Sir Laurence Hunter MacLean, Professor Hugh Pennington, Fellows of the British Academy. tied for first place. Sir Laurence won on Professor Crispin Wright. count back and received the Stewart cup for the second time.

15 The Gannochy Innovation Award Dr Spruce also cites evidence that this treatment may tackle cancers that don’t respond well to conventional therapies, opening up new options and hope for some patients with more aggressive disease. Following an open competition run by The Royal Society of Edinburgh, the winner and runners-up were selected by a distinguished judging panel, Chaired by Lord Ross, comprising: Sir Bruce Pattullo; Professor Andy Walker; Dr Ian Sword and Chairman of Trustees of The Gannochy Trust, Dr Russell Leather. Many key figures in Scottish life assembled for the awards ceremony held at Scone Palace to learn who the winner of the top level contest would be. They and the three Finalists remained in suspense until Professor Sir James Black announced the judges’ decision to award The Gannochy Trust Innovation Award of the Royal Society of Edinburgh to Dr Barbara Spruce. Because of the outstanding quality of the other two Finalists’ entries, the judges decided this year to award silver medals to the runners-Up, Dr Axel Knebel and Dr Ian McEwan.

The Gold Medal. The Medals were designed by distinguished designer and engraver, Malcolm Appleby of Grandtully, Aberfeldy.

Sir James Black presents a silver medal to Dr Axel Knebel.

Dr Russell Leather, Chairman, the Gannochy Trust, with L-R Dr Ian McEwan, Dr Barbara Spruce, Dr Axel Knebel and Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, KT, FBA, PRSE.

Sir James Black, OM, FRS, HonFRSE Dr Russell Leather Dr Ian McEwan, with his silver medal. Photos by John Glen Photography COPY DATE ADDRESS INFORMATION The copy date for the next issue is 22-26 GEORGE STREET website: www.royalsoced.org.uk 31 October 2003. Please send copy to EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk Jennifer Cameron at the Society. EH2 2PQ e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Any opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Tel: 0131 240 5000 ReSourcE : ISSN No 1473-7841 all RSE Fellows Fax: 0131 240 5024 replaces RSE News