ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2014

Ther Newsletteres ofourc Scotland’s National Academye

As the decision date fast approaches, many are still uncertain about how to vote in the Referendum. The RSE has published a book which aims to inform the debate around the critical areas that will shape the future of Scotland and the UK. The book is not intended to influence the outcome either way, but is a highly-informed and impartial analysis of the facts. Details inside of where to access the book online.

Also featured in this issue: RSE Inquiry into digital inclusion Latest activities of Young Academy of Scotland Arts & Humanities funding available now resource SUMMER 2014

Enlightening the Constitutional Debate In April 2014, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the British Academy published Enlightening the Constitutional Debate, which is the record of a series of events held between March 2013 and April 2014, addressed by the UK’s foremost experts and thinkers, examining the main issues surrounding the debate on Scottish independence. The following issues were covered: • Scotland and the EU • Currency & Banking and Financial Services • Taxation and Spending • Defence and International Relations • The Economy • Culture and Broadcasting • Borders, Immigration and Citizenship • Science & Higher Education • Welfare & Public Services The book, with an introduction by Professor Alan Alexander, General Secretary of the RSE and Professor Iain MacLean, Vice-President of the British Academy, runs to more than 250 pages across ten chapters, and has been made available free of charge, in order to share it with as many people as possible. The immediate public response was overwhelming. Hundreds of copies left the RSE offices every day in the first weeks, and requests were received from as far afield as the United States, Canada and New Zealand. It soon became apparent that a second print run was required and the online version was continuously downloaded from the RSE website. It was then made available as an Ebook, which again proved extremely popular. A constant theme throughout our series was that of The public must have better access to facts and expert analysis uncertainty, and the acknowledgement of so-called ‘known on what Scottish independence really means for the unknowns’: EU membership; NATO; the division of assets communities that will live with this historic decision. Earlier in and liabilities; the future of the BBC. To these examples, the year, a poll by What Scotland Thinks found that more than we should add the biggest continuing ‘unknown’, the future half of those surveyed felt they did not have enough knowledge of the pound, fiscal policy and monetary policy. Voters in the to decide how to vote in the Referendum. Referendum should, therefore, be enabled to make their As well as the need for more information, a number of other decisions on the basis of the best available information. themes emerged from the events that led to the book. One of Alan Alexander OBE (General Secretary of the Royal Society these is the fact that, whatever the outcome of the Referendum, of Edinburgh, Emeritus Professor of Public Sector the status quo is not going to remain. Things will change, either Management at Strathclyde Business School and a former with independence or, as the full provisions of the Scotland Act Chair of Scottish Water) comments: (2012) come into effect, providing new powers to the Scottish Parliament, most notably on taxation and borrowing. “What we offer is not a view on one side or the other, for both academies are entirely non-aligned in the Referendum All the main Unionist parties in Scotland have signalled that debate. The book presents a comprehensive and factual they would like further spending powers for the Scottish account, from the UK’s leading experts, of what may be on Parliament. But that requires devolving more tax powers, offer. We hope that it will help people to fill some of the which of course raises more difficulties. Rates of VAT may information gaps that remain.” not normally be varied within a single EU member state. An independent Scotland could vary rates of Corporation Tax, but recent concerns about the tax affairs of multinationals suggest Read the book online or download as a PDF that such a move would not be without risk for either Scotland or the rest of the UK. The only remaining taxes of any or e-Book – visit: www.royalsoced.org.uk consequence are the rest of income tax and National Insurance.

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The Book Launch The series culminated in an event on Tuesday 8 April at which many of the discussion threads were brought together in a final debate. Held at the National Galleries in the Hawthordon Lecture Theatre (right), the event also saw the launch of the book. The capacity audience had the first opportunity to receive their copies of the free book and to listen to and question the eminent panel. Chaired by Dr Magnus Linklater CBE FRSE, the panel comprised: Professor John Curtice FRSE; Professor Sir Ian Diamond FBA FRSE; Professor John Kay FBA FRSE; Dr Phillips O’Brien; and Professor Jeremy Peat OBE FRSE. The evening was introduced by RSE President, Sir John Arbuthnott.

We were very sorry to learn of the untimely death of Professor Ailsa McKay, in March 2014. Professor McKay (7 June 1963–5 March 2014) was a Scottish economist, a leading feminist economist and Professor of Economics at Glasgow Caledonian University; she was also an adviser to the United Nations. Professor McKay took part in the debate on Welfare and Public Services, held on 20 November 2013 at the Barony Hall at the University of Strathclyde. Details of that discussion can be found on pages 200–219 of the book.

RSE Council Statement on Research Funding and the Referendum The RSE has a particular interest in the effect that constitutional change might have on the future of research and higher education. On 11 June 2014, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Michael Russell MSP addressed a meeting of RSE Fellows and members of the Young Academy of Scotland on this subject. The RSE has recently published a statement of the views of Council. The main conclusion of Council was that a number of areas need greater clarification from both the Scottish Government and the UK Government. The outstanding issues identified by Council in the event of a ‘Yes’ vote are: • Is it feasible to create a sustainable common research area with the rUK?; • What happens if it is not possible to set up a common research area with rUK?; • How would an independent Scotland fund and/or secure access to major capital-intensive research infrastructure?; • What position would major research Charities adopt toward an independent Scotland?; • How long would a ‘no detriment’ assurance on funding last?

The full statement, and a summary of the Fellows’ meeting at which the Cabinet Secretary spoke, can be found on the RSE website at: www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/events/reports/2013-2014/Statement-on-Research-Funding.pdf

3 resource SUMMER 2014 Spreading the Benefits of Digital Participation The RSE’s digital participation inquiry The Report recognises that the finds that Scotland’s most marginalised Scottish Government’s current digital communities are being denied the infrastructure programme will deliver opportunities offered by a digital society. significant improvements in broad- band quality and speed for many, but Extremes of digital exclusion and that it will not be sufficient to make inclusion in Scotland are much wider Scotland a ‘world-class’ digital nation than previously thought, with almost by 2020. It calls also for better use to one in five Scottish households (18%) be made of publicly-held connections in postcodes where most of their and equipment in libraries, schools neighbours are likely to be offline. and other community facilities and New analysis set out in the Report of the highlights pilot initiatives exploring RSE’s Inquiry, Spreading the benefits of innovative models of affordable digital participation, published on connection to the internet. Further, 30 April, identifies pockets of extreme the Report emphasises that technology, digital exclusion which are more prevalent software and websites must be made in areas already facing some other form accessible for everyone, including of isolation. Some of these communities people with additional needs. are in remote parts of rural Scotland, but Digital inclusion initiatives that aim to many more are in towns and cities, motivate people to get online and concentrated amongst the poor and the equip them with the skills to do so will elderly. These communities must be seen be most successful when delivered at Furthermore, information and digital as priorities for digital inclusion action, if local level, and tailored to specific needs literacy must be embedded within formal Scotland’s digital transformation is to and interests. The ‘network effect’ will education and workplace learning. underpin a strong and fair society. be crucial in gaining a critical mass of digital However, the Report emphasises that The result of an extensive consultation participation within a community, key to the Government’s focus must not be process which took evidence from encouraging others within that solely on getting more people online. individuals, organisations and businesses community to get involved. However, Technology has so altered every aspect from the Borders to the Shetland Islands, with some 1.2 million people in Scotland of our lives that a digital society has the Report calls on the Scottish lacking the essential information and ethical and moral responsibilities to Government to recognise that every digital skills needed to get online, central revisit key issues such as surveillance, individual has an undeniable right to coordination of these initiatives by the anonymity, trust, copyright, privacy and digital inclusion and assume overall Scottish Government, in partnership with freedom of speech, to ensure that the accountability to ensure that it is SCVO, is crucial to meet the scale of the risks of going online do not outweigh available and accessible to all. It makes challenge. Latest analysis suggests that an the benefits. Governments must respect recommendations to the Scottish and additional investment in basic digital skills and protect our rights and freedoms UK Governments and their public, training of at least £100 million is online, as well as offline. private and third sector partners on urgently required. the approach and actions required to address Scotland’s digital divide. Universal digital inclusion can only be The Final Report can be found on our website at: achieved when everyone has affordable http://www.royalsoced.org.uk/1136_FinalReport.html access to the internet, the motivation to and is also available to download as an E.book at: get online, and the skills to be able to do http://rse.publishingthefuture.info/publication/spreading-the-benefits-of-digital-participation so safely, confidently and creatively.

Launch of the Report The report was launched on Wednesday 30 April 2014 at the The key findings and recommendations of the Inquiry Informatics Forum, University of Edinburgh (images right). were presented by Professor Michael Fourman FRSE, The Inquiry had gathered evidence throughout Scotland Chair of the Inquiry, and Professor Alan Alexander OBE and across the public, private and third sectors on FRSE, Co-Chair and RSE General Secretary. A lively Q&A Scotland’s transformation to a digital society. session followed.

4 resource SUMMER 2014 The RSE @ the Fringe Monday 4 August 2014 at 15.40 hrs (for one hour) Stand in the Square The Internet: A Human Right? (St Andrews Square, Fringe Festival Venue 372) The internet has unleashed the power of information, for good or ill. Society cannot function without it. Yet two thirds of the world’s population and almost one in six people in Scotland have never used the internet. Should no one be excluded? Or do we need a right to remain offline? Should individuals and corporations have unfettered rights to wield the power of information? Or should only governments’ rights be unfettered? Join us for a lively debate led by Professor Michael Fourman, University of Edinburgh, Chair of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s recent Inquiry into Spreading the benefits of digital participation.

How to book Tickets for this event cost £5 and can be purchased from: the Edinburgh Fringe Festival website, www.edfringe.com/whats-on/spoken-word/internet-a-human-right; by telephone 0131 226 0000; or in person at the Fringe Box Office, 180 High Street, EH1 1QS This event is part of The 2014 Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas curated by the Beltane Network, in partnership with Fair Pley and The Stand.

The Report was received enthusiatically by a capacity audience at the Informatics Forum (above left). A lively Q&A session (left) followed presentations by Professor Alan Alexander (above right) and Professor Michael Fourman (right).

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Interdisciplinary Learning in Scottish Schools The Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish Science Education (LSG) was formally launched at the RSE on 28 May 2012, as a result of concerns about, and an awareness of the need to contribute to, major reforms in the delivery of science education in Scottish schools. Coordinated by the RSE, other representatives on the group are drawn from the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Society of Biology, the British Computer Society, the Association for Science Education and the Engineering Policy Group in Scotland. Further information about the Group is available online at: www.royalsoced.org.uk/1076_Learned SocietiesGrouponScottishEducation.html Jointly with the STEM Education Committee (STEMEC) which advises the Scottish Government, the LSG has recently been taking forward work aimed at embedding interdisciplinary learning (IDL) in Scottish school education. skills. Here, IDL lets learners transfer and apply their knowledge into other areas and to gain a deeper understanding of the inter- In the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), the transformative relatedness of disciplines and phenomena. Ultimately, then, IDL programme for age 3–18 education in Scotland, IDL is one of must be founded on strong disciplinary knowledge. Interdisciplinary the four ‘contexts for learning’, sitting alongside the more understanding will lack rigour and utility if it is not part of a familiar curriculum areas and subjects. However, IDL is not structure in which the disciplines are pillars with interdisciplinary as well established as it is intended. work as lintels. Without the pillars, the lintels will fall. IDL requires a clear understanding of the nature, benefits and The practice of IDL in STEM subjects broadens an awareness of limitations of the disciplines on which it is founded. Disciplines career opportunities and helps stimulate the curiosity and are branches of learning characterised by distinct areas of motivation of learners, especially where the contexts of IDL are study, with concepts, theories, skills, tools and applications, real-world issues, such as climate change. In addition to and are inhabited by groups of like-minded people with a promoting skills, such as ‘systems’ thinking, synthesis and shared disciplinary language. In our schools, they equate to evaluation, IDL also encourages co-operative learning, involving familiar subjects, such as maths, biology or history, which teamwork and self-direction, thus rehearsing practices that are give rigour and structure to the development of knowledge. common in the learner’s future workplace. Most disciplines have been established in British education for Implementation of IDL currently appears to be lagging behind a century or more. Disciplinary communities guard their the wider roll-out of CfE. Addressing this should be a high boundaries in competition with other subjects, yet it is in the priority. The LSG and STEMEC have therefore brought together gaps between – the interdisciplinary areas – that major representatives from key agencies and organisations across research insights, advances in knowledge and economically- Scottish education, including the Scottish Government, and socially-important innovations occur. This is where Education Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, the Scottish education now needs to turn its attention. General Teaching Council for Scotland, the Association of Key to developing IDL is the recognition that the more Directors of Education, universities, colleges, parent groups and fundamental the idea or skill that has been learned, the greater teaching unions. The purpose of this has been to agree on the should be its breadth of applicability to problems and its conditions and elements that are necessary to enable teachers transferability to other areas of learning. By contrast, if learning to implement IDL in practice in Scottish education and how, merely comprises knowledge or skills that are not connected to working in partnership, this is to be achieved. In doing so, a a disciplinary framework, it is likely to be quickly forgotten. national five-year programme of action supporting the development and delivery of IDL has been established. In good IDL, learners tackle relevant and practical questions which allow them not simply to make connections between By working together to develop and strengthen IDL, we can two or more disciplines – not in itself a bad thing – but also to help young people to develop the skills they will need in their draw on, develop and enrich their disciplinary knowledge and training and careers.

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Thursday 4 September Monday 29 September Thursday 16 October 2014 at 6 pm 2014 at 6 pm 2014 9 am–1 pm LECTURE LECTURE HALF-DAY Invasive Species – Cancer Genomes for CONFERENCE Friends or Foes? Cancer Care Engineering the Future Professor Chris D Thomas, Professor Andrew Biankin, Scotland Department of Biology, Director, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Deputy Chief Constable Neil University of York; and Research Centre and Regius Chair Richardson, Police Scotland; Dr Niall Moore, Head of the of Surgery, University of Glasgow Dr Bill Maxwell, Chief Executive, Non-native Species Secretariat Education Scotland; for Great Britain. Iain Murray, Operations Director & Andy Brechin, Quality Manager Employer Delivery Team, Forth Replacement Crossing

Professor Andrew Biankin is the Director of the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research The purpose of the conference is to explore Centre and Regius Chair of Surgery at ways in which different enterprises might the University of Glasgow. His primary work together to share ideas that may lead scientific focus is on the molecular to improved outcomes. The verb `to engineer' Here Today, Worse Tomorrow pathology of pancreatic cancer, the has the connotation of solving complex Invasive non-native species are one of development of early detection and problems skilfully. For example `business the most important causes of biodiversity novel therapeutic strategies based on process re-engineering' is a business loss worldwide. Unlike other parts of the molecular phenotyping and the delineation management strategy. It is not suggested biosecurity agenda, non-native species and implementation of biomarkers that that the application of engineering methods have long been relatively ignored. facilitate clinical decision making. will solve all complex problems; but it is Dr Niall Moore will discuss how more He contributes to the International suggested that those seeking to `re-engineer' decisive action now might prevent the Cancer Genome Consortium through their enterprises should consider whether increasing trend in biodiversity loss. extensively characterising the genomic, strategies used by professional engineers An Alien Future transcriptomic and epigenomic aberrations may be appropriate in their contexts. Non-native, foreign, alien or invasive in pancreatic cancer, and is extending Information about these strategies, how species are just species. They are no this knowledge to a personalised model they are applied and how they may be better and no worse than 'native' species. of cancer care, where molecular applied over a range of contexts will be Professor Chris Thomas will discuss the characteristics guide treatment decisions. presented, leading to discussion about how enterprises may `move forward'. difficulty in maintaining an attitudinal This lecture forms part of an RSE distinction between native and non-native Ordinary Meeting and so will be Tickets: £50. Reduced rate: £30 (available species in the Anthropocene, an epoch preceded by Society business, such to students, retired people, RSE and RAEng during which the majority of species are as Fellows signing the Roll. Fellows and members of IESIS. Limited shifting their distributions. Supported by Scottish Cancer number of reduced rate places available. Supported by Scottish National Heritage Foundation and the Cruden Foundation Organised in partnership with IESIS & RAEng Tickets are required for all RSE Events, which are open to all and normally free to attend, but registration is required. To register, please contact the Events Team – 0131 240 2780 – [email protected] or go online at: www.royalsoced.org.uk. (Some events may carry a charge - please check individual details). Please note that many RSE events run to full capacity. If you book a place at any event but are unable to attend, please inform the Events Team so that your place can be reallocated. 7 resource SUMMER 2014 Work with Young People

2013/14 Young People’s Discussion Forum The Mystery of Movement The Mystery of Movement took place on 21 February 2014 at St Matthew’s Academy, Saltcoats, North Ayrshire and involved 39 pupils. The event used parkour and dance to illustrate different aspects of human movement, such as balancing, jumping and spinning and looked into the science behind these movements. The day began with a brief introduction to dance, parkour and biomechanics and to the various careers involved with these subjects and the participants were encouraged to think about how physical activities make them feel in their bodies. An initial question was posed to pupils: Everyday movement is mysterious enough, but what happens to our bodies when we take part in demanding physical activities and what makes us want to go beyond ‘the everyday’?

The next section of the day was a practical session where pupils were given the opportunity to try out different movements associated with parkour and dance, such as jumping, balancing and spinning. This was to allow pupils to experience first hand what happens to their bodies when trying these moves and demonstrated that by changing different aspects of these movements, they could be improved. The moves were demonstrated and supervised by trained professionals. Parkour is an holistic training discipline using movement that developed from The final section of the day military obstacle course training. comprised research and Practitioners aim to get from A to B discussion. Pupils were divided in the most efficient way possible. into four groups and asked to They do this using only their bodies research different topics and to and their surroundings to propel plan and deliver presentations themselves; furthermore, they try to encourage discussion with to maintain as much momentum as the rest of the groups. is possible in a safe manner. Parkour The four discussion topics were: can include obstacle courses, running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, • The fear behind parkour; rolling, quadrupedal movement and • The physiological differences the like, depending on what and sociocultural implications for males and females who dance; movement is deemed most suitable for the given situation. • The usefulness of biomechanical assessment for parkour and dance; Parkour is a non-competitive activity, • What has motivated mankind to go beyond what might be called ‘everyday’ movement. which can be practised alone or with The topics stimulated a lot of interesting discussion and it was clear from the others. It can be practised in any comments and feedback that pupils were able to identify and understand the location, but is usually practised in biomechanical elements of physical activity and what happens to us physically urban spaces. Parkour involves seeing and mentally whilst taking part in these activities. one's environment in a new way, and imagining the potentialities for A teacher resource pack is being produced and will be made available so that movement around it. schools throughout the country will be able recreate the day themselves.

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The S5 & 6 pupils from St Matthew’s Academy thoroughly enjoyed their day in the gym and learnt a great deal about science, exercise and about themselves. (Below right) RSE Fellow, Dr Roger Scrutton, Deputy Convenor of the RSE’s Young People’s Committee, could not resist trying out some of the moves from the dance practical.

School Feedback • This event will help me to make decisions for my career • Parkour was my favourite part – loved learning how to do it and general life. S6 Pupil from St Matthew’s Academy and overcoming fears. S6 Pupil from St Matthew’s Academy • I want to do sports science at uni and P.E. teaching so today • Today helped me learn how to overcome fears and push was very useful for me. S5 pupil from St Matthew’s Academy myself. S5 pupil from St Matthew’s Academy

RSE@ Programme 2014–15: Scottish Borders The RSE will be seeking support from Royal Society of Edinburgh Outreach Programme individuals, organisations and charitable foundations with links to the region, or Recent RSE@ programmes in Arbroath, Dumfries & Galloway and Lochaber who feel the project is worthwhile. have all been well received by local schools, community groups and the public. The Scottish Borders has been selected as the region for the next If you would be interested in making a RSE@ Programme. Drawing on input from the local community, the financial donation or contributing a expertise of RSE Fellows and other experts, it is proposed that this new school talk, workshop or public lecture programme of inspirational educational talks, discussion forums and to the programme, please contact: workshops for school-aged children and the wider public in the Scottish Kate Kennedy, RSE Project Officer – Borders will commence in September 2014 and will run until June 2015. [email protected]

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JOHN MOYES LESSELLS TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP These Scholarships arise from a bequest from the late Professor John Moyes Lessells, an eminent mechanical engineer who emigrated to the USA in 1920. The Scholarships are for Honours Graduates from Scottish Universities, in all forms of Engineering, who wish to study some aspect of their profession outwith the UK. Scholarships may be awarded for periods of one week up to one year, although generally periods of between two and five months are preferred. Recipients of the Scholarships must indicate that they intend to return to the UK after their period of study overseas.

On 15 January, the RSE welcomed back the 2012 and 2013 recipients of the JM Lessells Travel Scholarships. The recipients presented their scholarship experiences and outcomes of their time spent abroad to the Lessells Committee. The Committee heard from scholars from a range of engineering disciplines who had travelled as far afield as The Netherlands, USA, Canada, Bangladesh, China and Japan. Some of the scholars sum up their experiences in the following accounts:

Konstantinos Margaris Department of Bioengineering, University of Strathclyde Visiting Texas A&M University was a very productive experience. The J M Lessells Travel Scholarship allowed me to work in the leading research institute in lymphatic biology and study the flow in lymphatic vessels using a method developed at Strathclyde University. During my visit, we performed the first ever two-dimensional quantitative flow measurements inside contracting lymphatic vessels. We now have a tool to study lymphatic function at a fundamental level, as well as to extend the method towards physiological measurements in vivo. At a personal level, this visit has allowed me to gain skills, not only in lymphatic biology, but also in project management; for example, managing tasks and budgets. At an academic level, it helped me forge research collaborations with leading academics.

Kyle Crombie UK Biochar Research Centre, School of Geoscience, University of Edinburgh Biochar is a porous carbonaceous substance produced through slow pyrolysis which could lead to the safe and long-term storage of carbon in the environment, whilst also potentially enhancing soil fertility. I spent two months at Cornell University alongside some of the world’s leading experts in biochar research, which in itself was hugely beneficial to my career. The project’s aim was to analyse biochar samples, produced from a range of production conditions, using a unique analytical procedure created at the UK Biochar Research Centre for assessing biochar stable carbon. This procedure involved treating biochar samples with chemical and thermal oxidation to simulate long-term environmental oxidation in a matter of days. Results showed that whilst higher temperature pyrolysis reduced the yield of biochar, the amount of stable carbon remained largely unchanged; even increasing in some cases as temperature was increased. These findings are vital to demonstrating that more severe pyrolysis conditions can actually increase the C sequestration potential of biochar, as well as provide additional heat/power generation through improved liquid and gas yields.

Ashak Ashekuzzaman Environmental Technology and Management Research, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University I am a PhD candidate in Water and Environmental Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University. As part of my present research activities, it was pertinent to conduct a field study in Bangladesh in order to demonstrate arsenic removal performance of our developed Mg–Fe–Cl layered double hydroxides (LDH) from real contaminated groundwater. The J M Lessells Travel Grant has enabled me to reach this research target. The outcomes are very promising in terms of removal performance, stability, re-usability and applicability of our synthesized LDHs. This study is vital in order to develop an innovative approach for feasible and easily applicable low-cost arsenic removal technology. These outcomes could lead to a scientific publication in a peer-reviewed high impact factor international journal.

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Srikanta Sharma School of Medicine, Nursing and Dentistry in collaboration with College of Life Sciences, Wellcome Trust, University of Dundee The second most common cause of cancer deaths in the developed world is bowel cancer. It is readily treated when detected early, but lack of symptoms until late in the disease means that most patients present too late. Improving the ability to detect and classify lesions as early as possible is vital. The aim of my PhD project is to develop and test high-resolution ultrasound scanning (HRUS) tools to detect lesions during colonoscopy and determine their potential to progress to malignancy. I used the Lessells travel grant to visit the lab of Professor Jeremy Brown at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, which is world leading in HRUS transducer design. Professor Brown’s research is focused on developing a miniaturised phased array endoscope for imaging the inner ear cochlea. My project successfully extrapolated the matching layer technology developed for auditory imaging to ultrasound devices for screening and diagnosis of early-stage GI tract cancers qualitatively and quantitatively. The new HRUS transducer developed has higher sensitivity and spatial resolution.

RSE Funding & Awards – available now .... RSE/Scottish Government Arts & Humanities Awards

Research Networks are designed to create and/or to consolidate collaborative partnerships over a two-year period. Funding for each Network is up to a maximum of £20,000. Further information can be found at: www.royalsoced.org.uk/872_ResearchNetworksinArtsandHumanities.html Research Workshops are designed to encourage collaborative investigation into a research proposition that is at an early stage of its development. Funding for each Workshop is up to a maximum of £10,000. Further information can be found at: www.royalsoced.org.uk/870_ResearchWorkshopsinArtsandHumanities.html Small Grants are designed to support personally conducted research. Funding available for Small Grants is from £500 up to £7,500 per award. Further information can be found at: www.royalsoced.org.uk/871_SmallResearchGrantsinArtsandHumanities.html

Arts & Humanities are defined by the following subjects: Language; Literature; History; Creative and Performing Arts; Philosophy; Theology; and Law. The A&H awards programme is funded by the Scottish Government and all the awards made must contribute to one or more of the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes. Details of these are available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/About/scotPerforms/outcomes For further information contact: Anne Fraser – [email protected] or Colleen Tait – [email protected]

Applications must be received by 5 pm on Monday 15 September 2014.

11 resource SUMMER 2014 The Young Academy of Scotland Latest news from the Young Academy The RSE Young Academy of Scotland (YAS) has now completed its third recruitment cycle. The aim was to increase the current membership of 113 to around 150, at which number it is hoped membership will stabilise in the future. However, the calibre of the 110 applications received was such that 43 new members were selected at the meeting of the Trustees of the RSE Scotland SCIO on 24 June 2014, bringing the current membership to 156. The average age of Excellence in Education the new members is 37, 46% of whom are female and 26% practitioners. At the end of last year, this group scripted and filmed twelve videos The new members will be inducted at the RSE on Tuesday 26 August and will to create a learning resource within have the opportunity to join any of the ten working groups which are currently the framework of the Curriculum for actively pursuing various projects. Some of these activities are highlighted here. Excellence. This resource, working within the Numeracy curriculum area, Research the Headlines utilised the broad multi-disciplinary nature of the YAS membership to show how numeracy matters in the everyday lives and work of Scotland’s emerging leaders. Learners can, for example, find out how Cardiologist Marc Dweck (pictured below) uses numeracy in the diagnosis and The Research the Headlines blog has been going from strength to strength. Since its treatment of heart attacks, discover inception last year, over 60 blog pieces at a rate of two or three per week have been how astrophysicist Catherine Heymans released, with posts coming from as many as 16 different disciplines on topics ranging (pictured below) uses spread sheets from weather forecasting to literacy skills to diabetes. To celebrate its one-year when buying a new mobile phone anniversary in August, the Young Academy will be launching a ‘How to Research the and, most importantly, find out why Headlines’ competition for primary schools and universities. This competition will 'Numeracy Counts'. All videos are offer students the opportunity to write their own blog pieces about the portrayal of available on the Young Academy research in the media. In preparation, the blog has initiated a series of 'how to' tips. website and YouTube channel. Starting with 'Don't stop at the headline', these tips will be released fortnightly for the next few months. Please help spread the word by following the blog on WordPress and sharing posts on twitter and Facebook: http://researchtheheadlines.org/

Computing in Schools The YAS working group ‘Computing in Schools’, has been awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious Grant. In conjunction with Lambda Jam, this group will be running the First Lego League in Scotland in 2014. The grant of £29,971 has been given in order to run two competitions, one in the Central Belt and one in the north. This funding will help to broaden participation both economically and geographically by setting up a network of volunteers who will go into their local schools and mentor participating teams. These volunteers will receive training in outreach, and as well as inspiring children in the competition, the Ingenious Grant will enable a number of Lego Mindstorm sets to be bought and lent to schools that do not have them, allowing them to participate. It will also assist in promoting the event and interacting with potential sponsors, to set the competition on a firmer footing for future years.

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Future Young Academy Events Two of the RSE Young Academy of Scotland’s newest working groups, ‘Industry’ and ‘Arts, Humanities and Society’, are planning separate events in October. For more information please go to the YAS website nearer the time or email Sam Webb – [email protected]. Thursday 2 October 2014 at the RSE In conjunction with the RSE Enterprise Fellowship and the Saltire Foundation Fellowship schemes, the Young Academy of Scotland Industry working group is planning a networking event. This event will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, create new contacts and discuss enterprise with peers from multiple organisations. Wednesday 8 October 2014 at the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood As well as a series of workshops in the upcoming year, the Young Academy of Scotland’s ‘Arts, Humanities and Society’ working group is planning an event at the Scottish Parliament. This showcase event will consist of an exhibition of the contributions of the Arts and Humanities to society and social policy and will include a panel discussion and debate.

For more information on all of these projects and others, please visit the Young Academy of Scotland website: www.youngacademy.org.uk

Friends of the RSE FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY CORPORATE PARTNERS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH

If you would like to know more about the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Friends of the Society initiative, or if your organisation may be interested in joining the scheme, please contact: Nicole Harrington, Development Officer – 0131 240 2785 – [email protected]

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We offer our congratulations to our Fellows who recently have been honoured in the following ways: In April 2014, the following Fellows were elected to other Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE learned Societies: Professor Boulton, Regius Professor of Geology and Mineralogy Emeritus, University of Edinburgh has been awarded a Royal Medal by the Royal The Learned Society of Wales: Geographical Society. (RGS). Professor Geoffrey Gadd Boulton received this year’s Founder Boyd Baxter Professor of Biology, University of Dundee, Medal for the development and promotion of glaciology at a ceremony The full list of new Fellows is availabe here: in London on 9 June 2014. Previous http://learnedsocietywales.ac.uk/ recipients include David Livingstone, Jacques Cousteau and Sir David Attenborough HonFRSE.

The Academy of Medical Sciences: Professor Susan J Smith Andrew Peter Jackson At the same ceremony, Professor Smith, Programme Leader, MRC Human Genetics Unit, and Mistress, Girton College, University of Hon. Consultant Clinical Geneticist, University of Edinburgh Cambridge, was awarded the RGS Victoria Medal for conspicuous merit in Angus Iain Lamond FRS research in human geography. Professor of Biochemistry, University of Dundee The full list of new Fellows is available here: http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/fellows/fellowship-news/new-fellows/ Professor John A Peacock The Shaw Prize Foundation announced the Shaw Laureates for 2014 in May. The Royal Society: The Shaw Prize in Astronomy was (John) Paul Attfield awarded in one half to Daniel Eisenstein, Professor of Materials Science at Extreme Conditions, Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University of Edinburgh University, USA and the other half in equal shares to Shaun Cole, Professor Michael Benton of Physics, Durham University, UK and Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of Bristol to RSE Fellow, Professor John A Peacock, Peter Keightley Professor of Cosmology in the Institute Professor of Evolutionary Genetics, University of Edinburgh for Astronomy, University of Edinburgh. Professor William Henry Irwin McLean Professor of Human Genetics, University of Dundee James Naismith Dr Marc Mangel CorrFRSE Professor of Chemical Biology, University of St Andrews Professor Mangel was awarded the Miles Padgett degree of Doctor of Science, honoris Kelvin Chair of Natural Philosophy, University of Glasgow causa, by the University of Guelph, Onatrio, Canada in December 2013. (Harold) Vincent Poor CorrFRSE The degree was awarded in recognition Michael Henry Strater University, Professor of Electrical Engineering, of his significant academic contributions Princeton University (Foreign Member of the RS) combining mathematics and statistics The full list of new Fellows is available here: with theoretical ecology and https://royalsociety.org/about-us/fellowship/new-fellows-2014/ evolutionary biology.

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Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2014 David Hume • My Own Life • 1776 Knights Bachelor Edited by Iain Gordon Brown, RSE Curator

Ewan Brown CBE David Hume’s brief Chairman, Scottish Financial Enterprise autobiographical memoir, and Senior Governor, University of which he called My Own Life, St Andrews was composed shortly before For services to Business and Public Life his death in 1776. It has and Philanthropy in Scotland fascinated readers since its first Professor Thomas Martin Devine OBE publication the following year Personal Senior Research Chair of when, with almost as notable a History, The University of Edinburgh. supporting memoir by his friend For services to the Study of Scottish History Adam Smith, it appeared as a slim volume entitled The Life Order of the British Empire: of David Hume, Esq. Written by Commander (CBE) Himself. One of the shortest but The Reverend Professor Norman also one of the most celebrated autobiographies ever written, Walker Drummond the memoir is famous for many Founder and Chairman, Columba 1400. things, but most notably for its For public and voluntary service, vivid expression of Hume’s particularly to Young People astonishing resolution in the face Dr Walter Sneddon Nimmo of death and for its memorable Philanthropist. and striking use, at the end, of For charitable and philanthropic services the past tense – as if the grave to Higher Education and the community had already claimed the author. in Scotland Professor Christopher John Dillon Packard In this book, My Own Life is, for the first time, fully edited from the manuscript and Research and Development Director and extensively annotated. A complete facsimile of the memoir is included, and two new Consultant Clinical Scientist, NHS Greater transcripts are provided: one for the general reader and one for the scholar interested Glasgow and Clyde. in the evolution of the text. A long introduction summarises and evaluates much For services to Clinical Science historical and recent thinking on the significance of Hume’s remarkable autobiography. Order of the British Empire: Officer (MBE) Although the Royal Society of Edinburgh has owned the manuscript of My Own Life since 1838, this is the first time that this extraordinary document has been brought Professor Sarah Cleaveland to life in a detailed way. The RSE possesses the greatest single collection in the world Professor of Comparative Epidemiology, of David Hume’s correspondence and papers – a collection which remains the University of Glasgow. cornerstone of Hume scholarship. The manuscript itself is held on deposit by the For services to Veterinary Epidemiology National Library of Scotland. Professor Julie Lydia Fitzpatrick Scientific Director, Moredun Research This fascinating piece of writing is available now Institute and Chief Executive, Moredun to purchase through the RSE website at the price Foundation. of £20, which includes free postage within the UK. For services to Animal Health and Science Should you be interested in buying My Own Life, go to: Order of the British Empire: Member www.royalsoced.org.uk/932_OnlinePurchase.html and follow the instructions from there. (MBE) If you have a query about the book or wish to Professor Colin Robert McInnes contact the RSE on the matter, you can email: Director, Advanced Space Concepts [email protected] or call 0131 240 5039. Laboratory. For services to Space Research, Science The RSE would wish to acknowledge the generous and Technology support of the Binks Trust in the production of this work.

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New Fellows’ Induction 2014 Newly-elected Fellows of the RSE were welcomed to the RSE on 19 May at the annual Induction Day. Of the 54 new Fellows elected in March, 44 were able to attend, as well as one Fellow elected last year. Following an enjoyable and informative day of introductions to the RSE, its Council, Fellows and staff, there was an official Admission Ceremony. The day concluded with a drinks reception for the new Fellows and their guests.

In the afternoon, Fellows had a tour of the building and met RSE staff, who spoke about their work at the RSE. Above (l-r): Karen Sim talks about RSE events to James Cowan and Uljin Rein; William Hardie describes evidence and advice activites to Sarah Cunningam-Burley; and Sam Webb explains the RSE Young Academy of Scotland to Billy Kerr.

Above (l-r): New Fellows, Sarah Cunningham-Burley (left) and Judi Allen are pictured with Hilary Critchley (centre), who was elected a Fellow in 2012; new Fellow, Rebecca Lunn is pictured with her husband, William Sloan, who was elected a Fellow in 2013; husband and wife, Robert Insall and Laura Machesky were both welcomed to the Fellowship this year.

Above (l-r): Keith Matthews was joined by his family for the evening reception; the family of Susan McVie shared her celebrations; and new Fellow, Carol Trager-Cowan is pictured in conversation with Bonnie Webber FRSE, who read the citation for Barbara Grosz, (new Corresponding Fellow) at the Admission Ceremony. A full list of the new Fellows and photographs taken during the day, can be viewed on the web site at: www.royalsoced.org.uk/164_FormalAdmissiontoRSEFellowship.html COPY ADDRESS INFORMATION Please send any copy to the Editor (Jenny Liddell) 22–26 GEORGE STREET website: www.royalsoced.org.uk at the Society – [email protected] EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk ReSourcE: ISSN No 1473-7841 EH2 2PQ e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0131 240 5000 Fax: 0131 240 5024 The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, is Scottish Charity No. SC000470 The RSE Scotland Foundation is a connected charity, registered in Scotland as Scottish Charity No. SC024636 Events ticketline: 0131 240 2780 The RSE Scotland SCIO is a connected charity, registered in Scotland as Scottish Charity No. SC043194