60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:01 Page 1

The University of Edinburgh

INCLUDING BILLET & GENERAL COUNCIL PAPERS SUMMER 07

Zhong Nanshan honoured Zhong Nanshan, who first identified SARS, received an honorary degree at a ceremony celebrating Edinburgh’s Chinese links

ALSO INSIDE Edinburgh is to play host to the first British centre for human and avian flu research, while the Reid Concert Hall Museum will house a unique clarinet collection 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:01 Page 2 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 09:35 Page 3

Contents 16xx Foreword

Welcome to the Summer 2007 edition of Edit, and many thanks to everyone who contacted us with such positive feedback about our new design.

A recent ceremony in Beijing celebrated the University’s links with China and saw Professor 18 Zhong Nanshan receiving an honorary degree; Edit takes a closer look at our connections – historical and present-day – to that country (page 14).

The discovery of H5N1 on a turkey farm in Norfolk earlier this year meant avian flu once 14 20 again became headline news. Robert Tomlinson reports on plans to establish a cutting-edge centre at the University to research the virus Features (page 16). The focus of our third feature is the Shackleton 14 Past, Present and Future Bequest, an amazing collection of clarinets Developing links between China and Edinburgh. recently bequeathed to the University that will be housed in the Reid Concert Hall Museum 16 From Headline to Laboratory (page 20). Edinburgh takes lead in Britain’s fight against avian flu. Anne Borthwick 20 Art meets Science Editor The remarkable musical legacy of the paleoclimatologist Editor who championed the clarinet.

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No part of this publication may be reproduced in any 2 University News form without the prior written consent of the publishers. Edit is printed on environment-friendly, Forestry Stewardship Council-accredited paper. Edit, the University of Edinburgh’s magazine, is published twice a year. 18 Talbot Rice Gallery The views expressed in its columns are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the University. 22 Alumni Events

26 World Service

Cert no. TT-COC-002242 28 Alumni Profiles

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02 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News

Chinese contribution to the University officially acknowledged More than 150 years of collaboration between China and the University of Edinburgh were marked in style when a University delegation visited Beijing to celebrate Chinese academic achievement.

The highlight of the trip was the award of an honorary degree to Edinburgh alumnus Professor Zhong Nanshan, who identified the SARS virus. The award was made in the presence of Chinese graduates of the University who were invited to attend a special graduation ceremony celebrating Chinese academic achievement. The event was held 152 years after Huang Kuan graduated in medicine from the University of Edinburgh, making him the first Chinese graduate of any European university. Following this, the Edinburgh delegation hosted ‘A University of Edinburgh Day in Peking University’ to develop further the existing research and educational links University launches Cinema China with the University of Edinburgh. The event provided the opportunity for The University participated in the launch of Cinema China, academics to discuss future and existing the UK’s largest-ever Chinese film festival. Launched on collaborations. 9 March, this major event featured more than 20 important Vice-Principal Professor Geoffrey Boulton, who is in charge of developing films from the past 80 years of Chinese filmmaking. relationships between the University and Cinema China was conceived Cinema China Education, an China, says: “We are extremely proud by the University of Edinburgh extensive learning package for of our historic links with China and they and presented audiences with adults and children, complemented are links which we are eager to build on. an overview of the entire history the screening programme. As a crucial part of its current rapid of Chinese film. The festival development, China is investing The University presented an exclusive showcased classic action movies, massively in education and research, series of lectures looking at aspects melodramas, musicals and art films and is keen to engage with the best of Chinese society, history, culture, from the People’s Republic, Hong international universities in doing so. movie-stardom and filmmaking. Kong and Taiwan. Many of the films “We can, because of long-standing and were screened on extremely rare Cinema China is a new partnership developing links, knock on doors that prints imported especially from Asia. between the University of Edinburgh, many Scottish institutions and businesses the Confucius Institute at the Key highlights of Cinema China can’t at the moment. From the graduation University, the Filmhouse Cinema, included masterclasses with Asian in Edinburgh of Huang Kuan back in 1855 the Scottish Executive, Beijing Film superstar Maggie Cheung and through to the establishment of the Academy, Scottish Screen, the acclaimed director Xie Fei, the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the National Lottery and the Edinburgh premiere of Zhang Yimou’s Riding University in 2006, we have demonstrated International Film Festival. Alone For Thousands Of Miles and that we have a special relationship with the world premiere of a new film China and we want to ensure that it score by composer Kimho Ip. continues for many years to come.” 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 5

The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 03

For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news

Study shows cats can succumb to feline Alzheimer’s disease Edinburgh researchers are involved in a major study that reveals that cats can develop a feline form of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol and California have identified a key protein that can build up in the nerve cells of a cat’s brain and cause mental deterioration.

In humans with Alzheimer’s disease this Dr Danielle Gunn-Moore, at the “As with humans, the life expectancy of protein creates ‘tangles’ inside the nerve University’s Royal (Dick) School of cats is increasing and with this longer life cells, which inhibits messages being Veterinary Studies, says: “This newly runs the greater chance of developing processed by the brain. The team says discovered protein is crucial to our dementia. Recent studies suggest that that the presence of this protein in cats is understanding of the ageing process in 28% of pet cats aged 11–14 years proof that they too can develop this type cats. We’ve known for a long time that develop at least one old age-related of disease. cats develop dementia, but this study behaviour problem, and this increases By carrying out post-mortem examination tells us that the cat’s neural system is to more than 50% for cats over the age of cats that have succumbed naturally to being compromised in a similar fashion of 15.” to what we see in human Alzheimer’s the disease, scientists may now be able Experts suggest that good diet, mental sufferers. The gritty plaques had only to uncover vital clues about how the stimulation and companionship can hinted that might be the case – now we condition develops. This may eventually reduce the risk of dementia in both know. help scientists to come up with possible humans and cats. Dr Gunn-Moore treatments. “The shorter lifespan of a cat compared explains: “If humans and their cats live in Scientists already thought cats were to humans allows researchers to more a poor environment with little company susceptible to dementia because rapidly assess the effects of diet, high and stimulation, they are both at higher previous research had identified thick, blood pressure and prescribed drugs on risk of dementia. However, if the owner gritty plaques on the outside of elderly the course of the disease. However, we plays with the cat, it is good for both cats’ brain cells which are similar to those also need to understand more about our human and cat. A good diet enriched found in humans. But by pinpointing this geriatric cats for their own benefit, so we with antioxidants is also helpful in second key marker, the Edinburgh-led can slow down the degeneration the warding off dementia, so a cat owner team says we can be sure that cats can disease brings and keep them as happy sharing healthy meals like chicken and suffer from a feline form of Alzheimer’s. cats for as long as possible. fish with their pet will benefit them both.”

concentrate on his writing career. He is OBE for services to medicine in University in New an Emeritus Professor in the School of Scotland. Law. Professor J Fraser Stoddart, who was Year Honours list Dr Stuart K Monro is Scientific Director the Edinburgh Alumnus of the Year 2005, of Dynamic Earth. He is an Edinburgh is Director of the California NanoSystems Numerous staff members and alumni of alumnus and honorary fellow of the Institute at UCLA at Los Angeles and the University were recognised in the College of Science and Engineering. He was awarded Knights Batchelor for New Year Honours List. was awarded an OBE for services to services to chemistry and molecular Among them was Professor Alexander science. nanotechnology. McCall Smith, who has been awarded a Professor Stuart Gowans Macpherson Alumna and percussionist Dr Dame CBE for services to literature. Professor is Chair of the Scottish Modernising Evelyn Elizabeth Ann Glennie was McCall Smith taught at the University for Medical Careers Implementation Group appointed Dames Commander of the many years before retiring from his post based at the Lister Postgraduate Institute Order of the British Empire for services as Professor of Medical Law in 2005 to at the University. He was awarded an to music. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 6

04 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News University joins Funding boost as University Science Festival of Edinburgh Library for fifth year refurbishment starts For the fifth year in a row the University and the National Museum of Scotland continued their successful partnership to offer As work begins on the five-year £45 exciting and fun-filled science million refurbishment of the University activities as part of the Edinburgh Library in George Square, a grant of The Digital Imaging Suite has been International Science Festival £350,000 has been awarded by the custom-designed for high-quality digital in April. Gannochy Trust. The award will support photography. The floors will be vibration- the creation of the new Digital Imaging free for freestanding photographic Located in the Chambers Street Suite, which will help to make the equipment. Photographic lighting will museum, events included Discover be on ceiling rails, making it possible to Science, a programme of hands-on treasures of the University’s collections activities, workshops and shows for accessible to people all over the world slide it into any position, and the walls children and families, a Pixar as well as in Edinburgh and also help will be specially prepared for hanging animation exhibition and Edinburgh preserve rare and fragile materials for objects for photography, enabling staff alumnus Dr Bunhead’s Exploding future generations. to work with objects of any size. Brain Show. In this first phase of the redevelopment The Library’s Special Collections date For an older audience there was a the top two floors of the Library will be from the ninth century and range from talk on the darker side of the internet transformed into a Centre for Research magnificent illustrated Persian and an interactive stem cell research Collections. The new Centre will bring manuscripts to Shakespearean quartos. event. University staff and students together Special Collections with The collections are of national and from both the College of Science curatorial, archival and digital imaging international significance, including key and Engineering and College of staff, new seminar and reading rooms, works of the Enlightenment as well as Medicine and Veterinary Medicine study space and a new conservation items relating to famous students of the were involved in this popular annual suite in which the Digital Imaging Suite University such as Charles Darwin and event. will play a key role. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Tenovus (Scotland) Margaret Two Edinburgh researchers awarded Tenovus MacLellan Award is awarded every second year to honour the best piece Scotland’s Margaret MacLellan Award of research carried out in Scotland in a nominated subject. This year’s award Two University of Edinburgh researchers A spokesperson from Tenovus Scotland was given to those judged to have have been given the accolade of stated: “The theme of research chosen contributed most in the field of research on ‘The brain, including both carrying out the best research on the for this year’s Margaret MacLellan neurological and psychiatric disorders’ brain in recent years in Scotland. Award was the brain. The winners were within Scotland in recent years. Professor Ian Deary in Psychology and the trio of Professor Deary, Dr Starr and Professor Deary commented: “The three Dr John Starr in Geriatric Medicine were Professor Whalley from both Edinburgh and Aberdeen. This trio were recognised of us have been working closely for winners of the 2006 Margaret MacLellan almost a decade now, conducting for their seminal contributions to our Award, presented by the medical charity follow-up studies of the Scottish Mental understanding of cognitive ageing. Tenovus Scotland. They collected the Surveys of 1932 and 1947, trying to find In layman’s terms, this is the loss of award at a ceremony in the Royal out why some people’s brains age more College of Physicians and Surgeons of brain function and memory that occurs. successfully than others. We are Glasgow in December 2006. The third There is huge variation in how much this delighted to share this award, and very recipient of the award was their close occurs between different individuals, but pleased that Tenovus Scotland chose collaborator Professor Lawrence this trio have identified key influences our research as worthy of this Whalley from the University of Aberdeen. which determine this variability.” prestigious prize.” 60282_Edit_Summer07 4/5/07 11:39 Page 7

The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 05

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Treatment hope for Rett Syndrome The symptoms of a severe autism spectrum disorder affecting at least 10,000 children in the UK could be reversed following findings from a University of Edinburgh research team.

Rett Syndrome, which can leave children wheelchair-bound, unable to speak and suffering from breathing difficulties, has until now been considered an untreatable neurological disorder. But University experts have been able to make symptoms disappear in mice by activating a specific gene. Research focused on the behaviour of the MECP2 gene that causes the syndrome to develop. They found that when this gene was activated in mice which had previously been born with it switched off, symptoms such as at the University of Edinburgh, led the during the second year. It is believed breathing and mobility difficulties research and first discovered the MECP2 to be the second most common cause ceased. Over a four-week period, the gene in 1990. He says: “The results we of severe and profound learning mice often became indistinguishable came across were entirely unexpected. disability in girls. from healthy counterparts. Until now it had been thought that Rett Potential treatment following on from The findings give impetus to ways of Syndrome is irrevocable, but our findings the research could range from overriding treating Rett Syndrome, which mainly show that the damage to nerve cell the mutated version of MECP2 with the affects girls. Further research may also function is, in fact, reversible. This gives activation of a healthy version of the show that the results could apply to a major boost to the search for gene. Alternatively, therapy could focus other autism spectrum disorders. treatments or a potential cure.” on drug treatment to inhibit the action Professor Adrian Bird, Director of the Although Rett Syndrome is present of proteins expressed as a result of Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology at birth, it becomes more evident a MECP2 mutation. Chris James, director of Rett Syndrome Association UK, says: “The Rett Edinburgh pulls in students in ‘hard to recruit’ areas Syndrome Association UK is extremely delighted to hear about the results of The University is attracting increasing Scotland and is benefiting from Professor Bird’s research. This is a very numbers of applications to subject a wave of renewed interest in modern significant step on the road for future areas that traditionally struggle to draw languages. Edinburgh has also seen a therapeutic approaches to Rett new students. New UCAS figures show two-year growth of 53% in applications Syndrome and, while the work in this encouraging rises at Edinburgh in to study European languages – up area is still at an early stage, it will give ‘hard to recruit’ areas such as from 1,922 in 2005 to 2,409 this year. hope to those families affected by Rett engineering and European languages. Subject growth for the UK as a whole Syndrome. was 1.5% for the same period. Last month undergraduate applications “It is particularly pleasing for us that to engineering jumped to 2,409, Undergraduate applications to the we have been able to help fund this compared to 1,922 for the same date University as a whole have risen by research that could have such a positive in 2005. The increase of 25% contrasts almost 17% compared to 2005 figures. benefit for people with Rett Syndrome, with a 1.1% drop in UK applications for their families and carers.” The University has worked hard to engineering subjects over the same encourage student recruitment in The research, which is published online period. Chemistry and biology have engineering and science subjects, both by the journal Science, was funded by also seen significant rises at Edinburgh at home and abroad, with a number the Wellcome Trust, Rett Syndrome over the past two years. of key initiatives that have included the Association UK (with support from The University is the largest provider appointment of new schools liaison Jeans-for-Genes) and the US-based of modern language education in officers. Rett Syndrome Research Foundation. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 8

06 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News Special graduation ceremony honours Law Tercentenary

A special graduation ceremony has three priority areas: research and was held in February to mark the teaching; student support; and facilities and resources. Tercentenary of the School of Law. Significant progress has been made in Commemorating the date on which raising money for scholarships and the Queen Anne established the Chair of development of the moot court room. UK Public Law and the Law of Nature and law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn has Nations, currently held by Professor funded the first corporate Tercentenary Sir Neil MacCormick, honorary degrees President McAleese Scholarship for the School. The £25,000 were conferred on distinguished endowed scholarship will provide a law individuals from the field of law. and Senator of the College of Justice, student with the sum of £1,000 a year were all presented with honorary Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, to help offset the expenses of studying. degrees at this special event. Justice Albie Sachs, Justice of the The Law Tercentenary is one of more Constitutional Court of South Africa, The Tercentenary is also backed by a than 30 projects to benefit from the £350 and the Rt Hon Lord Gill, Justice Clerk significant fundraising campaign, which million University of Edinburgh Campaign.

Law Tercentenary events

Golf Day Law graduations Brussels European reception A Golf Day will be held on 31 May. On 23 June unique graduations are to A reception is to be held on 2 October Staff and student teams will be joined take place: students graduating from the at Scotland House in Brussels for Law by teams assembled by various Scottish School’s LLB and PhD programmes in alumni based in Europe. It will be a law firms. The competition will be fierce. June will do so at a ceremony dedicated chance to catch up with old friends The tournament will be held at Royal exclusively to the School of Law. and staff from the School of Law. Burgess Golf Course, Edinburgh. At this ceremony the University will also House of Lords reception welcome and honour further notable On 31 October a reception for alumni names as honorary graduands from the and supporters of the School of Law, field of law: Professor Martha Nussbaum, sponsored by Edinburgh law firm Ernst Freud Distinguished Professor of Brodies, will be held at the House of Law and Ethics, University of Chicago; Lords, hosted by Lord Hope. Edinburgh Professor Alexander McCall Smith, alumni who have completed traineeships Emeritus Professor of Medical Law, with Brodies include the Secretary of University of Edinburgh; and Professor State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, Reinhard Zimmermann, Director of the and the MP Mark Lazarowicz. Max Planck Institute for Comparative and The School of Law alumni reunion Bayne concert International Private Law, Hamburg. As part of the Law Tercentenary There will be a concert at St Cecilia’s celebrations, a special alumni reunion Tercentenary Lectures Hall on Friday 23 November featuring, will be held on the weekend of 8–10 There will be four Tercentenary Lectures among other pieces, music composed June. There will be a range of events from September to December 2007 by Alexander Bayne, first Professor of including talks by Sir Neil MacCormick given by internationally-renowned legal Scots Law. and Lord Cullen, tours of the Scottish professionals including: Professor Martti Parliament, a civic reception with the Koskenniemi of the University of Helsinki; Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Lord Hope of Craighead, Antonin Scalia, For further information about any Associate Justice of the Supreme Court a Gala Dinner Dance sponsored by of the above events please go to Leslie Deans, Gillespie Macandrew of the United States; and Professor www.law.ed.ac.uk or contact Karen and Dundas & Wilson. Some events W R Cornish, Emeritus Professor of are ticketed and numbers are limited, Intellectual Property Law at the University Boyle (email [email protected], so book early! of Cambridge (sponsored by Lindsays). tel +44 (0)131 650 9637). 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 9

The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 07

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University signs contract for supercomputer A multi-million-pound contract for a huge computer system, which will benefit academic research across the UK, was signed by University staff in February.

HECToR (High End Computing means to undertake increasingly Terascale Resources) is a vast complex research across a wide variety Supercomputer HECToR computing facility worth £113 million of projects. Applications include over six years. The computer will be simulating disasters and emergency of problems now require to be made by the American supercomputer response, long-range meteorological simulated computationally. company, Cray Inc, and has been paid forecasting and climate change and for by the UK Research Councils. modelling the way the universe “Examples range from climate modelling to design of new materials HECToR will be installed at the develops. and from understanding sub-nuclear University’s Advanced Computing Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre particles to the evolution of the Facility on the Edinburgh Technopole (EPCC) at the University will direct universe. HECToR is critical for UK estate in Midlothian. It will start work in and operate the facility. EPCC’s scientists to compete internationally. October this year and is planned to last director, Professor Arthur Trew, says: We are delighted that EPCC has again for six years. “Traditionally progress in science has been chosen to manage this facility. The Edinburgh-based supercomputer been made through theory and The choice of Edinburgh demonstrates will provide UK scientists with the experiment, but an increasing range the University’s leadership in the field.” A family affair

On a chilly February morning in 2007, five Cullen family siblings revisited the School of Law where all of them had studied, graduating between 1979 and 1991. In contrast to the freezing temperatures, the warmth of feeling for the institution was apparent as Paul, Stephen, David, Peter and Sally reminisced about their time as students. Left to right: Paul, David, Stephen, Sally and Peter Cullen Picture by Pascal Saez “It is quite remarkable to all have done law and all in the same place,” says David Cullen, currently Registrar of the lecturer.” A fund of £35,000, set up teaching obligations at the University Law Society of Scotland. “It was really in his name by graduates when he died, of Maryland, is well placed to judge the our parents who encouraged us – there is testament to his popularity. worth of the education he received at are lawyers on Mum’s side of the family. “The staff were friendly,” adds Stephen. Edinburgh. Being from here, it was a natural choice to go to Edinburgh.” “There was a real family atmosphere.” “It was fantastic training for practising law Paul, the only one of the Cullen siblings in the US as well,” he explains. “It’s a Peter, who works at the European Court to still practise Scots Law as an advocate much better education than American of Justice and teaches at the University and QC in Edinburgh, and Sally, currently of Basel, adds: “We all have memories students get. The depth of study is far British Liaison Magistrate in Rome, agree. of some wonderful staff – Bill Wilson, superior. The thing I remember most is Professor of Scots Law, had a great Stephen, who combines a career as a the quality of teaching; the tutorials were sense of humour and was a fantastic top attorney and litigator in the US with excellent.” 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 10

08 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News University debates revisit Edinburgh rises in Anglo-Scottish Union

To mark the tercentenary of the Financial Times rankings Anglo-Scottish Union of 1707, the University launched its ‘Scotland and The University of Edinburgh of the quality of our MBA programmes, the Union’ series of events in January Management School has jumped 28 our students and our alumni. with ‘Debating the Union of 1707’. places in the Financial Times 2007 “One of the reasons I joined Edinburgh This event was followed in February global full-time MBA rankings. was the quality of the programmes by the sell-out ‘Union and Empire: Edinburgh was one of only 16 UK that the School offers, which provide Good for Scotland?’, featuring schools that made it into the rankings, Professor Tom Devine and Dr Richard a great basis for the ambitious plans which ranks the top 100 international Holloway as speakers, ‘The Death of we have for expansion and full-time MBA programmes. Edinburgh Unionism?’, chaired by Tam Dalyell, development over the next few years. moved up four places to eighth in the in March and ‘Where Stands the Union UK, and was placed 16th in Europe and “These plans include the move into Now?’ in April. 54th in the world. Edinburgh was the a state-of-the-art building, recruitment The debates and lectures in this only Scottish Business School to of a new faculty, the launch of new popular series considered the feature again in the rankings. programmes and the further controversial origins of the Treaty of strengthening of the links and Prof Nick Oliver, the recently-appointed Union, the global consequences of the collaboration with industry. Head of School, says: “Edinburgh has Anglo-Scottish relationship, nationalism featured in the FT ranking of the top “This is an exciting time for Edinburgh and devolution in the late 20th century 100 MBA programmes globally for the as we put in place our plans to further and the state of the Union today. last seven years. Our part-time MBA enhance our already strong The events were supported by Simon entered the FT global ranking of international reputation, and this year’s Fennell, Goldman Sachs. Executive MBAs published in 2006. improvement in the FT rankings will These are powerful endorsements only help in strengthening this.” Edinburgh researcher named woman of the future

University of Edinburgh academic Cait fellowship. It is one of the few MacPhee has won a prestigious opportunities to showcase women. ‘Women of the Future’ award for her “I work in the physics department but contribution to science. I work at the interface between physics Dr MacPhee won the science category and biology, so I try and understand how at a business awards ceremony in biology works so that we can maybe do London attended by Cherie Booth some interesting physics. Part of it is that and Ruth Kelly MP, Minister for Women, my research has implications for biology in November. and health because I work in an area that involves diseases like Alzheimer’s and The Women of the Future Awards Parkinson’s. recognise the outstanding achievements of women under 35 in “My work is between physics and biology, the diverse worlds of the arts, business, so it is taking the best of both worlds.” media, science and technology. Dr MacPhee is a research fellow in the Winners were selected by a panel of School of Physics at the University. She judges chaired by Baroness Susan is working with proteins related to Greenfield, Director of the Royal dementia whose properties could be Institute. put to positive medical uses. She was Speaking about her award, Dr MacPhee also awarded a Royal Society Dorothy Cait Macphee (right) collects her award said: “It was suggested I should apply Hodgkin Fellowship while still a graduate by the Royal Society, which funds my research student. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 11

The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 09

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Bill Gates meets University researchers

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates was shown world-class scientific research that could impact on millions of lives globally when he visited the University in January.

Mr Gates, who received an honorary treatments to patients with brain and degree during his visit, heard about liver conditions. research leading to stem cell therapies Mr Gates then heard how researchers being developed at the University’s at the University’s Centre for Infectious Bill Gates Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Diseases are developing programmes initiatives to combat the spread of to tackle the explosive spread of talented young researchers from across tropical diseases and leading-edge sleeping sickness in Uganda, and to the world who have come to Edinburgh computer technology being used improve the control of river blindness to carry out exciting and groundbreaking in the emerging field of bioinformatics. in Togo, Ghana and Cameroon. research into stem cell science and tropical medicine in the quest to The Microsoft chairman was Lastly, the Microsoft chairman met increase our understanding of accompanied on his University visit computer scientists from the University’s degenerative and infectious diseases by Scotland’s First Minister, Jack world-renowned School of Informatics and to discover new treatments.” McConnell, and the Deputy First who are using a range of scientific Minister, Nicol Stephen. He was techniques to solve biological problems Professor Timothy O’Shea said: “We are welcomed by the University’s Principal, at a molecular level. delighted to have this opportunity to talk to Bill Gates about the research the Professor Timothy O’Shea. Mr Gates said: “It is a privilege to University is leading in areas related to receive an honorary degree from the Professor Ian Wilmut FRS was among regenerative medicine and infectious University of Edinburgh, which has such the researchers to meet Mr Gates. diseases. We are also very pleased to a distinguished record in medical and Professor Wilmut and his colleagues award Mr Gates with an honorary scientific research. briefed him on how stem cell research degree from the University of Edinburgh can help rebuild the immune system, “It is also a real pleasure to meet in recognition of his technological vision repair bone and cartilage and offer Professor Ian Wilmut and some of the and philanthropic work.” Study shows moon in new light

Light has been shed on the dark parts of to dark volcanic rocks on the Earth. experiments have shown that the the moon with experiments by University However, many dark lunar rocks are minerals creating the white rock – seen of Edinburgh researchers simulating characterised by unusually high ratios in the lunar highlands – would have billions of years of lunar evolution. of the rare element hafnium to tungsten. crystallised first, whereas the dark and It is generally believed the moon was To better understand this, researchers heavy iron-rich minerals would have created after an early, semi-molten Earth created their own lunar rock based on sunk in the magma oceans, creating collided with a planet the size of Mars. analysis of samples bought back from darker rock that would have been buried The collision was so great that the Apollo missions, which they melted deep inside the moon. down in furnaces at temperatures of orbiting debris would have formed a so- “The reason that the darker rocks are up to 1,500 degrees Celsius. They then called lunar magma ocean, or liquefied now visible on the surface of the moon examined it as it cooled and crystallised rock, up to several hundred kilometres is proof of a later period of intensive to understand how the moon solidified deep, which would have covered the meteorite showers. The iron-rich into solid rock. moon’s surface. Yet until now it has minerals that were deep inside the moon remained a mystery as to how this Dr Stephan Klemme, of the School of proved to be especially high in hafnium magma ocean cooled and how the lunar GeoSciences, says: “Looking at how and low in tungsten, and would have landscape evolved into white highlands minerals crystallised has enabled us erupted to the surface as molten rock, and dark valleys. to gain much greater insight into the filling the valleys on the moon to leave Dark lunar rocks are somewhat similar moon’s geological history. Our the darker shade we observe today.” 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 12

10 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News Reconstructing a ‘Scottish School of Educational Research’

The University’s Professor Martin Lawn (Centre for Educational Sociology) and Professor Ian Deary (Psychology) are seeking assistance to reconstruct a once-famous network of education researchers in Scotland.

Funded by the Economic and Social networking in educational research Research Council, their research at the time. explores the ‘Scottish School of The research also examines how the Educational Research’ that existed Scottish Council for Research in between 1925 and 1950. Focusing Education (SCRE), the Educational Professors Martin Lawn and Ian Deary in on questions about intelligence and Institute of Scotland and the Carnegie front of a portrait of Sir Godfrey Thomson its place in education, this rich period Foundation in New York, together with of intellectual and practical activity had influential academics, helped organise in the network of Scottish educational profound and enduring influences on the impressive 1932 Scottish Mental research, and in intelligence theory and world educational and psychological Survey, when children born in 1921 and its applications, alongside Robert Rusk, research. attending school in Scotland on 4 June William Boyd and William McClelland. A study of this period of Scottish 1932 were given the same mental test. An archive of his work and papers is theoretical, methodological and policy This mental testing remains unique in being constructed in the University innovation has not existed until now the world and its origins have never Special Collections. been explained properly. because its elements have never been If anyone has materials or recollections brought together. However, newly The influence of Professor Sir Godfrey of Godfrey Thomson and his colleagues discovered papers, images and objects Thomson is also being examined. in the SCRE networks and would like to (from both this country and abroad) are The Principal of Moray House College contribute to the project, please contact enabling the professors to reconstruct of Education and Bell Professor of Professor Deary, Psychology, 7 George the idea of a distinctive ‘Scottish School’ Education at the University for 25 years, Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ and analyse Scottish knowledge he was one of the principal characters ([email protected]).

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Madam system encourages farmers to produce In December 2006 The Economist, in its more of these commodities rather than leader and in a special report, carried I note in the Winter 2007 edition of Edit diversifying into other crops and so a reasoned condemnation of the ethical that the University of Edinburgh retains food movement.1 I believe the University Fairtrade status and has received a depresses prices – thus achieving for should encourage such a debate about glowing report from the independent most farmers exactly the opposite of fair trade before continuing with its Fairtrade Foundation. I am disappointed what the initiative is intended to do. policy. that a university that writes freely about Only a small fraction of the mark-up the Scottish Enlightenment, and indeed on fair trade foods actually goes to the Walter S Nimmo has a fundraising campaign in the name farmer, most going to the retailer. The (MBChB 1971, MD 1982) of enlightenment, should continue with system gives rich consumers an inflated [email protected] such an unenlightened policy. impression of their largesse and makes Fair trade food is designed to raise poor alleviating poverty seem too easy. It farmers’ incomes. It is sold at a higher would seem more ethical to encourage price than ordinary food with the subsidy young people (eg students) to buy the supposedly passed back to the farmer. highest quality at the lowest price and However, prices of such commodities give any savings to charity. This are low because of overproduction. approach, however, is less politically 1 The Economist, 9–15 December 2006: Good By propping up the price the fair trade correct. food. Why ethical shopping harms the world. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 13

The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 11

For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news

Funding boosts for vets

In December the Royal (Dick) School the construction of the new vet school,” of Veterinary Studies received a pledge says Head of School, Professor Elaine of £600,000 from the Robertson Trust Watson. “The University of Edinburgh towards its new building at Easter Bush recognises that a new veterinary in Midlothian. The money has been teaching facility is necessary to enable pledged to fund a project called the Scotland to deliver professionals who Library Study Landscape, which is set will lead the way in both animal and to become the most innovative teaching human healthcare in the 21st century.” and learning area in any UK Vet School. “This proposed development also The new resource will provide students complements a major investment in with hands-on learning using research facilities at Easter Bush which simulations and models as well as will make this Midlothian site a world journals and reference books. Open centre for biomedicine,” she continues.

24 hours a day, seven days a week, “Critical to this vision is the bringing- Dodds Paul it will support students and medical together of research, teaching and research as part of the new building for practice on one contiguous site, a the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary model which has been successful for

Studies, a major project within the Edinburgh’s Little France campus.” Photograph University of Edinburgh Campaign, The new year has brought further good Charitable Trust respectively. Both gifts which was launched in October. news for the Vet School with gifts of will fund equipment for the Small Animal “We are really thrilled that the £5,000 and £7,500 from the Dziniak Hospital, enabling vets to accurately Robertson Trust has pledged to support Trust and the Evelyn Murdoch diagnose illness without invasive tests. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 14

12 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News Maxwell’s Demon becomes reality

An idea conceived by one of the world’s University’s School of Chemistry, says: molecules to generate a force in front greatest scientists nearly 150 years ago “Our machine has a device – or ‘demon’ of a solid object using a laser pen. By has finally been realised, thanks to if you like – inside it that traps molecule- shining the pen in the direction you want University of Edinburgh scientists. sized particles as they move in a certain the object to move, the force of the Researchers at the University have direction. molecules could be harnessed to push developed a tiny machine that could the object along. “Maxwell reasoned that if such a system eventually lead to lasers moving objects could ever be made it would need The invention of the nanotechnology remotely. energy to work. Without energy, it might machine builds on previous work at the James Clerk Maxwell, who is ranked appear that the perpetual motion of the University in which scientists were able alongside Isaac Newton and Albert molecules could power other devices in to move a droplet of liquid up a slope Einstein for his contributions to science, the same way as a windmill, but Maxwell using molecular force. imagined an atom-sized device – known reasoned that this would go against the Professor Leigh continues: “Last year as Maxwell’s Demon – that could trap second law of thermodynamics. was the 175th anniversary of James molecules as they move in a specific “As he predicted, the machine does Clerk Maxwell’s birth in Edinburgh, so direction. need energy and in our experiment it is fitting that advances in science mean Now researchers inspired by Maxwell’s it is powered by light. While light has that we can finally create a machine like thought experiment in 1867 have been previously been used to energise tiny the hypothetical one he pondered over able to create such a ‘nanomachine’ particles directly, this is the first time that so long ago. for the first time with their own ‘demon’ a system has been devised to trap “Maxwell was instrumental to our inside it to ensnare the molecules molecules as they move in a certain understanding of light, heat and the as they move. direction under their natural motion. behaviour of atoms and molecules. Once the molecules are trapped they The work could ultimately lead to Without the foundations that he laid cannot escape.” scientists harnessing the energy of the down a century and a half ago, the molecules to displace solid objects from Applications of the nanotechnology science that we are doing today would a distance. Professor David Leigh, of the machine could include trapping not have been possible.” Dr Piers Sellers and crew visit the University

Graduate Dr Piers Sellers and his fellow astronauts visited the University in December to deliver a special illustrated talk. Dr Piers Sellers Sellers and his colleagues talked to an audience that included space age. The crew took a local schoolchildren about how small scrap of cloth embroidered they became astronauts, the with the University’s emblem into work of NASA and the space during their latest 13-day international space station, and mission. It was then stitched shared details of their STS121 carefully into a Geneva Bonnet, mission in July last year. which legend says was crafted Sellers, who has twice flown from material taken from the in space, received a science breeches of 16th-century degree from the University in Scottish reformer John Knox, 1976. He has also just been and which is still used to ‘cap’ made an honorary professor. Edinburgh students when they graduate at the McEwan Hall. During his visit he presented the University with a unique You can access a video of memento that ties the the event at University’s historic past to the www.ed.ac.uk/explore/av/nasa. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:02 Page 15

The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 13

For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news

President of EC among Edinburgh honorary graduates

The President of the European of Letters, Baroness Onora O’Neill, who Commission, José Manuel Barroso, was also awarded the honorary degree was among a number of prominent of Doctor of Letters, and Professor public figures who received honorary Alison Richard, Vice-Chancellor of the degrees at the University’s winter University of Cambridge, who received graduation ceremonies last November. the honorary degree of Doctor of Mr Barroso, a former prime minister Science in Social Science. of Portugal, attended a ceremony at Professor John Roulston, Group Chief the McEwan Hall to collect his honorary Executive Officer of Filtronics plc, was degree of Doctor of Letters. Later in awarded an honorary degree of Doctor the day he delivered a public lecture in of Science and Dr Robert H Spiro Jr, the Assembly Hall for the University’s President Emeritus of the University Enlightenment Series, sponsored by of Edinburgh USA Development Trust, ScottishPower. received the University Benefactor Also receiving honorary degrees in the award, which recognises people or winter ceremonies were broadcaster organisations that have made and journalist James Naughtie, who was significant contributions to the José Manuel Barroso awarded the honorary degree of Doctor University. 60282_Edit_Summer07 4/5/07 11:39 Page 16

14 Photograph Laurence Winram Photograph Chris Close Past,9 Following the recent Un Raymond Ross examine

The importance of the University in research on hyperoxia and hypoxia Xingyuan, who established the China of Edinburgh to one of its most and their impacts on pulmonary blood Seismological Bureau – a vitally famous alumni, Professor circulation. important institution for a country of which large parts are still Zhong Nanshan, was underlined Professor Zhong is Head of the seismologically active. by him at a special ceremony Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory in Beijing in March this year at Diseases, a leading research These important figures are only the which he received an honorary establishment into asthma, pulmonary latest in a long line of Chinese graduates doctorate from Edinburgh. infections, respiratory critical care of the University that began with Dr medicine and micro-invasive chest Huang Kuan; he received the degree President of the China Medical surgery. It was here, during the of Doctor of Medicine in 1855 and is Association, Professor Zhong, who outbreak of SARS in 2003, that he drew believed to be the first ever Chinese was the first person to identify the up the management protocol known graduate of a European university. SARS virus, is renowned as a potent as the ‘three propers’ – proper use force in Chinese medicine with a fierce At the Beijing ceremony, the University of corticostoids, proper application commitment to public health and presented a copy of Dr Huang Kuan’s of non-invasive ventilation and proper robust science. From 1979 to 1981 he graduation marks to the chairman of addressing of secondary infections – studied at the the Zhuhai Municipal Cultural Exchange and the Guangdong Guidelines for Universities of Association. Such historical SARS prevention and management Edinburgh commemorations are as important in that were adopted by the Chinese and London Chinese culture as they are in Scottish Ministry of Health. He was awarded the as a fellow culture, and a bronze sculpture of Dr National Labour Medal by the Chinese scholar, Huang Kuan will be presented to the government for this pioneering work. majoring University later this year as a sign of Professor Zhong follows in the gratitude from the Chinese people. footsteps of other renowned Chinese alumni, including the late Professor “These important Huang Kun, the world-leading physicist who worked with Max Born, an figures are only Edinburgh Nobel prize winner in the latest in a long Physics, and who received the 2001 Supreme Scientific and Technological line of Chinese Award from President Jiang Zemin; graduates of the the nuclear physicist Professor Li-Min Yang; and Professor Ma University...”

Top Left Professor Natascha Gentz, head of the new Confucius Institute for Scotland Top Right Postgraduate student Xi Di Left Professor Zhong Nanshan 60282_Edit_Summer07 4/5/07 11:39 Page 17

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, Present 9Future t University delegation to Beijing, mines China’s connections with Edinburgh

The ceremony was not just a commemorative event, however; it was “Edinburgh is an international city, also a celebration of the University’s a melting pot of different cultures.” contemporary Chinese graduates, and their families and friends attended in their hundreds. It also made history when Li “Ideally it will be a cultural centre for “The University of Edinburgh is also a Wei received her degree in Film Studies, China, an information and education famous university in China. People talk making her the first ever student of the centre for students, business people about it a lot. I knew about it at school.” University to be graduated outside and the general public to raise Xi is doing her dissertation on horror Edinburgh itself. awareness about the global importance films and describes Edinburgh as “the of China,” says its director, Professor Speaking at a special dinner in the most haunted city in the world”. The Natascha Gentz. evening, the Vice-Minister of Education intensive course is broadening her Zhang Xinshang said he was “deeply With its partner universities in China, knowledge of film greatly, and she still honoured and profoundly pleased” Edinburgh is forging ahead to establish finds time to make new friends. that the University was working in joint joint scholarships, undergraduate “Edinburgh is an international city, research and educational projects with exchange programmes and joint a melting pot of different cultures. I’ve its Chinese partner universities and research projects and joint exhibitions. met a lot of Chinese students, but I also higher education institutions. “It is important to grasp that China is have friends from Palestine, Kurdistan Over 500 students from China are changing economically and socially,” and Spain. Edinburgh’s an attractive currently studying at Edinburgh, and says University Vice-Principal Professor city and the weather is better than I classes in Chinese language and Geoffrey Boulton, who is in charge of expected. I’d like to stay here to work East Asian Civilisation are attracting over developing links with China. “It’s of if I could, even for a while.” 200 UK students every year. This growing absolute importance that we know their With the number of Chinese students demand for classes in Chinese language citizens and they know ours.” choosing to study at Edinburgh and culture will feed into the new But in a country whose population is predicted to at least double in the Confucius Institute at the University, which 270 times the size of Scotland’s, how next 10 years, and the activities of the will be fully functional by September. well are we likely to be known? “You Confucius Institute, it seems that Working closely with partner university might be surprised,” says postgraduate Edinburgh’s future links with China Fudan, in Shanghai, the Institute, which student Xi Di, who is doing a Masters in are likely to continue from strength is the only one of its kind in Scotland, will Film Studies at Edinburgh. “Most to strength. offer language courses, courses on aspects Chinese people have heard of of contemporary China and individually Edinburgh, of tartan, of Mary Queen of tailored courses for professionals. Scots and, of course, Braveheart, too. 60282_Edit_Summer07 4/5/07 11:39 Page 18

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Robert Tomlinson looks at the University’s upcoming role as host to a new centre for human and avian flu research.

Little more than a year ago, News that the potentially deadly strain Fast-forward less than a year to was finally here (identified in a dead a picturesque fishing village February 2007, and the presence swan in Cellardyke) came as little of H5N1 was confirmed again, this in Fife became the focus of surprise – a worldwide testing time at a turkey farm in Suffolk. programme had tracked its progress international attention when Again, the outbreak was contained, across the Far East, Africa and but the threat remains and scientists scientists confirmed that mainland Europe. The outbreak was the H5N1 strain of the bird well-contained and public health fears believe it is inevitable there will be quickly dispersed, but the final further outbreaks in Britain, with flu virus had arrived on confirmation of its presence in the UK all the associated dangers to human British shores. still gave cause for great concern. health they will pose. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 19

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“...real progress is being made in developing new ways of combating the disease – and the University of Edinburgh is at the forefront of that endeavour.”

Public fear of avian flu is include E coli, sleeping sickness, The difficulty for scientists is understandably high, but real malaria and variant CJD. predicting when the virus makes the progress is being made in developing definitive leap from being a bird As an expert in the immune system’s new ways of combating the disease disease to a full-blown disease of response to viral infections, Professor – and the University of Edinburgh humans, capable of being easily Tony Nash, director of the Centre for is at the forefront of that endeavour. transmitted from person to person. Infectious Diseases and the inaugural With £2 million of backing from the director of ICHAIR, is well placed to “One important area of the Centre’s Scottish Funding Council, Edinburgh put into perspective the media frenzy research will lie in discovering more will host a new centre for human and surrounding avian flu. about what virologists refer to as avian flu research, the Interdisciplinary ‘cytokine storms’,” continues Professor “The significance of this threat should Centre for Human and Avian Influenza Nash. “These are episodes when the not be understated and this is what Research (ICHAIR) – the first of its makes the establishment of the Centre body’s immune system overproduces kind in Britain. The Centre brings so important for the University,” he cellular proteins called cytokines which together the country’s leading explains. “It is very exciting; this is become pathological and kill the biologists, virologists and a unique centre in terms of influenza infected bird or human being. epidemiologists based at the research with such a variety of scientists “This was probably the cause Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow working together with a common aim. of death for many in the 1918 and St Andrews and harnesses the It is truly interdisciplinary and will pandemic. What you have in effect very best in scientific talent to find provide a very strong base for the is an extremely severe form of new ways of combating this major continued training of postdoctoral pneumonia. The body’s own immune public health threat. scientists and postgraduate students system literally turns on itself. in an atmosphere of excellence.” The Centre will be focusing on Understanding the mechanisms understanding of how the virus causes In the face of over 170 human deaths responsible for this pathology could disease and will investigate methods and the slaughter of millions of birds throw up new therapeutic agents. of controlling infection, developing worldwide, the need for the Centre is “Our ultimate hope is that we can a range of revolutionary anti-viral increasingly urgent. In at least one achieve new ways of predicting and drugs and constructing a new case, Professor Nash believes there controlling major flu outbreaks, as generation of flu vaccines. In addition, is enough evidence to show that using supercomputers, scientists will human-to-human transmission has well as discovering new therapies be able to predict changes in the virus already occurred following exposure that quickly translate into products and to create theoretical models of to very high doses of virus. for humans and animals,” says how an outbreak could occur in both Professor Nash. “Knowledge gained “It is not a question of if it happens birds and humans. from studying the flu virus may but when it happens; history has also have relevance to other virus The new Centre for avian flu will be at shown us that. A flu pandemic is infections. In particular, the Centre the heart of the University’s Centre for somewhat overdue; there were three could broaden its remit to include Infectious Diseases, founded in 2001, pandemics in the 20th century, of other viruses that, through climate which is to be relocated in a facility which the 1918 Spanish flu virus was purpose-built for this kind of research. responsible for killing 40–50 million change, are extending their range Located on the King’s Buildings site, people. If a new pandemic was to – presenting a significant threat the new building will bring together occur, the World Health Organisation to human and animal life across a range of scientists – virologists, estimates that it could kill in the order the world.” bacteriologists, parasitologists, of seven million people, these figures epidemiologists, evolutionary being based only on the outcome of biologists and immunologists – on the ‘mild’ pandemic of 1957.” one site. Other areas of research 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 20

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The University of Edinburgh’s Talbot Rice Gallery

About Talbot Rice Gallery Supporting the Gallery Established in 1975, Talbot Rice The Gallery receives funding from Exhibitions Gallery is the public art gallery of the the University and the Scottish Arts University. The Gallery shows major Council. Additional support enables DAVID BATCHELOR art exhibitions in the contemporary the Gallery to further develop and 28 July–29 September White Gallery and round room project strengthen the programme, and there Perhaps best known for his light spaces. The University’s permanent are a number of ways you can help installations and his work on colour collection of Old Master paintings to support us. theory, artist and author David and sculptures are displayed in the Batchelor will show a new site- adjoining Georgian Gallery. Free entry. For information on how to make specific installation made for Talbot Join our email bulletin service for a donation, please contact the Rice Gallery’s vast atrium space. regular updates. University’s Development Office on Concerned with ideas of urbanism 0131 650 2240. For information on and consumption, Batchelor has Friends of the Talbot Rice Gallery Friends membership, please contact scoured the pound shops of East By organising fundraising activities, the Talbot Rice Gallery office on London and the major cities of Friends help support the Gallery. 0131 650 9746. Scotland to create a multi-coloured With invitations to exhibition previews forest of plastic and steel. What could and events as well as a programme Talbot Rice Gallery be seen as vulgar detritus to some of special lectures and outings The University of Edinburgh becomes, in Batchelor’s hands, throughout the year, the Friends group Old College jewel-like and magical. is a vital part of your cultural diary: South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL MONIKA SOSNOWSKA • Preview invitations to Talbot Rice 20 October–8 December Gallery exhibitions throughout T: 0131 650 2210 Polish artist Monika Sosnowska will the year E: [email protected] arrive at Talbot Rice fresh from • June 2007, day visit, Abbotsford W: www.trg.ed.ac.uk representing her country at the 2007 • September 2007, day visit, Traquair Venice Biennale. Her large-scale work • December 2007, Friends Opening hours has a dialogue with its setting where Christmas Party Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, mass-produced, industrial materials admission to all spaces is free. are used to create disorientating Why not join? Contact the Gallery labyrinthesque structures. Monika will for membership information. be creating an exciting new installation for the Gallery, as well as exhibiting models of unexplained spaces that may or may not be realised in reality.

Images Main image Monika Sosnowska, Installation view. Courtesy of the artist and the Modern Institute/Toby Webster Ltd. Inset images (left to right) The Georgian Gallery. David Batchelor: The Pound Shops of Bethnal Green, Studio view in progress. Courtesy of the artist. The White Gallery. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 21

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20 Photograph Chris Close

ART meets SCIENCE

The remarkable musical legacy Ronald Kerr takes a closer look at the unique collection of the paleoclimatologist who of instruments that forms championed the clarinet the Shackleton Bequest. 60282_Edit_Summer07 4/5/07 11:39 Page 23

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“As a collector, Shackleton was formidable ... his collection is remarkable not only for its quantity, but also for the quality of its carefully-chosen instruments.”

It is one of the most amazing arrays of relative of the trumpet, it was also perfectly field of quaternary paleoclimatology, musical instruments ever amassed by suited to the big band and jazz sounds where he established the geological a single collector, and now the University of the 20th century; famous players have timescale – the yardstick by which of Edinburgh is to be its home. included Benny Goodman, Acker Bilk scientists gauge the whole of earth’s and the filmmaker Woody Allen. history – and determined when and why Sir Nicholas Shackleton’s peerless significant changes in climate change collection of more than 800 clarinets For the museum’s director, Arnold occurred. will, from this summer, draw scores of Myers, who had collaborated with Sir students, players and scholars to the city Nicholas on a major clarinet exhibition His research was brilliantly carried out of Edinburgh when it formally comes into at the University in 1986, the Bequest’s and is of significant import for the future the University’s care. It promises to be arrival is a cause for celebration. It is of the planet, but for Shackleton, science the most harmonious of associations: an testimony to the museum’s reputation and art were not compartmentalised. At illustrious individual collection – the finest for curatorial excellence, a key part of scientific conferences, he would generally anywhere in the world devoted to a which is ensuring that all its historical take a clarinet or two along and engage single genre of instrument – becoming instruments are available to researchers; other delegates in chamber music; his part of the University’s world-renowned Sir Nicholas wished his collection to be university teaching included musical musical museum at Bristo Square. left to an institution which could not only acoustics, and he once memorably care for the instruments but also stated that studying acoustics had given The Shackleton Bequest, assembled continue making them accessible to him an idea for understanding the cyclic over a 40-year period and spanning scholars and students. Dr Myers, who changes in climate. 250 years of craftsmanship, will be a has been involved with the University significant addition to the Edinburgh collection for more than 30 years, Crucially, he brought his research skills collection, which has in recent years believes the museum is well placed to bear on his investigations into the benefited from a number of substantial to honour Sir Nicholas’ wishes. history of the clarinet and its makers and gifts, including the Rodger Mirrey players. In Shackleton clarinet scholars Collection of Early Keyboard “Nick was particularly interested in how had, for the first time, the benefit of a brilliant researcher applying the rigour Instruments, which was donated in 2005. clarinet sound has evolved,” he says. of a scientist to problems associated “He was drawn therefore to instruments with the study of musical instruments. Sir Nicholas Shackleton (1937–2006) that were playable, or could be made Albert Einstein’s interest in the violin had was one of the most perceptive playable. gone no further than trying to play it. paleoclimatologists of his generation. He was also an astute collector of “Thanks to Nick’s devotion to his “There will never be another collection clarinets and, befitting a distant relative instruments, and his well-planned, like this one,” says Dr Myers. “Apart from of the Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest careful maintenance, most of the the rises in values, what was around in Shackleton, he was a tenacious one. clarinets are playable. This gives the 1960s and 70s will never again be His collection traces the development of researchers a unique opportunity available. A bequest on this scale is the clarinet from its infancy as a novelty to learn musical history from the more than a learning resource – it is in instrument in the early 18th century to evidence of their sounds. itself a work of serious scholarship.’ more futuristic prototypes from the 20th century. The unparalleled breadth of the “Nick once said that questions couldn’t collection shows how makers in different be answered by trying one instrument Highlights from the Bequest periods and different regions dealt with here and another there – you have to specific problems of clarinet design. have them in the same place and play will go on display at the Reid them side by side.” Concert Hall Museum in June, Despite being a relatively recent musical when a special clarinet and innovation, the clarinet’s smooth, creamy As a collector, Shackleton was woodwind colloquium will tone – warm and resonant low down, formidable: a hunter and a gatherer, his mark its arrival in Edinburgh. bright and clear high up – has an collection is remarkable not only for its impressive range which works in chamber, quantity, but also for the quality of its For details of the event, go to orchestral and wind band settings. carefully-chosen instruments. He was www.music.ed.ac.uk/ Appropriately for an instrument that could equally prolific as a paleoclimatologist. euchmi/uec. be considered a younger, mellower He built an international reputation in the 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 24

22 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

Alumni Events

Computer History reunion: The Early Days of Computing in Edinburgh

Back in the 1960s and 70s some of the This year the Project is organising a All IMP programmers should take world’s most cutting-edge computing reunion of the ‘Old Hands’ to be held in this opportunity to thank Tony for was being done in Edinburgh. Seven Edinburgh in late June. As there have his wonderful language! years ago Graham Toal, an Edinburgh been very few 20-year class reunions There will be an opportunity to Computer Science graduate with an for Computer Science and Artificial reconnect with your old friends, interest in the history of computing, Intelligence graduates, the three-day colleagues and lecturers, and to revisit started the Edinburgh Computer event is being combined with a multi- your old stomping grounds (such as History Project to recover the source year reunion for those departments. the JCMB machine halls). The event code and documentation of this period Guest speakers include such world- will, of course, culminate in the while some original media survives, famous Edinburgh luminaries as obligatory reunion party! and to honour our early pioneers Donald Michie, Tommy Thomas and If you are interested in attending by publicising this significant but John Ellenby. A special invited guest is this one-off event, please visit internationally less well-known Tony Brooker, the grandfather of http://history.dcs.ed.ac.uk early work. Edinburgh’s IMP computer language. for complete information.

50 years of Applied Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh (6-8 September 2007)

To mark the 50th anniversary discussion by the audience. There will of academic Applied Linguistics be ample time for audience participation. at the University of Edinburgh, the Among those who have so far agreed 40th Annual Meeting of the British to participate are Michael Halliday, Wellington Alumni Association for Applied Linguistics Ruqaiya Hasan, Tony Howatt, John (BAAL) will be held in Edinburgh Joseph, Sinfree Makoni, Miriam Burns Supper in 2007, hosted by the University. Meyerhoff, Rosamund Mitchell, John Details of the conference can be found Sinclair and Henry Widdowson. There From left to right: Elizabeth will also be a drinks reception in Old Cummings (nee Goodstadt) on the BAAL website (www.baal.org.uk). College on Thursday 6 September. B SocSci (1990), PGCE (1991), As part of the BAAL Meeting, a Pit MSc (1997); Evelyn Allan; Michael Corder Colloquium will be held on Friday Former students and staff who would Cummings B Eng (Hons) 1990; Kim morning (7 September) in celebration like more information about the reunion Chamberlain MA (Hons) Linguistics of the Edinburgh contribution to Applied are encouraged to contact Jean 1984; David Kiddey MBA 1994; Tom Linguistics. The Colloquium will take the McCutcheon at jubilee07@ Cranney; Les Allan MA BCom 1957; form of a discussion among invited googlemail.com. We look forward Julia Forsyth MA (Hons) Linguistics panellists, followed by questions and to hearing from you. 1993; Mark Forsyth PhD Electrical Engineering 1995.) For details of alumni clubs or reunions, or to make contact with a reunion organiser, please contact Beth Munro, Development & Alumni. A big thank you to Les Allan for his Tel: +44 (0)131 650 2240 email [email protected] or visit excellent organisation once again! www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 25

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For all the latest Alumni news, visit: www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk

Does 2007 mark a significant anniversary of your graduation from the University of Edinburgh? Perhaps five, 10, 25 or even 50 years? Maybe your class is already planning a reunion – that’s great, and hopefully we already know about it, but if not please let us know. If you haven’t started organising your reunion yet, then don’t worry, it’s not too late. Development & Alumni can help you to contact your former classmates, find a venue and give other general advice and assistance. Simply visit our website at www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk or email [email protected] to request a copy of our Guidelines on Organising a Reunion. We look forward to hearing from you.

Reunions in 2007 Reunions in 2008

1947 MB ChB 1972 BSc Agriculture 1968 MB ChB Contact: John Loudon John Marshall John Crispin [email protected] 25/26 July 2007 13 October 2007 22–24 August 2008 1987/1988 BVM&S New College of Surgeons Hall Carlton Highland Hotel, Peebles Hotel Hydro Ali Cullum 1952 Forestry Edinburgh 1988 MB ChB 1988 Agricultural Neil Paterson 1972 BVM&S Clare Livingston 5–7 September 2007 Helen Franklin Economics 6–8 June 2008 Harry Elwin Edinburgh 21–22 September 2007 Peebles Hotel Hydro 1957 BVM&S Edinburgh Nigel Clayton/John Dawson/Peter Moody 1972/1971 LLB 22–24 June 2007 Alan Sharp Reunions in 2009 At Vet Alumni Homecoming 21–22 September 2007 Weekend, Edinburgh Edinburgh 1956 MB ChB 1959 BDS 1957 MB ChB 1976 BSc Engineering Rose Clark Frances Gould Graham Meikle Keith Raeburn September 2009 Edinburgh 26–28 September 2007 2 June 2007 Lunch in Edinburgh 1959 MB ChB Peebles Hotel Hydro Teviot Row Union Allan Forsyth 1957 LLB 1976 Commencing Law Michael Wallace John Sturrock 8 June 2007 7 June 2007 Old College, Edinburgh Old College 1960 MB ChB 1977 Agriculture Tom Kennedy Alex Kellett 1960–64 EU Yacht Club 23 June 2007 Raeburn Room, Old College Tom Taylor 14–16 September 2007 1977 MB ChB 1962 MB ChB James Garden Dr Hamish Polson 31 August –2 September 2007 Gleneagles Hotel 6–8 June 2007 Peebles Hotel Hydro 1977 Chemistry 1962 MA French Ken Campbell & Kate Ellis Jim Inglis 1982 BSc Chemistry 6 July 2007 Dorothy Welch Braidwoods Restaurant, Dalry, Ayrshire 23–24 June 2007 Contact: [email protected] Edinburgh 1967 BDS 1992 BVM&S James O’Donnell Michael Stevenson 28–29 September 2007 7 July 2007 Capital Hotel Balmoral Hotel 1967 MB ChB 1996/1997 MB ChB Dr Gilmour Jane Tennick 5–7 October 2007 6 October 2007 Peebles Hotel Hydro Grosvenor Hilton 1971 Miscellaneous 2002 BVM&S Christine Windmill Sarah Gasper 20 October 2007 30 June 2007 Edinburgh Apex International 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 26

24 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

Alumni Events

Edinburgh Dental Alumni Society Development & Alumni The University of Edinburgh Dental alumni are advised that the D&A Office at the address opposite Charles Stewart House Society no longer keeps a register and not to the Secretary of EDAS of graduates. This is the responsibility or the Dental Institute. 9–16 Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1HT of the University Development & Alumni Responses to Jim Montgomery’s (D&A) Office, who can also give expert Presidential newsletter, which invited T: +44 (0)131 650 2240 assistance to those organising reunions opinions on the future of the Edinburgh F: +44 (0)131 650 2239 and seeking to trace former Dental Alumni Society, are being E: [email protected] classmates. Changes of address studied. Conclusions will be published should therefore be sent directly to the in a later edition of Edit. Sports Union Veterinary

Sport at the University of Edinburgh Defence Society is thriving, with 65 member clubs and eight associate clubs. The Sports Union The Veterinary Defence Society is (SU) is currently lying fifth in the British running their annual Edinburgh Universities Sports Association (BUSA) Graduate Reunion for 2006 graduates rankings, with several teams through which will take place on Saturday to the regional and knockout rounds 8 December 2007. The event involves of their championships this season. a useful communication workshop The SU has been able to purchase a during the day at Summerhall followed hot air balloon and a new boat for the by a reunion dinner and a ceilidh rowing club this year, as well as at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh. sending members on training and This provides a welcome opportunity refereeing courses, thanks to University newsletters. Members will be invited to for graduates to catch up with their funding. University sport, whether at a attend alumni matches and events as colleagues whilst gaining CPD points. competitive or recreational level, is an the organisation becomes established. important part of the university It is hoped that the small subscription experience and a forum for developing will help to fund new equipment new skills both on and off the field. urgently required by the clubs. This year will see the launch of an So if you feel strongly about your time Edinburgh SU alumni association. playing sport at the University and For further information contact This will allow former members to keep would like others to experience the Marina Baxter, The Veterinary Defence abreast of the latest achievements and same opportunities, please contact Society Ltd, 4 Haig Court, Parkgate developments taking place within their us to receive further information: Estate, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8XZ clubs and the SU as a whole via regular [email protected]. Tel: 01565 652737.

Don’t miss out – Even after you’ve completed your your former classmates, as well as studies at Edinburgh, you’re still a University news and the latest on the keep in touch member of the University. We’d like University of Edinburgh Campaign. to keep in touch with wherever you Email your details to are in the world. [email protected] So don’t miss out. Send us your quoting reference EM7 and we’ll email address and we’ll send you add you to our list. Alternatively call +44 (0)131 650 2240. our monthly e-Newsletter with details of reunions and events for you and www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 27

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26 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

World Service

Professor W Duncan Reekie BCom 1963 1940s His book Spiritual Capital, Natural Law and the Secular Market Place was published in MB ChB Rev Peter G Thomson MA London by Civitas: The Institute for the Study 1942 BD 1945 Celebrated the 60th of Civil Society in January 2007. anniversary of his ordination to the Church of Scotland ministry on 23 January 2007. A commemorative service in Hamilton Old Church was conducted by his son, Rev John M A Thomson. Rev Robert J S Wallace MA 1942 He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding in January 2007. Mr Michael Ramsay BSc 1972 Rev Dr John Wilkie MA 1942 He and Was awarded the Royal Academy of his wife celebrated their diamond wedding Engineering’s prestigious Frank Whittle in July 2006. medal for his creation of the digital video recorder company TiVo Inc. in the USA. Michael Ramsay pioneered the TiVo 1950s Professor Sir J Fraser Stoddart OBE technology that is changing the world BSc 1964 PhD 1966 DSc 1980 Received of home entertainment – the culmination Rev Patrick N Phillips MA 1950 Has just a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours of a lifetime of innovation in computer published his fourth book, Life is Meant to list, January 2007, for services to graphics, workstations and consumer be a Challenge. chemistry and molecular nanotechnology. software technologies. This medal is Miss Helen Campbell MA 1953 Formerly Sir Fraser, who was named Alumnus of ‘awarded to an engineer, with strong Mrs Helen Moyes. Gentle metamorphosis the Year 2005, was also the Carnegie connections with the United Kingdom, for from Financial Controller to Professional Centenary Professor in that year, and is outstanding and sustained achievement Homeopath including Open University BA actively involved in the University in many which has contributed to the well-being and BSc. Currently project coordinator for ways, despite being based in California. of the nation’, and was presented to Mr Ramsay on 11 January 2007 by Lord Edinburgh University Settlement He has recently set up a prize in chemistry, in the name of his late wife Browne of Madingley, President of the Homeopathy Project in Student Centre. Norma, and will be chairing a three-day Royal Academy of Engineering. Planning to do that for the next five years colloquium at the end of June this year. at least! Objectives are to treat and teach homeopathy to students of the University of Edinburgh. Dr Judith Mackay MBE MB ChB 1966 1980s Professor A David Weaver BSc 1955 Has published three more atlases. Awarded Dr Caroline McCracken-Flesher MA 1980 Book Bovine Surgery and Lameness the Silver Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong Recently published Possible Scotlands: (2nd edition, Blackwell Publishing) by Government in the annual honours list 2006. Walter Scott and the Story of Tomorrow A David Weaver, Guy St Jean and Adrian Selected as one of 60 ‘Asian heroes’ over (Oxford, 2005) and the edited volume Steiner, has been selected by the Academie the past 60 years by Time magazine, Culture, Nation and the New Scottish Veterinaire de France as the outstanding commemorating its 60th anniversary in Asia Parliament (Bucknell, 2007). 2006. Project Coordinator, World Lung non-French veterinary book of the years Mr Ian D Leveson MA (SS) 1981 Married 2005 and 2006. The authors were Foundation component of the Bloomberg Esther Mizrahi in April 2006 in Edinburgh presented with the Prix Alexandre Global Initiative to reduce tobacco use. and now has a son, Joseph Isaac. Liautard at a Parisian ceremony on Mr Mark R Flinn BSc 1969 Now Pro Vice- Mr Colin Stuart BSc 1982 Has been 7 December 2006. Chancellor (Academic) at one of England’s employed at the High School of Dundee newest universities, Edge Hill University, in for a number of years, starting as a Ormskirk, Lancashire. Mathematics Teacher then morphing into 1960s a Computing Studies Teacher, which he Dr Veer Bhavanandan PhD 1962 DSc now combines with his main promoted 1983 Has moved from Penn State 1970s post as a Guidance Teacher. University College of Medicine to Arizona Dr John Smellie BSc 1974 Honorary Dr Gerard De Groot PhD 1984 Has State University. Daughter lives in South Professor in Environmental Sciences, recently published another book, The Dark Carolina and son in California. Would University of Lancaster (from 1 December Side of the Moon: The Magnificent Madness love to hear from friends from Edinburgh 2006). Currently Senior Volcanologist and of the American Lunar Quest (Jonathan days. Project Leader, British Antarctic Survey. Cape). 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:03 Page 29

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We are happy to forward correspondence to graduates for whom we hold current address details. Please contact Development & Alumni to take advantage of this service.

to open the research station to nature-based Mr Nicolas Davis MA 1997 Recently tourism, thus providing the Maya with an returned to London after 18 months on economic incentive to protect the rainforest secondment with professional services as a viable alternative to logging, hunting firm Deloitte in Tokyo, and married Akiko and slash-and-burn agriculture. Nishimura in October 2006. Still retains very close links with Japan on both Mr Damian Platt MA 1995 Works as business and personal levels. International Relations Coordinator for the AfroReggae Cultural Group in Rio de Janeiro, an organisation that works using culture as a tool of social transformation in Rio’s shanty towns and beyond. He has Dr Stuart K Monro OBE PhD 1982 co-authored a book, Culture is Our Weapon: Was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s AfroReggae in the Favelas of Rio, published Honours list, January 2007, for his by the Latin America Bureau. services to science, in particular his contribution to the promotion of science Credit: Donald McIntosh to a wider audience. Dr Monro helped to put together the scientific story of Our Ms Lynda Klaamas LLM 1997 Dynamic Earth, and has since been Linda and husband Robert Oliver are responsible for its scientific development, proud to introduce Thomson Klaamas ensuring that Our Dynamic Earth is much Oliver, born September 28, 2006, in more than a visitor attraction, but has a Toronto, Ontario, Canada (9 lbs, 1 oz). significant role to play in education and raising awareness of environmental The Rev Gareth J M Saunders MTh 1999 issues. He holds a number of other key Having worked for seven years as a Scottish positions within the National Museums Episcopal Church parish priest, has now of Scotland, Edinburgh International returned to the University of St Andrews to Science Festival, Scottish Science Centre work as an Assistant Information Network and the John Muir Trust, to Architect/Web Manager. He and Jane are name but a few. Mrs Susan Jackson MA (SS) 1995 enjoying the change in the pace of life and Won a gold medal at the Commonwealth relaxing, having moved house twice in 2006. Mr James Kynge MA 1985 Won the Games held in Melbourne, Australia in Now settled in Anstruther – visitors welcome. £30,000 Financial Times/Goldman Sachs March 2006 in the women’s prone 50 Business Book of the Year award 2006 for metre smallbore rifle pairs event, with her his book China Shakes the World at a partner, Sheena Sharp (Susan is pictured 2000s ceremony in New York last October. on the right). This added to the silver medal which she won at the 2002 Mr Jonathan Wilson BMus 2000 Got Rev Alen McCulloch BD 1988 Royal Navy Commonwealth Games and the bronze married in August 2005 and has been living Chaplain, based in Plymouth, Devon. medal at the 1998 Commonwealth in Dublin since 2001. Website: Married with four daughters. Games, all for the same event (partnering www.jaywilsonmusic.com. Sheena Sharp in 2002 and alumna Mr Dae Heung Kang MTh 2001 General Shirley McIntosh in 1998). Director of the Global Mission Society which 1990s has 1,750 missionaries among 95 countries. Mr Jorge Sifuentes-Littleboy MSc 1992 Dr Michael Heath PhD 1996 Recently Has been a missionary in Thailand since 1987 PhD Geography (2005), University of named Head of Upper School at Catlin and moved to Korea in September 2006. California, Santa Barbara. Gabel School in Portland, Oregon, USA. Mr Brendan Walsh BSc 2002 Finally Mr Christopher Minty MBE MSc 1994 Dr Clare-Louise Walker BSc 1996 MB ChB finished his PhD and is working with Received an MBE in the New Year’s 1999 Has abandoned the academic career Standard Life Investments in Edinburgh. Honours list, January 2007, for his personal and is now working back on the wards as a Ms Jessica Fadel MSc 2002 Graduated contribution to a pioneering conservation GP registrar after six years in the pathology with Master of Library Science degree from project in the rainforest of Central America. laboratories. the State University of New York at Buffalo. Chris first became involved in the work of Engaged to marry Michael O’Donnell in Las Cuevas Research Station in 1997, but Rev Robert MacSwain MTh 1996 Has just September 2007. through his efforts the sustainability of the co-edited a book with Professor Ann Loades project has now been ensured. Chris was of the University of Durham, The Truth- Mr Alan Scobbie LLB 2006 Reading a responsible for developing a working Seeking Heart: Auston Farrer and His second undergraduate degree at Manchester partnership with the local Maya people Writings (Canterbury Press, 2006). Metropolitan University in Politics. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 30

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Alumni Profiles

Ed Stoppard MA French 1997

Ed Stoppard played the role of Henryk out who I was, although what I did at in Polanski’s The Pianist in 2002 and University didn’t relate at all to what I’m Malinowsky in Marple: At Bertram’s doing now. I was terrified of acting, perhaps Hotel which is due to be screened I felt that it was inevitable that I’d end up on TV in May 2007. doing it because of…well my dad being I remember in fourth year studying ‘le nouvel my dad (playwright Tom Stoppard). roman’, it was dense stuff with Proust as our Having spent four years finding out who core text. I thought “God, what have I done?” I was, I was struck by the question – what But the tutor managed to make us all adore will I do with the next 50 years of my life? this kind of writing. I still have those books. I then went to drama school. Somehow My University years turned out to be my dodging the issue for four years enabled me “I still have those books.” formative years, the time when I really figured to wholeheartedly embrace a career in acting.

Diana Leitch Chemistry BSc 1969, PhD 1972

Diana Leitch is Deputy Librarian at the I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in John Rylands University Library at the Edinburgh studying chemistry. I also feel University of Manchester and currently very strongly about women in science, President of the Manchester Club of the so my husband David and I have chosen University of Edinburgh alumni. to support scholarships in chemistry In my presidential year at the Manchester Club at the University of Edinburgh. I’m looking to create, with the Club Committee, Chemistry is the most wonderful training a programme of exciting events to draw in more of the mind. People often say they think it’s graduates from the Greater Manchester and a waste that I went on to be a librarian but Cheshire area. We’re hoping to kick off with an I have been in scientific information work for event which I will host in the newly refurbished 30 years and I use my Chemistry every day. John Rylands Library in early summer. I’m the only university librarian ever to be “I use my chemistry I’m committed to the Manchester Club elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of every day.” because I have a great love for my alma mater Chemistry.

Dr Jerry Lim MBchB Medicine 1958

Dr Lim returned to his native Singapore forth many lifelong friendships that I cherish after graduation and went into general to this day. practice. His son Robert is the fourth I have always felt privileged to have done generation of the Lim family to study medicine at this very prestigious University. medicine at Edinburgh. Indeed the Lim family has had the advantage My years at the University of Edinburgh were of having four generations of Lims who have most fulfilling, both academically as well as done medicine in Edinburgh and returned from a social point of view. The teaching to Singapore. standard of the medical school was extremely “Four generations of Lims rigorous. It was a very enjoyable and highly have done medicine at educational period of my life. The warmth Edinburgh.” of the people of Edinburgh in particular gave 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 31

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Billet The General Council of the University of Edinburgh

Report By Alan Johnston, Convener of the Business Committee of the General Council The General Council is the means by which graduates have a continuing voice in the management of the University’s affairs, and every graduate automatically becomes a member. Academic staff and members of the University’s supreme governing body, the University Court, are also members of the General Council, which meets twice a year and has the right to comment on matters affecting the University’s prosperity and wellbeing. For more information on the work of the General Council, visit www.general-council.ed.ac.uk.

at which the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws for their support for what promises to be was conferred upon Professor Mary McAleese, a very special event. President of Ireland, Justice Albie Sachs, Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Last August, the General Council held a Africa, and the Rt Hon. Lord Gill, Lord Justice reception in Old College, and a private view Clerk and Senator of the College of Justice. of the Festival exhibition in the Talbot Rice Gallery, for General Council members and This summer, the University will be holding its their guests during the Edinburgh International pre-graduation receptions in Teviot Row House Festival. This year a similar event is being in the Potterrow, and members of the Business arranged from 5pm to 6.30pm on Thursday Committee will continue to help support the 16 August 2007 in the Talbot Rice Gallery. University by attending these important The exhibition viewing will be followed by I am glad, once again, to present a positive receptions, which are held for graduands and a reception in the Gallery’s Georgian Room. report to members of the General Council, their families and friends. The General Council All General Council members are most and to assure you that both the University has continued to be represented at all major cordially invited (a ticket request form can and the General Council are in good health. public events and City and University services, be found on the rear inside cover of Edit) and I am grateful to my fellow Officers for to attend and to bring their friends. The Business Committee and the four Standing participating in these duties. Committees have continued to be very active For the location of the Meeting in summer on your behalf since our last meeting, and you Following the warm endorsement at the last 2007, which will take place on Saturday 16 can read full reports of their programmes and Half-Yearly Meeting of Washington DC as the June 2007, the General Council will be moving activities in the current Annex to the Billet, selected venue for the next overseas location out from central Edinburgh to the Easter Bush which is available both on the General Council for a General Council meeting in 2008, the Veterinary Centre near Penicuik. The year 2007 website, or in printed form on request from planning of this important event has now is a special year for the Centre, since it is the the General Council Office. The Business begun. Members may like to note that 50th anniversary of the first graduations for the Committee had its annual presentation in 2008 is also the 150th anniversary of the BVM&S degree from the University of March 2007 from the Edinburgh University Universities (Scotland) Act of 1858, which Edinburgh, and so, in celebration, a Dick Vet Students’ Association (EUSA), and this year, led to the founding of the General Councils Anniversary Homecoming is being held from Mr Ross Neilson, Vice-President Academic of the four Ancient Scottish Universities. 22 to 24 June 2007. We are delighted that Affairs, gave an excellent presentation to the Advance information about the date of the Professor Elaine Watson, who leads the Royal Business Committee, when he talked about meeting in Washington DC, which will be held (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, has agreed a number of topics – for example, student fees, on Saturday 14 June 2008, has already been to give the after-Lunch address after our student accommodation – that are currently sent out to General Council members in the meeting on 16 June. Further information about of interest to students, and outlined their new monthly Alumni Newsletter, and is also transport links to Easter Bush will be available ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Teviot available on the General Council website and on the General Council website, and will also Row House and the Pleasance Theatre. in this issue of the Billet within Edit. Further be sent with ticket requests. details will be added via the website and in The month of February 2007 brought the other publications as they are confirmed over This concludes my half-yearly report to Tercentenary celebrations of the Law School, the coming months. Our colleagues in members, which I hope you agree continues and the Secretary and I were proud to represent Development & Alumni, and senior members to be positive. I look forward to welcoming the General Council at the special graduation of our Alumnus Association in USA, are all General Council members informally in ceremony held in association with the very enthusiastic about the proposed meeting summer 2007 at Easter Bush Veterinary Tercentenary on Saturday 10 February 2007, in Washington DC, and we are grateful to them Centre. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 32

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General Council Half-Yearly Meeting on Saturday 16 June 2007 10.30am: Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian

10am to 10.30am: Coffee, tea and biscuits in the Ground Floor Restaurant area, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre 10.30am: General Council Meeting in the Lecture Room, Ground Floor, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre After the meeting: Lunch in the Ground Floor Restaurant, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre (see page 34 for details)

AGENDA FOR THE GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING 1 Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held on 3 February 2007 (PAPER A) 2 Matters arising 3 Report of the Business Committee 4 Motion (PAPER B) 5 Dates of future meetings of the General Council 6 Notice of forthcoming Elections 7 Presentation by Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine 8 Any other competent business 9 Adjournment

PAPER A Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held on 3 February 2007

1. Result of the Election of Assessors 3. Matters Arising Present: and Members of the Business Mr Mark Ballard Committee Mr J Haldane Tait raised the matter of the Rector, in the Chair motion discussed at the last Half-Yearly The Rector announced that the two General Meeting, and the Convener of the Business Mr Melvyn Cornish Council Assessors elected to serve for a period Committee explained that the Constitutional University Secretary and Registrar of four years from 1 August 2007 to Standing Committee was considering the of the General Council 31 July 2011 were: Mr Douglas Andrew points made at the last meeting and would bring the Regulation forward when it was Professor Timothy O’Shea Connell and Professor Ann McIntyre Smyth. completed. Miss Mary E Mackenzie asked Principal and Vice-Chancellor The five members of the Business Committee elected to serve for a period of four years from if the location of the meeting could be given Dr Ann Matheson 1 August 2007 to 31 July 2011 were: in the heading of the minutes, and the Secretary of the General Council Mr Gordon Douglas Cairns, Mr Ralph Valentine Convener said that this would be reviewed. Parkinson, Dr Alan David Simpson, Dr Frank Ms Linda Hendry raised a matter relating Mr Alan Johnston Ian Stewart, and Mrs Hilary Ann Vandore. to the proposed floors of the refurbished Convener of the Business Committee University Library, and the Principal said 65 other members 2. Minutes of the Meeting of the that Ms Hendry’s point would be relayed General Council held in Paris to the project design team. The Rev. Di Williams on 17 June 2006 opened the meeting with prayer. The Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 June 2006 were approved. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 33

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4. Report of the Business been represented at all graduations and major The full text of the Convener’s remarks, and Committee public events, and thanks were due to the the record of the discussion that followed the Vice-Convener, Secretary, Court Assessors presentation, are contained in the Annex to Mr Alan Johnston, Convener of the Business and Standing Committee Conveners for the Billet. Committee, gave his report, and welcomed sharing these duties, and for all the support the Rector to his first Statutory General and time they gave to the work of Council. 5. Dates of future meetings of the Council meeting as Chairman. He said that The Business Committee and Standing General Council the General Council looked forward to Committees had continued to be very active, working closely with the Rector on University and their detailed reports were given in the The next Half-Yearly Meeting would take projects of mutual interest during his period Annex to the Billet, which was available on place on Saturday 16 June 2007: any of office. He also noted that the Rector had the General Council website and in hard copy motions for discussion at that meeting very kindly stepped in at short notice to give on request. should be received in the General Council the after-Lunch address, since the original Office by 28 March 2007. The following speaker, Ms Sally Magnusson, had suffered A reception in Old College and private view Half-Yearly Meeting would be held on a recent bereavement through the death of for members and guests in the Talbot Rice Saturday 9 February 2008. Any motions for her father, Magnus Magnusson, who had Gallery, with the welcome support of Pat discussion at the meeting on 9 February been Rector of the University some 30 years Fisher, the Principal Curator, had been held 2008 should be received in the General ago. The Secretary had written to Ms to coincide with the Edinburgh International Council Office by 21 November 2007. Magnusson on behalf of the General Council Festival, and a similar event would be held on to offer condolences, and it was very much Thursday 16 August 2007. The next Statutory 6. Notice of forthcoming Elections hoped that she would be able to attend on Meeting would take place on Saturday a future occasion. 16 June 2007 in the School of Veterinary There would be elections for five members Studies, Easter Bush, when Professor Elaine of the Business Committee in February 2008: The Convener noted that the General Council Watson, Head of the School, would give the nominations on forms available from the had taken an important step last year by after-Lunch address. The Convener noted the General Council Office should be received holding its very first ever overseas meeting new, and in his view, improved and clearer in the office by 21 November 2007. in Paris. Encouraged by this, and by similar version of Edit and the Billet within Edit, and comments in London in 2004, the Public thanked the Secretary, Dr Matheson, for her A POSITIVE YEAR Affairs Standing Committee had been working active engagement with the design team on with the University, the Development Office the General Council’s behalf. 7. Presentation by the Principal of and Alumni groups to identify an appropriate the Annual Report of the venue for the General Council 2008 summer The Convener recorded grateful thanks to University meeting, and at its most recent meeting, Mr Roger Windsor, outgoing Convener of the the Business Committee had unanimously Public Affairs Standing Committee, and to The Principal said that it was a great endorsed the Standing Committee’s clear Business Committee members Professor R E pleasure to address the General Council recommendation of Washington DC in the Asher, Mr Michael Conway and Mr Graham and to present the Annual Report. He greatly USA. A key parameter was the great Rule, who completed their terms of office in valued the work of the General Council, enthusiasm and willingness of senior 2006. Mr Ralph Parkinson, Convener of the the contributions that the General Council members of our Alumnus Association in Constitutional Standing Committee, had been Assessors made to the work of the Court, USA, and their confidence that suitable co-opted for a further year, Mr Fred Lawson and the valuable support he received from venues and activities would be realistically (Finance and Services) and Dr Frances Dow the Business Committee. He said that he possible in that location. Because of the (Academic) continued as Conveners, and wanted to begin by emphasising the great timing of summer graduations in 2008, the Mrs Marjorie Appleton had been appointed success of the Paris meeting, and that he date of the June 2008 Half-Yearly Meeting Convener of the Public Affairs Standing warmly welcomed the proposal to go to would be Saturday 14 June 2008. Committee, in succession to Mr Roger Washington DC in 2008. He thought that Windsor. He also welcomed as new members it was highly appropriate for the General The Convener commented that the date of the of the Business Committee Mr Francis Council of a University, which from the February 2007 meeting had been changed to Brewis, Miss Helen Campbell, Mr Finlay day it was founded was international in accommodate the needs of the Law School’s Marshall, Dr Mike Mitchell and Mr James character, to hold some of its meetings Tercentenary celebrations, and he noted that Murray. overseas. he and the Secretary would represent the General Council at the special Law graduation The report of the Business Committee was The Principal said that he would present ceremony. The General Council had again approved. some of the elements in this year’s Annual 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 34

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Report. In terms of the University’s financial Cambridge, Imperial and UCL, and it was Principal’s request that he be patron of the position, income had risen by eight per cent notable that of the total figure of £435 £10 million appeal for Help the Aged. One of to £435 million in the last financial year, and million, while a third came in formula the great resources available was that in 1932 the overall position was very healthy. It was funding from the Scottish taxpayer, the other in Scotland all 11-year-olds had been given particularly healthy when it was recognised two-thirds were achieved in research grants an IQ test, and they were subsequently tested that the University also had a surplus of and against competition. at regular intervals, so that there was a £8 million, and that this performance was wonderful cohort of people for whom one very similar to the University’s performance The Principal said that he would particularly can actually track how their cognitive abilities in the previous three years. The Principal emphasise that the foundation of the had changed at 10-year intervals since 1932. said that he would be interested if anybody Confucius Institute located in Abden House, A key member of that cohort was the actor, could tell him after his remarks if there was with recurrent support from the Chinese Richard Wilson, so he had lent himself also another university in the United Kingdom government and infrastructure support from to this very important work. It was important which had had such a robust financial the Scottish Executive, was a great research, and it would have an impact on performance and such robust growth over achievement. The University’s first Chinese how older people lived their lives, and on a consistent period. The University’s assets graduate was Huang Kuan, who had been how care homes and nursing homes were were now valued at a US billion, namely a medical graduate in 1855, so the organised. £1,000,000,000. The Principal drew University’s engagement with China was attention to the very distinguished people not new. In March 2007, the University In terms of equality and diversity, the who had received honorary degrees from would be hosting in Beijing a celebration of University continued to make progress. the University in recent times, and he academic success, where Chinese students For example, the University now had four particularly mentioned Professor John L would be able to attend. At that ceremony female Professors of Engineering, which was Hennessey, President of Stanford, and Dr the University would be celebrating a key very good. Environmental work continued Nick Donofrio, Executive Vice-President, alumnus, Professor Zhong Nanshan, who apace in partnership with the students doing Innovation and Technology, IBM; and was world-famous as the person who had work in regard to fair trade. The single issue benefactors Lady Trotman for the tremendous identified the SARS virus. The Principal said that preoccupied students most was the support from herself and the late Lord that members of the General Council would environment, and that was why ‘People & Trotman for bursaries, and Dr Rodger Mirrey be pleased to know that only a few days ago Planet’ was the strongest society on the for the wonderful gift of the keyboard the University had been awarded funding to campus, and it was a very productive instruments which are now housed in set up the Scottish Centre for Research in engagement between the students and the St Cecilia’s Hall. The Principal said that Human and Avian Influenza. The research University. The University had recently there were very many benefactions listed, undertaken on species-jumping diseases appointed very many distinguished and he said he would like to ask the was a great strength of the University. In professors. Professor Tom Devine, who held members of the General Council to read addition, in partnership with the Beijing Film the Sir William Fraser Chair, was running a all the names and, if they recognised any, Academy, the University would be very important series of historical debates to drop them a note to say how wonderful celebrating a festival of Chinese about the 1707 Union of the Parliaments. it was that they were supporting bursaries contemporary film in Edinburgh. at the University of Edinburgh, or that they The Principal went on to speak about had promised the University a legacy. Another part of the Annual Report of great scholarships. Access scholarships were very interest was the work on cognitive ageing, led important, because the University wanted to The figures in the Annual Report indicated by Professor Ian Deary, holder of the Chair welcome students from a wide range of that the University was tending toward 10 of Differential Psychology. Help the Aged had backgrounds, and did not want them to be applications a place, with 24,500 students, run a competition because it had decided deterred from study because of lack of 11,000 from Scotland, 8,000 from the rest that it wanted to support just one research money. It was a really key part of the of the United Kingdom, 2,000 from the project in the United Kingdom. The final two University of Edinburgh Fundraising European Union and 3,500 from outside the out of some 35 runners were the University Campaign to provide support. In terms of European Union. In addition, there were more of Edinburgh and University College London; activities to date, over 600 students had been than 1,000 students from North America, and the University of Edinburgh had won. helped through the undergraduate bursary and more than 500 students from China. The Principal said that Help the Aged had scheme, and the Principal was very proud The summary in the Annual Report showed promised to raise £10 million for the very of the University community’s success in that the University had achieved £140 important work undertaken by the University doing that. Access bursaries were typically million of research grants awarded in that on cognitive ageing. He said that members about £1,000 a year, but they did vary, and period. Every pound had been received in of the General Council would be pleased to then there were individuals like Dr Alfred and competition against universities like Oxford, know that the Chancellor had agreed to the Dr Isabel Bader, who had supported a large 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 35

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number of chemistry students, and Lady In terms of other forms of support, one part announcing that it was the preferred bidder Trotman and the late Lord Trotman. In rough of it was having decent buildings. The to house and run HECToR, which was the figures, currently the University offered University had a huge campus of about next British supercomputer. The University support to about one in eight of the 500,000 square metres of teaching and of Edinburgh ran the current British undergraduates; a Campaign goal was to research space, and 230 major buildings. supercomputer, but it was physically located move that to one in four over the next five The University also needed modern IT in Manchester. The successor machine was years. When it came to postgraduate facilities to support students. set to be located on the Technopole. The students, some of them got support from the Its teaching methods also had to reflect technical position was that the University seven Research Councils. The University had technological developments. The University was the preferred bidder, but the contract to be aware that in the current environment had received the Queen’s Award for the had not yet been signed. The University had a lot of students who wanted to be extremely high-quality way in which had a charming visit the previous Tuesday postgraduate students had already got quite technology was used to support student from Mr Bill Gates, who had expressed serious debt from having done undergraduate learning for undergraduate medicine and particular interest in the work of regenerative study. Typically, UK students who completed undergraduate veterinary science. It was medicine. He had met five teams working a course of study and did some part-time also hoped that the University would expand in regenerative medicine; and he had met work ended up with a debt of around £12,000 its part-time programmes. There was an Professor Ian Wilmut, who had cloned to £14,000, so it was particularly challenging absolutely excellent Careers Service, which Dolly the Sheep, and some young scientists for a young person who had already helped students to demonstrate their who had talked to him about the basic accumulated university debts in excess of engagement to employers. An area that was technology of stem cells and cloning. He £10,000 to come to university to do absolutely vital for students was disability met a team focusing on using stem cell postgraduate work, and so the University had and counselling. The number of students therapy for diseases of the liver, along with put in a lot of effort to this issue. The wishing to declare a disability had quite another team that was working on the Principal was very pleased to report that the dramatically increased from two per cent 10 thymus, and another team which was Development Trust had agreed to his various years ago to six per cent today. There were making good progress on osteoporosis, requests, and that just short of £2 million had also excellent advice places run by the and one working on motor neurone disease. been put in to support postgraduates in need. Students’ Association, and an absolutely He also met a team which is working on It was really very important that the University excellent Chaplaincy, led by the Chaplain sleeping sickness and the tsetse fly in helped these young people who had great with good support from a large cohort of partnership with the University of Makerere, potential through their academic work to Honorary Chaplains, which provided very and some young colleagues from Makerere do important things, and helped them important services to students of all faiths University came across from Tanzania to be overcome some of the financial obstacles. and students of none. with us during the visit. The University also The University also had hardship funds given conferred an honorary degree on Bill Gates. to the University from Government, and these The Principal finished his report with some The following day, when he was addressing were very important. The hardship funds were recent positive news. Professor Ian the Government Leaders Forum at Holyrood, used to support students in a number of Megson’s work on organ transplant survival he explained that his reason for coming to ways: for example, a student who was a was particularly noteworthy; Professor Scotland was because of the very strong single mother who required help with her Megson and his colleagues had identified science at the University of Edinburgh. childcare; or a student who had a disability; a way of keeping organs for transplant alive or a student who was caring for a parent and very much longer, and that had been The full text of the Principal’s remarks, and had to travel a lot back to the parent to worldwide news and was one of the very the record of the discussion that followed the support them. So there was a whole range many projects in medicine of which the presentation, are contained in the Annex to of hardships that students could have, and University should be very proud. The the Billet. the Principal was very pleased that the University’s MBA had recently gone up University was able to assist in this way. So 28 places in the Financial Times rankings, 8. Any other competent business in terms of the Fundraising Campaign, which making it by far the strongest Scottish MBA had had a wonderful launch, undergraduate and also giving it a strong worldwide Mr Malcolm Errington raised the matter of scholarships and postgraduate scholarships ranking. In terms of regenerative medicine, the honorary degree awarded to Robert were really at the heart of it, and the Principal the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, in 1984, hoped that the General Council, as part of the had recently announced a £40 million to which the University Secretary responded. larger community, would really encourage contribution to the £59 million Centre for The meeting agreed with a proposal from people to support it. Regenerative Medicine to be built at Little the floor that the matter should be referred France. The Principal reported that in a few to the Business Committee for further days time the University would be formally consideration. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 36

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Ms Linda Hendry raised the issue of theft PAPER B of personal property in the Library, and the University Secretary said that he would Motion look into the present position. Mr Peter Freshwater, former Deputy Librarian, This General Council invites the Senate b. whether, because of his actions subsequent commented that personal theft was a of the University to consider: to his receiving an honorary degree from this University in 1984, the award given to Robert perennial problem in libraries. a. taking unto itself powers to allow the Miss Mary E Mackenzie raised the point Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, should be University, in exceptional cases, to remove from withdrawn. that five out of 11 nominations for election individuals the award of an honorary degree were proposed by the Convener and where their actions subsequent to their receiving Proposed by: Mr Malcolm Errington (MEd Vice-Convener. The Convener responded that award are considered to have brought the 1985) that he regarded it as his responsibility good name of the University into disrepute Seconded by: Mr Colin Harvey (MA 1972) as Convener of the Business Committee to try to surround himself with competent individuals, and in the absence of a huge number of nominations from elsewhere, Festival Reception and which this year will present the work individuals, with varied backgrounds and of David Batchelor, who is best known for varied skills were sought, but it was a Exhibition Viewing: his light installations. democratic election, for which any General Council member could stand. 16 August 2007 For this exhibition, David Batchelor will show a brand new site-specific installation made 9. Adjournment The General Council is arranging a Reception for Talbot Rice Gallery’s vast atrium space. on Thursday 16 August 2007 in the Talbot The reception afterwards will be held in the The Motion by the Convener of the Rice Gallery for General Council members Gallery’s Georgian Room. A ticket request Business Committee that, for the purpose and their friends. There will be an opportunity form is available on the rear inside cover of considering matters which may be to see the Festival exhibition in the Gallery, of this issue of Edit. transmitted to the General Council by the University Court or any other business of a competent nature, the Business Committee The June 2007 General Council Lunch be empowered to act on behalf of the Council, and that this meeting be adjourned to a date to be fixed by the Business Following the Half-Yearly Meeting, members Committee, was approved. of the General Council, other alumni, their partners, family and friends are cordially The Rev. Di Williams closed the meeting invited to the General Council Lunch on with a benediction. Saturday 16 June 2007, in the Ground Floor Restaurant, Easter Bush Veterinary The Annex to the Billet contains supporting Centre. papers for the Agenda, including communications from the University Court, Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the Royal full Standing Committee reports, a transcript (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, will of the presentation, and the Business give the after-Lunch address. Committee’s report to the meeting on 3 February 2007. General Council members If you would like to attend the next General may either collect the Annex from half-an- Council Lunch, please complete and return hour before the Council Meeting, or request the form on the rear inner cover no later Professor Elaine Watson it by post from: Mrs Jean Gibson, General than Monday 11 June 2007. Council Office, Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HT. Tickets at £16.00 include a pre-Lunch There will be a short tour of Easter Bush after Tel: 0131 650 2152. wine reception and a three-course meal. Lunch from 3pm to 4pm. If you would like Email: [email protected] Table wines will be available for purchase to join the tour, please complete the Tour at the meal. section of the Lunch ticket request form. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 37

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Officers Chairman: His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT Secretary: Ann Matheson, OBE, MA, Dip. Scottish Studies, MLitt, PhD, Hon DLitt 2009 Registrar: Melvyn D Cornish, BSc, PGCE, University Secretary ex-officio

General Council Assessors on the University Court: A Margaret Tait, BSc 2009 Robin O Blair, LLB, MA 2007 Gavin W T Scott, BCom, CA, MBA 2007

Business Committee: Convener: Alan M Johnston, MBA, CSci, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol 2008 Vice-Convener: Neil R Hynd, LVO, BArch 2008

A Convener of Academic Standing Committee: Frances D Dow, MA, DPhil 2008 F Convener of Standing Committee on Finance and Services: Charles F Y Lawson, BSc, CA, FSI (co-opted) 2008 P Convener of Public Affairs Standing Committee: Marjorie D Appleton, BArch (Hons), RIBA, FRIAS 2009 C Convener of Constitutional Standing Committee: Ralph V Parkinson, MA Geography (Hons) (co-opted) 2007

Members ‘A’ denotes a member of the Academic Standing Committee, ‘C’ a member of the Constitutional Standing Committee, ‘F’ a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Services, and ‘P’ a member of the Public Affairs Standing Committee:

Chancellor’s Assessor: The Rt Hon. Lord Cameron of Lochbroom, MA, LLB, QC, FRSE, FRIAS ex-officio C George L Allen, BSc, MSc, MA, LLM, BL, DipLP, FLS, FRSM, FRMS, FRIPH, FRSA, NP 2007 F William R B Bowie, BSc, CEng, MICE, FIHT 2007 C Gavin Douglas, RD, QC, MA, LLB 2007 F Anne Paterson, BSc (Social Science), Diploma in Social Study 2007 C Patricia J Spark, MA 2008 P Diana C F Webster, MA, Dip Lib, MCLIP 2008 A Ian Wotherspoon, MA, MBA, PhD, FSA (Scot), MCMI 2008 P Alan D G Brown, MB ChB, FRCOG, FRCS Ed 2009 F J Ewan Jeffrey, BSc, CA 2009 C Ann M Sutherland, MA, FBCartS 2009 A Charles P Swainson, MB ChB, FRCPE, FFPHM 2009 P Francis R M Brewis, MA 2010 A Helen M Campbell, MA, BA, MNCHM, RSHom 2010 F T Finlay Marshall, MA, FFA 2010 P Michael J Mitchell, BSc, PhD 2010 A James Murray, BSc, MS CEng, MIEE, MIHT 2010

Assistant to the Secretary: Jean Gibson 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 38

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June 2008 General Council Meeting in Washington DC, USA

US Capitol, Washington DC

General Council members are warmly Further details will be available on the Information will also appear in the new invited to put the date Saturday 14 June General Council website (www.general- Development & Alumni monthly e-Newsletter: 2008 in their diaries. On this date, the council.ed.ac.uk), and in future issues of to join the mailing list for the e-Newsletter, General Council’s Half-Yearly Meeting the Billet within Edit. please contact Brian Campbell, Development and Lunch will take place in Washington & Alumni, at [email protected]. DC. This will be the first meeting held by the General Council in North America, and it is another very important milestone in taking General Council meetings to members, following London in 2004 and Paris in 2006.

The year 2008 is also an important anniversary for the General Council, since it will be the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the General Councils of the four Ancient Scottish Universities by the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858. The General Council Meeting and Lunch will be associated with a weekend of events organised in association with the University’s Development & Alumni, and the Alumnus Association in Washington DC. We invite you most cordially to attend this very special occasion. Before the General Council Lunch, left to right: Professor Timothy O’Shea, Principal and Vice-Chancellor; Mr Alan Johnston, Convener of the Business Committee; Dr Ann Matheson, Secretary of the General Council; Mr Mark Ballard, Rector; and Mr Melvyn Cornish, University Secretary and Registrar of the General Council. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 39

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The June 2007 General Council Lunch

Please send me tickets for the General Council Lunch.

A cheque for £ is enclosed, payable to The University of Edinburgh.

Name

Address

Postcode

Name(s) of guest(s)

Tour of Easter Bush There will be a short tour of Easter Bush after Lunch from 3pm to 4pm. In order to assist with the organisation of the tours, if you intend to go on the tour, please give the number/s attending in the box provided.

Please complete and return this form to Mrs Jean Gibson, Assistant to the Secretary of the General Council, General Council Office, University of Edinburgh, Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HT. Closing date for applications: Monday 11 June 2007

Festival Reception and Exhibition Viewing: 16 August 2007

Please send me tickets (£10 per person) for the Festival Reception and Exhibition Viewing.

A cheque for £ is enclosed, payable to The University of Edinburgh.

Name

Address

Postcode

Name(s) of guest(s)

Please return to: Mrs Jean Gibson, Assistant to the Secretary of the General Council, General Council Office, The University of Edinburgh, Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HT by Monday 13 August 2007. 60282_Edit_Summer07 2/5/07 02:04 Page 40