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THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ISSUE 4 • SPRING 2002

RESOURCE THE NEWSLETTER OF ’S NATIONAL ACADEMY Successes Supported by RSE £5.5M Boost for Creation of Scottish Businesses from Scottish Enterprise Craig Hamilton The RSE scheme to foster the creation of new businesses in Intense Photonics Scotland is to receive a £5.5 million boost following the expansion of the RSE and Scottish Enterprise Enterprise Fellowship programme. This will enable the Society to award 80 new Enterprise Fellowships to deserving academics who wish to set up a business in Scotland. The Enterprise Fellowships provide the financial support, business training and the expert advice needed to turn innovative ideas into potentially world- John Nicholls leading products. Launched at The Royal Society of Photonic Materials Edinburgh’s George Street Offices in March, the new package of support will dramatically expand the highly successful programme which has already helped to create 7 new companies and over 420 highly-skilled new jobs in Scotland. The Enterprise Fellowships scheme, run by the RSE and funded by Scottish Enterprise began in 1997. It supports outstanding researchers in developing spin-out companies Jeff Wright and also aims to raise understanding of commercialisation Micro Emissive Displays in Scottish universities and research institutes. This funding will enable the scheme to offer Fellowships in the additional categories of: Software/E-commerce/M-commerce, Forest Industries, Food, Tourism, Electronics, and Creative Industries, as well as those already offered for Opto-electronics, Energy, Biotechnology, Communication Technology and Microelectronics. Professor Neil Hood, Deputy Chairman of Scottish Enterprise, said: The Enterprise Fellowships have very Shane Sturrock quickly proved their worth as a way of converting innovation Edinburgh Biocomputing Systems into businesses, and we are very pleased to be funding the second phase of the programme. We look forward to the next wave of technology-led businesses that have the power to transform Scotland’s economy.

Prince Hassan of Jordan on J K Rowling elected to Lord Sutherland of Jews, Muslims and Honorary Fellowship Houndwood, becomes Christians President-elect First Words

The Society is deeply saddened by the Good progress has been made in the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, establishment of the Scottish Science The Queen Mother, who was Patron of Advisory Committee, which the Scottish the Society for over 50 years. Our Executive has asked the RSE to set up. sympathies go to Her Majesty The Queen and to The Royal Family. Finally, I greatly welcome the decision of the Fellowship to elect Lord Sutherland In this Jubilee Year of Her Majesty The of Houndwood as my successor. I have Queen’s accession to the throne, worked closely with him before and his however, the Society goes from clear thinking and acumen will be of strength to strength, albeit with a great benefit to the Society as it seeks modest corebudget from the public to return more to its original aims, sector. serving as an independent and high Our Foot and Mouth Inquiry, which has quality think tank for the “new” been supported by independent Scotland. The Society has the vision but charitable trusts and individual it currently lacks the necessary funding. donations is working well and is That is something we must seek to expected to report in late June. The address. report on Infectious Salmon Anaemia The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is has gone to press; the review of Scotland’s National Academy of Mediation and the Health Services in Science & Letters. It is an independent Scotland, recently published, has been body with charitable status. The much welcomed. New international Society organises conferences and agreements with other leading National lectures for the specialist and for the Academies have been established. Sir William Stewart, FRS, FRSE, President general public. It provides a forum for informed debate on issues of national and international importance. Its multidisciplinary fellowship of men International Activities and women of international standing At the end of March, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn who succeeded Professor Andrew Miller as provides independent, expert advice International Convener in October 2001, led a small delegation to China to ratify a to key decision making bodies, Memorandum of Understanding between the Society and the Chinese Academy of including Government and Sciences. Parliament. The Memorandum will promote and strengthen scientific co-operation between both The Society’s Research Awards sides, and will facilitate exchange visits of scholars and researchers to and from programme annually awards around Scotland and China. More widely it aims to raise the profile of Scotland academically £1 million to exceptionally talented and to support its increasing international profile within the devolution settlement. young academics and potential Lord Wilson is a former Governor of Hong Kong and has extensive experience of South entrepreneurs to promote commercial East Asia. exploitation of inventiveness and boost wealth-generation. The RSE is active in classrooms from the Borders to the Northern Isles, with a successful programme of lectures and hands-on workshops for primary and secondary school pupils. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, working as part of the UK and within a global context, is committed to the future of Scotland’s social, economic and cultural well-being.

Lord Wilson of Tillyorn (left) and Professor Lu Yongxing, President, CAS, sign the Memorandum of Understanding, watched by Professor Wilson Sibbett and Zhang Xinggen, Assistant Director General, CAS Bureau of International Cooperation. Photo by Graeme Herbert.

2 Election of New RSE President Lord Sutherland of Houndwood to be next President of RSE

The distinguished academic Lord Sutherland of Houndwood has been made President-elect of the Society, following elections held at the RSE on Monday 4th March. Lord Sutherland who is currently the Principal and Vice- of the will formally take over as RSE President when Sir William Stewart demits office this October. This highly prestigious post has been held by other such distinguished figures as Sir James Hall, Sir Walter Scott, Thomas Stevenson and Lord Kelvin. The post is unpaid; the term lasts for up to 3 years. Prior to becoming Principal of The University of Edinburgh, Lord Sutherland was Vice-Chancellor of the University of and is a former HM Chief Inspector of Schools in . A member of the Board of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Lord Sutherland also sits on the Government’s Council for Science and Technology. He chaired the recent Royal Commission on the Long Term Care of the Elderly, and last year, The Appointments Commission named the then Sir Stewart Sutherland as one of 15 new independent life peers.

Sir William Stewart congratulates Lord Sutherland of Houndwood on becoming his successor. [photo by Gary Doak] Election of New Fellows of the RSE “The Society has been strengthened by the election to the Society of over 60 outstanding individuals from the sciences, technology and engineering; from and from the business world, from the media and from literature and the arts and humanities. It is this cornucopia of such talent and expertise which must lie at the heart of a modern RSE.” Sir William Stewart, President

Honorary Fellows Laboratory; W. M. Keck Foundation Professor of Economics, University of GORDON, Gerald Henry, Temporary Professor of Electrical Engineering, Stirling; BLOW, John Julian, Director, High Court Judge; NURSE, Paul ; ROSS, Sydney, Cancer Research UK Chromosome Maxime, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Chemistry Department, Rensselaer Replication Research Group, Professor Medicine, Director-General (Science), Polytechnic Institute, USA; Founder, of Chromosome Maintenance, Cancer Research UK; ROWLING, Joanne James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. University of ; BOYD, Ian Kathleen, Author; SHARP, Phillip Allen, Fellows Lamont, Director, NERC Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory; Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, ALESSI, Dario Renato, Principal Professor of Biology, University of St Director, The McGovern Institute for Investigator and Honorary Reader, MRC Andrews; BROADIE, Sarah, Professor of Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute Protein Phosphorylation Unit, University Philosophy, University of ; of Technology, USA. of Dundee; ARMSTRONG, Richard, BROWN, Alice, Professor of Politics and Corresponding Fellows Music Director, Scottish Opera; Vice Principal, University of Edinburgh; ARTHUR, John Willins, Technical HAAKONSSEN, Knud, Professor of BURT, Peter Alexander, Deputy Director, Thales-MESL Ltd; Philosophy, Boston University; Chairman, HBOS plc.; BYRNE, Richard HALL, Peter Gavin, Professor of BAUCKHAM, Richard John, Professor William, Professor of Evolutionary Statistics, Australian National University, of New Testament Studies and Bishop Psychology, ; Canberra; MILLER, David Andrew Wardlaw Professor, University of St COLLIER CAMERON, Andrew, Reader Barclay, Director, E.L. Ginzton Andrews; BELL, David Nevin Fraser, in Astronomy, University of St Andrews;

3 CONNELL, John Muir Cochrane, HENTON, Margaret Patricia, Chief Professor of Endocrinology, University Executive, Scottish Environment of Glasgow; Protection Agency; DARGIE, Henry John, Consultant JENCKS, Charles, Writer, Critic, Artist, Cardiologist, Western Infirmary, Architect; JOHNSTON, Derek William, Glasgow; Honorary Professor, University Professor in Psychology, University of St of Glasgow; DELLA SALA, Sergio, Andrews; Professor of Neuro-Psychology, KENNEDY, Malcolm William, University of ; DRYSDALE, Chairman, PB Power Ltd; KIDD, Colin David Douglas, Professor of Fire Safety Craig. Reader in History, University of Engineering, University of Edinburgh; Glasgow; KRAUSS, Thomas, Professor EARNSHAW, William, Professor and of Optoelectronics, University of St Wellcome Principal Fellow, University of Andrews; KUKSIN, Sergei Borisevich, Edinburgh; EDWARDS, Kevin John, Professor of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt Professor in Physical Geography, University; ; LAMB, Jonathan Robert, Professor of GRETTON, George Lidderdale, Lord Respiratory Science, University of President Reid Professor of Law, Edinburgh; LANGLANDS, Alan, University of Edinburgh; Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University HALLETT, Christine, Deputy Principal, of Dundee; LAW, Robin, Professor of University of Stirling; HAMNETT, African History, University of Stirling; Andrew, Principal and Vice Chancellor, LINKLATER, Magnus Duncan, Acclaimed children’s author, J K University of Strathclyde; HARRISON, Columnist, “” & “Scotland Rowling, Hon FRSE. Andrew, Professor of Solid State on Sunday”; Photo by William de la Hey. This Chemistry, University of Edinburgh; MacDONALD, Ronald, Professor of photograph is not to be reproduced. HART, Robert Albert, Professor of International Finance, University of Economics, University of Stirling; Strathclyde; MACKAY, Eileen Alison, HENDRY, David Forbes, Professor of Non–Executive Director, Royal Bank of PLANT, Jane Ann, Chief Scientist, Economics, ; Scotland Group, Edinburgh Investment Trust, Scottish Enterprise (Edinburgh & British Geological Survey; Lothian), Scottish Financial Enterprise; RICE, Susan, Chief Executive, Lloyds TSB MAIZELS, Richard Michael, Professor of Scotland; RITCHIE, Ian Cleland, Zoology, University of Edinburgh; Director, Scottish Institute for McCRONE, David, Professor of Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise; non- Sociology and Co-Director, Institute of executive Director SCRAN, Governance, University of Edinburgh; Television, EPIC Group plc, Mindwarp MEEK, Donald Eachann Macdonald, Pavilion Ltd; non-executive Chairman of Professor of Scottish and Gaelic Active Navigation Ltd.; Digital Bridges Studies, Edinburgh University; Ltd, Voxar Ltd.; Deputy Chairman of VIS MELHAM, Thomas Frederick, Professor Entertainment plc. of Computing Science, University of SECKL, Jonathan Robert, Moncrieff- Glasgow; MOLCHANOV, Ilya, Professor Arnott Professor of Molecular of Applied Probability, University of Medicine, University of Edinburgh; Glasgow; MORGAN, Peter John, STEEDMAN, Mark Jerome, Professor of Director of the Rowett Research Cognitive Science, University of Institute; MULGREW, Bernard, Edinburgh; Professor of Signals and Systems, VARDY, Alan Edward, Research University of Edinburgh; Professor in Civil Engineering, NORRIE, Kenneth McKenzie, Professor , Consulting of Law & Head of the Law School, Engineer; University of Strathclyde; WHITE, Stephen Leonard, Professor of Sir Paul Nurse, Hon FRSE, Nobel PITTS, Nigel Berry, Director, Dental International Politics, University of Prizewinner in Physiology or Medicine Health Services Research Unit, Chief Glasgow; WOOLLINS, John Derek, and Director-General (Science), Cancer Scientist Office; Director, Centre for Professor of Synthetic Chemistry, Research UK. Photo courtesy of Cancer Dental Innovations, University of University of St Andrews. Research UK. Dundee;

4 RSE in action Mediation and the Health Services in Foot and Mouth Scotland Inquiry The RSE Working Group established to A greater use of mediation will not take The RSE’s independent Inquiry into Foot examine the scope of mediation to place unless there is a change in and Mouth Disease, begun in resolve disputes between patients and attitudes, culture and education. This November 2001, is well on course to the health services in Scotland has applies to everyone, but above all there providing a wide-ranging report on the completed its work. Its report - must be political will for change. There science of FMD as well as its effect on Encouraging Resolution was published must also be co-operation and action the rural and tourist economies of in February. by all the organisations to which the Scotland. recommendations in this Report have The report concludes that mediation A considerable body of written been addressed. I hope that politicians, should have a role to play, in particular evidence has been received in response these organisations and the public will in relation to medical negligence to the public appeal made at the study the Report, and that those who disputes, and that it can improve the outset. A wide range of individuals and are able to do so will give effect to its dispute resolution process. It contains bodies have given oral evidence and recommendations. It would be a number of recommendations to give met with members of the committee. unfortunate if Scotland was to continue effect to this conclusion. These are Well attended and often moving, lively to lag behind other countries in mainly directed at the Scottish Public Meetings have been held in recognising that there is a place for Executive, the Courts in Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway, and the mediation in the field of medical the Medical Defence Organisations. Borders - the two areas in Scotland negligence claims. which had cases of FMD - giving an In launching the report, RSE Vice opportunity for those directly affected President Lord Ross, who chaired the to relate their experiences. Group said: Donations towards the costs have been A copy of the Mediation report can be obtained from Graeme Herbert, Mediation Group received from a wide range of Secretary : [email protected] or from the RSE Web site charitable bodies and individuals. The report is scheduled to be ready by the end of June and will be widely Infectious Salmon Anaemia available. The RSE’s independent working party, were affected by the virus and the Euro- Further information is available from set up to assess the science behind pean Commission was required to the RSE website or by e-mailing legislation governing the control of develop and introduce methods to [email protected] Infectious Salmon Anaemia, has con- control the disease. This has been suc- cluded its inquiry. Chaired by Professor cessful and there have been no further Roderick MacSween, the committee has outbreaks in Scotland since 1999. This is been investigating this virus which is a in contrast to Norway and Canada where comprehensive report, based on evi- blight to one of Scotland’s most impor- the disease has been controlled but not dence from within the industry; from tant industries. eradicated. those regulating the control of infec- From a small number of experimental The culling methods employed in Scot- tious salmon anaemia and other fish farm units on the West Coast in the land do have economic consequences diseases, and from all countries in which 1960s, the Scottish salmon farming for the farming industry and, in addition, there is a salmon farming industry and industry has expanded exponentially. It such methods were seen as a threat to in which disease control measures have now makes a major contribution to the the broodstock industry representing , as been introduced. Scottish economy, producing fish for the it did, a big exercise and investment in The report will shortly be circulated food chain and also rearing broodstock genetic selection. widely amongst key stakeholders and genetically selected to improve the yield The Royal Society of Edinburgh deter- the group hopes that its findings and and quality of fish and for supply to mined that it would be important to recommendations will be seen as a other countries in which salmon farming examine the scientific basis on which the contribution to ensure the future wel- is an important industry. European Commission’s proposals were fare of the salmon industry in Scotland. Atlantic salmon both in the wild and in founded, which it could do from a fish farms are subject to a number of wholly independent position, drawing Copies of the ISA report can be obtained infectious diseases. The first outbreak of on the expertise of its own Fellowship. from Dr Marc Rands so called infectious salmon anaemia The deliberations of the Working Party ([email protected]) or occurred in Norway in 1984. In 1998/ have resulted in the publication of a from the RSE Web site. 1999 a number of farms in Scotland

5 HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal Christians, Muslims and Jews The Quest for Human Solidarity Address to the Society on 4 February 2002

All multilateral processes appear to Christianity emphasised in the words of include two stages. the Pope, ‘Faced with a world that too often denies justice with violence, we The first is security; consider that in our Christians base our hope on the region, $300 billion has been spent on merciful providence of God to reach the security in the last 10 years. most hardened of hearts.’ The second stage is the economy. These attitudes should inspire the Illegal migration from our countries Churches to a dialogue with other catalysed discussion with the EU (after religions and cultures to reaffirm the signing the Israel/Jordan Peace Treaty in values of human life. 1994) for $35 billion to assist develop- Prince El Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan. ment work to alleviate poverty for a The different fundamentalisms, Photo by Gary Doak decade. However, the EU said no, and including secularism, are tearing us “We have all been affected by the today we are spending money on apart, both within and between th events of September 11 , but I hope security forces, rather than encouraging communities. Despite many conflicts, not irreparably so. We are at a societal illegal immigrants to stay in their own there are enough historical examples of crossroads and we have the choice of country. peaceful co-existence of different moving away from each other or closer religions for optimism, e.g. between Very little research is done on migra- together. One is mutually assured Christians and Muslims in North Africa, tion; only two universities in the destruction (MAD), the other mutually and during the Crusades; in Andalusia Western world are active in this field. assured security (MAS). I believe we can in the Middle Ages, Jews, Muslims and The issue of migration and refugees is a achieve the latter because I believe in Christians co-existed in peace for close huge international problem. the concept of community and the to eight centuries. propensity for good. Conflicts are often characterised by the I see the world as comprising one inability of either side to recognise the Quoting from the most recent docu- civilisation and ten thousand cultures suffering of the other. The Arab/Israeli ment presented to the G8 countries by rather than many civilisations. I believe conflict is a prime example. We need the Independent Bureau and Office for in a continuous process of dialogue education exchange programmes such Humanitarian Assistance, and interaction between the cultures. as the EU Socrates and Erasmus to Islam is a broad religion that cannot be ‘Hiding behind one excuse or other, begin to rectify the situation. governments tend to violate interna- generalised. It is often presented as a tional human rights laws. International Interacting with each other and taking global threat. Muslim societies have reprimands are often ignored.’ the best from each other is the way to undergone centuries of change. This progress. Islam teaches that God contradicts the fallacy that it is an The problem is most acute when ‘non- created mankind to comprise various unbending institution. Islam emphasis- state’ actors participate; those who religions, not a single one, and recogn- es justice, benevolence, wisdom and don’t consider themselves bound by ises Judaism and Christianity. I am compassion. international law. proud to be a pluralist. Given the inherent ambiguity of Jews, Christians and Muslims must What place does a variegated experi- language, text-based religions inevita- insist that humanitarian factors be ence of human religion serve in the bly lead to multiple interpretations. placed at the forefront of all consider- great scheme of things? God’s com- Furthermore any major religion is by ations. mand to all human communities on definition a diverse institution. As with We must seek a new kind of politics, Earth is to vie with one another to do any text-based religion, there are anti- capable of ending humanity’s war with good works. pluralist tendencies in Islam running in parallel with the pluralists. Unfortu- itself and nature; a politics for people, The Koran is clear that there should be nately Islam is too often portrayed as ‘anthropolitics’. no compulsion in religion. Solidarity being entirely hostile to the West; Islam among the faiths means that compet- Ironically, in the Jordan/Israel negotia- equals extremism. I find this disturbing ing religions strive for the common tions, we encountered the fear of peace considering that Muslims comprise good. itself rather than a fear of war. almost three quarters of the world’s refugees, those who are fleeing

6 conflict. Terrorism is committed by cultures will be able to talk to each crisis from Cairo down to the South of people from many different religious other rather than leaving the issue of the Gulf and up to the North of the backgrounds, including secularists. crisis avoidance to governments alone. Caspian contains 70 and 40% of the Islamic terrorists are not considered as world’s oil and gas respectively. I would Global inequality has grown in the last objects of piety within Islam. like to see a comprehensive OSC 20 years; the richest 350 people own approach and a culture of compliance Can we manage the transition from a more than 40% of the world’s wealth. where state and non-state actors state culture of war to a culture of peace? I The crises in Bosnia and Afghanistan very clearly their opposition to would like to hear Western leaders may have been avoided had we kept to terrorism. The penetration of Islam by talking about revolutionising a law of the promises of United Nations in 1974 security forces can only serve the peace, rather than the battlefield. We to donate 0.7% of GNP of the extremists. Israel is a democracy, but have to understand each other’s industrialised countries to the the increasing spiral of violence is being cultures and respect them. development of the disadvantaged questioned by ordinary Israelis countries. Today’s ‘angry neighbours’ Wars will never end until justice themselves. To quote a rabbi colleague, might have been friends and trading prevails. I call for sustainable dialogue, ‘There are no simple answers to the partners. not just sustainable development. political conflict, but there are Peace cannot be achieved by political In the context of the Middle East the possibilities of meeting each other at and economic development alone, but situation looks pretty bleak. The the level of religious understanding”. requires the intellectual and moral Palestinian territories comprise 64 solidarity of mankind. Education and different administrative entities, and I Summarised text of a Lecture delivered interaction play major roles in don’t know how they are supposed to at RSE on 4 February, by Prince El dispelling bias and exclusiveness. In get their act together in order to turn Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan Istanbul, a Parliament of Cultures is to back the tide of occupation. The arc of be established. People of different Spreading the Word The RSE Young People’s programme Alan Jamieson of Lothian and Borders has been visiting Schools throughout Police, talked to students at the Nicol- Scotland in the past months. Following son Institute, Isle of Lewis about Death, the Christmas Lecture in Dumfries and a Drugs and Dynamite!, and explained lecture to Schools in Inverness in Janu- how forensic scientists go about their ary, the RSE Roadshow set out for work. Eyemouth, Berwickshire on 19-21 Five series of Saturday morning Science March 2002. masterclasses have been running since Primary School children were enter- early spring, for S1/S2 students in tained and enlightened by Professor Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, St An- Jack Carr, FRSE of Heriot-Watt University drews and Aberdeen. (see page 9). and Mrs Teresa Carr on the subjects of A Discussion Forum on the technology Codes and Circles and Funny Money and ethics involved in Therapeutic and and by Dr Maureen Cooper of Stirling Reproductive Cloning, is to be held in University, who explained the science Stirling on 18 June 2002. This will be involved in making pizza dough and followed by another on Waste Manage- what this has to do with popcorn! ment in Aberdeen in September. Secondary school students were treated to a talk on the History of Colour, by Dr Greig Chisholm of Ciba Chemicals. Above. The RSE Roadshow. A serious On 21 March, Professor Hugh Penning- scientific investigation into Pizza ton FRSE, of the Food Standards Dough. [Photo by Harinee Selvadurai] Agency’s Scottish Advisory Committee and University of Aberdeen delivered a public lecture on the issues surround- ing Foot and Mouth, E-coli and BSE. Left. Areas visited by the Young Particularly apt since the 2001 Road- People’s programme in recent months. show which should have been held in Map outline Reproduced from Ordnance Eyemouth was cancelled due to the Survey map data by permission of the Foot and Mouth outbreak. Ordnance Survey. © Crown copyright The previous week, on 14 March, Dr 2001

7 [email protected] TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RSE EVENTS. Please contact FORTHCOMING EVENTS [email protected] or see www.royalsoced.org.uk for further information MAY Thursday 16 at 7.00pm Saturday 18 – Monday 20 King’s College Conference Centre, JOINT CONFERENCE University of Aberdeen The Artful Use of Light - JOINT PUBLIC LECTURE Bicentenary of the Birth of David The Emmigrant Experience: Scots, Octavius Hill Irish and the USA 1850-1950 To mark the bicentenary of Hill’s birth Professor Tom Devine FBA FRSE Hon there will be a festival of events and MRIA. With our political leaders working exhibitions throughout the UK and USA hard to reach out to Scots and friends of ending with this three-day International Scotland abroad, Professor Tom Devine, Conference, which will examine all aspects asks why our ancestors left for the New of his work and life and will deal with World and how the Irish experience has many of the broad issues, aesthetic and provided the inspiration for strengthening technical relating to early photography in our celtic connections. general. Supported by: Lloyds TSB In association with the University of Scotland, Heritage Lottery. Organised by: Aberdeen to celebrate the visit of The The Scottish Society for the History of to Aberdeen, 28-30 Photography. May 2002. photo: The National Galleries of Scotland Free tickets available from Marketing Tuesday 28 9.30am - 5pm Directorate, University of Aberdeen, Tel. JOINT SYMPOSIUM 01224 272026. Solutions to Health Through Gene Knowledge This symposium will focus on the highly topical issue of genetics and its potential impact on world health. Academics at the forefront of genetic research in Scotland will lead a lively debate. The symposium will also discuss the genetics of and the use of genetic knowledge in the improvement of drug therapy. Supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences.

JUNE Tuesday 4 all day Thursday 13 at 5.30pm Wednesday 26 at 5.30pm SYMPOSIUM BRUCE PRELLER PRIZE LECTURE FISHER MEMORIAL LECTURE The Increase in Allergic Disease: The Epigenetics of Disease The Realisation of Fisher’s Research Environment and Susceptibility Professor Adrian Bird FRS FRSE, Institute Programme of Cell and Molecular Biology, University Professor Oliver Mayo, FAAS, CSIRO of Edinburgh. The Livestock Industries Australia. R A Fisher contains about 35,000 genes, but a (1890 – 1962) was one of the leading particular cell “expresses” only some of scientists of the 20th century, who laid the these – the remainder being “silent”. foundations of modern statistics and Recent work has established that mathematical genetics. This lecture will expressed and silent regions of a consider the concepts which defined his chromosome become chemically marked research and how the ideas that he sowed and that dedicated proteins recognise and have been cultivated by those who interpret the marks. Professor Bird’s followed. Examples will be drawn laboratory identified proteins that bind to particularly from Australia, where Fisher methyl group marks on DNA and lead to spent the last years of his life. The symposium aims to explain the rapid silencing of gene expression. rise of asthma and atopy in the past 30 Misregulation of this DNA methylation years; debate the likely contributions of system has important medical the various environmental hypotheses, consequences, including cancer and Rett and identify the way forward in respect of Syndrome. both research and reduction of the incidence of these conditions. CONTACT :Roisin Calvert, Events All meetings are held at 22-26 George Supported by The Carpet Foundation and Manager OR Professor J S Beck, Street, Edinburgh, unless otherwise Schering Plough Programme Convener. stated. [email protected]

8 JULY Monday 1 at 5.30pm PUBLIC LECTURE Basic Science and the Wealth of Nations Prof Ian Halliday FRSE, Chief Executive Officer, Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council. There is an ongoing debate about the economic value of basic science. Using examples from Basic Physics Professor Ian Halliday will revisit the past and invite predictions of the future. What are the requirements to exploit knowledge? How can Scotland compete?

AUGUST Thursday 22 /Friday 23 all day CALEDONIAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Memory: Psychological Processes and Clinical Implications 2002 marks the 30th anniversary of Endel Tulving’s first publications about the concept of “episodic memory”. The conference will incorporate some discussion time for this rapidly progressing field, covering the relevant issues: the concept, the implications of the findings from developmental amnesia, imaging work and animal studies. The second day of the conference will focus on three main topics: the impact of stress and depression on memory function and the underlying mechanisms ; the impact of epilepsy; the consequences of neuro-degenerative disease. For further information on the CRF conference information please contact the Special Projects Manager, Sandra McDougall, [email protected]. Tel. 0131 240 5000 or Fax. 0131 240 5024.

Free, fully organised educational activities for Young People young people throughout Scotland

Startup Science Masterclasses. Saturday morning Science for S1/S2 students. Funded by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland

University of Glasgow University of Dundee 20 April. How to be a Weather 20 April Having the heart to get a grip Forecaster by Professor Michael Rennie 27 April. How to be a Bridge Designer 27 April. DNA detectives: a murder 4 May. How to be an Astronomer mystery by Dr Carole MacKintosh 11 May. How to be a Rocket Scientist 11 May. Cells strutting their stuff by University of St Andrews Professor Birgit Lane 18 May. What did you eat today? by Dr 27 April. Bagpipes and Electrons by Dr Jillian Galbraith Bruce Sinclair 11 May. Dinosaur Olympics by Dr Ruth Satrosphere/University of Aberdeen Robinson 2 March. Materials by Alan Foxton Bridge Building. Professor Miles 18 May. Chemical Cluedo: a murder 16 March. Perfumes and Smells by Padgett, FRSE builds bridges with pupils mystery by Dr Chris Baddeley Marcel Jaspers from Millburn Academy Inverness. 25 May. Ships, Stars and Planets by Dr 23 March. Water by Lesley Glasser. Moira Jardine 27 April. How the Toadstool got its Spots by Liz Holden Heriot Watt University Discussion Forum 20 April. Chemical Cluedo led by Dr 18 June 2002 - Stirling. For S5/S6 John Parker students. Supported by the Darwin Trust. 27 April. DNA Extraction Using Kitchen Chemistry led by Dr Peter Morris CONTACTS : Dr Harinee Selvadurai, To explain the technology behind 4 May. The Game of Life led by Education Officer or Dr Lesley Glasser, therapeutic and reproductive cloning as Professor Des Johnston Young People’s Convener. well as discuss the ethical issues 11 May. The Mystery of Magnetism led [email protected] by Dr Mike Steel

9 Fundraising

Fellows’ Donations The response from Fellows to the campaign has been very encouraging. Receipts, including tax relief and forward projections, are already at over £260,000. Responses to the most recent letter from Lord Ross and Sir Laurie Hunter are still coming in and the target of £400,000 is realistically in sight. We are most grateful to those Fellows listed below who have already made a direct contribution to the Appeal, recognising that some prefer to donate anonymously and others will make their financial contribution through different channels, e.g classics and comedy event. A full list of all supporters will appear in the autumn edition. Classics and Comedy The “Classics and Comedy” fundraising dinner at the Royal Museum, Edinburgh on 21 June, being organ- ised by Dr Sword and Dr Nimmo of Inveresk Research is proving very popular. Already nearly all of the tables have been taken up. There will be an auction on the evening under the theme of “Money can’t buy” with some really intriguing lots. Current Activities Our first aim is to develop partnerships with Trusts and Foundations, using the Society’s expertise to help them achieve their objectives; an approach similar to that which created the £1million programme established with the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland. The second area of focus is on the corporate sector where the Society wishes to create stronger and wider links and seek opportunities to increase the free reserves that will maintain its independent and impartial role.

The Marchioness of Aberdeen, Dr H M Professor W M Gordon, Professor N A R Baron Nickson, Professor S D Nisbet, Adam, Professor J A Allen, The Viscount Gow, Professor D I Graham, Professor N Professor G B Ong, Dr A L Panchen, of Arbuthnott, Sir James Armour, Sir B Graham, Mr I R Guild, Professor F D Professor D F Parker, Professor E M Michael Atiyah, Sir Ivor Batchelor, Gunstone, Dr A J Hale, Professor M J Patterson, Sir Bruce Pattullo, Professor L E Professor J S Beck, Professor R J Berry, Dr Hamlin, Professor D C Heggie, Professor Payne, Professor K J Peach, Dr J D Peacock, S Billington, Professor C C Bird, Dr E A W Hendry, Professor P W Higgs, Dr A R Mr F D Penny, Professor W S Pitcher, Blackadder, Professor J H S Blaxter, Sir Hill, Mr A V Holden, Sir Frederick Professor M A Player, Dr J W Porteous, , Sir Michael Bond, Holliday, The Right Reverend R F Professor L F Prescott, Professor J A Raven, Professor F F Bonsall, Professor I A D Holloway, Professor P H Holmes, Sir William Reid, Professor M J Rennie, Bouchier, Professor S H U Bowie, Mr A W Professor M L Hooper, Professor J M Professor J Richmond, Professor D A Boyne, Professor J S Brimacombe, Howie, Mr J H Hull, Sir Laurence Hunter, Ritchie, Professor D F Roberts, Professor F Professor A Broadie, Professor A J Brook, Sir Peter Hutchison, Sir Andrew Huxley, W Robertson, Mr J D M Robertson, Sir Professor E Brown, Professor J G Dr N L Innes, Professor R D S Jack, Lewis Robertson, Professor J J Robinson, Buchanan, Professor D T Burns, Sir John Professor G Jahoda, Professor K James, Mr L A L Rolland, The Rt Hon Lord Ross, Cadogan, Professor R S F Campbell, Sir Professor W F H Jarrett, Dr T L Johnston, Dr H E Ross, Professor W C Russell David Carter, Dr T C Carter, Dr A C Professor D S Jones, Professor M E P Professor D H Saxon, Professor A I Scott, Chandley, Professor W Cochran, Sir Jones, Professor R E Kendell, Professor A Mr J A Scott, Professor R D Scott, Philip Cohen, Professor J G Collee, C Kennedy, Professor G W Kirby, Dr R C Professor P F Sharp, Sir John Shaw, Dr D Professor J J Connell, Sir Alan Cook, The Kirkwood, Professor H J W Kleinpoppen, M Shepherd, Professor A S Skinner, Hon Dame Mary Corsar, Professor J M G Professor A A Lacey, The Lord Laing Of Professor B D Sleeman, Professor D M Cowie, Professor G Y Craig, Sir John Dunphail, Professor P T Landsberg, Sloan, Dr E B Smith, Professor G Smith, Crofton, Professor D W T Crompton, The Professor W Ledermann, Professor M R Mr J B Smith, Sir Robert Smith, Dr R H Rt Hon Lord Cullen, Professor E G Cutter, Lee, Professor W R Lee, Dr G M Lewis, Dr Smith, Professor W E Spear, Professor J I Professor D Daiches, Professor J E Dale, A K Lough, The Hon. Sir William Sprent, Professor P Sprent, Professor K J The Hon Lord Davidson, Professor R J McAlpine, Professor Sir Neil MacCor- Standley, Mr J Stevenson, Sir William Donovan, Professor C P Downes, mick, Dr P McDonald, Lord MacFarlane Stewart, Baron Stewartby, Professor C J Professor R S Downie, Dr M R Droop, Of Bearsden, Professor P W Macfarlane, Suckling, Dr C E Taylor, Dr D Ter Haar, Mr Professor C M Duffus, Professor E A V Sir Ian McGregor, Professor D B C E Thompson, Professor J Tinsley, Baron Ebsworth, Judge D A O Edward, McIntyre, The Very Rev Professor J Tombs Of Brailes, Professor G R Tristram, Professor D Edwards, Sir Gerald Elliot, McIntyre, Professor W McKane, Baron Sir David Tweedie, Professor P N R Baron Emslie, Professor D H Everett MacKay Of Clashfern, Sir Donald Usherwood, Professor A C Walker, Dr D A Professor D S Falconer, Professor A E MacKay, Professor C A McKean, Walker, Professor D M Walker, Professor E Fallick, Dr V C Farmer, Professor W E J Professor M D McLeod, Professor J K Walton, Professor A C Wardlaw, Dr C D Farvis, Dr B F Fell, Professor P B Fellgett, MacQueen, Professor Roderick Waterston, Professor J R L Webb, Professor M A Ferguson-Smith, Professor MacSween, Dr N Mackie, Professor B E H Professor T S West, Professor R J Wheater, J R S Fincham, Professor C D Forbes, Maden, Dr H S Marsden, Dr D Martin, Dr Professor A Whiten, Professor J H Professor J O Forfar, Professor R Foster, W B Martin, Dr C Masters, Rt Hon Bruce Williamson, Professor H W Wilson, Dr J M Francis, Sir William Fraser, Millan, Dr B D Misselbrook, Miss B E Professor P N Wilson, Professor C R Wolf, Professor S C Frazer, Sir Ronald Garrick, Moon, Professor R G Moorhouse, Revd Sir Ian Wood, Professor J A Wyke, Professor A F Garvie, Professor R M A Q Morton, Professor J L Murray, Professor A H Wyllie, Sir Eric Yarrow, Sir Gaze, Professor C H Gimingham, Professor M Murray, Dr A M Neville, Roger Young

10 Fellows’ Notice Board NEW YEAR HONOURS FELLOWS DECEASED SCOTTISH SCIENCE LIBRARY We congratulate the following Fellows It is with much regret that we record The Scottish Science Library in the who were honoured in the 2002 New the deaths of the following Fellows : National Library of Scotland’s Year Honours List Revd George W Anderson Causewayside building is now closed. The RSE’s Exchange Collection (at Knights Bachelor Professor John G C Anderson present housed in the Causewayside Professor Sir Graeme Catto Professor John Berry building) is, however, still available for Sir Timothy Clifford Professor John Erickson consultation. Professor Sir Alistair MacFarlane Dr William H Holms Fellows who wish to consult items in the Order of the British Empire Sir Cyril Lucas collection should phone (0131 226 Commander (CBE) Professor James H Sang 4531 - ask for Science Information) or Mr Giles Havergal Dame Sheila Sherlock email ([email protected]) in advance and Professor Noreen Murray Professor Norman W Simmonds material will be brought down for Officer (OBE) Sir Frederick Stewart consultation in the General Reading Professor Sally Brown Professor Herbert Whittington Room, George IV Bridge. Professor Julian Jones A meeting with NLS staff will be held RSE DIRECTORY AND REVIEW 2002 shortly to discuss future arrangements Fellows will by now have received the RSE Directory, which lists information on the for the RSE’s collection. Fellows will be activities and office-bearers of the Society during the current Session. Please let us kept informed. know of any corrections/amendments. Obituaries and reports of activities in the STAFF NEWS Session 2000-2001 will be presented in the new RSE Review, which will be printed in early summer. New Staff. Roisin Calvert, Events Manager; Kirsteen Francis, Central AWARDS, APPOINTMENTS AND CITATIONS Services Assistant; Beth Owens, Research , former , Professor Graham Teasdale has been Fellowships/Foot and Mouth Assistant; has been installed of elected as an honorary fellow of the Elizabeth Bigelow, Paulette Hughes and Glasgow. American College of Surgeons. Margaret Tait, Receptionists; Colin Nelson, Facilities Assistant; Sarah Professor Peter Denyer is now Fellowship is limited to 100 from Gilmore, Events Co-ordinator. Honorary Professor in the Department of throughout the world, and Professor Electronics and Electrical Engineering at Teasdale is the only neurosurgeon in Departures. Elaine Hay, Research the University of Edinburgh Britain to have been elected. Fellowships Assistant (maternity leave); Professor Barry Kay was recently Professor Roger Wheater has been Wendy Saunders, Events Co-ordinator; awarded LAUREA HONORIS CAUSA in awarded the Heini Hediger Award by the Anna Whitehead, Events Assistant. Medicine and Surgery by the University of World Association of Zoos and FELLOWS GOLF OUTING Ferrara, Italy Aquariums for outstanding and This year the Fellows’ Golf Outing will be Professor Eric Priest is to be awarded dedicated service to the Zoos and at Glenbervie Golf Club, Larbert, on the Hale Prize of the American Aquarians profession. Tuesday, 13th August. Further Astronomical Society (AAS) for “his Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, International enquiries to [email protected] or seminal contributions to investigations of Convener, has been appointed Master of telephone Sandra McDougall on 0131 the role of the magnetic field in solar Peterhouse College, Cambridge and will 240 5000 activity and for his tireless advocacy of shortly succeed Sir John Meurig Thomas. He is currently Chancellor of the solar physics in all corners of the world.” SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTARY Professor Colin Snape and his co- University of Aberdeen and Chairman of authors Carole McRae, Cheng-Gong Sun Trustees of the National Museum of e-NEWS and Professor Tony Fallick have each Scotland The Royal Society of Chemistry produces been awarded an American Chemical At a recent award ceremony, Glasgow a regular news bulletin containing Society Richard A Glenn award 2001 for Univerity awarded Honorary Degrees updates from the Scottish Parliament, their contribution “Use of Compound to : the Scottish Executive and the media on Specific Stable Isotope Measurements to Sir John Currie Gunn -Doctor of Science science issues. The Royal Society of Prove Anthropogenic PAH Formation in The Right Revd. Richard Holloway - Chemistry is now extending this service Environmental Samples”. Doctor of Divinity free of charge to members of the Royal Professor Joan Stringer, will succeed Sir Philip Ledger - Doctor of Music Society of Edinburgh. Keep up to date by Professor John Mavor as Principal of Sir Muir Russell - Doctor of the University joining the list. To join either email [email protected] or phone Napier University in December 2002. Professor Andrew Skinner - Doctor of on 01383 839622. the University.

11 Scottish Science Advisory Committee

The Scottish Executive published its first integrated science strategy : A Science Strategy for Scotland, in August 2001. As part of this strategy, the then Minister for Science, Wendy Alexander, announced that a Scottish Science Advisory Committee (SSAC) would be established under the auspices of the Royal Society of Edinburgh to provide independent advice to Scottish Executive Ministers on science strategy, science policy and science priorities. Professor Wilson Sibbett CBE FRS FRSE, Wardlaw Professor of Physics at the University of St Andrews, was appointed, by the RSE, to chair the committee just before Christmas and becomes the chief adviser on science to the Scottish Executive. Professor Sibbett, who has extensive knowledge and experience of UK science policy, is a world authority in laser physics and optoelectronics. The other members of the Committee (see below) were chosen by RSE Council in April from nearly eighty very high quality applications. Members are drawn from a range of sectors including: education, business, science communication, academia and research to ensure a broad but balanced representation of skills and expertise on the committee. The Committee Secretariat is based in the Society’s George Street offices. Leading the team is Dr Avril Davidson, who joins the SSAC from the . She also spent two years on secondment to the Scottish Executive’s Enterprise and lifelong Learning Department, where she worked on the development of A Science Strategy for Scotland. Avril is supported by Ms Tracy Rickard, who joins the SSAC from the Research Support Libraries Project based at the University of Edinburgh Library. The Committee held its inaugural meeting at RSE on Tuesday 7 May and members were delighted that the newly appointed Minister, Iain Gray (above with Professor Wilson Sibbett and RSE President, Sir William Stewart), was able to meet them. [Photo by Gary Doak]. SSAC MEMBERS Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE: Vice Professor Tariq Durrani : Deputy Materials Ltd., Bellshill. Professor Principal and Regius Professor of Principal and Professor of Signal Andrea Nolan : Dean of the Faculty of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Processing, University of Strathclyde. Veterinary Medicine and Professor of Edinburgh. Professor Jane Bower: Mrs Sarah Fletcher : Principal Teacher Veterinary Pharmacology, University of Professor of Entrepreneurship, Glasgow of Physics, High School of Dundee. Glasgow. Mr Ian Ritchie : Entrepreneur. Caledonian University. Dr Donald Professor Margaret Gill: Director of Professor John Savill : Professor of Bruce: Director of the Society, Religion the Macaulay Land Use Research Medicine and Director of the MRC/ and Technology Project, Church of Institute, and Honorary Professor in the University of Edinburgh Centre for Scotland since 1992. Professor Muffy Department of Agriculture and Forestry Inflammation Research. Professor Calder: Professor of Computing Science, at the University of Aberdeen. David Wallace CBE: Vice Chancellor, University of Glasgow. Professor John Professor Peter Grant : Head Loughborough University. Dr John Coggins : Director, Institute of (designate for August 2002) of School Whitelock : Team Leader, Applied Biomedical and Life Sciences, Dean, of Engineering & Electronics, The Sciences, College of Further & Higher Faculty of Biomedical & Life Sciences and University of Edinburgh. Professor Education. Professor of Molecular Enzymology, Sally Macintyre OBE: Director, MRC SSAC Contact details: University of Glasgow. Dr Graham Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, Tel : 0131 240 5000/5014 Durant: Deputy Director, Hunterian University of Glasgow. Dr John Fax : 0131 240 5034 Museum, University of Glasgow. Nicholls : Chief Executive, Photonic e-mail : [email protected]

COPY DATE ADDRESS INFORMATION The copy date for the next issue is 22-26 GEORGE STREET website: www.royalsoced.org.uk 28 June 2002. Please send copy to EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk Jennifer Cameron at the Society. EH2 2PQ e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Any opinions expressed in this newsletter ReSourcE : ISSN No 1473-7841 are not necessarily those of Tel: 0131 240 5000 replaces RSE News all RSE Fellows Fax: 0131 240 5024

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